ii7.iiil5il&Ii^lSISl5I51SISlSlS15"^Lb Ibl: ('nlKl5riSL^^151i.l5151^Ic^^ L I B R.AFLY OF THE UNIVLR5ITY or ILLINOIS .s.-..;?:>r./.,vv*-. BJEILMOKIE, OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. IN THREE VOLUMES. BY MRS. ROBERTS. ** There's no art To find the mind's construction in the face ; -• ' He was a gentleman oa whom 1 built An absolute trust." StfAKESPSAftf* VOL. I. PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, AND SOLD BY R. FAULDER, NEW BOND-STREET. 1806. J. Hretiell, Prin;er, M*rih»ll-stf .ct, Goldcn-fqoar», 8£b V. 1 TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES. 1 MADAM, f I AVOW, with gratitude '' and exultation, the condescend- Cu ing protection, and liberal encou- > A 3 Vi DEDICATIQN. ragement, which have been extend- ed to me by One who unites every thing that is illustrious and digni- fied, with all that is gentle, ami- able, and beneficent. Should my humble efforts amuse an hour of leisure, or dispel a momentary anxiety, from which the most eminent virtue and exalted rank cannot, in this transitory life, be secure; I shall then enjoy the pleasing satisfaction, that I have not unsuccessfully endeavoured to lighten my vast debt of obliga- DEDICATION. Vll tion for your generous and bene- volent patronage. I have the Honour to be, With the highest Respect, Your Royal Highnesses Most obliged, And obedient Servant^ aarence Place, D, ROBERTS. LIST OF SUBSCEIBEHS, Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York. John Julius Angerstein, Esq. John Proctor Anderdon, Esq, The Right Hon. Lord Boringdon. The Right Hon. Lady Beauchamp- Lady Sarah Bayley. Hon. W. H. Bouverie. James Brogden, Esq. M. P. Lieut. Gen. Burton, M. P. Henry Brogden, Esq. Frederick Bourne, Esq. Cornelius Buller, Esq. George Brumraell, Esq. Arthur Balfour, Esq. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. I^ The Right Hon. Earl of Carlisle, K. G. The Right Hon. Earl Cowper. The Right Hon. Countess Cowper. The Right Hon. Earl of Carysfort, K.P. Lady Campbell. Lady Callander. Sir Alured Clarke, K,B. . Mrs. Clarke. Mrs. Cameron. Oliver Colt, Esq. John Craufurd, Esq. Collier, Esq* John Clements, Esq. Maj. Gen. Campbell. Capt. Charnock, E, Caple, Esq. The Right Hon. Countess of Derby. Lady Caroline Damer. James Dawkins, Esq, M. P. Miss Dash wood. Hon. William Elphinstone. William Everett, Esq. Richard Eramott, Esq. Hon. Mrs. Fot. T. RF mm J fii^ TVRI^Hcm.TkonBsGBiiTffip. ^ Mrs. GhSc. Sir J. C.HspfHsify, B.r M F Sr Gt2iert Hatbcote, B«rt. M-P. Sir HeJirr His:wlcT, Bart. J. HaiTlBBs Iki Sir Water licyd. Tiie R^ HfiKu Lad J LIgT OF SCBSCRIBESS. Ml Mrs. Blalcolm. Mrs. Jabez Mackenzie. J. Madox, Esq. William Mofiat, Esq. M. P. Samuel Moody, Esq. Henry Maxwell, Esq. William Mitchell, Esq. J. E. Madocks, Esq. Frederick Nassau, Esq. The Right Hou. Earl of Orfori l^lrs. Opie. Sir Lawrence Palk, Bart. M.P. Thomas Plumer, fisq. Mrs. Plumer. John Penn, Esq. George Powney, Esq. 3ilaj. Gtn. RosseU. Mrs. John Robley. Colonel Roberts. The Right Hon. Earl of Stair. Sir John Shelly. Bart. M. P. J. Spalding, Esq. M. P. Xii lilST OF SUBSCRIBERS. J. Smith, Esq. M. P. Claude Scott, Esq. M. P. William Sandby, Esq. — 2 Copies. Mrs. Stracey. Capt. Stevens. George Stacpoole, Esq. The Right Hon. Lord Teynham. John Towgood, Esq. D. Vanderheyden, Jun. Esq. The Most Noble Marchioness of Wdlesley. The Right Hon. Viscount Dudley and Ward. Hon. Stuart Wortley. Hon. Mrs. Wortley. Miss Wortley. Mrs. Richard Walpole. Mrs. Wedderbume. C. C. Western, Esq. M. P. Edward Willes, Esq. William Wynch, Esq. Thomas Wright, Esq. DELMORE, OR, MODERN FRIENDSHIP. CHAPTER I. The bells of rang gratula- tory peals, to welcome the arrival of the noble family of Delmore at the magnificent seat of their ancestors ; a numerous tenantry and splendid reti- nue diffused and confirmed the univer- sal hilarity and general satisfaction, that beamed in every countenance and glowed in every heart, on the antici- VOL. 1. B S DELMORE, pated renewal of the generous hospi- tality, and unremitting festivities that dignified and characterised the Castle of Melrose. In the trophied halls of the Castle, where the feudatories and vassals of his illustrious progenitors banqueted, the numerous tenants were continually regaled by their munifi- cent lord : the rude display of ancient hospitality was succeeded by the ele- gance of modern entertainments ; and the brilliant exhibition of a fashion- able fete superseded the boisterous re- velry of former carousals. The in- fluence which the Marquis of Melrose had thus obtained over the minds of the inhabitants of , was con- firmed by those habitual prepossessions which emanate from a title derived from a long race of illustrious ances- tors, strengthened and cemented by a princely revenue and powerful allian- ces. This ascendancy was still far- 3 ©R MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 3 ther increased by the condescending affability of the Marchioness. Her con- siderate attention to, and generous relief ot^ their wants and grievances, fascinated every mind : their enthusi- astic veneration approximated to ido- latry ; and the recommendation of the family of Delmore was alone sufficient to insure the return