Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2009 witii funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/grasvilleabbeyro01moor <\l^-h CENTRAL CIRCULATION BOOKSTACKS The person charging this material is re- sponsible for its renewal or its return to the library from which it was borrowed on or before the Latest Date stamped below. You ma/ be charged a minimum fee of $75.00 for each lost book. TiMft/ mutltotl«n# and underlining of books aro reasons for dUcipilnary action and may result In dismissal from the University. TO RENEW CALL TELEPHONE CENTER, 333-8400 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN APR o ^ Wi APR 1 9 1998 When renewing by phone, write new due date below previous due date. L162 CRASVILLE ABBEY: A ROMANCE. GRASVILLE ABBEY A ROMANCE. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. I. *' See yonder hallow'd fane ! the pious work " Of names once fani'd, now dubiosjs or forgot, •' And buried 'midft the wreck of things which' were. THE CRAVE, LONDON: PRINTED FOR G. G. AND J. ROBINSON, PATERNOSTER. ROW ; By R, NobUy in the Old BaiUy. iSoi. GRASVILLE ABBEY, CHAPTER L MORTALITY. *i The grave, dread thing ! Men fhudder, v/hen thou'rt iiani'd,*^ THE crave;- 1 HE blefTed Virgin aid and protecl thee I and when this poor frame^ now worn out with infirmities^ and linking r^in the grave, fhall, ere to-morrow's, Jfiin, rife before its Creator in an im- '^ mortal flate, — oh 1 may I then be ..""placed over thee as a guardian angel, 7. though invifible to my child I — Weep -^ not, Matilda, but'' — r— Such were the words delivered by ^ madame Maferini to her daughter, as v^ Vol. I. B the ^ GR.A«VILjLE AB8EY. the latter held the dying hand of her mother, and in an agony of grief liften- ed to thofe inflrudions, which fhe was certain would be the lafl (he ever fhould receive, from a parent whofe maternal tendernefs and afFedlion was the mod fmcere, and of which fhe now would feverely feel the lofs. Madame Mafe- rini immediately after fell into a faint- ing fit, which lafted fo long, that the nurfe as well as Matilda thought fhe was no more; but in this they were miftaken; for to the joy of all her at- tendants fhe recovered, and inquired, as fhe had repeatedly done before, whe- ther her fon (w^ho was an officer) was^ yet arrived; they anfwered her in the negative ; for as he had been informed ftveral times that it was thought his mother's diforder would prove fatal, it was known he might obtain leave of abfence from his regiment, which was then Itationed in Flanders. But fome little OKXSVlltt ABBBt. J litde tknc btfoxc, an exprefs^ had bceil fent to him, letting forth that madame Maferini was much worfe, and they thought her life in great danger ; they alfo mentioned that it was her particu- lar diefire to fee him ; he was therefore now expeded every hour : but after this fit ihe faid ihe fhould not lurvive that evening, and feemed extremely impa- tient to fee her fon ; fhe faid Ihe had fomething of the greateft importance to communicate to him^ which fhe re-- fufed to relate to her daughter ; but flili finding that he did not arrive, fhe alked for her confeflbr, when to her incx-- prelTiLle furprife and grief fhe was in- informed that he was fent for, that morn- ing, by a fick relation, ten miles ofi^ ;and was not yet returned ; flie called for pen and ink, and though fa weak as hardly able to be fupported in her bed, with great pain and difficulty fhe wrote feveral lines, then dropped her B 2 pen. 4 GRASVILLE ABBEY. pen/ dafped hold of Matilda's hand, and expired. • The grief of all who were prefent was mod poignant ; but particularly that of Matilda; ihe now beheld herfelf an orphan with a very fmall fortune, which was not fufficient to fupport her gen- teelly without fome other addition ; fhe was bereft of a mother, whofc good in- ftrudions and advice fhe could now no longer receive; in fhort, fhe wag diftraded. Not many minutes after the difTolu- tion of madame Maferini, the phylician came in ; he found the attendants llu- pefied with grief, and Matilda in the fame pofhire as fhe was at the moment her mother expired; he parted her hand from that of the corpfe, which flie prefTed to her bofom, and bathed with tears; but Ihe had the prefence GRASVILLE ABBEY. > of mind to take up the paper on which her mother had wrote, and when fhe entered her chamber, threw it carelefsly in the efcritoire, without once looking at the writing ; in fhort, her mind was in fuch a ftate that for many hours Ihe had not the leaft remembrance of the affair. About half an hour after the deceafe of madame Maferini, Alfred her: fon arrived. When he firft heard of his mother's illnefs, he would have let off for Paris diredtly, but was prevented by the indifpofition of a fuperior officer. Immediately as he received the laft ex- prefs, he obtained leave of abfence for a month ; and left Flanders the day after ; but unfortunately, in one part of his journey, where he was obliged to ride on horfeback, the animal took fright and threw him ; he was taken up for dead; but being only ftunned B 3 by 6 GRASVILLfi ABB£V. by the blow, he fbcn recovered ; yec it ferved to detain him a few days; as foon as he was able to Hand, he made the befl of his way to the city, but ar- rived too late to receive the important fecret that madame Maferini fo much wifhed to impart to him. Madame Maferini was the youngefl daughter of a noblem.an whofe power and dignity were well known in ail parts of France ; having no fon he re- folved to aggrandife his name through Ms cldefl daughter ; for which purpofe he determined to place his two young- eft in a convent; and, if poflible, to prevail on them to take the veil ; in this cafe, the fortune he would have feeen neceflitated to have given them, might be added to that of their eldeft lifter, which moft likely would procure her a huft)and of great note ; he could then have his name transferred to his fan- GRASVlLiE ABBEY« y foil- in-law, and by that means the fa- mily honours would defcend to poflc^ rity, the fame as by male ilTue : — thus did the unjufl marquis intend to buiy from the world two amiable young women to fatisfy an empty and ridi^ culous ambition. The marchioncfs died when the chil- dren were very )'0ung, and it was re- ported through his ill treatment;— the marquis now thought it full time to put his fcheme into execution; he ac- cordingly perfuaded the young ladies to be boarders for a few months, which they both readily agreed to ; he accom- panied them himfelf to the conyent of N***^*, and affedted the greateil grief at parting from, them.;: ii3^ private he begged the lady abbefs^ to let no op- portunity p:'.fs that might haflen' their delire of taking the v^il. — Felicia, the yoiingefl,, feemed perfedly contented B 4 with 15 GRASVILLE ABBEY* with her fituation ; but her fifler, who was of a more lively difpofition, very much difliked it; and though the grear- efl art was ufed in order to make her take to a religious life_, yet it all proved inefFedlual ; for, at the year's end, though the former determined to com*- ply with their wiflies, yet Clementina declared her averlion to them, and proved obftinate in her opinion; fhe ufed all the arguments in her power to perfuade her fifler to relinquifh the thoughts of making fuch a place a re- fidence for life; but Felicia was fo charmed with the convent and its in- habitants, that ihe conftantly replied, nothing in the world fliould ever tempt her to leave them; fhe accordingly took the white veil. — Her father (who conflantly received intelligence) read the news with the greateft pleafure ; but it was in fome meafure damped by hearing that Clementina had fo great .a diflikc GRASVILLE ABBEY. ^ d if] ike to follow her example, and that fhe wiHied much to be permitted to return home : — this requeft he refolved not to grant ; as he thought time, and a little more ufe to the rules and orders of the place might work an entire change in her fentiments. It was at this period Louis XIV. afcended the throne of France : and, among others who had bufinefs to tranfadl at court on that occafion, was a young gentleman, the fon of an Italian of large fortune. — He brought with him from Italy his lifter, whom, by order of his father, he was to place in the convent of N****; the day fhe was introduced, he h^^d an opportu- nity of feeing Clementina; he was ftruck with her beauty, and delighted with her converfation, and afterwards had feveral other interviews ; for by the orders of the marquis fhe was perniitted B 5 ^ to |0 GRASVILLE ABBEY. to fee any one in company with the lady abbefs, or any other perfon whom Ihe could depend upon ; this kind of behaviour, he thought, would be more likely to win her over to their purpofe, than by laying her under any reftraint ; her difpofition being naturally good, and by far more inclined to yield to entreaty than force. — Signor Maferini often came on viiits to his lifter, who was placed with her ladyfliip, and the chofen companion and friend of Cle- mentina : — it was at thefe times, when no one was prefent (which would often happen, the marquis's orders not being flrldly attended to), that, he would de- clare his pailion, which he might plainly perceive was not liflened to with diilike, Clementina felt a flrong partiality for him, which foon ripened, into love ; ihe told him the flate of her affairs ; but when he entreated her to dope with him from the convent, Ihe always GRASVILLE ABBEY. if always reminded him that they mud cxpedl nothing in point of fortune Yrom the marquis. — That, he anfwered, would not give him the leafl concern; for his father, who had no other chil- dren except his fifter and himfelf, was worth a coniiderable deal of money, and had often told him, provided he could meet with a wife, whofe birth, virtues^ and accomplilhments, would bring no difgrace upon their houfe, that wealth would be no objedt to him, "as he Ihould be able to give him enough to keep them, not only in plenty, but in af* fluence. Clementina's mind was on the rack which way to refolve ; if fhe rejed^ed the propofal, fhe would moll likely be obliged to continue in the convent for life, and be conftantly harafTed with th^ importunities of all about her to take the veil; which would be worfe B 6 thaa 12 GRASVILLE ABBEY. than death ; on the contrary, if llie confented to fly with fignor Maferinl to Italy, ihe mufl run the hazard of travelling many miles, and when fhe arrived in that country, w^ould fee no one that fhe knew, except himfelf and his fifter ; — the thoughts of leaving Fe« licia, the difficulty of efcaping, and the idea of what would be the confe- quence if they were difcovered, made her fhrink with horror from the thoughts of leaving her prefent habitation ; thus fhe delayed coming to a refolution for near fix months, when one morning, as fhe entered a clofet belonging to the lady abbefs, fhe perceived on the floor a letter direded to her ladylliip ; it was her father's feal, and was broken; flie at firft hefitated whether flie fhould read it, but at length determined to fee the contents, which w^re, " that the marquis thought the manner in which fhe was treated, was too mild, and CRASVILLE ABBEV. 13 ahd begged that for the future ilie might be clofely kept to her chamber, and flrider methods had recourfe to." — Ready to faint, Ihe ran to fignora Maferini, who was equally furprifed at the difcovery, and wiflied her to comply with her brother's folicita- tions. — Clementina, after fome little time refolved to accept his propofals; in the afternoon he was expeded, and they thought that would be a good opportunity to inform him of their de- termination. 14 GRASVILLE ABBEV. CHAPTER 11. SiGNOR Maferini called in the after- noon, as was expe&ed ; he only faw his fifter : thofe methods being already- put in execution, which the marquis had mentioned in his letter; fhe in- formed her brother of the circumflances that had happened in the morning, and alfo acquainted him with Clementina'g^ refolution to leave the convent. At thefe words he was in raptures; but they were foon fubdued by the thoughts of what difficulties muft be furmounted to efcape from it ; for Clementina was totally confined to her chamber; not even lignora Maferini was permitted to fee her ; thefe orders had been given about an hour before; the young friends had therefore only time to fix, that GRASVILLE ABBEIT. 1| that whatever refolutions the latter in- tcnckd 'to put in pradice, fhe Avas to write them down, and contrive to drop them in the hand of the former at even- ing yefpers ; but both the brother and the lifter were at a lofs how to elude the watchful vigilance of the diffe- rent people belonging to the convent, till a fcheme, propofed by fignora, feemed as if it would prove favourable. She told her brother to go to the houfe of father Abfalom (a prieft), who was expedled that night at a late hour, to have a conference with the lady abbefs, and to tell him her ladyihip could not receive him ; he fhould then procure a drefs as much like father Abfalom's as poflible, and, at the fame time when he was to have attended, to come to the gate of the convent, through which he might pafs unnoticed, if he would hold up his handkerchief fo as to cover his face, which the reverend father generally l6 GRASVILLE ABBEY. generally did to avoid the night air; by this means he might get to the lady abbefs's apartments : but, inftead of entering them, to turn fliort round a contrary way, that would take him to a winding flaircafe, which, after de- fending it fome time, would terminate in a large vaulted chamber,- and in this place he was to wait the arrival of Cle- mentina and his lifter. ^ But how is it pofnble,'* returned iignor Maferini, '*^ if you fhould be able to meet me there, that we can efcape ? You will certainly be known.' ■ " Leave that to me," faid the lady. *^ We fhall alfo be difguifed as friars : and when you again pafs the attendants accompanied by us, they will naturally fuppofe you have been with her lady- Ihip, and are returned with two of your brethren i be fure to have a carriage at a little GRASVILLE ABBEY. ly a little diflance, which will by day- break convey us a few miles from thefe deteftable walls; and by to-morrow evening we fhall probably arrive at fonie Jittle village, where we may, in the fame drelTes, remain in fafety till the purfuit that will be made after us is partly over 5 and we Ihall then be able to proceed on our journey to Italy without inter^ ruption." Signor Maferini, after having thanked his fifler a thoufand times for her ex- cellent fcheme, took his leave, in order to prepare for the elopement. Imme- diately after he was gone, the lady wrote down thofe particulars they had juft before agreed on, and ' the exad: manner in which Clementina was to acl: — at evening vefpers they met ; and when the ceremony was over, ihe re- ceived from her friend the billet without difcovery; as foon as Ihc entered her fifter*s 1^ GRASVILLE ABBETr (iftcr's cell (which was the place where ifhe was confined), fhc burft into tears. Felicia,, who had not been able to at- tend vefpers, on account of an indif- pofition which obliged her to keep her bed, was aflonifhed, and begged to know, in the tendereft terms, the caufe of her grief; but Clementina was un- able to fpeak. The convent bell had now done ringing; all was filent, except the wind, which howled through the apart- ments; the dim lamp that hung in FeHcia's cell was obliged to be re- moved, as hanging too near a cafe-* ment, it was in danger of being ex- tinguifhed. Clementina placed it on one fide of her filler's bed, and by its light, obferved in her countenance a death-like palenefs; ; fhe prefTed Cle- mentina's hand to her bofom, and once more begged to know why Ihe wept ; the GRASVILLE ABBEY. 19 the latter, by degrees,, *and with the grcatell circumfpedlion, informed her of her intentions of leaving the con- vent ; horror Ihowed itfelf in eveiy fea- ture of Felicia, while flie liftened to the relation; at length, overcome by fur- prife, grief, and weaknefs, fhe fainted* Water flood by : her lifter, hardly able to fupport hcrfelf, applied it to her relief, and had the prefence of mind not to make any noife. After fome minutes, fhe recovered, but was almoft too ill to fpeak. Clementina fupported her in her bed, and received the laft words of her fifter with a look of anguilh and madnefs. *' Clementina,*' faid Felicia, whofe voice, was hardly articulate, " heaven preferve you in this hazardous attempt^ Oh 1 my fifter, may you fee many happy years ; and while the funfliine of prof- pcritjr 20 GRASVILLE ABBEY. perity flieds its beams upon thee, may they never be obftrudled by the chilling wind of adverlity. Almighty Father 1" fhe exclaimedj (and crofTed herfelf with the greateft fervency) " in this my laft hour of diiTolution,, when the foul k near parting from mortal dufl:, to fly unfullied to a merciful and heavenly Creator, vouchfafe to incline thine ear to my lafl prayer and dying fuppli*. cation ! prefer ve, O Lord ! my fifter, through that path of life in which it Ihall pleafe thee to place her, from the temptations and fnares of the wicked; and when fhe is under the rod of afflic- tion, infpire her with fortitude and re^ fignation to bear it without murmuring ; that with religion and piety fhe may defcehd into the grave, and rife again an angel of purity, ready to fly into the arms of her Saviour, her Redeemer, and her Godl'» Clemen- GRASVILLE ABBEY. 21 Clementina fupported her as well as fhe was able; fhe fpoke no morCj but iurvived about five minutes, and ex^ pired in her arms. Se- SftASVILLE ABBSY CHAPTER III. The fituation of Clementina was now dreadful beyond expreffion; the diftant tinkling of a clock at a remote part of the monaflery proclaimed the hour was ten ; the wind, which had been fo very high, had entirely dropped, and the moon, quite obftrucHied by heavy clouds, could not be difcerned; large drops of hail beat againft the windows, and by degrees increafed to a violent ftorm; the moft tremendous claps of thunder followed fafl on each other; flafh after flafh of vivid lightning dart- ed through the Ihattered cafemcnts, whkh had no fhutters; this war of elements was by far more dreadful, it being an uncommon time of the year, the ORASVILLE ABBfiV. TIJ the latter end of January. The body of Felicia lay ftill in thearnns of her lifler, who, totally infenfible, refied her hand on the fame pillow, till a vidlent clap of thunder, which fhook the con- vent, ^oufed her from this reverie ; ihe flarted up, and at firft hardly knew where fhe was,- but recolledlion foon came with redoubled force ; it wanted but one hour to the time when Ihe was to meet her friend ; flie was unable to come to a refolution in what manner to acl : fhe took up the letter fhe had\ re- ceived from fignora Maferini, and read it once more over. She flill conlidered that if fhe ef- caped, fhe might once more be happy ; but if fhe remained in the convent^ there was not the flightefl hope that fhe fhould ever enjoy another hour of pcace or comfort. She had now no ORO to leave, that could 2tny way claim her •^4- • GRASVILLE ABBEY. her regard or tendernefs : the maternal love and afFedlion of a mother fhe had never known ; her father had not ful- filled that tender name by either aflidu- ity or kindnefs ; her eldeft fifier fhe hardly ever faw, as fhe was placed, before her remembrancc> with a rela- tion of her mother*s in Germany, who took the care of her education. ' The old lady vifited the marquis but once only, accompanied by his daughter, and then made but a fhort flay ; yet in this little time, the lady Eleanor's be- haviour to her fiflers was proud and difdainful, fo as not to call forth either efteem or fondnefs ; as to friends flie had none, except fignora, for the mar- quis never fufFered them to cultivate any acquaintance. Fehcia would have been the .oi>ly caufe that could have made her leave the convent with re- gret i fhe, alas 1 was now no more; fhe had icx>nce found. Eleven o'clock now llruck, and the hail had in fome meafure abated, though the thunder and lightning ftill conti- nued, when Clementina took a laft farewell of her departed fifter ; fhe em- braced the corpfe, wept over it, and was for fome time unable to move, till fhe at laft tore herfelf away from the body, and with her eyes fwimming in tears, implored the Author of all events to fupport her in the few critical hours Ihe muft undergo. With a trembling hand Ihe then unbarred the door, which opened into a long gallery, on each fide ^ of GRASVILLE ABBEY. 2J of which were diiyerent cells ; fhe could not take the lamp, for fear of the light glancing into any of the apartments; and was therefore only guided by each flaih of lightning that came through a large window at the further end. So weak, as hardly able to walk, ihc at length arrived at the cafement, and fat down on a feat under it to recover her ftrength. The way Ihe had already come was by far the moil dangerous on account of difcovery, there being one or more inhabitants in each of the rooms fhe had palled; flie now w^ent through feveral palTages that led to a large vaulted chamber, and from thence began to afcend a ftone flair-cafe that wound round the fouth tower of the convent, and took her entirely away from the cells below belonging to the nuns, to the fleeping rooms of the board- ers above. The thunder in this place had a m.ofl awful found : the lightning, C 2 though 28 GRASVILLE ABBEY. though it could only enter a fmall painted cafement which flood at a great height, yet fc rved to fhow the gloomy horrors of the place. She was already half-way up; but terrified at the thoughts of her fituation Ihe refled for a few moments againfl the old iron railing, when a light flep feemed to move on the fame flair. Almofl convulfed with horror, fhe fhrunk back, and w^as fortunately un- able to call out, when at the fame moment a flrong flafh of lightning darted from the window above, and fhowed her the figure of a man ; the light of it was but momentary, and all again was filent and dark ; with breath- lefs agitation and confiderable quick- ncfs, fhe ran up the other part of the ftair-cafe, flew acrofs two pafTages, and arrived at the chamber of fignora Ma- ferini; fhe gave the fignal they had fixed GRASVILLE ABBEY, 29 fixed on, and the door was carefully opened by her friend, who with alto- nifliment received Clementina, fainting in her arms. She foon recovered, and informed fignora of the death of her lifler, and alfo of the event that had fo much alarmed her ; the former intelligence fhe was furprifed and grieved at; but the latter, concerning the perfon on the flairs, fhe told her was her brother, who w^as to wait in the chamber below ; this circurnilance fignora had negledled to mention in the letter, which might have been the caufe of difcovery : fhe infifted on Clementina's taking a glafs of wine, and helped her to drefs in the apparel of a priefl, and then made her- felf ready in another difguife of the fame kind. She now thought it full time to at ^ C 3 tend 30 GRXSVILLE ABBEY. tend htr brother, and begging Clemen- tina to fuppoit herfelf through this great trial, fhe foftly opened the door ; they proceeded to the flair-cafe, and de- fccndcd it. It was quite dark, the thunder and lightning being over. — When they had got to the bottom^ fignora, in a whifper, called her bro* ther, who inftantly anfwered; he was going to congratulate them on having got fo far without difcovery ; but his fifter flopped him. " This/' faid fhe, *' is not a place for compliments.** — They all three then rc-afccnded the flair-cafe, pafled through a long paf- fage, and arrived at the door of the lady abbefs's apartments ; they flopped there about two minutes, and then holding their handkerchiefs partly over their faces, they crofled a large hall, and arrived at the door at the further end ; — ^they here pafTed two perfons, who made no inquiries. This door led them GRASVIJLLE ABBI.Y. . 