of two members to parliament for that borough. Delmore Marquis of Melrose, could enumerate amongst his ancestors some of the most consummate states- men and celebrated generals that have adorned the annals of the British Na- tion. His great-grandfather contri- buted in an eminent degree to esta- blish the House of Brunswick on the throne of England ; he was powerfully instrumental in promoting and conso- lidating the revolution of 1688 ; and the glory of liis actions blazed with B 2 4 DELMORE, resplendent lustre amidst the states* men and heroes that dignified the brilliant days of Aiuie and George the First. In contemplating his origin, the Marquis, in proud elation of heart, justly considered his house as exalted by the virtues, decorated by the ta- lents, and emblazoned by the glorious achievements of his ancestors. The lineal descendant of such a race, he deemed himself the sacred depositary of their virtues, the jealous guardian of their privileges, and the zealous asserter of their honour : he uniformly endeavoured to support the dignity and splendour of his rank : and the transmission of that title to his poste- rity, unimpaired and undiminished in lustre and consequence, was the dear- est and most unceasing object of his ambition. Impressed with a due con- sideration of his own exaltation, he neither descended from proud inde- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 3 peiulence, to become the fawning sy- cophant of a court ; nor prostituted the dignity of a British Nobleman to tlie intrigues or purposes of faction. His parliamentary conduct was uni- formly directed to preserve the rights and liberties of the people ; to support the dignity and honour of the crown ; and exalt the character and conse- quence of his country. To every mea- sure calculated to insure the prosperity and increase the glory of the nation, he afforded his most cordial assent ; of those principles which militated against the happiness, or intrenched on the liberties of the people, or unnecessa- rily augmented the influence of the executive, he was the uniform and zealous opposer. His extensive in- fluence, powerful connexions, and splendid fortune, exposed him to the incessant solicitation and artful ia- B 3 ticementsof both parties; and though he resisted the dazzling alkirements of the minister, and the temptations of emolument and ambition, he did not enter into the intrigues of party, nor unnecessarily embarrass nor factiously oppose the measures of government. Every vote was dictated by the most exalted patriotism, by the purest prin- ciples, and the most inflexible inte- grity. Whilst he constantly consulted the real glory of the crown, as the foun- tain from which his own honours flow- ed ; he studiously laboured to augment the consequence and prosperity of the country, and to protect the rights and liberties of the people. He con- templated the British constitution with tlie most ardent admiration ; — that majestic fabric reared by the wisdom, cemented by the blood, and consoli- dated by the virtues of our ancestors, on MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 7 was the favourite object of his adora- tion:; and his fervent hope was"^ that it miglit be immortal. The Marquis of Melrose united to inflexible honour and incorruptible in- tegrity, a strong and penetrating dis- cernment; his mind was enriched with the inexhaustible stores of antiquity; his erudition was extensive; he was deeply versed in the laws and govern- ment, of other countries, and inti- mately .aciquainted with the constitu- tion and legal polity of his own. His judgment was solid, and his genius comprehensive. His private virtues reflected lustre on his public conduct ; -T-an affectionate husband,- — a tender parent, — a firm and steady friend, — his tenants acquired independence and opulence under a generous landlord; — and a numerous retinue manifested their love and veneration for a liberal and indulgent master. His splendid b4 8 DELMORE, establishment displayed, in every de- partment, a just magnificence without profusion. In the discharge of his en- gagements he was rigidly punctual ; to the performance of his promises he was minutely and scrupulously attentive. He possessed, indeed, great, rather than amiable qualities; every person esteemed, but few loved him ; — a rigid integrity and inflexible constancy in- duced him to make httle allowance for the; weaknesses, errors, and irregula* rities of others : a proud consciousness of his own dignity rendered him haughty to his equals, and distant and reserved to his inferiors ; he preserved a stateliness of deportment to his friends; and in the bosom of his fa- mily, and even in his- most convivial hours, though he displayed the most polished urbanity of manners, he never relaxed into unbecoming mirth, or in» decorous familiarity. OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 9 The Marquis of Melrose married the only daughter of the Duke of Belville ; and by this alliance he obtained a great increase of fortune, and a con- siderable accession of conseouence. The Marchioness united to a beautiful form, the most bewitching sweetness of temper and unbounded goodness of heart ; lier understanding was however confined, and her acquirements ex- tremely limited. With such a con- tracted mind and pliancy of disposi- tion, she implicitly yielded to the firmer and more commanding charac- ter of her husband ; and his sentiments and opinions were adopted as the rule of her conduct, on every subject of importance. A liberal and benevolent heart prompted her to administer com- fort to the afflicted, to reheve the wretched, and to succour the oppres- sed. She had been fostered in these feehngs, and encouraged 16 gratify b5 10 DELMOUE, ber predominant inclinations by the profuse generosity of an indulgent fa^ ther ; her natural disposition, confirm- ed by the precepts and example of her parent, dilated into the most expansive philanthropy, and, to use the language of our immortal bard, ** She had a tear for pity, and a hand open as day for melting charity." She combined with those amiable qualities a sweet- ness of disposition and engaging affa- bility, that delighted every heart : the inhabitants of idolized her name ; the indigent recorded her gene** rosity with enthusiastic rapture; and even their cliildren were accustomed, by habit and example, to lisp the praises of their benevolent patroness. From her earliest infancy she had re- velled in all the luxuries and indul- gences of modern refinement ; and the princely fortune which devolved to her on her father's death, amply supplied OR MODERxN- FRIENDSHIP. Jl the power of gratify ingher propensities for efegant exhibitions, and in the magnificence and taste of her enter- tainments slie outvied even oriental splendour. Her predilection for superb decoratioit and elegant assemblies was unbridled and almost uncontrolled : the Marquis was not displeased with the occasional display of pomp and grandeur; whilst the Marchioness, in compliance with her husband's desire, was content to limit the number and preclude the frequency of lier brilliant parties. Two sans and a daughter were the ©nly surviving fruits of their union. Their eldest son, Lord Arlington, liad nearly attained the age of twenty-one : a graceful person and polished man- ners, united with an amiable suavity of disposition, endeared him to his fa- mily and connexions; and iPaseinated every person within the sphere of their 12 DELMORE, influence. Unfortunately, an intellect of very limited powers was enshrined in a prepossessing exterior; a delicate and feeble constitution had precluded constant and unremitted application to study ; his understanding was con- sequently but little enlarged by know- ledge, or enlightened by literature and science. Though he could not aspire to the dignified pre-eminence of directing the councils, or hurling the thunder of Britain against her foes ; if he was little qualified to charm and command a lis- tening senate with splendid eloquence and periods harmoniously rounded, or to terrify his opponents by the invec- tives of nervous eloquence, he could boast of those gentle and milder vir- tues, that constitute the principal de- light and cement of social intercourse. He was tolerably versed in ancient lite- rature ;-^he spoke the French and Ita- lian languages with fluency and preci- OR MODERN TRIEXDSHIP. 13 sion; — in dancing he eminently excel- led ; — even in the robust exercise of fencing he was a proficient ; — and of music he possessed a critical and accu- rate knowledge ; and his performance on the violoncello was distinguished for correctness of taste and brilliancy of execution. His precarious health and tender frame required the most unre- mitting care, and experienced the ten- derest attentions of maternal solici- tude. From his earliest infancy the !Marchioness had watched over him with the fondest anxiety; and the constant anticipation of being bereft of an amiable son made her doubly sensible of his worth and merit. Su- peradded to those endearing emotions and delicate affections which agitate and entwine round a mother's heart, in contemplating and guarding the feeble constitution of a beloved child, so susceptibly obnoxious to every dis- 14 DELMORE, temper ; the graceful form and polished jnanners of Lord Arlington enchanted the heart and gratified the vanity of the Marchioness : and his accomplish- ments acquired augmented importance, and blazed with redoubled lustre, in the partial eyes of a doting parent. His father beliipld with tender concern and the liveliest regret his uncertain and declining health ; the first physi- cians in England, and the ablest me- dical practitioners of France had suc- cessively, but ineifectually, exerted their slcill and knowledge : by their advice the Marquis accompanied his son to Italy, in the fond expectation that his constitution would be renovated by the salubrious and balsamic air of that delightful climate. The alarming symptoms of an incipient pulmonary complaint had indeed yielded to the influence of a healthful atmosphere; but thpuglvthe ravaging hand of dis- on MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 15 ease was arrested, his frame was not invigorated ; and he still preserved a delicate, and almost consumptive ap- pearance. The dawning virtues «f his son had superinduced the