3X them to an inner court, and from that to an outer one, in which there were feveral porters ,• but they, fuppoling them to have returned from a conft^ rence with her ladyiliip, alked no quef- tions. They had now only to pafs the outlide gates, which they did in the fame manner, w'ithout any obftrudlions, and faw themfelves totally free from the convent. Signora and her brother were over- joyed at their good fortune; but Cle-. mentina, though ihe was happy in having efcaped, yet forrow flill hung upon her brow ; they walked about half a mile, and then entered the chaile that waited for them ,• fignor Mafcrini's fervant was on horfeback ; they defin- ed the poil-boy, whom they were ob- liged to acquaint with the whole affair, "to drive as fad as poffible, and he might depend on being rewarded. Signora C 4 acquainted J2 GRASVILLE ABBEY'. acquainted her brother (who had ve- ry tenderly inquired after Clementina's health, and the caufe of her melan- choly) of Felicia's death, and begged him not to force her to talk ; that her fpirits^ which within a few hours had been fo greatly fhocked, might again be a little compofed. This obfervation was jufl : — Clemen- tina had in a little time gone through a great deal of trouble : the furprife and concern which followed the finding of her father's letter, the grief (he felt at thofe orders being fo foon put in ex- ecution, the terror and anxiety fhe was under when fhe read fignora's billet, the fudden fhock of her fifter's death, the horror fhe felt during the florm, with the alarm fhe received on the flair-cafe, and her dread of being difcovered the whole night, confpircd to overwhelm her with fenfations almofl equal to mad- GRASVULE ABBEY. 23 nefs; her looks plainly confirmed that Ihe was exceedingly ill, and it did not cfcape fignora or her brother. He was, almoft diflra^cd to know in what man- ner to ad:. To wait for advice, would be equally as bad as to difcover them- felves; yet to fee her in fuch a ftate without any aid, was diftrefling beyond exprefiion. He could not perfuade her to take any nourifliment, though he had provifions in the chaife to prevent their flopping on the road for any thing eLfe than to change horfes. Signora was extremely forry to fee her friend fo much indifpofed ; ihe perceived a fever was coming on ; llie therefore advifed hef brother, about three o'clock in the afternoon, to order the poit-boy to tura out of the high road, and drive into a wild part of the country, v/hich though it might take them out of the way they intended to go, yet in fuch a, place they might find fome retired C 5 cottage 34 GRASVILLE ABBEY. cottage where they could flop for fome time in fafety ; for ihe was very certain Clementina would not be able to pro- ceed on the journey. Her brother confented, and ordered the boy accordingly, who turned into another road, which led them to a wild heath, and from that to a remote folitary foreft. They continued in one track for fome miles, till it began to grow dark, when they defcended into a deep valley, at the bottom of which was a cottage that flood by itfelf. The chaife then flopped, and fignor Maferini and his fifler alighted; they were obliged to help Clementina carefully out, who, fupported by each of their arms, walked up to the retired dwelling, which feemed to be the refidence of virtue, contentment, and happinefs. GRASVILLE ABBEY. 55 CHAPTER V. ADVERSITY. " Daughter of Jove, relentlefs pow'r, Thou tamer of the human breaft, Whofe iron fcourge, and tott'ring hour, The bad affright, afflia the beft ! Bound in thy adamantine chain, The proud are taught to tafte of pain, And purple tyrants vainly groan, With pangs unfelt before, unpitied and alone." GRAY, "Who would not relinqiiifh the gaudy pomp and fplendour of a court, the coftly robCj the fumptuous feaft, the deceitful courtier, and all the pride of empty great nefs, to fpend their few remaining days in fuch a cot as this ? ' The happy pair^blefTed with each other's love, whofe health and ftrength permit them to earn their daily bread, and care for no one, might here enjoy repofc, C 6 and 36 GRASVILLE ABBEY* and, with comfort to themfclves and others, breathe out a life of piety and virtue." Such were the thoughts of lignor Maferini, as he aided to fupport Clementina to the door of the cottage ; he knocked/ and it was opened by a young man who feemcd not yet to have attained his twentieth year. " Friend/* faid the difguifed priefl, *' admit under your hofpitable rqof three travellers, who for one night beg a lodging, and will repay you to the utmoll of their power^ with gratitude and prayers. The young fliepherd — for fuch hi.i drefs denoted him to be — courteoufly invited them into a fmall clean room,, where, on one fide of the fire, fat a man and woman feemingly much ad- vanced in years, and on the other a beautiful young girl, who looked to be about GRASVILLE ABBEY. 37 about eighteen ; they rofe^ and fecmed greatly furprifed at the entrance of the priefts : the old man inftantly ordered fuppcr for his reverend guefbs, after alluring them they were fincerely wel- come. Signora Maferini placed Clemen- tina next to her^ while her brother went to the pofl-boy, whom he liberal- ly rewarded^ told him to make the bell of his way home, and acquaint his mailer he had been with only one gen- tleman, quite a dilFerent road from that they had travelled; he then re-entered the cottage with Edward, whofe horfe they turned loofe in a field behind it. Ciem.entina, fmce he had been out, had fainted, and was. juil recovering. Amazement might be fcen in each face of the cottagers ; that three priefts fhould ride in a chaife attended by a jfervant^ 3^ GRASVILLE ABBEY, fervant, was flrange, as fuch fort of people ufually walked; the effeminate beauty of two of them was remarkable j and then one of them fainting, was aftonifhing. Signora thought it would be better to inform them of their fitua- tion at once^ and truft to their generolity in concealing them ; fhe therefore gave her brother the hint, and called on one fide the old woman, whom ihe acquaint- ed with the whole affair ; while he did the fame to the man ; they both greatly wondered in what m.anner they could efcape, but readily promifed their pro- tedion. Clementina all this time feemed to- tally infenfible of what was going for- ward, and, in fhort, was in a Hate of ftupidity; for fhe hardly gave any an- fwer to thofe queftions that were put to her, -nor could they perfuade her to take any nourifhment; Ihe was there- fore GRASVILLE ABBEY. 3^ fore undrefTed and put into a warm bed ; neither the brother nor the lifter could partake of the homely fare that was fet before them; but about eight o'clock fignor Maferini left the cot- tage with the young fhepherd and Ed- ward, and walked to a fmall cot, that belonged to the father of the former, who was acquainted by his fon with the hiftory of the gentlem.an he had brought. There was one bed to fpare, which lignor Maferini took poffeffion of, and Edward llept with Cyril, which was the young man's name. , La Faril, the old cottager, infifted on his daughter Sabina fitting up with Clementina, and begged iignora to re- tire to reft, as he was fare the fatigue fhe muft have undergone muft make fleep very necelTary; ftie took his ad- vice, and lay down in a fmall room next 40 GRASVILLE ABBEY. next to Clementina's. Both La Faril and his wife gave Sabina charge to be very careful of the young lady, and then they themfelves bowed under the influence of the drowfy god. ^ Signor Maferini was at the cottage early the next morning ; he eagerly inquired after Clementina's health, and was informed by Sabina, that fhe was very ill, and had been delirious the greater part of the night ; fhe was now afleep, but was fo difturbed, fhe feared it would not refrefh her; neither his iifler nor her mother was yet up, and her father was gone out, — He had not changed his drefs, but was flill in the difguife of a priefl:. He afked Sabina, whether there was any medical man lived near; fhe faid there was one about three miles off, who always at- tended their family; he afked her for a diredioHj GRASVILLE ABBEY. 4I diredion, which fhe gave him ; and not conlidering the hazard he ran, he re- folved to go to him. It was hardly light when he fet off: he had not got above a mile, when he M'as accofted by a man who was croff- ing the fame field. " Father/* faid he, " there is fad news.** " What, my fon?'* replied fignor Maferini. *' Why/' returned he, " there are two young ladies gone off wdth a young man, who, they fay, is brother to one of them, from the convent of N**** ; and the other, who is daughter to fome marquis, has poifoned her fifler, for fhe was found dead in the morning.** He 42 GRASVILLE ABBEY* He then continued to give an ac- count how it was fuppofed they had efcaped ,• and a man, whofc chaife was hired the fame night, had fome thoughts it went a different road from that the poft-boy informed him; for, upon in- quiry, no fuch carriage had been feen in the places through which he faid he had pafTed. He concluded with laying, he fuppofed the ftrideft fearch would be made after them, and that he heard the news from a friend who had travelled poll: all night, and ar- rived at his cottage about fix that morning. It happened well that the man was fo pleafed with his own difcourfe, as not to take much notice of his hearer ; for it would not have required a very acute obferver to have ften his counte- nance change feveral times ; he wifhed much to return back diredly; but then his GRASVILLE ABBEY. 4J his companion would certainty remark it ; he therefore thought it bei^ to con- tinue walking till he could part with him without being noticed. Fortu- nately, an opportunity offered about half a mile further, when the man turned fhort into a lane, and wifhed him a good morning. He ran back as faft as poflible, and found breakfafl quite ready ; he told them the caufe of his precipitate return ; and they all al- lowed it was not unlikely but the cot- tage might be fearched ; but their per- plexity and horror were flill increafed, when he informed them of the fufpi- cions that had fallen on Clementina, concerning Felicia's death ; but they all agreed by no means to inform her of any part of the adventure. There was now the greatefl neceflity for them to be concealed ; for as there were no witnefTes to contradid: an affair which 44 GRASVILLE ABBEY. which by appearances feemed probable, he was diflradled to think, that if they were taken, Clementina might fufFer the punifhment of a murderer : and in fuch cafes llrid: inquiries and fearch were made through France, In what manner to acl, they knew not ^ Clemen- tina was too ill to travel; and if fhe could, there was not a doubt but they would be overtaken ; the officers might be there in three or four hours' time; and La Faril would run a great rilk in concealing them. Edward had no change of drefs ; he arrived at the cot- tage a little while after his mafter in the morning ; Cyril, the young fhep- herd, who, they found, was to marry Sabina, had fet off early with his father on a fhort journey, and. would not re- turn till night. Both of them had pro- mifed fecrecy, and begged fignor Ma- ferini and his fervant would fleep there as long as he thought proper. None of GRASVILLE ABBEY. 45 of them could think of any fcheme to prevent difcovery, till Sabina faid, '^ Father, is there not at the bottom of the garden a cave which none knows of befides ourfclves ?'* La Faril inflantly turned pale, and anfwered, '' Yes, my dear : but it will> I am afraid, be too damp for the lick lady.*' *' Is it not poflible,'* faid fignor Ma- ierini, " to have it warmed by fires ? They all agreed it would. *' Then, for heaven's fake, my friend,'* anfwered her brother, ♦* let us begin about itdiredly." All hands were fet to work ; Edward made a fire in it immediately, and con- veyed 46 GRASVILLE ABBEY. vcycd feather-beds, provilions, chairs, a table, candles, a lamp, oil, tinder- box, matches, and every other utenlil that could any way make it comfort- able. The cave extended a great way back under feme hills which rofe at the bottom of La Faril's garden; the en- trance was entirely hidden from the eye by thick mofs and fhrubs which grew round the bottom of the emi- nence; — it feemed to have been a re- treat at the time Henry the Fifth con- quered France. — The prefent poflefibr, who by chance difcoyered it, had never difclofed the fccret to any but his own family ; — for a fon of La FariPs, who turned out exceedingly wild, but was fince dead, committed a robbery about ten miles from the cottage, and for fear of being taken, begged his father to conceal him in the cave, which was accordingly done ; and the officers of juftice, though they fearched every part of GRASVILLE ABBEY. 47 of the houfe and garden, did not per- ceive the entrance of it. It was at the recollecftion of this circumftance that La Far 11 turned pale when Sabina mentioned the cave ; for it was very necelTary they fhould keep the know- ledge of it in their own bofomsy as he would be punifhed, if it was known, for fcreening his own fon from th^ rigour of the law. About two o'clock in the afternoon, every thing was ready: but though great fires had been kept in it ever fince ten in the morning, it v/as yet damp ; they therelore thought it belt not to enter that night, but early the next day ; and then fignor Maferini could inflrud Cyril and his father in what manner to acl. — Edward w^as placed at a window on the top of the cottage, with a glafs, fo that he could perceive any one coming that way with- in ^S GRASVILLE ABBEY. in a mile; and that notice would be time enough for them to make their cfcape to the garden : he was alfo to fit up all night in the cave to keep in a large fire^ that it might be thoroughly- aired by the morning. Clementina was better, and perfectly fenfible and compofed; — fignora ven- tured to inform her of the affair relative t6 her brother's meeting the man in the Hnorning, carefully concealing that part concerning the death of her fifter. She was not fo much alarmed as might have been expedled, and feemed extremely happy in the contrivance of the cave. Since the flecp fhe had in the morning, though it was much diflurbed, fhe had mended, and was now able to fit up for an hour to have her bed made. She ate a little fupper ; and in fhort, through the good attendance and management of her hoftefs, Clementina feemed per- kaiy CRASVILJ.S ABB~EY. 4^ fc^lly recovered from thofc dangerous fvniptoms of a fever which appeared the night before. At nine o'clock, iignor Maferini took his leave, and walked to the cottage of Cyril and his father ; he informed them of the whole affair concerning the cave, by permiilion of La Faril, who knew them to be too much his friends^ to dis- cover it. — Signor Maferini begged both of them, if any inquiry fliould be made after him, to declare they knew nothing of him ; he conjured them to lay the fame injunctions on a young girl who was a diflant relation to them, and kept their houfe; all which they promifed faithfully to perform. The place was fo exceedingly retired, that none of them had been {een^ except by La Fa- ril, his wife, and daughter, Cyril, his father, the young girl, and the man be- fore mentioned; nor was any ftranger VOL. I, D obferved • so CRASVILLE ABBEY obfervcd in that part, fometimes for three months together ; and the only way they had of procuring provifion, was by going to a fmall town four miles dillant. Signor Maferini thanked both the father and fon for their hofpitality towards him, and after wifhing them z good night, retired to his bed. GRASVILIE A8BEV, CHAPTER V. 1 HE dejedled lover had now time to recoiled his fituation; though his fa« ther was exceedingly fond of him, yet there was a haughty pride and obfli-- nacy in his difpoiition, that made him tremble left he fliould difapprove of his proceedings : r— it was true, he had fe- vejal times told him, that, with refpedl to his marrying, he ihould confider wealth as no object; but ufed always to lay a particular ftrcfs on his confent being firft obtained; this laft circum- ftance he had never mentioned to Cle- mentina : — he alfo knew him to be whimfical and capricious, infomuch that it would not be unHkely, fl;iouId they ever be fo fortunate as to arrive in Italy, but he might refufc his confent D 2 to ireRAHY UNIV&RSITY fvr iMtwn^ 52 GRASVILLE ABBEY, to their nuptials, though not capable of alleging any reafon for his diflike. He therefore determined to perfuade Clementina to be married to him^ be- fore they made themfelves known to his father J whom they could eafily de- ceive by telling him the ceremony had not be^n performed ; if he approved of her as his daughter, it was all very ^ell ; if, on the contrary, he rejedled her,, it would be out of his power to part them, as fhe would be his by the mofl facred ties on earth; for, fhould the worft happen, and his father totally difcard him, — at the death of a brother of his late mother's, no one could pre- vent his taking polTefTion of a very good fortune: and, till that period, which was not likely to be long, his uncle being a man much advanced in years, he could fupport himfelf and wife by induftry and application to his pencil, which art he was a proficient in, though he GRASVIJLL£ ABBEY. 53 'he only learnt it as an acconiplifhment. But ftili the thoughts of their being difcovered again intruded on his mind, and he flirunk with horror from the idea that Clementina might fuiFer an ignominious death : — Ikep refufcd its aid, and the refl; of the night was fpent in melancholy refiedlions on the dan* gers they had palTed, and difagree* able conjecTtures on thofe that might ft ill be to come: — he rofe about fvSy more fatigued than when he retired to reft, and took the advantage of the darknefs of the morning, to walk to the cottage; he found them all up, as they had determined to enter the cave before day-light. Clementina was con* fiderably better; iignora Malerini was in good fpirits, but they were damped by feeing her brother look fo ill : — fhe, however, concealed her uneafinefs, for fear of alarming Clementina, who had alfo taken notice of it. D 3 After 54 GRASVILLE ABBRY. After a hafty brcakfafl, they thought * it full time to proceed to the garden; it was a difagreeable morning, though not fo cold as might have been ex- pecfled for the time of year ; yet, there was a chilling dampnefs in the air, which made it far more uncomfortable than a fevere frofl ; and a few fmall ilars, fcattered about the heavens, gave the heavy black clouds, which encom- paired a large fpace, a more dreary ap- pearance. — It was juft beginning to grow light, when the melancholy par- ty came out from the cottage. La Fa- ril went firft : his thoughts were fixed on the iimilarity of the prefent fcene with that when he condu&d his only fon to the fame gloomy habitation. The rccolledlion of this circumftance drew a tear from his aged eye; for the good old man could not help paying that tribute to his memory, though he had GRASVILLE ABBEY. 55 had fhed many on account of his vices and extravagancies. Signor Maferini walked after him ; he was wholly taken up with the idea of their being difco- vered ; and when he looked on Clemen- tina, who refted on one arm, while his lifter laid hold on the other, he almoft curfed. himfelf for leading her into fo much danger. Clementina was diftrelTed to fee him look fo ill, but feared nothing w^hile fhe was under his protedlion.^-Signora had no misfortunes of her own ; to fee them happy, ihe thought would make her fo ; and therefore her anxiety or happinefs w^as heightened or decrcafed according to the lituation of her bro- ther and her friend, — Sabina and her mother followed, with their hands and eyes lifted towards heaven, imploring bleflings on their vifitors, and praying that they might remain undifcovered. D 4 When GRaSVILLE A3FEY. When they arrived at the cave. La Farii touched the fee ret fpFing, and the door flew open; — they were re- ceived by Edwardi who had^ as he waS' ordered, kept good fires all night, £o that the place felt perfedlly warm :- their condudor then told them that S^ina {hould come every night after it M'as dark^ to inform them if aay thing, particular had happened, and to be ufelel in any vmy that might ferve to rmke, th€mr eoitifortable ^ — fignor Ma- ferini returned him a tlioufand thanks for bis kindnefs and fciendjQiip.— La Faaril and his family then took their karve^ and the door clofed after theiti. The Gave^ as was before mcntioncxiy ran-agr^at way back; — it was divided ittto three regdar apartments, which^ rhoijgh narrow, were each of thcm> long: — the firft they mctde their fitting room; m the fccond (ignor Maferini flept ; GRASVILLE ABBEY. C^^ flept ; and in the third, Clementina and his lifter. — Edward had a fmall be^ placed for him clofe to the entrance, that he might be read^ to give an alarm, if he heard any noife that feemed to threaten danger. — They received no light but from candles or lamps : — this, added to the antique manner in which it was fitted up, and the hollow echo that fent back every found they littered, gave the place a gloomy and melancholy appearance;^ — but, difagree- able as it might feem, it was to them a comfortable retreat ; — it might preferve them from their enemies ; and with that hope any fituation would be acceptable, though, if poflible, ten times m.ore difgufting than that they iiow pofTelTcd. Sabina arrived at the cave about ten o'clock at night, attended by Cyril ; — they informed lignor Maferini that no D 5 in- 5S GRASVILLE ABBEY. inquiries had been made after them that day ; but they had heard the king's officers were within a few miles of the place ; and there was not a doubt but they would remain there until the next morning. The young lovers Hop- ped about an hour, and then took their leave. GRASVILLE ABBEY. S9 CHAPTER VI. It was near twelve o'clock when iig- nor Maferini, who had been reading to Clementina and his filler ever fince the departure of Cyril and Sabina, de- clared he was fatigued, and propofed going to reft ; they both readily con- fented, and had retired to their cham- ber about a quarter of an hour, when Edward ran into his mailer's room, Vvith the news that the officers were certainly arrived, for he had heard them talking clofe to the cave. Fortunately, he did not fpeak loud ; and (ignor Maferini, who was juft be- ginning to undrefs, defired him not to difturb the ladies, and he himfelf would come to the door and liften to their D 6 con- 6(^ G^ASVTLLET AB6Ey. converfation. — They both proceeded to the mouth of the cave ; the wind was high, and the noife which it occafion- ed among the trees, prervented them from hearing but now and then a few words. The fi rfl perfon whofe voice they could diftinguifh, was Cyril. —^ Signor Maierini was very gJad he was- tliere; — he feemed to be talking ta one of the officers '' You fee,'* faid he, '* there arc ho figns of a place where we could conceal any one, even if we had ever fueh an inclination.** " Hold — not fo faft, young man,^' aofwered a ftern voice; — *' we fhall fearch particularly this place ; for I re- member, fome years back, being here on the fame errand, after a young thief, who, though he was feen to en- ter this cottage, yet could not be found ; ghasville abbfy. 6r found; — he was^ I believe, that old man's fon.'* " Ah !" exckiimed La Faril, — him not by that name; he is now no more; and thofe epithets are ill be« flowed on one who has long fince been in his grave, and is by this time partly turned to earth again. — Here the old man burft into tears, and, as they fuppofed, retired to the houfe : for they heard him no more. The officers flopped about half an hour, during which time Cyril remain- ed with them. — Signor Maferini won- dered at his having flopped fo late, but looked on it as a fortunate circum^ fiance, as La Faril was too weak and infirm to attend them in a proper man- ner. — He was exceedingly glad to think that neither his filler nor Clemen- tiaa had known any thing of the mat- ter, 62 GRASVILLE ABBEY. ter, and pleafed himfelf with the thoughts how happy they would be, when he informed them the affair they mod dreaded was now over; nor were his conjedhires wrong; for his intelli- gence gave them the greateft pleafure. The following night, Sabina arrived at the cave ; — Ihe told them that when Cyril and herfelf entered the cottage from feeing them the night before, the father of the former had called to tell them the officers were within two miles of them ; he had heard it at a place where he had been in the after- noon ; they therefore thought it would be beft for Cyril to ftay all night, in cafe they fhould come at a late hour to furprife them. It was fortunate they took that precaution; for about mid- night they were knocked up by .the unwelcome vifi tors. — Cyril let them in; and after their coming from the gar- den. GRASVILLE ABBEY. 6j den, they flopped about a quarter of an hour, and then departed. Their only fear was now to fix in what manner they fhould proceed to Italy without difcovery ; but at all events they determined to remain in the cave at leafl a month, that the af- fair might be in fome meafure forgotten ; and they could then confult what dif- guife would be the mofl proper for them to travel in. They had refided in their habitation near a fortnight before La Faril dared to make them a vifit ; but receiving intelligence that the officers were certainly returned, he took the firil opportunity to fee them, and propofed they fhould travel to Italy in the dif- guife of Savoyards, as he had drefTes which would fit them, and every thing proper for that charadler ; they having been made for a mafquerade. — His fcheme met with the greateft appro- bation^ 64 GRASVILLE ABBEY. bation, and they accordingly fet about carrying it into execution. In about three weeks every thing was prepared^ and the morning fixed when they were once more to ven- ture forth in fearch of happinefs. — Sa- bina and her mother attended them very early, in order to aflift in putting on the dreiTes. — La Faril arrived foon after; and at fix o*clock they thought it full time to fet off^ as it would be necelTary they fhould get fome diftance from the cottage before day-light. — La Faril made fignor Maferini per- fedtly acquainted with the way acrofs the country : and, in cafe any queftions were alked them by the villagers, they were to reply they were going to Italy, the place where fuch fort of people moflly refide. — Cyril alfo attended to take his leave. — The fpring of the cave was turned, and they once more breathed CRASVILLE ABBEY, 6c breathed in open air ; — yet the thoughts of leaving the place which had pre- ferved them from their enemies, cre- ated a pang in their breafts, and pa:r-^ ticularly iince they knew not how foon they might once more wifh to be confined within its clofe recefs. — Sig- nor Maferini clafped La Faril's hand, and Hammered out his gratitude, ac- compaiiied with tears^ while the good old man, whofe lilver hairs- and aged form denoted thofe pearly drops which hung upon his withered cheek were not the firft foft emblems of his feeling heart, prefled him to his bofom ; — then* almoll overcome with weaknefs and the elfed: of years, he nearly funk iru fenfible on the earth.— This was too much for lignor Maferini ; — he prelTed his iifter and Clementina to haflien their departure, and hurried away from the fpot to which he before feemcd rooted. 66 GRASVILLE ABBEY. It was an exceedingly cold morning; and the twinkling bright ftars which illumined the heavens, plainly fhowcd it to be a fevere froft.— They got three miles from the cave before day-light, and continued travelling without any difagreeable circumftance happening on the road, except the curiolity of the peafants, whofc homely entertainment and good nature made ample amends for their ignorance. After fome days they< had the plea- fure to enter Italy. — Signor Maferini hired lodgings fome miles from his fa- ther's refidence, and intreated Clemen- tina to become his, before he made himfelf known to him She was very unwilling to confent ; but at lafl, over- come by the perfuafions of the brother and the lifter, he had the rapture to receive her as his own, about a fort- night after their arrival. — The only. difficulty GRASVILLE ABBEY. 67 dilTiculty that now remained was to make it known to his father, which he determined to do in about three or four days after their marriage, but firft wrote to La Faril. — In the letter he inclofed a confiderable prefent, and fent it by a friend who was going that way, as he w^as certain every method would be taken to intercept any letters direded to him, as La Faril lay under the greateft fufpicion in point of con- cealing his fon, as well as fignor Mafe- rini. The day arrived on which he was to pay a vifit to his father ; — he begged his lifter to ftay with Clementina, as Ihe would be in want of company, and was a ftranger to the place. — He fet off early in the morning, and after fome hours' quick travelling, during which time his ideas were entirely taken up in thinking of his father, and in what manner 68 GRAS.VILLS ArvSEY. manner he fhould be received, he ar- rived at ' the large heavy gates of the abbey.— With, a trembling hand he pulled the bell, but could not hear it ring, — After another attempt, he found tlhe wire was rufty ; yet it made a noife. A thought ftruck him> which chilled him v/ith horror — his father might be dead 1 — for he made himfelf known to no one fince his coming to Italy, but his friend who carried the letter to La Faril ; and he could give no int^lli-* gence concerning his friends, as he 'ar-» rived the fame night as iignor Maferini, from Spain, was taken ill, and did not go out till he proceeded on his journey- to England, when he promifed to leave the letter as he went through France. GRASVILLE ABBKY. 69 CHAPTER VII. J. HIS idea had not crofTed his mind •five minutes, before a man and a hoy approached him : — he afked them if they could tell the reafon why that abbey was uninhabited ? " Heaven blefs you, mafter !*' faid the maa : — '* you mufl furely be a ilranger in this part, if you have not heard of the old gentleman's death who lived here.'' Signor Maferini turned pale;— -the bridle dropped from his hand, and he mufl have fallen upon the ground, had he not been received in the arm& of the villager: " You 70 GRASVILLE ABBEY. " You are not well^ fir," faid the man, as he placed him on a feat under the large heavy portico of the abbey. — '« Lubin, run and get the gentleman fome water from yonder fpring.'* The boy obeyed, and brought fome in a pitcher which he had in his hand ; he was perfuaded to drink a fmall quantity, and foon recovered. — He in- formed the peafant he was a diftant re- lation of the late count, and was come upon a vifit to the abbey : — that the hearing fo fuddenly of his death had quite overcome him. " Ah, your honour,'' replied the man, — ** there has been llrange doings for thefe laft fix months ; heaven knows beft; — but one cannot be hanged for thinking, as the faying is.** '' Strange doings I for heaven's fake, explain GRASVILLE ABBEY. 71 explain yourfelf, friend," faid fignor Maferini: — *' for I have the greateft: reafon to be interefted in the afiairs of the count.'* *' If you will fl:ep ^vith me to my cot, lignor, I will relate to you the circumflances that have happened. — My wife expects me home to dinner, as I muft return, in kfs than an hour, to my labour in yonder vine- yard." He readily alTented ;-— and having walked a fmall diftancc, they arrived at his habitation. — The horfe was turned into a field.— When they en- tered the cottage, a neat middle-aged woman was preparing dinner : they 'wifhed much their guell: would par- take of their homely fare ; but he could not eat. — They had not re- fided in that part above fix months, therefore 71 G.RASVILLJt ABBEV, therefore knew nothing of figiior Ma- fcrinVs perfon: — he conjured the man to begin his narration ; and the ho- neft hufbandman complied, as foU lows— — *' You, no doubt, fignor, were ac- quainted with young Percival Maferini, and his fifter Sifera, the only children of the late count ; twelve months have not yet pafled, iince they both took leave of their father at that very abbey, and travelled into France, on account of fome bufinefs which required Per- cival's attendance at court, as Louis XIV. had juft then afcended the throne^ Sifera was to be placed in the convent of N****, while her brother llaid, which they, fuppofed would not be -above four months, and then they were to return together : — the count for fome time received letters from them both: but though the bufmefs which caufed their GRASVILLE ABBEY. 7J their journey was finiilied at the expi- ration of the four months, they did not by any means feem inclined to return to Italy ; and in a little while after, their correfpondence dropped; — for though letters were Continually feiit to them, no anfwers were received. *^ This gave the count great alarm and he wrote to a principal perfon near the place, concerning them: in a little time he received information that his fon had rnn away with a young lady from the convent of N****, where he had placed his fifterj that ihe alfo'had eloped with them, as well as the fcr- vant who (lopped with Percival in France : — he concluded with faying, the ftridleft fearch was making after them, as it was fuppofed the young lady had poifoned her fifler, who was placed in the convent with her, had taken the white veil, and was found VOL. I. E dead 74 GRASVILLE ABBEV. dead in her bed, the morning after their departure. '^ This news, fignor, was like a thunderbolt to the old count : — he had not a doubt but they would be taken. From that day he drooped, and in about a week after was laid up with a violent fever. Count d'011ifont> his nephew, was fent for.'* — Here Percival trem- bled: he knew D'Ollifont to be his enemy. — The man continued — *' He at- tended his uncle with the greateft ten- dernefs, infomuch that he recovered enough to fit up for a few hours every day, and difpatched him to find fome intelligence of his children : he accord- ingly fet oft for France, but returned at the end. of the fecond day, with a letter which he acquainted his uncle was given him on the road by a mef- fenger, fent from France for that pur- pofe ; it came from a friend of his who refided GRASVILLE ABBEY 7^ refided there, and acquainted him that both fignor and lignora Maferini were no more ; that the former had fallen in. a duel with an officer of the guards, who was going to fecure them ; and that the latter was feized with a violent grief^ which turned her brain, and fhe had found means to poifon herfelf, un- known to thofe who had the care of her : that lady Clementma was placed in ^e Baftille, till it was fettled what puniifh- ment fhe fhould fuifer ; but that fhe was not married to fignor Maferini. This news caufed a relapfe in the old gen- tleman's diforder. Nor was it he alone %yho fuffered: — every domeflic of his houfehold, fignor, fiied tears for the lofs of two amiable children, who were never known to give a tender . parent one pang of forrow, except in this cir- cumftance, and that coft them their. Hyes." E 2 " Would 7„6 GRASVILLE ABBEY. " Would it had I** repeated fignor Ma- fcrini to himfelf. — '^ That ever I (hould have lived to have feen this day I** The woman was too much employed in cooking her hufband's dinner, and the hufband too much taken up in eat- ing it, and telling the ftory, to take any particular notice of him ; or elfe the in- ward workings of his foul might eafily have been obferved. The man con- tinued — *' The old count now grew coniider- ably worfe; his phyficians gave him over, and in about a week after his relapfc, he died of a broken heart. When he heard of the death of his children, he altered his will; the fervants were all left mourning, and a genteel legacy; old Abfalom, a comfortable allowance for life; his tcn^ints a twelve m.onth*s rent; except which, and a few other legacies. GRASVILLE ABBEY. 77 legacies, he bequeathed the whole of his fortune to Count D'Ollifont : — among the efta'tes is Grafville Abbey, which has been Ihut up ever fince the death of count Maferini ; nor has any of the furniture been removed. *' How happened that, my friend?^' '' I know not, your honour 5 but folki fay flrange things ; — that there has been foul play, and that the place is haunted by the father and his children ; but it is known for certain, that count D'Ollifont intended to deep there the night of his uncle's funeral, but could not reft : he ftarted up about midnight, left the place with his fervants diredlly, and the next week returned to Spain, where he was fent for at the time his uncle was taken ill." Signor Maferini inquired if he him- E 3 felf 78 GRASVILLE ABBEV felf had ever feen any thing at the ab- bey to confirm the reports of its being haunted, and how he came to be fo par- ticularly 'acquainted with thofe affairs relative to its late inhabitants. • " Why, by old Abfalom the fleward, li'gnor/' anfwered the man. — '' He lived jufl by here, but did not long furvive his old m.affer; and as to feeing any thing, as your honour talks of, I cannot fay I ever did 1 but Dorothy once faid Ihe faw a light one night pafs feveral of the cafements in the wefV tower; this Dorothy declared fhe could take her oath of.'* " Is there any way to get to the in- Ude of the abbey ?" *' None, fignor ; each of the gates is well locked, barred, and bolted ; and the windows are all faftened.'* V . After GRASVILLE ABBEY. /J^ After fome further converfation, the man's dinner-time was expired. Signor Maferiiii rewarded him for his trouble, and then with a heavy heart mounted his horfe and departed. 40 GBASVILLE ABSEY, CHAPTER Vlll. , •• Expeftation flood in honor." MILTON. When the iron rod of adverfity falls fuddenly upon us, and misfortunes of the moft diftreffing nature unexpedledly darken our future profpedls, furprife for a little time gets the better qf our feelings? amazement and horror gain fuch an afcendancy over our intclledls^ that, in the relation of our griefs, we forget for fome time the nature and caufe of them, while we liften with at- tention to the frivolous ftory of the cir- cumllances by which they v/cre occa- fioned. Signor Maferini was in this flate, while the hufbandman related to him the GRASVILLE ABBEr. 8l the account of his father, and the vil- lany of count D'Ollifont. His afta- nifhment was fo great, that the death bf the former, and the total lofs of his fortune, were entirely forgotten, and he thought only on the falfehood his coufin had propagated. He left the cottage; his horfe took his own courfe for fome time ; nor did he perceive he , was en- tering by degrees into a thick wood, till fome trees obfbrudled his way; he leaped from his horfe, and threw him- fclf on the ground; the thoughts of his fituation now flafhed oh his me- mory, and the lofs of his father he re- gretted with the moft fincere grief. The impoiition which had been put in practice to deprive him and his lifter of their fortunes, excited both his furprife and anger ; in fhort, the different emo'- tions he felt, almoft drove him to a Hate of diftradion, . E s In 82 GRASVILLE ABBEY. In this lituation he remained for near two hours, till harafled through diftrefs and fatigue, he fell into a {lumber — horrid dreams difturbed him, and his fleep was both uneafy and difagreeable ; yet he remained in this ftate of forget- fulnefs till it was nearly dark : — he ftarted up and mounted his horfe, which had not moved from his lide ; he remembered he had promifed Cle- mentina and his fifter to be at hom.e early in the evening : but that would now be impoflible, as the wood was in- tricate, nor was he acquainted with the way out: — he wandered about in fearch of the right path for near two hours, but was unfuccefsful, till chance led him to the dired: track : — he follow- ed it, and in a little time found himfelf clear of the labyrinth. — He was very ill, and hardly able to ride ,- the cold had feized him by being fo long in the open air^ he, however, continued a good GRASVILLE ABBEY. Sj good pace till he once more found him- felf before the gates of Grafville Ab- bey. The night was very dark, the thun- der rolled at a diltance, and faint flafhes of lightning followed one after an- other with conliderable quicknefsj he flopped once more to look at the place where he had fpent fo many happy juvenile hours, and where he had that day hoped to have been received with cordiality and tcndernefs. — He had ex- perienced the reverfe : he had found his father was no more, and that he had been duped out of his right by one who was allied to him by the ties of blood, and, as he had fuppofed, by thofe of friendfhip. A tear fell from his eye while he looked on the venerable ftrudlure, E 6 every ^4 GRASVILL? ABBEY^ every part of which feemed deferted; a gloomy ftillnefs reigned through the heavy pile, nor was the folemn lilence broke but by the bird of night, which had taken up its habitation under one part of the portico. — The idea of the place being haunted now entered his imagination. *' Would to heaven," faid he, *' the report I have heard v/as true, that I might be permitted to converfe, nay only to fee the fpirit of my fire I furely he would *' Here he was interrupted by a llrong fiafh of lightning, which darted right on his face, and was followed by a loud clap of thunder. Though he was ftruck filent, his eye was ftill fixed on the - abbey ; the noife of the thunder had not died away above three minutes, before GRASVILLE ABBEY* 85 before a violent crafh was heard at the other part of the building; it feemed like the falling of armour, and conti- nued for fome little time. Signor Maferini was ftruck with ailonifhment ; horror and expectation feized him at the fame moment ; — he turned his horfe round, and rode to the fide whence the noife feemed to proceed ; all again was filent, yet he ftill continued looking on the place.— »• It was by the well tower, — he recol- 'leded the account he had heard of the light being fcen there. — At the m.o- ment he was thinking on this cir- cumllance, a faint glimmering paffed a fmall cafement in the very p^t of the weft tower the woman had dcfcribed; his fituation may be more eafily imagined than defcribed; he was a perfect ftatue with aftonifh- inent; ftill he thought it might be fancy ; 86 GRASVILLE ABBEY, ' fancy ; — but he was thoroughly con- vinced^ when a ftronger light ap- peared in the fame place a few mi- nutes afterwards, but difappeared in an inflant : — every nerve was fbiffen- ed with horror ,• he ftill drew near- er that part of the abbey ; — five mi- nutes had not elapfed before the light again appeared in the fame place ; he now plainly perceived a figure pafs, bearing a lamp ; it va- nifhed as quick as the former light had done; and all again was filent and dark. His pallions were now wrought up to the highefi: pitch ; he gallop- ed round to the front gates, alight- ed, and in vain attempted to enter the abbey ; — every entrance was flrongly faflened ; his brain was dif- ordered, and he fliil continued to force the doors; but, after a long time. GRASVILLE ABBEY. 87 time, finding his exertions all in vain, he again mounted his horfe, and rode as faft as poffible towards his own home. 88 GRASVILLE ABBEY. CHAPTER IX. SiGNORA Maferini waited with im- patience the return of her brother;— fhe wijfhed much to hear of her father's health, and in what manner he received the account of Clementina: — nor was Clementina lefs anxious ; her fpirits were deprefled, fhe trembled for fear of ill news, yet the vivacity of her fif- ter-in-law fupported her tolerably well through the day. Night approached, and the time when fignor Maferini promifed to be at home was expired : — his father might have detained him, feveral circumflances might have hap- pened to make him later. With thcfe thoughts they in fome meafure fatisfied themfeives till it grew late ; they were then exceedingly unhappy at not fee- ing CRASVILLE ABBEY. Sg ing him : — the roads he had to come were often infefled by banditti. A little while after midnight, a loud rap was heard at the. door ; — Edward flew to open it ; neither Sifera nor Cle- mentina could aflc who it was, before fignor Maferini flood before them : — Jhiis appearance for a moment Itruck them motionlefs with furprife ; nor was it to be wondered at — the diforder of his drefs, and the wildnefs which dart- ed from his eyes, made his figure alto- gether horrible. *' How does my father?*' afl^cd his fifler. " Well,** he exclaimed; «' but if you wiih to know, Sifera, afk the angels m heaven ; they bed can tell thee." *' Alas!" flie cried, and burfl into tears. 90 GRASVILLE ABBEY. tears :— ^'' my father is no more : I know it by thy looks, — by the llrange anfwers you give to my quellions/' " You- are right/' faid he : '' our fa- ther has paid ttie debt of nature." He feemed now rather mojre com- pofedj yet complained of violent pains in his head and limbs. Signora Mafe- rini grieved much for the lofs of her father : — fhe could get no further intel- ligence from her brother's difcourfe, which was very incoherent and difficult to be underftood^ but that her -father was no more, and that they were duped out of their right ; but by whom, and in what -manner, fhe could not pofTibly find out. He talked much of an ap- pearance he had fecn in the abbey ; but they looked upon it as the efFed of a difordered brain. The GRASVILLE ABBEY, 9^ The morning found them ftill more diftrclTed. Signor Maferini was in a high fever, and quite delirious, his lifter almoft diftra&d, and Clemen- tina very little better ; Sifera immedi- ately fent for a phylician who lived near, and had always attended their family : — fhe hoped from him to re- ceive fome intelligence concerning her father*s affairs, which the fituation of her brother prevented him from com- municating. Edward was difpatched, and in a little time returned with the gentleman they fo much wilhed to fee^ He was a charader univerfally ad- mired in Italy ; his abilities were equally exerted in behalf of the poor, and thofe in a higher fphere of life; he was a friend to the indigent and diftrefled of every clafs ; yet looked upon with, ad- miration and refpedl by all. who were fo happy as to be known by him. Such was 92 GRASVILLE ABBEY. was the man who, with all the marks of aftonifhment and furprife in his counte- nance, was condudled by Edward to iignora Maferini : — he informed her that it was fuppofed by all who knew them, that both her and her brother had been dead fome time ; he alfo confirmed the news of her father's death; flie would not, however, detain him to relate to her how fuch a report had been fpread, till he had firfl ken her brother: — he had fome knowledge of the phylician; yet every anfwer he gave to their quef- tiqns, proved him in a flate of infanity. Clementina and Sifera anxioufly in- quired the gentleman's opinion ; he told them he had a very violent fever, and fome very alarming fymptoms ; nor could he give any fatisfadlory anfwer concerning what might be the ifTue of hisdiforder: — he however alTu red them, he would do all in his power to forward his recovery. They GRASVILLE ABBEY. 93 They both returned him their fincere thanks. — Sifera begged to know how the report concerning their death could be believed; and the particulars of her father's diflblution, as fhe fuppofed he attended him in his illnefs. — He anfwered in the ajffirmative, and re- lated to her exadlly the fame train of circumftances which the hufbandman had before communicated to her bro- ther. — Clementina was in the room at the fame time he mentioned the ac- count of her having been fuppofed to poifon her fifter. Her lituation is more eafily to be conceived than defcribed : — that fhe fhould be fufped:ed to murder a lifter whom fhe fb dearly loved, and whofe death fhe fo much regretted, — ^^the idea was almoft too horrid for her to fup- port : — an iilnefs of fbme days follow- ed the fudden ihock fhe felt at the 94 GRASVILLE ABBEY. phyfician's recital ; for though no proof could have been brought to confirm fo terrible a charge, yet fhe fhuddered at the thought of the diflrefs and horror it would have occafioned her. — They now wondered not at Percival's.illnefs, and fuppofed his talking fo much a- bout the light and appearance in the abbey, was occafioned by the report of its being haunted. New difficulties now perplexed them ; a week had elapfed, and no figns of amendment appeared in fignor Maferini's diforder ; yet all their money was nearly exhaufled. — -In this dilem- ma they refolved to apply to the phy- fician; he immediately lent them as much as they defired : — and if at any time they fhould want more, he beg- ged they would fpeak; and he would with pleafure accommodate them. In GRASVILLE ABBEY. 95 . In about a month, fignor Maferini began to alter for the better ; he talked more rationally, and by degrees gained flrength ; in fix weeks he was able to leave his room, and foon after, by the afliduity and judgment of the docftor, found himfelf nearly as well as ever. — He returned the good man a thoufand thanks for his care and friendfhip, and hoped it would foon be in his power to repay him the fum he had lent them : he alfo begged him to contradicft, as much as pofRble, the fcandalous re- port his ccufin had propagated, and make it known he now intended to live by the pradtice of his pencil. — The phyfician promifed to comply with his wifhes, and alTured him he fhould con- fider himfelf happy to ferve him in any refpecl. Signor Maferini paid a vifit to the old uncle, at whofe death he was to 96 CTRASVILLE ABBEY. to receive the fortune before mention- ed ; — he was aftonifhed at the fight of him, railed at count D'Ollifont for his villany, and teftified the greateft joy at feeing his nephew. Percival now began to apply himfelf to his profeflion ; he was foon known, but received with coldnefs by thofe who once called themfelves his friends ; his abilities, however, gained him pa- trons, and his induftry preferved them ; he was in a little time able to difchargc his debt to the phyfician, and found he could earn not only a comfortable but a genteel provifion. — He deter- mined, however, if pofRble, to retrieve fome part of his father's fortune, yet refolved not to a he knew not in what manner to ac^ ; to Hop any longer in the abbey was of no ufe ; yet to- whom was he to apply ? — He at length rcfolved to go immediately to the phy- iician, and relate to him the circum- ftance, as he would be the propereft perfon to advife with concerning thofe meafures they ought to take relative to GRASVILLE ABBEY. JQ-J to fignor Maferini's difappearance, as well as in what manner they fhould pro- ceed in communicating the news to his wife and filler. Edward took up the pidlure, and placed it carefully in his pocket ; he then defcended the flair-cafe, and clofed the doors after him ; but determined to lock neither them nor the outfide gates. Having placed his mailer's horfe in one of the flables belonging to the abbey, and mounting his own, he departed with the utmoll fpeed towards the boufe of the phyficiaru F6 Io8 GRASVILLE ABB-EY, CHAPTER XI. . Edward found himfdf at the end of his journey in a few hours.— Fortu- nately, the good man was at home, and Heard his recital with the utmofl con- ilernation and furprife ; he by no means approved of either the wife or fifler being informed of this dreadful news till it was more fully confirmed; and having, from the fervant's account, ob- tained two oifficers of the civil power to thoroughly fearch the building, he re- folved to attend them himfelf ; and they fet off in lefs than three hours after Ed- ward's arrival. The evening was advancing, when they beheld at fome diftance the lofty towers of the abbey ,• they were there- fore GRASVILLE ABBEY. 109 fore obliged to defer their intention till the next morning. Neither Clementina nor Sifera ex- pelled fignor Maferini's return till the evening following the day he left his lodgings. — Edward therefore, inform- ed the phyfician they would not be un- happy, though they fhould receive no intelligence from them. — As fqon as it was light, they entered the abbey, at- tended by a workman who v/as able to remove any kind of intricate wood- work which might tend to a difcovery. They firft examined all thofe apartments that led to the well tower, and which, by the marks of the footfleps, feemed as if ^gnor Maferini had crofTed them : they plainly perceived the fpots of blood, but could difcover no other mark or clue to their wifhes, in either of the rooms. They then fearched each part on that fide of the building ; but their dili- gence 110 GRASVILLE ABBEY. gence proved unfuccefsful ; in fliort, ' ' every recefs of the abbey was looked into with the mofl fcrutinizing atten- tion; yet not the lead fign could be difcovered that indicated a mortal to haye been in the place, except the foot- fleps and the blood. — They were all at a lofs what to fuppofe ; and about even- ing they finiihed their fearch, and left the abbey, more perplexed than when they entered it. — Edward took his maf- tcr*s horfe from the liable, and fhut the gates, but determined to leave them, as before, unlocked. After a hafly meal, the phyfician, two officers, and Edward, fet off for the former's habitation : it was very late be- fore they arrived there ; the men were liberally rewarded for their trouble. — Edward then confulted, what method » would be the moll prudent, to inform the ladies of this mournful event -, the old GRASVILLI ABBEY. Ill old gentleman undertook himfclf the difagreeable office of communicating it to them the next morning ; it was therefore agreed, that he fliould remain at his houfe till the affair was over: — they then took leave for the night, the one grieved for the lofs of his young friend, whom he had loved and admired from his infancy ; the other for an ex- cellent mafler, whom he had revered and ferved from his cradle. To defcribe the Htuation of Clemen- tina and Sifera at the phyfician's recital, though he related the dreadful circum- ftance by degrees, and with the utmoft caution, would beggar defcription; it will therefore be neceflary to draw a veil over this affeding fcene ; and fuf- fice it to fay, their grief was little fhort of diftradlion. — The extraordinary man- ner of lignor Maferini's difappearancc left room for the mofl horrid fuppofi- tions^ Hi GRASVILLE ABBEY. tionsj whilfl the faint hope which the uncertainty of his dilTolution infpired, ferved to make each cruel idea more terrible and lafting. — Clementina's' li- tuation was^ if poflible, more dreadful than her fifter*s, as ihe was in a ftrange country, and fome time gone with child. The phyfician ad:ed like a father to them both, and declared, while he livdd they fhould never want a friend. The wonderful event of fignor Mafe- rini's difappearance was foon fpread over the country. — Grafville Abbey was now become a place of much greater terror than before, as thofe fuf- picions of its being haunted, feemed in all probability to be confirmed; none of the peafants would go near it after dark; in fhort, every inhabitaht was furprifed and terrified. Six weeks had not elapfed^ before fignor GRASVILLE ABBIY. IIJ fignor Maferini^s uncle died; the for- tune now devolved to his filler ; a more lucky circumftance could not have hap- pened, as Ihe would have it in her pow- er to fupport Clementina and herfelf in a genteel and comfortable manner^ , without remaining under the leall obli- gation to any one in point of pecuniary aid ; and the phyfician undertook to fet- tle thofe affairs relative to the old gen- tleman's death. In a little time, every things was com- pleted, and fhe found herfelf in pofTef- fion of not only a moderate, but afflu- ent income. — Signora Maferini now de- termined to make the life of her fifler- in-law as agreeable as poflible ; fhe knew that Clementina wifhed much to return to her own country; nor had Si- fera any defire to remain in Italy, where every objed reminded her of her late mis-^ TI4 GRASVILLE ABBEY. misfortunes ; fhe therefore refolved^ af- ter Clementina was brought to bed, to confult if fome method could not be taken to clear her innocence in refped to Felicia's death, and a reconciliation brought about with the lady abbcfs ; fo that they could, without impropriety, refide totally in France. Clementina was delivered of twins, a boy and girl ; for fome time her life was defpaired of, although the judgment of the phyfician, and the teridernefs of Sifera, were equally exerted towards her recovery ; but in fix weeks, to the joy of both, fhe fo far mended as to be pronounced out of danger. Signora Maferini now refolved to afk the doctor's opinion concerning their appearance in France. — He offered to go himfclf to the convent of N****, and. f GRASVILLE ABBEY. II^ and, if pofiible, fettle with her lady- ihip thofe difagreeable circumflances that had caufed her difpleafure. Sifera returned him many thanks, and accepted his friendly afliftance; they, however, refolved to let Clementina know nothing of it, till the bulinefs was fiflilhed ; an excufe was therefore made for his leaving Italy, and his jour- ney to France faid to be on account of family affairs, which he had to tranf* adl in that country. — He was fo fortu- nate as to return in a very Ihort time, with the agreeable intelligence, that Clementina's charadler was entirely cleared, refpeding her (ifter's death, and all their affairs fettled at the • con- vent, in an amicable manner. — This gave Clementina as much plcafure as it was poflible for her to enjoy ; every thing was ready in a few weeks ; the parting with the phyfician was afFedl- ing Il6 GRASVILLt ABBEY. ing on both fides ; to fpeak of their ob- ligations to him would, they knew, be the only way tq make him repent of his goodnefs :— -they were therefore necef- iitated to exprefs their gratitude in as few words as poflible. A houfe v/as prepared for them in a private part of Paris, and every thing made ready for their reception. — In this ilate they lived for fome years, and enjoyed as much happinefs as the re- membrance of thole misfortunes they had fufFered, would permit. — The chil- dren were their greateft care ; they ferved in fome degree to difpel that me- lancholy which had taken fo deep a root in their bofoms fince fignor Mafe- rini's difappearance. Grafville Abbey remained in the fame condition, excejDt the gradual and flow decay of the external part ; it was ' taken GRASVILLE ABBEY. II7 t^en no notice of by its owner, while fear and fuperfkition prevented any in- terruption from thofe who refided near it. — Count D'OUifont continued but a fhort time in Spain after the keys were returiied; he made a tour to England, andi as it was fuppofed, intended to fettle there. About twelve years elapfed, and no- thing particular happened to diftrefs lignora Maferini or her fifter-in-law, ex- cept the death of the phyfician and Ed- ward ; when the former was taken ill with a violent fever, and lived but a week ; during that time fhe was deliri^ ous, but had before fettled her affairs in fuch a manner, as to leave Clemen- tina the chief part of her fortune. Alfred and Matilda were now obliged to exert their childifh abilities, to com- &j:t theix mother for the. Iplk of her only Il8 GRASVIILE ABBEV. only friend; fhe had often made re- peated felicitations to be admitted to her father's favour ; but the marquis was obftinate, and complained of her elope- ment from the convent, as an excufe for his cruelty. — Her whole attention was, therefore, paid to her children; and through a fond yet miftaken notioir, Ihe impaired her income, by giving them an education far fuperior to any fituation in life Ihe could ever hope to procure them ; they, however, reward- ed her love in the tendernefs of their condudt towards her, and the quicknefs of their capacity in receiving thofe in- ftrudlions that were given them. Alfred already Ihowed a wifh for the army ; his mother determined not to check his inclinations, though fhc dreaded the dangers he might be ex- pofed to:— fhe therefore purchafed a commiffion for him, and he foon after departed GRASVILLE ABBEY. 119 departed for Flanders, M^herc the regi- ment was flationed. Madame Maferini had never inform- ed her children of the dreadful manner in which their father difappeared ; fhe con- lidered it might imprefs their young minds M'ith a horror which might cafl a gloom over the brighter fcenes of life ; they were therefore always taught to believe fignor Maferini was killed by a fall from his horfe, when hunting j nor was there any probability to fuppofc the real caufe would ever be difcovered to them, as neither Clementina nor Si- fera had informed any one to the con-- trary. About fix months after her fon's de- parture, madame Maferini was taken ill ; for fome time it was thought only a flight diforder, but afterwards con- firmed to be dangerous.— The moft emi- nent 120 GRASVILLE ABBIT. nent phyfickns were procured; but their exertions proved fruitlefs, — She now wifhed to communicate to her fon that which fhe had Co ftudioufly kept from him ; fhe determined, however, not to relate it to Matilda, as the fur- • prife and fhock would be too great for her ; this caufed madame Maferini to wifh fo much to fee Alfred, which was before mentioned ; he did not, however, arrive till her difTolution. CRASVII.LE ABBEY. 121 CHAPTER XIL EMBARRASSMENT. Reafon, the power To guefs at right and wrong, the twinkling lamp Of wand'ring life, tliat winks and wakes by turns, Feeling the follower, betwixt fhade and fhining. CONGREVE. ''' Fortitude is one of the nobicfi virtues appertaining to human nature, and ftamps upon thofe who polTefs it, an unfading luflre, which does honour to the name of man. He who labours under the laili of adverlity, and bears up againft misfortunes with a pious re- (ignation, muft be pleafmg to the Su- preme Being, while his condud: is univerfally admired by his fellow-- creatures." Vol. I. G This 122 GRASVILLE ABBEY. This was Alfred's argument to his filler, as he tenderly conjured her to moderate her grief, and look upon him not only as a brother, but as a guardian and protestor. They both had juft entered their twentieth year ; — Alfred was in his per- fon handfome and manly, — Matilda beautiful and delicate: — the former's difpofition was generous and noble, his temper rather impetuous ; yet he was always ready to forgive ; there was, however, a kind of haughty pride in his character, which would fometimes caft a Ihade over his other virtues. Matilda was amiable in the highcfl degree ; — to give a defcription of her qualifications^ would be needlefs, when we fay fhe was every thing a fond and tende parent could wifh her to be. — It was not till jult before they retired to reft. GRASVILLE ABBEY. IlJ refl, that Matilda recolleded the paper her mother had wrote on ; Hie took it from the efcritoire, and gave it to her brother, who wiihed to read it alone, and promifed to inform his fifter of the contents the next morning. — As foon as he entered his chamber, be eagerl/ opened it, and read the almoft illegible words of his dying mother : '* To Alfred Maserini. " Before I depart from this Hate of -mortality, and am numbered with the dead, I would wifh to inform you, ivy ^ear fon, of a circumftance that -li^:^ heavy at my heart. — The pains of deaih cncompafs me — yet, I will, if pollibie^ acquaint you, your father died not' in the manner you were always trnght to believe: — he entered Grafviile Abbey with an intent to fearch the buildings G 2 and 124 GRASVILLE y\BB£V. and from that fatal period was never heard of more. — Heaven forgive me, if I judge wrongfully, or condemn the innocent ! but though I have never communicated my fufpicions to any one, yet I have the ftrongeft- reafons to fuppofe the chief perfon concerned in this horrid affair was '* Madame Maferini had wrote fo far, w^hen ilie dropped her pen, and expired. Alfred w^as almoft petrified with aflo- nifhment and horror ; the fatal name, i^o near being known, was not yet reveal- ed : his mother's fenfcs might at the time be deranged ; but this idea entire- ly vanifhed, when he confidered how much fhe had wiihed to fee him, on ac- count of relating a circumftance fhe chofe to communicate to no other per- fon. — He refolved for the prefent to con- ceal this from his lifter; Ihe had already fuf. GRASVILLE ABBEY. 12^ tiiftcred enough by her mother's death : to inform her, therefore, of the contents of the writing, would only oGcaficn- new Ibrrow and dillrefs. The next morning, Matilda eagerly inquired the purport of her mother's letter: — fhe was fhocked to fee him look fo ill, but naturally fuppofed he had not refled well. — Alfred told her it w-as a memorandum, relative to her fortune, and other matters ; but fhe ob- ferved in him an uncommon agitation the whole evening, yet forbore to in- quire further, though fhe was certain there was fome difagreeable fee ret he did not choofe'to divulge. Alfred gave orders for his mother's funeral, and had her handfomely in- terred. — He then confulted with his fifler in v;hat manner flie meant to proceed with the fmall fum fhe was now pof-* G 3 feiTed 126 GRASVILLE ABBEY. fefled of.— Madame Maferini had equal- ly divided her fortune between them^ but always particularly recommended Matilda to her brother's care ; he there- fore generoufly determined to add half of his to his filler's income, but firfl: wifhed to fettle her in fom>e genteel fi- tuation before he returned to his regi- ment. Alfred, after fome perfuaiions, pro- mifed Matilda he would write to the marquis of ****, their grandfather, to inform him of his daughter's death, and her fituation. — She conlidered, as lady Eleanor had been dead fome time, and his hopes concerning her marriage en- tirely at an end, that he might receive her with fome degree of tcndernefs, though he never would look upon their mother. The young foldicr felt himfelf hurt to ^RASVILLE ABBEY. I27 to write a letter of fupplication to a man who had behaved fo inhumanly to his own daughter, ivnd flightingly to himfelf and lifter; — however, the idea of Matilda's welfare quenched thofc fparks of pride, which had before kin- dled in his bofom. About a week after madame Maferi- ni*s funeral, he fent the following letter, in which might be obferved a kind of •inward difdain, not likely to m6ve or gain upon the feelings of a man fo ut- terly void of fenlibility as the marquis* From Alfred Maserini, to the Marquis of ****. ** Mr Lord, ** Impressed with the idea that natural propriety as well as common refpedl commands me to acquaint you wixh the death of my mother, I have G 4 taken 128 GRASVILLE ABBEY. taken the liberty to trouble your lord- ihip with a letter, under the fandion of communicating that information : al- though the diiTolution of a daughter whom you have never fccn, nor perhaps heard of for many years, may fignify but Httle to your lordfhip's feelings, and the knowledge of it appear frivolous and impertinent, when conveyed by the hand-writing of her fon. *' But, if poHible, my lord, a more forcible reafon urged me to intrude on your patience ; it is to fupplicate a fmall fhare of that favour and protedlion for my iifler Matilda Maferini, which her mother was fo unfortunate as never to receive. — Your iordfhip mufl naturally fuppofe my ftation in life prevents me from affording her that attention fo ne- cefTary at her prefcnt age und fituation ; the fervice of my country will, in a very fhort time, call me to Flanders ; other- wife GRASVILLE ABBEY. I29 wife I ihould glory to make it known to your lordfhip and the world, that I could prove myfelf her guardian and protedlor, without remaining under an obh'gation to either relations or friends. *' Your lordfhip, except myfelf, is the neareft relation (he has ; it is, there- fore, from you flie hopes to find that countenance v.hich will prevent her being looked on with contempt, and confequently, preferve her from temp- tations and infjits ; for, when parted from her brother, deferred by her other relations, and forfaken by thofe who in the time of profperity and affluence called themfelves her friends, your lord- fhip muft confider flic will fl:and a fit object of prey for wretches whofe whole life is dedicated to the fedudion of virtue, and the ruin of female inno-- cence. — The idea, . my lord, almoft drives me to madnefs ; yet a horrid G 5 thought I30 GRASVILLE ABBEY. thought will fometimes intrude^ that flic may, more through neceffity than incli- nation^ prove a dilgrace to her family, and an everlafting curfe to my happinefs. Were fuch a fufpicion by any means well grounded, or even if I had not the moft perfedl confidence in her virtue and honour, I fhould blefs that hand which would flrike her to the heart, and enjoy the moment when I beheld her at my feet a breathlefs corpfe. '* The annuity left her by her mo- ther, added to that part of my income which I mean to make over to her, will fupport her in fuch a manner that fhe will be no difgrace to your lordfhip. I only wifh to obtain for her permiflion to relide with you ; her accomplifli- ments, manners, and behaviour, arc fuch as no nobleman need be afhamed of: and permit me to fay, my lord, her natural goodnefs of heart, and gratitude for CRASVILLt: ABBEY. J^l for your protecflioiij, will make her a comfort to your declining years. '^ I hope your lordfhip will take the purport of this letter into conlideration ; and that your lordfhip's opinion may coincide with the fupplication I have made for my filler, is the fincere wilb of '* My lord, " Your lordHiip's obedient nephew, Alfred Maserini.'* «' Paris.'* This letter was difpatched as foon as poffible, and the melTenger ordered to wait for an anfwer. He returned the next day, and delivered Alfred a fmall packet fealed up. — Matilda's heart beat high with expectation; Ihe eagerly M^atched her brother's looks while he read a few words which were written G b on 132 GRASVILLE ABBEY. on the outfide paper; but foon obfervcd by his countenance there was nothing he hoped for from the marquis. — She faint- ly afked what were the contents. — "Short and explicit!'* he anfvvered, while pride and contempt were vifible in his features. — '' Read (faid he), and judge of it yourfelf, Matilda.''-— He threw it on the table ; fhe, trembling, took it up, ajid read the following words : '* To Alfred Maserixt. *' Tpie marquis detclled your mo- ther; — he has alfo the fame hatred againfi: her children ; your child ifh and romantic petition was read ; — the vio- lent paffion it caufed in him, has brought on a fever : — his orders were, that this note Ihould be written and fent to you by *^ Father Laurence.*' « But GRASVILLE ABBEY* 133 «^ But what letter was that/' afked Matilda, " which was inclofed in this paper?" Alfred iliowed it her ; it was his own letter returned ; they had heard that a prieft was the conftant companion of the marquis ; and that it was fuppofed he would ftand a chance for fome part of his patron's wealth ; but the meflenger informed them that father Laurence in- tircly lived at the callle, and that the marquis had been heard to fay, feveral times, he Ihould leave him the whole of his fortune. The only perfon they now had to ap- ply to, was a gentleman in England, a diflant relation of their mother's : he had been fent over to this country by an uncle, on affairs relative to the family. The old gentleman died while he was in London, and left him a fmall fortune: after 134 GRASVILLE ABBEY. « after this event, he determined to fettle in the city, and commenced bufinefs in the liquor trade : — he fir ft kept wine- vaults, from that rofe a ftep higher, and was called a wine-merchant : in this line he accumulated a conliderable deal of money by importing foreign goods to this country. — To add to his good fortune he one year received a prize of ten thoufand pounds from the lottery; and in about two years after married an heirefs whofe fortune amouted to three times that fum. The friends of the lady were at fir ft fo difpleafed with the union, that for fome months no notice vas taken of her; but time foon brought about a reconciliation ; — they determined to make the bell of her hufband, that he might not in* his prefent fituation in life difgrace their name and family ; his wife was a woman of falhicn, and had GRASVILLE ABBEY, ^5 had to her name the additional title of lady : they therefore found means to get their new relation knighted ; and he now was diftinguifhed by the appella- tion of fir Peter Pcviquil. His brother- in-law died about two years after their marriage^ and having no family, left his fifter an income of fix hundred a year ; they now thought proper to quit bufinefs entirely, and refide at the court end of the town ; their manner of liv- ing was, according to lady PeviquiPs wifhes, in the firfl {{ylc and tafle : they were noted for giving the moft fuperb and elegant entertainments of any in London ; in fhort, fir Peter and lady Peviquil were allowed to be the firfl: fafliionable couple in the great metro- polis. 136 GRASVILLE ABBEY. CHAPTER XIII. Madame Maferini had received re- peated folicitations from her relation, to vifit him in London ; fhe, accord- ingly, a few months after Sifera's death, determined to fee England, confidering it might difpel the melancholy that event had occafioned her: — the chil- dren fhe com.mittcd to the care of a faithful fervant, during her ftay, which was about two months. Mr. Peviquil had not then quitted bufinefc : flie re- ceived the moft polite and friendly at- tention both from him and his lady, and relided totally at their houfe while fhe remained in this country. She always fince that time had fpoken of them to Alfred and Matilda^ as people well w^orthy GRASVILLE ABBEV. I37 worthy their cftccm, and had often re- gretted their living fo far diftant as to make their focicty impoffible. Since his mother*s death, Alfred had received a letter of condolence from fir Peter, who had accidentally heard the news from a friend ; this letter contain- ed a kind and prefling invitation for them to fpend a few months in England ; which offer they were now refolved to accept, provided Alfred could obtain leave of abfence long enough, and per- mifllon to quit his country. This, through intereft, he accomplifhed, on condition he ihould be ready to return at a fhort notice. Matilda, little ufed to the gaiety of the world, though flie had nearly all her life rclided in a city renowned for its luxury and diflipation, confidered that if fhe was pleafed with fir Peter's family-j 138 GRASVILLE ABBEY. family^ by paying a fmall gratuity Hic could refide with them without any in- jconvenience. — This was, in fome degree, Alfred's opinion ; but he was much bet- ter acquainted with mankind, and the dangers that attended a fafhionable life, to view this fcheme in fo pleaiing a light as his filler. — He well knew the diflipated life of intrigue, and other vices, io clofely followed by mofl of the Englifh circles ; he had been neceffi- tated, in fome refpeds, to partake of thefe follies in Paris, which he knew v^ere daily pra6lifed in London ; and his foul lickened at the thought of leaving Matilda expofed to fuch dangers, friendlefs and unprotected . — PoflelTed of that nice fenfe of honour which is fuppofed to conftitute the foldier and the gentleman, it in fome refped: ferved to make- his life uncomfortable. — Ge-- nerous to a great degree, he was never fo happy as "when he could make others foj GRASVILLE ABBEY. 139 fo i but a haughty and f^ubborn pride hurt him when he received an obliga- tion. — Ready to take an affront, and as ready to refent it^ he was fometimes difagreeable company ; yet his perfon, behaviour, and charad:er, procured him admittance to the firft parties. Matilda was totally unacquainted with the vices of the great ; her mother had onQy kept up the fociety of a few friends fince her return to Fmnccj yet her manners were elegant without af- fectation; her deportment graceful, yet eafy, and her accomplifliments by no means inferior ta the firfl: ranks of life. — Yet her ideas of the world in general were entirely ill founded ; fhe judged of others by herfelf, and had fo little notion of the villany of mankind, as to be eafily deceived by any one un- der the mafk of flattery and diiTimula^ tion. After 140 GRASVILLE ABBEY. After fome perfuafions of his fiflcr, Alfred determined to anfwer fir Peter's letter, with an acceptance of his kind invitation ; the fame day month was fixed for their departure, and that pe- riod of time filled up with neccfTary preparations for their journey. Matilda was all expcdlv^tion, yet a deep melancholy dill clouded her future profpedls ; the lofs of her mother prey- ed much on her fpirits ; and while her eye beamed pleafure at the idea of fee- ing London and gay life, a watery gem would oft intrude, and dim its luftre, when {he confidered the diftance fhe Ihould be from the tomb of a parent whom fhe had fo dearly loved, and whofe memory fhe fo much revered. Alfred was filent and thoughtful ; his fpirits were fled ; the contents of the paper written by his mother ferved to perplex and djilrefs him, while his anxiety GRASVILLE ABBEY. I ^X •anxiety for the welfare of his fifler con- -tinually preyed upon his mind. As the time drew nearer for their leaving PariSj he became lefs pleafed with the plan on which they were going to proceed ; he had always heard his mother fpeak highly of the family ; but their fituation in life at that time was entirely differ- ent from the prefent. — Though in a ca- pital line of bulinefs, they neither were confidered, nor looked upon thcmfelves, as people of fafhion ; their manner of living, as he now underftood, was one continual fcene of gaiety and diilipa- tion. Thofe reports might be falfe; and on their being fo, he entirely placed his hopes refpedting Matilda's making one of their family. Sir Peter's letter was extremely friendly; to have refufed what he fo carneftly requefted, would not only have J42r GRASVILLK ABBEV. have been impolite behaviour, but would, v/ithout doubtj have offended him. — This mode of reafoning, in fome degree, lefTened his difquietude ; yet he refolved within himfelf not to leave his lifter in England, without being certain her fi- tuation was flridlly accordant both with propriety and honour. The day of their departure at length arrived. — Matilda, as they paiTed through the gates of the city, bid a me- lancholy adieu to her native country.-!^ The recolledlion of thofe happy juvenile hours fhe had enjoyed M^ith a parent w^hofe tendemefs and maternal fond- nefs fhe never more could experience^ added to her ideas of the friend lefs fi~ tuation and unprote6led condition flie would be left in when parted from her brother, entirely overcame that forti- tude fhe had Hiewn at the beginning of their GRASVILLK ABBEY, M3 their journey ; and almofl convulfcd ^vith grief ihe burfi into an agony of tears. Alfred raifed his head from a reverie which he had been in from their firll fetting off; he conjured his fifter to be compofed, and once more tenderly af- fured her of his proted:ion. — A poft carriage conveyed them from Paris to Calais ; an elderly man attended them, who had lived in the capacity of a fer- vant with their mother, finc€ the death of Edward ; he was by birth an Englifh- man, though he chiefly had refided in France. They were neceflitated to wait fome time for the packet-boat ; Matilda, therefore, who was much indifpofed, retired to take a few hours' reft, while Alfred looked over fome papers of hi« mother's, which were in a fmall trunk. Matilda 144 GRASVILLE AB8BY« Matilda had not yet examined it, fuppofing it to be full of wafte papers, which were of no confequcnce ; fhe only brought it with her to hold a few articles of drefs when fhe arrived in London. After having removed a few of the upper papers, he difcovered a minia- ture of his mother ; it was the fame which Edward found in the abbey, and had the identical piece of ribband hanging to the ring, the remaining part of which had feemingly been broken by force, or by a fudden ihock. — Al- fred looked on the refemblance with at. tention;-he contemplated the features of his departed mother, with a melan- choly pleafure, and fighed at the idea that he never more fhould look on the original. — Clofe to it was the pidiire of his father. — Alfred had always been told he was extremely like him, and for GRASVILLI ABBEY. 14^ for the firft time thought fo himfelf. — Both he and his fifter had often feen the miniatures before their mother's illnefs, and after her death every place was fearched for them, but to no purpofe; nor had they the leaft idea of their being placed in this trunk. Alfred carefully looked over the pa- pers, and found none of them worth no- tice, till he had nearly emptied them all out upon the table, when a roll of parchment, with the name of Sifera Maferini at the bottom, flruck his eye. He immediately perufed it, and found it was written by his aunt, about fix months before her death. — It contained an account of their misfortunes, from his father* 5 firft feeing his mother at the convent, till their return to France, and every minute particular relative to {ig-- nor Maferini's entrance of Grafville Abbey, and his difappearance, — She Vol. I. H . alfo 146 GRASVILLE ABBEY. alfo at one part fcemed to fufped: his coufin^ count D'Ollifont, to be privy to the affair, though he was then in Spain. Alfred's emotion and aflonifhment were paft defcription ; he burnt with ea- ger delire to fee .the inlide of the abbey . but that would now be impofTible, till he fhould return to France. — He knew not how to revenge the lofs of his fa- ther, as no proof could be brought to charge any one with the guilt; — yet, according to what he had read, he could not avoid fuppofing that the count was concerned : nor was there a doubt but his mother alfo intended to have written the fame name He carefully placed the manufcript in a private drawer of his own, and de- termined not to inform his lifter of the event, as her fpirits were already agi- tated GRASVILLE ABBEY. 14,7 tated enough, without any new fource for horror or diftrefs. When flie rofe, he agreeably fur- prifed her by the difcovery of the pic- tures, and informed her he had looked over the papers in the trunk, and could find none but frivolous fragments of no ufe or confequence. They Were obliged to remain at the place till the beginning of the next day : they then crolTed over to Dover, and flept there that night. ^ — Matilda was yet much indifpofed, partly occa- fioned by fea-ficknefs. — The next even- ing, after a fatiguing day of poft-tra- veiling, they found themfelves at a pria<^. cipal inn at London, H2 148 GRASVILLE ABBEY. CHAPTER XIV. Would you rekindle all your ancient fires ? Extinguifh firft your modern vain defires: Still it is yours, your glories to retrieve ; Lop but the branches, and the tree fhall live; With thefe ereft a pile for facrifice ; And in the midft throw all your cards and dice ! When the fouI is totally abforbed in melancholy reflexions on pafl misfor-- tunes/ we are too apt to encourage oppreflive ideas, by taking a retrofpedl of the calamities that may attend fu- turity. Thefe ideas link our ipirits under new horrors and diftrefs ; imagination pre- fents to the fancy troubles and forrows we are never likely to experience. - To CRASVILLE ABBEY. I49 To be too confident of our fuccefs and abilities at the firft out-fet in life, naturally leads to extravagance and negledj we are difappointed at our ambition not being gratified fo early as we expected, and confequently ficken of that employment which occafions our mortification and chagrin. — Yet dif- fidence and timidity are far worfe com- panions to flruggle with through the rugged path of life; we continually ilumble" on dangers and vexations in our hazardous voyage ; while they chiefly contribute to multiply adverfity, and paint the events that may fucceed* worfe than thofe we have already fuf* fered. Fortitude forfakes the breaft which is governed by terror and felf-intereft ; happinefs is no more, the fun-ihine of hope is eclipfed by the heavy cloud of defpair, and we fink into that mifery, H 3 which. l^O GRASVILLE ABBEY. which, through courage and exertion, we might have overcome with honour ;and refped. Matilda did not totally defpair : and Alfred, by converfations of this nature, ftrove to difpel that melancholy which was fettled on her features during the latter part of their journey. — It was entirely through her perfuafion that her brother undertook the affair; ihe was now forry fhe had bialTed his opinion; for fhe even regretted leaving Paris ; and the nearer fhe arrived to London, her pleafure in feeing it gradually de- clined. Refledlion had in a great degree M-- fened thofe expeditions fhe fuppofed would be gratified when fhe entered this city; and the romantic ideas fhe had formed of remaining with fir Peter's family in England, feemed now to have many GHASVILLE ABBEY. rjl many obllacles which fhe never before thought of. It was about fix o'clock in a wet uncomfortable evening of February, when they arrived at the inn^ — After fome little time the chief part of their baggage was put into a hackney coach, and Leonard, who ^vas tolerably wtU acquainted with London, difpatched in it to Grofvenor-fquare, with a polite meflage, faying his mailer and mifs Maferini ' would pay their refped:s in perfon, in lefs than two hours. Alfred and Matilda, having ordered coifee, remained till near eight; during which time they made fome little al- teration in their drefs. — They then ftept into a hack, and ordered it alfo to drive to Sir Peter Peviquil's, in Grof- venor-fquare. H 4 Neither Jl.ja GRASVILLE ABBEY. Neither of them was under any em- barraflment concerning the Englifh language, as they both had been ufed to converfe in it from their childhood, and pronounced it nearly as well as their own language. On their arrival at the place to which they had ordered the coachman to drive, the fquare was full of carriages; nor did they obferve more than one hack- ney-coach in the whole train: — they Hopped clofe to it, unable to proceed any - farther for the crowd. — Alfred looked out to fee if there was any proba- bility of their getting nearer to fir Pe- ter's houfe, which he was informed was on the oppoiite fide of the fquare ; when, to his inexpreflible furprife, by the light of a footman's flambeau, who paifed at the fame time, he. be- held Leonard in the coach he had be- fore CRASVILLE ABBEY. I53 fore noticedj feated with the baggage in the fame flate as when he fet out from the inn. The man at the fame moment recog- nifed his mafler, and acquainted him that he found, from his firfl entrance into the fquarc, it would be impoffible for him to get to the door of fir Peter's houfe, there being a grand entertain- ment there in honour of his daughter's birth-day ; and that the gentlemen's carriages would not permit a common hack to draw up : — he was, therefore, afraid to go himfelf in fearch of it, on account of the baggage he mufl have left behind ; but he faid he had fent fe- veral meffages to the fervants concern- ing his fituation, but that he had re- ceived no anfwer.. Alfred was vexed, yet he could not help fmiling at the fellow's recital : they H 5 were ^54 GRASVILLE ABBEY, were now in a line of carriages leading to the houfe ; he Jcnew it would be feme time before they could arrive there; yet to walk would be almofl: im- poflible, on account of his lifter^ as the rain poured down with uncommon vio- lence. — They therefore determined to wait till the coach, in due courfe, ihould draw up to the door ; in about twenty minutes they found themfelves before the entrance of fir Peter's man- iion. The coachman, by Alfred's order, knocked a fingle rap :-^a footman in a handfome livery appeared ; he afked in a furly manner, what was wanted? the man anfwered, a gentleman in a hackney coach wanted to fee fir Pe- ter Peviquil. The footman replied with fome info- lcnce> " his mailer could not then be fpoke GRASVILLE ABBEY. ^55 fpoke with/' and immediately fhut the door. Alfred's pride (who overheard this converfation), took fire; — he diredlly gave the coachman a card^ and ordered him to knock a double rap at the door, and defire the fervant to deliver it to fir Peter. The man at firfl hefitated, but at laft complied with the requefl. — In a ihort time he returned with a polite mefTage from fir Peter, requefting they would make his houfe their home ; and that he himfelf would, if poflible, welcome them to England in lefs th^i an hour. The fervant was now all civility ; both the coaches were difcharged, and Leo- nard faw the baggage fafe in the houfe, while Alfred' and Matilda were con- H 6 duded 1^6 GRASVILLE ABBEY. dudled by fir Peter's valet through a noble hall, elegantly adorned with lamps, and lined with fervants in wait- ing, to a handfome parlour. — The houfe feemed in total confufion 1 and the number of fafhionable company and no- bility that was there, was evident from their names being announced, as they afcended the great flairs leading to the rooms of reception. Sir Peter's genteel condudl in fome degree compenfated for the imperti- nence of his porter, and banilhed that anger from Alfred's bofom, which the infolence of the latter had occafioned. In about two hours the gentleman him- felf appeared: he tenderly embraced them both, and exprefled, with the moft pleafing affability, his happinefs in feeing them in London: he regretted (he faid) the etiquette which prevent- ed GRASVILLK ABBEY- 157 cd lady Peviquil and his daughter from leaving the rooms above, to perform the duties of hofpitality and polite- nefs ; but that he was fure they would impatiently wait for the bj'eak- fafl hour in the morning, to be in- troduced to their amiable relations. He, however, begged they would make themfelves happy I order fup- per, and retire to reft at what time they thought proper, as chambers were prepared for them, and alfo proper ac- commodation for their fervant. — He then took his leave for the reft of the evening, and left the young travellers highly delighted with his courteous be- haviour. They made but a fhort repaft, though the table . was fpread with dainties ele- gantly fcrved up; about twelve they defired to be conduced to their differ- ent 1^8 GRASVILLE ABBEY. cnt apartments ; but the noife of the houfe, and their own refledtions, pre- vented either of them from enjoying repofe. GRASViLLE ABBEY. 159 CHAPTER XV. 1 HE noife and confulion in the houfe did not feem over before four in the morning ; — Matilda heard the doors fallened half an hour after ; — and a- bout five, filence reigned through every part. She once more flrove to drive away- uncomfortable reflections, and fell into a difturbed flumber : diftrefling dreams haralTed her imagination with horrid vifions ; the figure of her mother was conflantly before her eyes, reproaching her for entering a houfe remarkable for gaiety and dillipation. She awoke about ten, but little re- freflied^ l6o GRASVILLE ABBEY. frefhed, and hurried up for fear of de- taining the breakfaft-table ; but to her gre;at furprife, as Ihe defcended the flair-cafe, a fervant was, but juft open- ing the windows. She inquired at what hour the family alTembled in the break- faft parlour; the man anfwered, gene- rally at half paft eleven, fometimes twelve. Alfred had been up near an hour, and was equally aftonifhed with his lifter, at the fervant's intelligence : — he propofed a walk round the fquare, till the fitting-rooms were in order ; which fhe gladly accepted. Matilda feized the opportunity to alk her brother, confidering the little they had ken^ how he liked their litua- tion; — and alfo his opinion of lir Peter. Alfred GRASVILLE ABBEY. 16^1 Alfred replied, from the fhort time he had been in company of fir Peter Pcviquil, he feemed to be a man who would interefl any one in his favour, even at a firft interview. " But, Matilda," faid he, '' we mufl not depend too much on the fmooth, well-timed fpeeches of a man of fafhion : for though both he and the family in general were friendly and agreeable in every refped:, yet their manner of living would kill you. — Leo- nard informed me lafl night, that he had learnt from the fervants, the family hardly ever retired to reft before three or four in the morning; — that they were never without company when at home, and that their rooms are filled with the firft people of diftindion and fafhion. — Even if their diflipation did not affecl your health, you certainly mufl confider how improper a fituation this iSl GRASVrLLE ABBEY. this is, for a young woman whofe for- tune is barely competent to fupport her. Matilda acquiefced with his obferva- tion, yet was hurt at the idea of her own iniignificance. In about an hour they returned to the houfe ; — preparations were made for breakfaft, but the family had not aflembled. Sir Peter, in a fhort time, entered the room, and introduced his lady, daughter, and fon. Lady Peviquil was, in perfon, tall and elegant, her deportment was grace- ful, and in her manner fhe was the woman of fafhion ; — yet a haughty pride in her difpofition was vifible, even to a common beholder, at firft light; and €RASVILLE ABBEY. 163 and cafl a deep fhade over thofe ac- compli fhments which fhowed her a lady of rank. — Mifs Peviquil had the day before entered her nineteenth year; fhe was tall^ genteel, lively, and good tempered; in the ornamental part of education fhe was accompliihed, but, like her mother, a total ftranger to do- meftic duties. — In converfation, fhe was gay and witty, and accounted, by the connoifTeurs of fafhionable manners, a tolerably fmart pretty girl. Henry Peviquil was one-and-twenty ; entirely free from pride, handfome in his perfon, and pleafing in his beha- viour and addrefs ; extremely diflipated, and fond of being thought fo. He had received the education of a gentleman, . and was left a fortune of fix hundred a year by an uncle of his mother's. — He was fhortly expeded to 164 SRASVILLE ABBEY. fet out on the grand tour, and onl^ waited till a proper companion could be obtained. The young travellers were treated in the moll friendly manner by fir Peter. — Lady jPeviquil, her daughter, and Ma- tilda, took an airing in the coach ; while Henry drove his new friend round Hyde Park in his curricle. Cards were delivered out to form a feled: party of friends in the evening, who were to be introduced to the young foreigners. At their return, they drefled for din- ner, which was ferved up by candle- light. — The feled party at night con- fifted of about thirty perfons of fafhion and diftindtion. — The formal introduc- tion ,to them all by her ladyfhip, was tirefome and difagreeable to Matilda; yet GRASVILLE ABBEY. 165 yet file returned the compliments of each individual with a grace which did honour even to the drawing-room of fir Peter Peviquil. Alfred had been ufed to the gaieties of Paris, and bejng as well verfed as his fifter in the Englifh language, found himfelf under no embarraflment in a London company. The next day he declared his inten- tion of taking lodgings for himfelf and fervant ; this was ftrongly oppofed by fir Peter ; but he perfifted in his refolu- tion, and begged the afliftance of Mr. Peviquil in the undertaking. — Henry with his ufual good-nature, eagerly complied with the requeft, and declared, he knew of handfome apartments that were to be let in Bond-ftreet; which was no great diftance from Grofvenor- fquare, and made it the more agreeable, as l66 GRASVILLE ABBEy. ' as fir Peter requefled he would fpend as much of his time as poflible with him and his family. The gentlemen viewed the rooms that morning, while the ladies attend- ed a muiic-meeting. — Alfred approved much of their fituation and convenience ; he immediately engaged them^ and was to take poffeffion the next day. Henry Peviquil was engaged for the beginning of the evening, and fir Peter rather indifpofed with a cold ; it was therefore agreed that Alfred ihouldefcort her lady fhip, his fifter, and mifs Peviquil to the theatre; and a ftage-box was accordingly retained for them. Matilda was delighted with the tra- gedy, which was Hamlet : — although her knowledge of the language would not GRASVILLE ABBEY. 167 not permit her to underfland every fen. fence, yet fhe could perfedly make out the plot and management of the piece ; and was charmed with the ingenuity of the author. — Her ladyfhip paid more attention to the company than to the flagf ; while her daughter was entirely taken up in obferving Alfred, whofe attention was fixed on a lady in the op- pofite box. — Her figure and manner charmed him ; in fhort, the latter part of the evening he quite negleded the performance. In the notice he took of the fair incognita. At the clofe of the entertainment, Alfred inquired of lady Peviquil the name of the young lady oppclite them : her ladyfhip anfwered, ^* It was lady Caroline Albourn, daughter of lord Al- bourn, a nobleman renowned for his large fortune and good charadler; and, lady Caroline/' continued her ladyfhip, '' is I.6S GRASVILLE ABBEY. " is allowed to be a beautiful and ac- complifhed young lady.** — ^' My ideas, my lady/* returned Alfred, " perfectly agree, in the former obfervation, with the opinion of the world/' '' Lord ! Mr. Maferini,** faid mifs Peviquil, hurt at the compliment paid to another, " furely there are as hand- fome women in the houfc as lady Caro- line Albourn. ** Pardon me, madam," replied Al- fred, '' all are handfome ; yet fome more beautiful than others ; nor can the remark be more fully exemplified, than when lady Caroline or mifs Peviquil make their appearance." This well-turned compliment entirely ftifled the refentment of the lady, and fhe immediately refumed her ufual gaiety and good temper. As GRASVILLE ABBEY. 1 69 As they crofTed the lobby, they were met by Henry Peviquil, who, after helping Alfred to aflifl the ladies to their coach, (lopped him from follow- ing,- ^' Ladies/* faid he, ^' I muft rcqucfl: you will difpenfe with the company of your knight-errant from conducing you home, as I arrefl him for the re- mainder of the night. — ^Therefore, my dear Maferini, take leave of the fair damfels, and follow me." Alfred begged to be excufed, and defired he would confider there were none but ladies in the coach. ^ *' Oh I'* returned Henry, " there is a footman behind, who is able to defend twice as many.** << I do not take it kind of you,*' faid Vol. I. I her 170 GRASVILLE ABBEY^ her ladyfhip, '' to force Mr. Maferini from us, if you do not like to attend yourfelf." Matilda was anxious her brother fhould return with them, and mifs Pe- viquil afraid of lofing the gallant con- verfation of the young Frenchman: but it availed- nothing :-^Henry, after begging alt their pardons, and declar- ing he would make it up with them in the morning, clofed the coach door, and ordered the coachman to drive home. He then laid hold of Alfred's arm, and told him- he rnufl now introduce him to a fet of friends, whofe names he did not choofe to mention before the ladies: " for though,'* faid he, "lam not a gamefter my felf, yet I fpend fome of my time in the faihionable company of thofe who love play.'* Alfred GRASVIttE ABJfeY; I7I Alfred was rather difpleafed at his impetuous behaviour; but confidered it as the warmth of his friendfhip, and the confequence of his having partaken that evening rather too freely of the bottle. They arrived, after fomc time, at a well-known houfe in. St. James*s-ftreet, and were condudted to the room of fafhionable company. Alfred was ftruck with their appear- ance : — the horrid countenances of fome, whom fortune had not fb favoured that evening, — the intoxicated joy of others 'who had emptied the pockets of their friends, — and the 'extreme agita- tion of the whole afTembly, whofe ex~ pedlations were all on the table, made it a fcene of difagreeable refledtion to thofe who had never been addidled to that deftrudlive vice. I 2 Alfred 172 GRASVILLE ABBEV. Alfred plainly perceived his compa- nion was well known to them ; he was afked to play, but refufed; and Alfred likewife begged to remain out, but was obliged to bet, that he might not feem particular, as all thofe who did not fit down, kid on the fuccefs of each player; — but the flakes were not large at their part of the room. In about an hour a table was vacant, and a party accordingly mu fie red to fill it. Alfred was over perfuaded, and fat down with Henry Peviquil, who propofed no high play: — this was unanimoufly agreed upon, and a fmall fum fettled, ^^o the fatisfadion of every perfon. — They broke up in about three hours, - and Alfred found himfelf a winner of about a guinea. — -He was compliment- ed on his judgment of the game, and invited for the next evening. — Henry and Alfred both returned to Grofvenor- fquare. GRASVILLE ABBEV. 1^2 fquare, and arrived there about four in the morning. When the family met the next day, Henry Peviquil made his peace with the ladies; — but he found more diffi- culty in the undertaking than he ex- peded :— his mother and fifter were ferioufly offended ; nor could Matilda forgive him, though {he was necefli- tated to fay to the contrary. Alfred was far from being difpleafed with the company he had feen; ftruck as he was at firft with their appearance, the latter part of the time they feemed more agreeable to him ; and their ready acquiefcence to play for a fmall fum, confirmed him in the miflaken opinion that they were not a common clafs of gamblers. — He was not averfe to meet them the following evening, nor did morning refle(5tion by any means alter I 3 hLs 174 GRASVILLE ABBEY, his ideas concerning the tranfadiom of the night. ' Lady Peviquil informed them, fhe had fummoned a numerous company for that evening, *^ and among the reft/'^ added her ladyship, with a fmile, which was well underftood, ^ I expedl lord Alboyrn and his daughter.*' Alfred was ftruck with aftoQiftipicnt —he had engaged himfelf to the party in tSt. JamesVftreet ; but this obflacle to his wifhes he determined to furmount, hy begging Henry Peviquil to make his ^xcufe, as he could not poffibly be guilty of fuch impolite behaviour, as %0 abfent hjmfelf from lady Peviquirs, drawing-room, when flie herfelf re- queued his company. — But he might have faved himfelf the trouble, as Hen- ry intended* to fpend the fore-part oi the evening in Grofvenor-fquare ; yet he GRASVULt aSBEY. 175 he infilled on Alfred's accompanying him there, after the rooms clofed, which, he fuppofed, would not be very late. 176 CRASVILLE ABBEY, CHAPTER XVI, JVlATILDA took' more pains than ufual at the toilet: — fhe underflood from lady Peviquil that numbers of fafhionable people were to be there ; fhe therefore confidered it would be a compliment to her ladylhip to make fbme few additions to her drefs, which confided of white fatin. — She wore the pidlure of her father fufpended on her bofom, by a gold crofs and chain ; her appearance was beautiful, and flie received no fmall compliments from fir Peter and his fon. — Lady Peviquil and her daughter were rather cool in their behaviour, and fecmed envious of her fuperior beauty and elegance. The GRASVILLE ABBEV. .177 The rooms began to fill at nine o'clock, and many perfons of diftinc- tion were announced : among the reft the Spanifh ambalTador was ufhered in, and begged to introduce to fir Peter and his lady, an intimate friend, who had accompanied him from Spain-: to England. - The gentleman was a foreign- er of note, rather in the decline of life t yet his perfon was handfome, and his manners elegant and accompli filed ;— his excellency had not yet been made known to Alfred or Matilda j fir Peter therefore introduced them both at one time, the firfi: as the Spanifii ambaflTa- dor,'the fecond as count D'Oliifont, Alfred was ftruck, motionlels with horror and furprife ; the fuppofed mur- derer of his father flood before him : — nor was the count *s embarralfinent lefs ; for before fir Peter could, mention the name of Maferini,. he cafi his eye on I 5 the I-yg GRASVILLE ABBEY. the pidlure of their father ; his counte- nance immediately turned pale, and he Ihowed the greatefl emotion. Matilda, though fhe had never heard her mother fpeak highly of the count, received him with politenefs ; but Al- fred, after a few cold compliments, joined lord Albourn and his daughter at another part of the room. The behaviour of both gentlemen was generally noticed : — but each c^- cufed himfelf, by laying it was furprife at the fudden introduction to a relation almoft unknown. The count feemed ftruck with Ma- tilda's figure and addrefs ; he chiefly at- tended her the whole evening; which caufed great envy and uneafinefs in the breafts of her fair friends ,- among thefe was mifs Peviquil, who was extremely hurt GRASVILLfi ABBEY. 179 hurt at being forfaken by Alfred Mafe- rini, and more fo at receiving fuch a few compliments from the? ambafTador and his friend. Alfred dedicated the whole evening to lady Caroline, nor did fhe feem by any means difpleafed at the attention paid her by the young Frenchman ; her father gave him a general invita- ijion to Soho-fquare, as the friend and relation of fir Peter Peviquil. The agreeable converfation he had with the young lady, in fome meafure made up for the furprifc, hprror, and diflatisfaAion he felt at an introduiflion to the count. The attention paid Matilda by her relation did not pafs unnoticed by her brother ; he determined next day to hint to his filler his diflike of him, without 1 6 entering igO GRASVILLE ABBET. entering into a particular detail of cir- cumftances, which would only diftrefs and perplex her. The rooms began to thin about twelve ; and in a little time after, lord Albourn and his daughter took their leave; Alfred conducted the latter to her carri^e, then joined Henry Pevi- quil, and proceeded to St. James's- ftreet. The fame company was afTembled with fome additions ; and one of the Grangers was at the table where Henry and his friend were placed ; they played higher than the night before, and Al- fred, at the breaking up of the party about half paft four in the morning, found himfelf a lofer of thirty pounds ; he paid the money without the leaft chagrin, and was promifed his revenge the next evening. — Henry Peviquil was GRASVILLE ABBEY. igl was alfo declared a debtor to the table^ of twenty guineas. — They parted a little way from the houfe, — the latter for Grofvenor-fquare, — the former for his new lodgings in Bond-llreet. Matilda had taken notice of her bro- ther at his introduction to the count, nor could fhe conceive a reafon for his abrupt behaviour; her furprife^ how- ever, was greatly heightened at the flighting manner in which he f].x)ke of him, when they were alone the fol- lowing day. — In vain fhe afked his meaning for the diflike he fhe wed ; the more they converfed on the fubjedl, his converfation appeared the more ftrangc and intricate. — His ideas alfo feemed entirely .changed concerning their reii- dence in London; her fears of difli- pation and bad hours he laughed at ; de- clared himfelf pleafed with fir Peter's family; l82 .ORASVILLE ABBEY. family ; and would not permit her to mention a wifh of leaving it. Alfred was a conftant attendant at Lord Albourn's, the fore part of the day; the latter he generally fpent in the gay family of fir Feter ; and the night and beginning of the morning at a gaming table i he was now univer- fally known as a man of fafhion^ and his name familiar in the firft circles, as the diflipated, lively, and handfome Frenchman. His fifler faw, with concern, the ef- fedls of their London journey ; {he could plainly obferve her brother's fortune would be foon exhaufted, in the man- ner he lived; — his character, as a gambler, was conftantly made free with, and his midnight exploits and quarrels commonly mentioned in general convcr- fations. GRASVILLE ABBEY. l8j fations. — Her own fituation was alfb particularly difagreeable — Harafled by the afliduities of the count and many- other admirers, fhe was continually plagued with their importunities and flattery. — Lady Peviquil had entirely thrown off the few amiable qualities ilie feemed to poflefs ; and being fur- ther acquainted with her circmmftances and friendlefs fituation, ihe treated her little better than a dependent on her ijounty. Mifs Peviquil hated her for her beau- ty, and was hardly civil ; in vain Ma- ''tilda begged her brother to leave Eng- land, and return to France ; he laughed at her complaints; fhe requefled him only to condud; her there, and fhe would immediately place herfelf in a convent, and caufe him no further trou- ble: — but her felicitations were vain; the deftrudive vice of gaming had al- ready 184 GRASVILLE ABBKY, ready taken pofleilion of him : everj obftacle, difficulty, arid intereft, va- nifhed before it; even the welfare of his fifter, the honour of his family, the treatment of his father, and the defire he had to fee Grafville Abbey, were thought of no more, when the gaming- table appeared; lady Caroline was aU mofl forgot; in fhort, every fentiment of fortitude, courage, and humanity, with other virtues which flamped on him the name of a gentleman and a foU dier, were almoft fwallowed up in a curfed infatuation for a fafhionable vice# Sir Peter, who was entirely governed by his lady, paid fcarceiy any attention to his fair relation : — die whole family treated her with the utmoft indifference^ except Henry Peviquil : — his gallantry, like that of the count, was entirely dif- gufting ; and the moft villanous views appeared CRASVILLE ABBEY. l8$ appeared under the oiafk of fncndly concern and pity for her fituation ; he would often hint his knowledge of her circumftances, and the extravagance of her brother, which extravagance he iirft introduced him to : — his difcourfe would then turn into violent proteft- ations of his regard for her, and admi- ration of her beauty and accomplilli- ments. Before Alfred, he ihewed no further figns of particularity in his behaviour than what common politenefs required. Affairs were in this flate, when one evening, at a grand ball given by lady Peviquil, a ftranger was introduced un- der the name of Milverne, an only fon of a lord of that name : he was juft ar- rived from Italy, where he had attend- ed his father, who was in a declining .flate of health: — his elegant figure and agreeable manners were univerfally no- ticed ! 1^6 GRASVILLE ABBEY. y ticed : — he was rcquefted to open the t^ntertainment with a minuet, and a lady >as alfo fixed en for that purpofe ; but the latter being rather indifpofed, de- clined the ceremony and fatigue attend- ing on fingle dancing : the young gen- tleman was therefore obliged to take another partner, and he immediately requefted the hand of Matilda: praifes were whifpered through every part of the room, at the elegance and grace of the young performers; nor did Mr. Milveme's attention end here; he con- tinued among the crowd of her ad- mirers the whole evening, and greatly interrupted the foft fpeeches of the count. Alfred danced with lady Caroline; but he was by no means (b great a fa- vourite with his lordiliip as at their firft interviews ; nor did he feem pleafed with his daughter's refigning her hand to GRASVILLE ABBEY. 187 to him as a partner : lady Caroline her- fclf appeared much attached to him^ and Matilda thought fhe could per- ceive, in her eyes and manner, fome- thing more than common regard; yet file never, in the feveral vifits and times file had fetn her ladyfhip, which had brought on an intimacy between the young ladies,- receivM the leafl infor- mation to confirm the opinion her ideas had fuggcfled. The company broke up about five in the morning ; — Matilda, vexed with the impertinence of the count and Hen- ry Peviquil, yet pleafed with the con- verfation of Mr. Milverne :— her bro- ther equally hurt at the cool manner and treatment of Lord Albourn, but happy in finding his lordfhip's fenti- ments againfl him were not imbibed by his fair daughter. l88 GRASVILLE ABBEY* CHAPTER XVII REFLECTION, The thoughts of glory paft, the prefent fiiame, A thoufand griefs fhall waken at the name. Pop£*s Homer, There are a number of vicious and licentious vices, which will fo far triumph over human nature, as to fe- duce thofe from a track of virtue, that for years have been refpedtcd as valu- able members of fociety.— -Yet we fee few but what at fome time or other, feel the mod fevere pangs from remorfe of confcience, and a retrofpedl of the fair character they once held in the world : contrafl:ed with the fcorn and flighting treatment they are neceffitated to fuffer from many, who, at an early part GRASVILLE ABBEY. 1 89 part of life would have been proud of their efleem, yet have lived to behold their fuperiors reduced to the lowell flate of penury and diftrefs. Refkdion is never more poignant than when happy fcenes^ once enjoyed, are compared with the mifery of a pre- fent (late, — which mifery has been oc- cafioned by negledl, indolence, or ex- travagance. — The moft abandoned ex- perience moments, when acute 'feelings aflail them with redoubled force; yet thefe feelings in fome meafure ferve only to harden them in their crimes, and drive them to adls of defperation. — On others they take different efFedl; repentance, and ihame for what is paft> urge them to amend for. the future; give them ftrength and inclination to difentangle themfelves from thofe em- barraffinents they are plunged into, and 190 GRASVILLE ABITEY. and make them more cautious and warr through the remainder of life. ' Alfred, at ferious intervals, was nearly diflracfled with the idea of his own con- dudl ; yet he hid no power to reform : thofe refolutions of amendment, made in a morning, were thought of no more when the gambling hour approached; his care for the Avelfare of his fifter would fometimcs make him thought- ful in the midft of dilTipapon, but he was laughed at by his gay companions, and fuffered to be melancholy no more. - His pride was hurt at the behaviour of lord Albourn ; yet he knew he me- rited it ; and his love for lady Caroline flill drew him to a houfe where he was received by its owner with little cordi- ality and politenefs. Nor ^J> GRASVILI.E ABBEy, 191 Nor did count D'OUifont's attention to his fifler altogether pafs his notice : — his natural jealoufy made him believe fhe really liked his addrefles, and he in- ftantly miflook common civility for re- turned afFedion. His hatred againfl the count was the fame, yet he had feldom time to think of it : — but he now rejfolved to give Matilda her aunt's manufcript, let th^ uneafinefs it might occafion her, be ever fo diflreiling : fhe was accordingly told, a few days after, that her brother's fer- vint requelled to fpeak with her; fhe was glad of this opportunity to fee Leo- nard alone ; having wifhed much to queflion him concerning Alfred's man- ner of living ; and though fhe felt her- felf hurt at caufing the man to betray his maf^er'r affairs, yet fhe knew it to be an expedient abfolutely neceffary un- der their prefent circumflances, - The 192 GJlASVILLE ABBEV* The poor fellow's countenance clearly told all was not right; Matilda was fhocked at his appearance;^ fhe had ftGix him but once fince he moved with his mafler to Bond-ftreet ; and the vi- fible change in his perfon plainly diC- covered the efFedls of irregular hours ^ He delivered to her the paper fealed up ; — and, after inquiring her health, and telling her he was forry he had troubled her, but that he was ordered to deliver it into her own hands, he would have departed : — Matilda flop- ped him, and begged to know if he had been ill. The tear almoft flarted from his eyes. —"No,. madam, I thank you/' — was alj he could anfwer, '* For heaven's fake, Leonard,'* con- tinued Matilda, deeply affeded with this GRASVILLE ABBEY 193 this mark of his attachment, '' tell mc from whence this uneafmefs proceeds j I am fure you are not well : — perhaps my brother's houfe does not fuit your conflitution. Leonard feemcd hurt that he had gone fo far, and, after ftammering an excufe, would again have withdrawn ; but fhe infifted on his fitting down, and ordei-ed fome refrefhment : — that was however ufelefs ; his appetite was gone, and he fecmed in the laft ftage of con- fumption. — She then implored him by the love he bore her family, and by the regard he had for his mailer and her- felf, to inform her of every circumflancc relative to his affairs : — " for I am certain," continued Matilda, '^ they arc in a difagreeable fituation ; the expen- five manner in which he lives, added to his fondnefs for play, confirms thofe reports which have been hinted to me Vol. I. K by 194 GRASVILLB ABBEY, hy many, whom I know to be well ac- quainted with his proceedings. The man fecmed flruck with allo- nifhment at her knowledge of thofe cir- cumftances he had dreaded to commu- nicate to her ; and confefled, by the ap- pearance and behaviour of his mafter, the worft might be expedled ; — that the hours he kept were unreafonable, and that his manner often fhewed him to be diftradlcd. He alfo told her, he knew he had drawn on monlieur La Mecie feveral times ; '' in fhort, my dear lady,** continued Leonard, " he is quite an altered man ; and he fome- timcs returns home in a morning, after I have been fitting up for him all night, in fuch ill temper, that it cuts me to the heart.** Matilda found hcrfelf incapable of bearing this interview any longer with fortitude ; GXASVILLE AB3EV ^n foititude; ilie therefore difmifled the faithful fervant, with repeated alTur- anccs of her efteem for him, and a re- quefl: that if any other circumflances Ihould arife concerning her brother, he would immediately repair to Grof- venor-fquare, and relate them to her. She dire6lly retired to her chamber, and broke open the letter: fignora Maferi- ni's manufcript dropped from the cover, on which Alfred kid wrote a kw I'ines. He concluded with faying, he could plainly perceive by, her manner, fhe had an attachment for count D*011ifont, which gave hi in the greatefl uneafinefs ; and though he had hitherto kept the in- clofcd from her fight, through motives of tendemcfs„ yet tloe common force of nature urged him to take every me- thod in his power to prevent her form- ing a wretched alliance with a villain, the fuppofed murderer of their father. K 2 The 196 GRASVILLE ABBEY. The paper fell from her hand, and •Ihe fainted in the chair. — Mifs Peviquil •at that moment opened the door : — Ihe ■was aftonifhed to fee Matilda in a fit, but immediately rang the bell. A fer- vant attended : water and hartfhorn wei"e procured, and fhe recovered in a Ihort time ; both papers lay on the floor, but fortunately were not obferved by either of the fervants or Mifs Peviqnil, during their attendance on their fair patient ; but, at the beginning of her recovery, they were taken up by her own woman, who was going to deliver them to her lady, not thinking Matilda able to take them : — yet her ideas were not fo deranged but a recolledion of their contents ftruck her with the impropriety of their being feen by the family j Ihe therefore exerted her ut- moft flrength, and, though not able to fpeak, fnatched them from the girl's hand. GRASVILLE ABBEY. 19*^ hand, and hurried them into her pock- et with the utmoft precipitation. Mifs Peviquil felt hcrfelf hurt at the difappointment her curiofity fuffered by not feeing the letters which had caufed fuch violent emotion in her friend : fhe diredly fufpedled it to be a love affair, and malicioufly determined to be revenged on her, by relating the whole ftory in company : — with thefe charitable refolutions flie took leave, requefling to fee her in the drawing- room, as Mr. Milverne and fome; other gentlemen had paid them a morn- ing vifit, and v/ere inquiring after her health. — Matilda returned her many- thanks for her care and attention, and promifed to join them in a few mi- nutes. Mr. Milverne had been a conflant attendant at lir Peter's, fince his firft K J intro- 1^8 GRASVILLt ABBEY. introduction at the ball : — his parti- cular poiitenefs to Matilda plainly told fhe was the chief magnet which drew . him to the houfe ; and though lady Peviquii was not by any means pleafed with this information, which was firll hinted to her by her daughter, yd (he knew not how to difmifs from her parties a young gentleman of high birth, noble charadler, and elegant ac- complifhments. — Their only hope was that he could not poffibly entertain any ferious ideas of an honourable conncc^ tion, without his father*s confent ,- — which confent they were partly cer-^ tain would never be granted, on ac* count of the old gentleman's avaricious, difpofition. Every one expreffed their concern at the languid appearance of Matilda, when Ihe entered the room : — fhe ex- cufcd 6RASV1LLE AJBBIY, 199 cufed herfelf by her having been rather indifpofed that irrorning. " Pardon me, mils Mafcrini/' -<(fc-. turned Mr. Milverne, ^' your health ieems on the decline : and though I do not mean to alarm you^ yet I think the country abfolutely necelTary to reflore that bloom to your countenance, which, through fine feelings, has too often va- nifhed at the entrance of a fympathe^ tic tear occaiioned by a tale of woe, or a recital of the misfortunes of others. Both lady Peviquil and her daugh- ter fmiled with contempt. — Matilda thanked him, and faid, fhe fhortly in- tended to leave England, as flie did not find the climate ao-ree with her conftitution. K 4. He 200 GRASVILLE ABBEY. He changed colour inftantly ; — his furprife and eniotion was vifible to all.*- — " To leave Endand, madam 1" he replied. — ^Having recollecfted him- felf, he in a more compofed manner alked her, if her refolution to that pur- pofe was not very fuddenly taken. Mifs Peviquil confidered this would be a fit opportunity to exercife her ill- nature, which was greatly heightened l)y Mr. Milverne*'s behaviour to Ma- tilda, on the . circumftance , of the let-< ter; and immediately anfwered to. that gentleman's queftion, by fignifi- caht hints, that it was a diforder in the heart, which was extremely difficult to- be cured : — fhe then, with the utmoft irony and malice, related the affair in the moft ridiculous terms, and con- cluded with a requefl to know the name of her admirer. Mr. GRASVILLE ABBEY. 201 Mr. Milverne feemed petrified : — Matilda was flriick with aftonifliment at her converfation ; the infulting and malicious wit of mifs Peviquil was more than ihe could fupport : — nor had Ihe power to utter a word, but burft into a flood of tears. Her bro- ther at that moment was announced, and entered the drawing-room. The embarrafTment of the whole party was general : — the gentlemen, who,^ except Mr. Milverne, were chiefly fl:rangers, teflified their appro- bation of mifs Peviquil's recital by laughing; but the idea that their mirth had drawn tears from a beauti- ful young woman, cafl: a gloom on their countenance, and gave them no very favourable opinion of her whofe fati- rical talents had fo much entertained them. K S 202 GRASVILLE ABBEY, CHAPTER XVIII. Alfred Maferini was going to pay the compliments of the morning with more than ufual gaiety, when the fight of Matilda, flriving to conceal her tears, flruck his eyes ; her manner and peculiar Htuation prevented his utter- ance. Reiledlion darted on his memo- ry, and his late ill-treatment of her ap- peared in the moil black and villanous colours : — fhc had been mfulted, he could perceive J — friendlefs and un- proteded, fhe had no one to take her part : — their mother had always re- commended Matilda to his care : — how had he fulfilled her requefl ? — by cruel indifference, when fhe was fur- rounded with feducers, danger, and diiTipa- GRASVILtE ABBEY. 203 diflipation ; — in fhort_, every part of his behaviour, fince their refidence ift London, prefented itfelf in the moft fliamcful light, and the ideas of his own bafcncfs kept him motionlefs fome time. The filence was not broken, till he himfelf, ^with the utmoft tendernefs, afked his fifler the caufe of her tears.—* She found he \va^ hurt ; and the recol- Jedtion of his former kindnefs, contrail- ed with his prefent condiid, threw her into another agony of weeping. Fie immediately turned^ and, with the greateft indignation in his looks, afked an explanation of his filler's uneafinefs, which he faid he fjppofed w^as occa- fioned by fome aifront fhe was unable to refent. — *' If fo," continued Alfred, , '* I am arrived here in proper time, t6 K 6 afford. a04 GRASVILLE ABBEY. afford that prote(5lion which by duty I am bound, and by inclination I am mofl willing to give.'' Mr. Milverne was the only gentle- man he had any knowledge of in the room ; he had noticed that he in gene- ral paid particular attention to Matilda ; his wild imagination inftantly took fire, and whifpered him he was the perfon who fhould anfwer for the injury. No fooner had this thought fuggefted it- •felf, than, in a refolute tone, he in- lifted on his refolving the queftion. Mr. Milverne ftarted from a reverie, which the late converfation had thrown him into, and, with a manly compo- fure, addreffed the diftracfted Alfred : — *' Moft willingly, fir ! My carriage is at the door : — if you will favour me with yo^r company round the Park, I will inform GRASVILLE ABBEY. 205 inform you of the whole affair ; and permit me to fay, fir, had mifs Mafe- rini's brother been always as anxious after her welfare and happinefs, there would have been no caufe for him to have requefted information, or my af- fi fiance to have given it." This juft reproach ftruck the young Frenchman to the heart; he frowned, and they left the room together. The gentlemen v/ho remained fooii after took their leave. — Matilda found herfelf alone with lady Peviquil and her daughter. — The fituation was dif- treflingj but fhe was foon relieved from it, as both retired to their drefT- ing rooms ; the latter making an auk- ward apology for the unhappinefs fhe had occafioned. Mr. Milverne in the moft friendly terms 206 GRASVILLE ABBEY, terms informed Alfred of the cruel treatment his lifter had received, not only that morning, but at many other times, when he himfelf had in the fame manner been witnefs to it. — He con- jured him to remove her from fir Peter Peviquil's, — reminded him it was a houfe of diflipation, pride, and luxury,— beg- ged him to confider how dangerous many parts of the company were to a young lady but newly entered in- to the gaieties pf life: — he even hint- ed his fufpicions of Harry Peviquil, and count D' Ollifcnt. — This name touched Alfred to the foul — he made no anfwer, but heaved a convulfive figh. Mr. Milveme ftill continued, " My attention to your fiftcr has, I own, Mr. Mafcrini, been particular ; and I now in your prefence avow that I love her —love her to diftraftion." *♦ Why GRASVILLE ABBEY. 2O7 ff Why not then, fir/' returned AU fred, — '' avow it to the world, and openly addrefs her as a man of honour ? Not, lir, that I wdfh for your alliance with her, more than that of any other gentleman; — yet I conceive, when fen- timents of love and attachment are de-. clared for a young woman, they found not with propriety till fandlioned by the open behaviour of an intended huf- b^d/* *' And that, fir," replied Mr. Mil- vernc, " Ihould before now have been exemplified in me, had it not been for a whimfical father whofe confent I mufb, if poffible, obtain, for the fake of us both : — if this can be done, I fhali be happy to make her my wife, and think myfelf blefied in the poflef- fion of fuch a treafure." Alfred ftill remained thoughtful; — refledions 208 GRASVIILE ABBEV. reflexions crowded on his mind, and they were almoft too much for his fenfes. — Henry Peviquil, he was now informed i wore a mafk of friend fhip to cover his villany : he had more than once thought ill of him, in his tranf- a6lions at St. James's-ftreet ; yet he was a young man of the firfl: fafhion, the fon of a pcrfon of diftindlion. — But were thefe idle pompous ornaments to make amends for the ruin of his iifter^ the difgrace of his family, the curfe of himfelf? — That fifler delivered to his care by a fond mother, — that fiiler whom he was bound to protedl by every tie of blood, love, and honour, — that lifter, who herfelf forefaw danger, and wifhed to efeape it, but was prevent- ed by him, — that fifter, whofe re- gard for him he knew to be iincere, — that fifter, who had been infulted, yet had no one to defend her, but thofe who^ under motives of charity, would expecSl GRASVILLE ABBEY. 200 exped: a reward that muft at once crufli her to the lowefl ftate of human nature! — '* Accurfed idea!** exclaimed he, in a voice hardly articulate, pulled the check-ftring, and defired the coach- man to Hop. There was a wildnefs in his look,- which alarmed Mr. Milverne. '^ You are not going to leave me, Mr. Mafe- rini?" faid he : " I intended to afk you to take a friendly dinner with me." ^' I thaftk you, fir,** returned Al- fred, '' but muft beg to be excufed."— .' He leaped from the carriage, and- darted acrofs the Park towards Picca- dilly. He had arrived at the turnpike- gate when lord Albourn's poft chariot drove t^irough. Alfred juft perceived his lord« 2IO GRASVILLE ABBEY. lord (hip and his daughter were in it. — The young lady's eyes met his at the fame moment ; — they both bowed ;— but. her father did not obferve him ; — He flopped the fervantj who was on horfeback paying the toll, and aiked if his lordfhip was going a little excurfion from London. " He is going beyond a little cxcur* fion, lir/' replied the man,— ^' manf xxiiles from hence.'* Alfred was flruek with aflonifh- ment. — '' Many miles!'' returned he: *' why, lady Caroline never informed me of it, although I faw her yefterday." '' Her ladyfliip/' faid the man, " did not know of it herfelf two hours be- fore we fet off, as it was a fudden whim of lord Alboum*s.** The CRASVILLI: ABBEY. 2ir The fervant feemcd in a hurry to overtake the chariot, which had got fome little diftance; — but Alfred flill detained him, to inquire what place they were going to, and when they, were to return. The man anfwered, " He really could not tell to what part they were going ; but the diftance was near two hundred miles from town; — that his lord returned in a, week, but that ladf Caroline was to be left .behind.*'^ — He then fpurred his horfe, ajid left hiis hearer in a ftate little better than ftu- pefadion. That lord Alfeourn had taken his daughter from London, merely to avoid any further intimacy with him, was certain ; in fliort, the occurrences of the morning had overwhelmed him with dcfpair, and he found himfelf at his 212 GRAS^^ILLE ABBEY. his own lodgings, before his recollec- tion had reminded him he was going that way. Leonard opened the door; this faithful fervant plainly faw the agi- tation of his fpirits. — Alfred ftrove to difguife his uneafinefs, and afked, with fome degree of compofure, if any per- fon had called fince he left home? Leonard anfwered, '^ No one, except a mean-looking man, who had left a note for him, which lay in his drelling- room.*' — He immediately repaired to it, and read the contents; it was from his taylor, requeflirig the payment of leventy pounds on the next day,— and, if difappointed, threatened an arrefl. — He had, a week before, drawn upon his banker in France for the lafl three hundred pounds of his fortune; — this would not even pay his debts. Ruin and confufion feemed to encircle him : where was now his pride — his honour — his charac5ler as a gentleman and a foldier ? GRASVILLE ABBEY !2t3 foldicr ? — Where was his love for his lifter? — In what manner was he to make good his word, of adding a part of his fortune to hers ? — If he remained in England, difgrace and infamy mufl furround him ; — nor could he fly, but like a mean and beggarly outcaft of fo- ciety, leaving behind him the name of a fwindler and a villain. Even in his own country, he mud meet the re- proaches of thofe to whom he ufed to preach leflbns of morality, and by ex- ample enforced his dodlrine. Matilda too, — what was to become of her? — Her fortune would not fupport her. — '' Muft fhe,'' liiid he, '' through my faults and follies, fmk with me into de- ftrudion? — Who is to protedl her when I am in jail? — That villain, count D'Ollifont, whom I fufped to be the murderer of my father, may feize on the moment to complete his accurf^d inten- tions, and, like the fiend of hell, laugh at 2t4 GRA.SVILLE AftBEY. at thofe his mifchief has hurled head- long into irremediable ruin. It is too much/' exclaimed he, running to a part of the room where his fword hung : his defpair overcame him; — he drew the blade from the fcabbard in a kind of triumph, and uttered, in a voice of phrenzy, '' Now I defy them all ; even * hell itfelf is better than what may come to-morrow^" The glittering flecl trembled in his hand; — his arm was in the very mo- tion to ilrike his heart, w^hen he found it with-heid by a perfon behind him. — He turned, gafping with convulfive madnefs ; the good old Leonard drop- ped before him on his knees :■ — " Mer- ciful father,'* exclaimed he, ** look on him with an eye of pity !— then turn. ing to Alfred with ftern afped, — " is this, fir/* faid he, " a time to appear before that God, to whom you have fo much GRASVILLE ABHKY. 215 much to anfwer for, and from whom fo litrle to exped: ? — Look, fir, in the mirror before you ; and confider if your figure is in a proper ftate for a dying man ; — your countenance con- vulfed and agitated, — your fenfes in a fi:ate of difiradlion, the fword of your departed father lifted in your hand ready to fuperfede the power of your God, by putting an end to that exifi:ence he gave you, and confe- quently has alone a right to ex- tinguiih." The fword dropped from his hand ; he funk into a chair, and felt feverely the juft reproaches of his fei^ant. — ♦' I thank you, Leonard,'* was all he could fay ; but he made a motion to be alone. Leonard firfl: fecured the weapon, and then left him to meditate on his rafhnefs. He 2l6 GRASVILLIt ABEEV. He continued for fome time in a flate of flupid infenfibility, but by de- grees recovered, and fhuddered at the danger he had efcaped. His refolu- tion was fixed, never more to game; he fwore by the moft folemn oath, ne- ver to play but for a trifling fum, nor any more to hazard himfelf at a place where, to his coft, he had experi- enced the villany of mankind under the mafk of friendlhip and kindnefs. — With thefe refolutions Alfred ftaid at home the remainder of the day, thanked Leonard again for his care, and retired to reft with more com- pofure and fatisfadion than he had for months before. Matilda was overpowered with mis- fortunes. The account of her father's difappearance, and the fufpic ion which refted on the count, whom fhe had be- fore ekASVILLE AlSBBY* ^tj fore difliked, but now even fliuddered at his name, funk her into new trou- bles and diftrefs. The infults fhe had received from mifs Peviquil, although they had confirmed her in the idea of polTefling the efleem if not the love of Mr. Milverne, entirely fettled her deter^ mination of leaving England. To ac- complilh this, fhe refolved to demand of her brother a fmall part of her fortune, to carry her over to France ; and, im- mediately on her arrival in that country, to enter a convent, and totally feclude herfelf from the world, where, young as fhe was, fhe could plainly perceive the interefled and fordid views of mankind ; and fickened at thofe gaieties of high life fhe once languiilied to enjoy. Vol. I. 2li GRASVILLE ABBEST, CHAPTER XIX. THE MAS'QUEPvADE. To wake the foul by tender ftrokcs of art, To raife the genius and to mend the heart; To make mankind in confcious virtue bold. Live o'er each fcene, and be what they behold. Pope. VVHY was fupcrior flrcngth, forti^ tude^ and courage, given to man ?— Why does he naturally inherit thefe bleflings in a greater degree than wo- man ? To protedt the weak and de- fencelefs from the gripe and cruelty of the wicked — to give fuccour to thofe who in their nature are lefs capable of * bearing up againft impofition ; and who coniequently require that aid, which, accord- GRASVILLE ABBEY. 2igi according to the laws of chriftianity, he is bound to afford them. Who is the cauic of this horrid down- fall to infamy and fhame? — Man! he who in the book of nature was ordained to bear ,the imige of the Supreme Be- ing, and created to take on him the godlike office of protestor to the female part of the world; yet doth he blunt his feelings againll every trait of hu- manity, and dares deftroy that which the Almighty intended he ihould pre* ferve. Of this defcription there arc many :— but it is to be hoped they are greatly overbalanced by the more noble and generous part of mankind, who equally feci the effedb of beauty, yet fcorn to gratify their pailions by viU lanous and deliberate fchemes of reduc- tion* Count D'Ollifont was ftruck with L 2 Matilda's 220 GRASVILLE ABBEY. Matilda's charms, the firfl evening he was at fir Peter's ; and, in the few mi- nutes* interval between feeing her and being introduced, he fettled within his own mind, if, poflible, to feduce her. The count was a man who expe- rienced no diflurbance from the intru- iion of honour, confcience, or feeling : the milk of human kindnefs was not in any refpedt concerned, in foftening his compofition: — the tear of conipaflion was never ftcn in his eye, nor could the moft difmal tale or even fight of woe, procure from him an accent of pity, or even a fympathetic fi.gh. The gratification of his paflions was his whole concern ; nor did he ftop at any thing, to accomplifh what his wifhes prompted him to polTefs. He now en- joyed the whole eftates and large for- tune of count Maferini, grandfather to Alfred and Matilda; he could there- fore GRASVILLE ABBEY. 221 fore well afford to live in the mod fplendid and elegant manner. On riches he chiefly depended to fucceed with the ladies ; as he knew his age would almoft give him the title of an elderly man. He had jufl: planned in what manner to make his attack on the beautiful young foreigner, when fir Peter Pevi- quil, as was before related, led him up, and introduced her under the name of Maferini. The pidure of her father plainly confirmed who fhe was. A fud- den horror overcame him ; he felt a fomething flrike his heart, which he had heard defcribed as the touch of re- morfe; he, however, foon recovered, and refumed his natural gaiety and po- litencfs. Yet the behaviour of Alfred did not go unnoticed by him ; and it feemcd as if he had adually known L 3 thofe a-22 GRASVXLLE ABBEY. ihofe intentions the former had been TP^cighing in his mind five minutes be- fere. Reft forfook the pillow of the count that nighty his ideas of fedudlion re- ceived a check at the mention of the name; yet every circumftance coin- cided with his wifhes, except her bro- ther : — him he feared. Mean and daC tardly in his difpofition, he was fear- ful even ^s a child, and would Ihrink like a Wretched reptile from the juft revenge of a man whom he had cringed to with meannefs, for the purpofe of deftroying hi« happinefs, and ruining his family, He refoived not to be too hafty in the affair, but in every refpecl to make himfelf agreeable to Matilda, and wait for an opportunity, vhcn, by fome niea^s GRASVILLE ABBEY. 223 means or other, Alfred fhould be un- able to afford that protection his filler would require. That opportunity was now arrived ; the tailor, who had threatened in a letter to arreft him, was the fame that made the count's clothes; it was he who firft perfuadcd the man to take that method ; fuppofing, that, not be- ing able in fo little a time to procure bail, he muft be confined at Icaft for one night, and during that time he could by force (finding that none of his perfuafive eloquence had any eifedt on Matiida) convey her to fome fecret fpot, where he might, unmoleiled, jtake advantage of her Situation, This diabolical fcheme was, accord- ingly, with the greateft deliberation, put into execution ; and the tailor in- I.. 4 formed 224 GRASVILtE ABBEY. formed the count in the evening, that he liad not received his money; the latter then ordered the man, on pain of his difpleafure, and entire lofs of his cuflcm, not to fail to put his threats in -pradlice. To add greater force to this requeil, he prefented him with a ten pound hank-note, over and above the bill he then paid him; and received a folemn promife in .return, that his wifhes fhould be aceomplifhed with the greateft exadnefs. Count D*011ifont then proceeded to iir Peter PeviquiPs; — he plainly per- ceived there had been a mifunderftand- ing between the ladies ; but it did not in any refpedl alter his plan. . , He prefented the family with tickets for a grand mafquerade, which was to be at the Pantheon the next evening, and GRASVILLE ABBEY. 22^ and alfo begged Mr. Milverne's accept- ance of one, who entered the room foon after him. Matilda at firfl declined going; but the count would take no refufal.-r-She feemed particularly cool in her beha- viour towards him ; but this did not in any refpedl damp his fpirits in the plot he had undertaken. In the courfe of converfation, he hinted that he fhould like Mr. Mafe- rini to be of the party, and pretended he fhould likewife fend him a ticket the following morning. — He gave them to underftand the manager of it was pa- tronifed by himfelf, and confequently he fliould exert his intereft as much as poflible in his behalf.. The count, Mr. Milverne, and Hen- ry Peviquil, efcorted the ladies to a L 5 concert;. 226 GRASVILIE ABBEYr concert : — they returned to fuppcr.^ — Mr. Milverne feemed unhappy, — Ma- tilda extremely dejedled. — She in- quired how he left her brother ; — he did not wifh to relate to her the man- ner .in which Alfred flew from the car- riage; but turned the converfation by faying, *' He could not perfuade him to take a dinner." — She would have continued, but was interrupted by the count's afking in what characters they intended to appear. — Matilda and Mr. Milverne refolved to go in domi- nos ; Henry Peviquil declared he Ihould aiTume the charadter of Don Quixote ; iir Peter, a hermit ; her ladyfhip, a nun ; and mifs Peviquil, a gipfy. The count faid he did not think himfelf able to fupport a charader, and there- fore Ihould follow the example of hi^ fair couiin, as he was pleafed to flyle her, and appear in no particular drefs. About one o'clock he took his leave, and GRASVILLE ABBEY. 22/ and promifed to be with them the next evening. Mr. Milverne likewife ap- pointed to call in Grofvenor-fquare at the fame hour. Matilda retired to her chamber, but not to fleep ; — Pae difliked even the fight of count D'Oriifont ; yet fhe had confented to be conduced hy him to a mafquerade. — It was an entertain- ment flie had much wiilied to fee ; but flie heard of its being a dangerous fcenc of amufement. — She however refolvcd, if pofliblf, to perfuade her brother to accompany them, and for once be the caufe of fpending a difli- pated evening : fhe lliould then confi- der herfelf fafe in his prefence,' and have greater enjoyment of the enter- tainment. Alfred Maferini arofe in the morn-^ ing, more compofed than he had been L 6 for 228 GRASVILLE ABBEY* for many weeks ; having already rc- folved, immediately on receiving the fum he expedled from M. Le Mecie, to difcharge his debts, and retire with his lifter to France. — He fat down to breakfaft, again thanked Leonard for his care, and told him of the altera- tion in his fcntiments ; he obferved on the table a letter dircd:ed to him ; hav- ing afked from whom it came, he was informed a man brought it early in the morning,- and faid it required no an- fwer : — the contents of it were as follow : " To Mr. Maserini. *' Strange as an anonymous letter may feem under the prefent circum- ftances, yet I conjure you, for the fake of your own happinefs and the honour of your fifter, to obey the didlates ^ it contains* GRASVILLE ABBEY. 229 contains. Count D'Ollifont has en- gaged fir Peter Peviquil's family to a mafquerade this^ evening at the Pan- theon; and it is his intention in the courfe of the night to convey mifs Ma- ferinij by treachery, to a houfe he has provided in the country for his pur- pofe ; where he will take every advan- tage of her fituation. He is alfo deter- mined to deprive her of your protedlion, by keeping you away ; which fcheme he has planned with the tailor who lent to you for money yefterday. The man will call this morning, and arreft you if the bill is not difcharged. — Be not offended at feeing the inclofed hun- dred pound bank-note, as you may not immediately be able to procure the fum : — pay him, and, if poflible, perfuade him to keep the knowledge of it from the count. — I have alfo fent you a ticket for the mafquerade ; — fail not to be there i — but by no means difcover yourfelf 230 GRASVILLE ABBEY. yourfelf to the party, whom you will recognize in the charaders of a hermit, a nun, a gipfy, and Pon Quixote. — Among them will be three dominos, which are the difguifes of your lifter, Mr. Milverne, and the count ; watch diligently the latter, whom you will obferve draw the young lady to a private room, and then by force take her to a carriage that is to wait at the back-door of the building. I leave the reft to you. Fail not to follow minutely this letter, as you value your peace of mind for ever. '' A Friend/' Alfred's aftoniftiment at reading this extraordinary epiftle, may well be con- ceived. He ftiowed it to Leonard, and afked his advice; the old man begged him to attend to its contents : — '' No one, lir,'' faid he, " could have an in- tereft GRASVILLE ABBEY. 23I terefl in writing fuch a letter ; and the bank-note fully confirms it to be no idle frolic. — His ideas were the fame as his mafter'Sy and they determined to execute implicitly the directions given. The receiving of the money hurt him ; but it was abfolutely necefTary to dif- charge the debt, as he had none of his own, till that he had fent for arrived : he, however, refolved to find out^ if poflible, the perfon, and repay him with every acknowledgment, if the fuf- picions were well grounded. Alfred determined, in the firfl place, not to fee his filler, and gave Leonard orders, if any of the fervants fhouid come from Grofvenor-fquare, to fend word back he was not at home. About eleven o'clock, the tailor ar- rived, was introduced, and received his money.— The man was aftonifhed. Alfred 232 GRASVILLE ABBEY. Alfred infifted on his taking a glafs of wine, and niade him a prefent for the trouble he had caufed. — He then re- lated to him the fcheme which he had heard was to be put in pradlice by the count and himfelf. Surprife, guilt, and conilernation, flopped the tailor's utterance: — he believed it muft be fome fupernatural power that had informed him of it. Al- fred argued with hirn for fome time, explained the villany of fuch proceed- ings, and the ruin that might have en- fued. In ihort, he worked fo much on the poor fellow's fcdings, that he fell at his feet, afked ten thoufand par- dons, and begged to know if he could in any refped ferve him, to recom- penfe the injury he had intended to commit. Alfred took him at his word, and informed GRASVILLE ABBEV. 233 informed him that the only way to make reparation, would be, to go im- mediately to the count, and fay that every circumflance had fucceeded to his wifhes, for that Mr. Maferini was in clofc confinement. The man pro* mifed to be pundual in the meflage, and, after again thanking him for his generofity, departed. As it was expedled, a fervant called from lir Peter's, to fay that Mifs Mafe- rini wiihed much to fee her brother. Leonard told him he was juft gofie out. Alfred then fent to procure his drefs with as much fecrefy as poffible : it was a plain domino, that he might not be obferved. In the courfc of the afternoon, the fervant ftom Grofvenor-fquare arrived a fe- 234 GRASVILLE ABBEY. a fecond time ; but was anfwered as be- fore, that Mr. Maferirii was not yet re- turned; he left a note from* his fiftcr, and defired it might be given him as foon as he came home. Alfred opened it : Matilda informed him how much againft her inclination it was to accom- pany the count to a mafquerade; yet Ihe could not decline the invitation without abfolute rudenefs. She re- queued her brother would be there, and concluded with faying, Ihe fup- pofed he had alfo received a ticket. He refolved to take no notice of the letter, but, as the anonymous epiflle defired (the contents of which he had now every reafon to believe authen- tic), to go himfelf, unknpwn to every one. He panted for the moment when he fhould detedt the villain in the very ace of injuftice and cruelty he had long fufpedled him to be guilty of; and crulli ^ GRASVILLE ABBEY. 235 crulh that monfter to the earth, who dared attempt the honour of his fa- mily. The vviflied-for hour of twelve was announced; when, having placed in his pocket a brace of piftols, he threw himfelf into a hackney-coach, and or- dered the coachman to drive to the Pantheon, 23^ GRASVILLE ABBEY. CHAPTER XX. Alfred ordered the coachman, when he flopped at the front doors in Oxford-road, to drive round and wait for him at the back entrance. The Pantheon was crowded; the com- pany were numerous and elegant ; every- one looked happy and pleafed with each other. — '^ I/' faid Alfred, " am the only perfon who feem unfociable and alone. Several characters palfed, which he knew by their voices ; but he could no- where trace thofe he wiflied to recocrnife ; when ona fudden a group of bacchanals rufhed by him, and a- mong them he obferved Don Quixote. Having addreffed the figure in a feigned voice, by inquiring after his Dulcinea del GRASVILLE ABBEY. 237 del Tobofo, lie immediately received a witty anfwer from a tongue which plainly confirmed it to be Henry Pe- viquil. He now judged the reft of the party muft be in the rooms, and accordingly continued his fearch. In about a quarter of an hour he per- ceived the knight join his company ; they were drelTcd exadly as the letter had defcribed, except that he could obferve only two dominos, which he found were his lifter and the count ; — but foon after heard them fpeak, as if they were furprifed at not feeing Mr. Milverne. At fupper the greater part of the company unmaflced, and Alfred was confirmed that his conjedlures on each of the characters were right. — He 238 GRASVILtE ABBEY. He ftill continued difguifcd, with his eyes fixed on them : — and it gave him pleafure to fee Matilda treat the count with the utmofl coolnefs : — but yet he thought he could perceive, in the coun- tenance of the latter, a malicious fmile, occafioned by the hope of having her fhortly in his power. — Thefe ideas made him redouble his vigilance ; and he diredly after the repaft joined them * almofl clofe, but ftrove as much as pof- fible to efcape notice. Henry Peviquil and his father feemed heated by the wine they had drank ; — mifs Peviquil was chiefly taken up in gallanting with a gambling^ friend of her brother's ; and her ladyfliip in pay- ing compliments to her fafhionable ac- quaintance. — Count D' Ollifbnt at- tended to none but his fair relation,- — and the inattention Ihe received from the others, gave him an opportunity of GRASVILLE ABBEY. 23^ of continuing his politenefs. — Alfred remarked a magician who followed alfo the fteps of the count ; — his drefs was truly conformable to the part he performed, and he held in one hand a wand, the emblem of his power.— ^ This figure gave him fome chagrin, and he refolved to addrefs it, by adding him in what manner he made ufe of his art : — the magician anfwered, in a voice which he thought he had fome- where heard, " That he puniflied the guilty, and gave fuccour to the inno- cent. — I know you, young man,*' faid he : " and you are in a noble caufe ; be cautious how you execute it." Alfred was Haggered at this reply, but yet thought they might be v/ords of chance, and begged an explanation of the incoherent fentence. The ma- gician faid, he would convince him of his knowledge; and immediately wrote on 240 GRASVItLE ABfeEr. / on a card the following words. — " Your name is Maferini, — your bu- finefs at this place is to proted: the ho- nour* of your family in the perfon of your fifler : — the time draws near : — be diligent^ and fail not.** By the time he had read thefe few words, the magician was gone ; and the aftonifhed Alfred flood for fome time motionlefs : — he feemed in a dream, and could hardly believe his fenfes ; yet he fuppofed this ftranger mufi: be the perfon who had fent him the letter. The count and his fifler were nearly out of fight at a different part of the Rotunda, but he quickly made up to them ; — their party had entirely difperfed, and Matilda feemed extremely uncafy. The former in vain drove to give her comfort ; fhe could hardly conceal her tears. It was about three o*clock^ the time fixed for the horrid GRi\SVILLE ABBEV. 24I horrid fcheme, when Alfred obferved the count draw his filler to another room^ under the idea of feeking their friends. — He followed, and heard him inform her that he had been juft told they waited for them in their carriages at the back entrance. He led her to the door J that being a place for chairs only, there were no coaches near. — The count conducted Matilda down the flreet, and turned into a part w^here there was a chariot and one hackney coach waiting at a little diftance. Matilda, feeing no one in the car- riage, refufed to enter it : the count en- treated, but fhe ftill continued obftinate^ and feemed extremely alarmed. They were not within hearing of any perfon but the hackney coachman and another man who flood with him. — Alfred gafped for breath ; his very foul was con- vulfed with rage. — Count D*01iifont Vol. I. M with 242 GRASVILLE ABBEY. with fome vehemence again infifted on her complying with his requeft : — (he anfwered flie would die firfl^ and burfl into a flood of tears: — he then began to force her into the carriage. " Your brother, now, madam/' faid the count, '^ is not here to encourage your pride, or fruftrate my wifhes/' — She fc reamed and fainted. ^' Damnable villain I'' exclaimed Al- fred : — '' know thou art miftaken ; — for you now behold him ready to protedt the honour of his houfe, by crulhing to the earth that wretch who dare feduce hisfiflerl'' While he uttered thefe words, Ma- tilda remained in the arms of one of the count's fervants, infenfible.' — Leo- nard, who had dreaded his mafter's violence of temper by the piftois he had 2 taken GRASVILLE ABBEV. 243 taken in his pockets, determined to be near at the time, to aflifl his young lady; — he accordingly waited with a hackney coach, the fame that flood near the count's chariot — He immedi- ately ran to the afliitance of Matilda, forced her from the footman, and placed her in the vehicle he had hired. During this time count D'OlIifont was flruck motionlefs: he could hardly believe himfelf awake : but the figure of the enraged Frenchman, who had now unmalked, plainly confirmed the truth. '^ I was only/' faid he with a fmile, " going to condudt your fifter to fir Peter's.'* '' Liar! villain!" exclaimed Alfred, thou waft: going to take her to a place where, unproteded, fiie muft: have funk M 2 beneath 244 GRASVILLE ABBEY. beneath thy diabolical intentions: — nay more/* continued he in a low voice, " I ftrongly fufpecl thee to be the mur- derer of her father 1" He ftartedj flood about a minute in a thoughtful poflure, and then uttered with a curfe. — ^' Defperate caufes re- quire defperate remedies!" — pulled a piflol from his fide pocket, and fired at his adverfary : — owing to his agitation, the ball paiTed, and Alfred remained unhurt: — but he inflantly difcharged one at the count, who fell, and every fpark of life feemed extinguifh^d. — The coachman and the footm.an cried their mafler was murdered, and inflantly feized the young foreigner, who made no refiftance, but feemed buried in a reverie; till the magician, whom he had noticed in the rooms, came up. ^' I fee," faid he, *' there has been bloody GRASVIL-LB ABBEY. 245 bloody work here; — but punifhment has fallen on the right perfon." — He unmafked, and difcovered the features of Mr. Milverne'. The men ftill kept their hold of Al- fred : but no crowd had afTembled, as they were fome diftance from the doors, and in a private flreet. — Mr. Milverne took the part of his friend, foon difen- gaged him from confinement, and with the afliilance of Leonard, who had by this time made himfelf known, forced him to the coach. — They promifed thp man a large reward, if he would drive as fail as poflible towards the firll ftage to Dover. The horfes, which had not been out in the day, travelled with the utmoft fpeed ; — and the driver, in hopes of the money, failed not to exert his abilities M 3 in 246 GRASVILLE ABBEY. in keeping up their pace, infomuch that he brought them to an inn at Dart- ford by eight in the morning. During the time of their journey, Matilda learnt from her brother the •whole affair/ and plainly perceived they muft be plunged into new diffi- culties in confequence of the count's death. Mr. Milverne might be fufpedled as the caufe of it ; and the idea that fhe fhould never fee him more, added new pangs to thofe fhe already expe- rienced. Leonard informed them, when they had got fome diftance from town, that a packet from France had been re- ceifed by the people of the houfe where they lodged ; who had negledled to GRASVILLE ABBE^. 247 to give it till after his mafter had fet off to the iiiafquerade : — he, therefore, having no place to put it under lock and key, determined to bring it in his pocket. This was a fortunate circumftance^ as the direction confirmed it to come from M. Le Mecie : on opening it Alfred received the money he had wrote for; it gave them fome comfort, as it would fupport them with economy for fome time. But this was of little con- fequence when he confidered his life muil be facrificed as foon as the count's death was made known in France; his intereft being fo great at court, as to prevent any defence from faving the perfon who had deprived him of his exiftence. He determined, ho^^'cver, rather to die than cowardly fhrink from juftice, M 4. and 248 CRASVILLE ABBEY. and difgrace the name of a foldier. — He related to his fifler his refolution ; but fhe conjured him not to rifk. his life from a pundlilio of honour. '^ You are engaged in a jufl caufe/' continued Matilda^ '^ and need not be alliamed of your condudl being known to the world/' She ufed many other arguments, and afked him, '^ To whom fhe was to look for protection, when he w^as no more." " To God!** he exclaimed; '' for among mankind all honour is lofl: 1 — I am fick of the world, Matilda, — and care not how foon 1 leave it.** — ^' Sure- ly,'* faid fhe, *' that fortitude, courage, and patience, which were the leading traits in your characfter, and which ufed to charm our departed mother, are vanrfhed! — have you no defire to fee Grafville Abbey?** — The name flruck him GRASVILLE ABBEY, 249 him to the heart. — '' Who can tell but it is ordained for you to unravel that myftery which has fo long hung over our family, and been the ruin of our houfe? — But heaven forbid, Alfred, that I fhould perfuade you to ad contrary to that honour which for years has been the boafl of our forefathers : — if, therefore, you refolve to make yourfeif known in France, I will cheerfully enter a con- vent, and take leave of a world in which I have little happinefs to exped." — Here (he fighed deeply ; her heart re- minded her that the image of Mr. Milverne would often intrude amid thofe religious duties {he would then be bound to perform. Alfred continued filent: — his curi-- olity to fee the reiidence of his anceftors, the. hopes of finding fome clue to the myftic difappearance of his father, — M 5 urg«d 2^0 GRASVILLE ABBEV. urged him to adopt the plans his fifter had propofed ; — but his honour^ — his charader as an officer and a man for- bade it. Every mile he found himfelf farther from London his perplexity increafed; nor was his determination by any means iixed, when the coach drove up to the principal inn at Dartford. Alfred hand- fomely rewarded the manj defired him to fay nothing concerning the bufinefs he had been witnefs to, but give feigned anfwers to thofe who fhould wonder at feeing a hack fo far from London. — The coachman promifed faithfully to obey his orders. — They each took fome refrefhment, hired pod horfes, and ftt off again in lefs than an hour towards Dover. Alfred during the journey informed his GRASVILLE ABBEY. 251 his filler that his refolutioris were fixed to join his regiment, and throw himfeif on the mercy of his countrymen. *' I fcorn," faid he, " to fly ignobly from a punifhment I flatter myfelf I do not juflly deferve.'* Matilda fhed a flood of tears, but perfed:ly acquiefced in his wifhes, and ftrove to think no more of Mr. Mil- verne ; — that was impoflible, but yet fhe confidered, the ft rid: and awful cere- monies of a monaftic life would in a courfe of time, erafe thofe thoughts from her bofom. — Alfred, m fome refpeds, was in a fimilar fituation ; his acquaint- ance with lady Caroline Albourne was firft commenced in the midft of diflipa- tion, yet he felt many pangs at the idea of lofing her for ever. In his career of folly he had perfuaded himfeif that he was no farther interefted in the affair than 2p €RASVILLE ABBEY. than merely the idea of being intimate with a young lady of fafhion, and hav- ing an opportunity of toafting a beauti- ful girl ; but he now plainly perceived that he loved Lady Caroline fo far as to make his life uncomfortable without her. — There was alfo another caufe for uneaiinefs; his debts in London were unpaid : — to the name of murderer, the appellation of fwindler muft be added : — a title he in fome meafure merited. His iilence plainly told the flate of his mind; while his lifter Ihed many tears at thoughts of their prefent mis- fortunes, and at the recollection of thofe happy hours fhe had experienced under the care of maternal tendernefs,— never, never to return. Leonard fhared the forrows of them bcth ; yet he received fome little com^ fort CRASVILLE ABBEY. 253 fort at the thoughts of returning to that country where he had fpent the chief part of his life. They arrived rather late at Dover; Leonard wzs diredlly * difpatched to inquire what time the packet would fail, and brought wword back, not till the following evening. This intelligence was extremely dif- agreeable to them ; as they might, before that time, be recognifed, taken into cuf- tody, and condudled back to London. They were neceffitated, however, to await patiently the event; but Alfred refledled, with fome terror, on the hor- rors of a jail, in a flrange country, and under laws he was equally a ftranger to. — Under thefe circumilances, they re- mained at the inn as private as pofiible. About two hours before they were in- tended to fail, a man arrived pofl from London ; he afked if any travellers were ia 254 GRASVILLE ABBEY. in that houfe, who intended going to France, and was anfwered in the afhr- mative. Leonard, who by chance over- heard the converfation, ran to his malter, and informed him of the affair; each conjectured it to be an officer of juf- tice, and Alfred waited with fortitude and compofure the event,- when they were agreeably furprifed, by feeing the innkeeper introduce Mr. Milverne's valet. . He delivered a letter, the firifl fen- tence of which contained the following words ; '' Count D'OUifont is not yet dead.'* — " Thanks be to heaven 1'- exclaimed Alfred, and communicated the agree- able intelligence to his liHer. Mr. Milverne informed him^ that he was GRASVILLE ABBEY. 255 was kept in cuftody till late in the morning, when he procured bail ; being then taken before a magiftrate, he ex- plained the whole affair, and was ho- nourably cleared. — He further informed him that the count's indifpolition was very uncertain, and advifed him by no means to remain in England, or make himfelf known in France, as count D'Oilifont had many friends in that country, who, immediately as they knew of the event, would, through particular intereft at court, place him in the Baflile for life, even if the former fhould recover of his wound. In the latter part of the letter he men- tioned Matilda with the utmofl tender- nefs, pitied her fituation, and intreated Alfred by no means to run hazards, through falfe notions of honour, and leave his filler deftitute of protedlion. — ' He 256 GRASVILLE ABBEY. He concluded with faying, he thought they had better pAfs over as quick as poiTible to Italy, but requefted he would fend word what part they refolved to vilit, as he himfelf hoped to join them in a few weeks. Alfred wrote an anfwer, exprefling his gratitude for the gentlemanlike and friendly treatment he had received ; in- formed him that he had at firfl refolved to throw himfelf on the laws of his country, although he knew them to be fevere where a courtier or a man of in- tereft was concerned : — but that his letter had entirely altered his refolution, and that he now intended to travel as faft and as privately as poflible towards Italy : — that the hope of feeing him there, and making proper apologies for the flrange behaviour he had been guilty of towards him, would in a great mea- fure GRASVILLE ABBEY. 257 fure alleviate the difagreeable manner of his journey. — He concluded with his lifter's thanks for his kind inquiries^ and the equal pleafure flie would enjoy with himfelf on feeing Mr. Milverne in a Ihort interval of time. This letter was given to the valet, and he fet off immediately. — The veflel fet fail a Ihort time after^ and Leonard informed his mafter, while th^y were croiUng the Qiannel, that he had learned from Mr. Milverne's fervant, that the anonymous letter he had received was fent hy that gentleman; — for that he^ the valet, v/as employed by his maf- ter to draw the plan of proceedings from the count's confidential fervant^ whom he contrived to intoxicate with liquor, and then communicated to Mr. Milverne the intelligeiKe he had re- ceived. Alfred 2j8 GRASVILLE ABBEY. Alfred was vexed that Leonard did not inform him of this circumftance fooner, that he might have returned the money he received, and acknowledged the obligation. Matilda was ftill more attached to him : ihe was happy in the change of fentiments which his letter had caufed in her brother, and looked forward with a coniiderable degree of pleafure for the time when he fhould join them abroad. After a pleafant voyage of a few hours, they found themfelves landed in their native country — but in a far dif- ferent lituation from that they were in when they left it : — then they were honoured and refpedled by all, and afraid of meeting no one : — now they were under misfortunes and conceal- ment. GRASVILLE ABBEY. 2^9 ment, fhrinking from the eyes of every beholder, like wretched outcafts of fociety, and terrified at being obfervcd by every individual. END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. R. NMe, in the Old Bailey. 35B 03/39 31456 451 II li