Marquis to indulge the sanguine hope, that as Lord Arhngton's intellectual powers expanded and matured, they would manifest the indications of a great and aspiring mind ; every endeavour to ac- complish these wishes and confirm these expectations was unceasingly ex- erted ; the labours of the most eru- dite masters were unremittingly em- ployed to cultivate his taste, to form his sentiments, and enlighten liis un- derstanding. The exertions of the Marquis were uniformly directed to qualify his son to take a distinguished part in the government of the British empire. He ardently hoped that his successor would extend the influence 16 DELMORE, and augment the power of his family by his parliamentary importance ; and he was conscious that the possession of splendid talents, extensive infor- mation, and nervous eloquence, must be superadded to hereditary digni- ties, to acquire eminence or ascen- dancy in the legislature of this coun- try. The limited capacity and mode- rate views of the son obscured the brilliant hopes, and blasted the am- bitious projects of the father. The poignancy of regret was how- ever alleviated, and the corrosion of disappointed ambition mitigated, by the opening virtues and promising talents of his youngest son Lord Henry Deknore. The education of Lord Henry had been committed to the superintendance and direc- tion of Mr. Ainsworth, (one of the most finished scholars of the age) ; OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 17 and under such auspices, the pupil's progress in literature was commensu- rate to the ability and erudition of the preceptor. Lord Henry was a complete master of the classics ; — he was deeply read in ancient and mo- dern history ; his taste was refined, and his sentiments formed by repeated peru* sal of the works of the purest writers of antiquity; — his reasoning powers were strengthened, and a habit of at- tention fixed, by the study of the ma- thematics; hji^ mind was enlighten- ed by ethical and metaphysical dis* quisitions, and his view of nature and art was enlarged by genuine ex- perimental philosophy. His pene- trating intellect, ever desirous of ac- quiring knowledge, was sharpened by the unremitting exertions of his fa- ther and Mr. Ainsworth : from his earliest infancy he had been encou- raged, and even seduced to enquire 18 DELMORE, concerning every subject with which lie was unacquainted, and never to desist from prosecuting his mvestiga- tion and pursuing his researches, un- til he had obtained complete informa- tion : — hours had the Marquis de- voted to these pui*poses, listening with patience, and even pleasure, to the repeated interrogatories, and re- solving the doubts and difficulties of his intelligent child. Lord Henry was instructed to dress his sentiments in the most polished diction ; and to reason on every subject with logical precision. Unceasing efforts had been exerted to improve and perfect his elocution; and the enraptured father listened with glowing admiration, whilst, with harmonious enunciation and graceful action, he declaimed the thundering invectives of Demos- thenes, or the mellifluous periods of Cicero. The taste and inclinations OR MOnXIlN FRIENDSHIP. 19^ of Lord Henry concurred with the hopes and wishes of his father ; he frequently decUned to accompany his mother to her fashionable parties ; that he might attend the debates in the House of Commons ; and often has the embryo senator devoted his nights to listen to the lofty and splen- did declamation of a Pitt^ the com- prehensive and perspicuous reasoning of a Fox ; the manly convincing elo- quence of a Grey; or the keen satire, brilliant wit, and beautiful illustra- tions of a Sheridan. Lord Henry united to resplendent talents and a vigorous intellect the most benevo- lent affections ; an open, generous, and unsupicious temper ; a liberality that prompted him to relieve distress, in whatever shape it might be presented ; and an ardour of sentiment and warmth of feeling which, though it occasionally transported him beyond 90 D ELM one, the pale of prudence and moderation, more frequently served only to bur- nish his other virtues. He had just entered his twentieth year, when he was destined to depart for the conti- nent, and his journey was only de- layed that he might assist at the mag- nificent festival, with which the Mar- quis and Marchioness of Melrose iii- tended to celebrate Lord Arlingtou's- arrival at the age of twenty-one. OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 21 CHAPTER II. A FEW days after the arrival of the Delmore family at Melrose Castle, they receiv^ed a visit from Lord and Lady Ossington, and their two daugh- ters. Lady Ossington was the inti- mate and confidential friend of the Marchioness of Melrose; a congeni- ality of sentiment had originally in- duced, and afterwards cemented their friendship;, a similar taste and predo- minant inchnation for splendid enter- tainments, crouded routs, and bril- liant assemblies, rendered them, in town, constant and inseparable asso- ciates. Her husband was submis- 29 DELMORE, si vely subservient to Lady OssingtoiVs caprices, and gratified her in every indulgence; his princely fortune was implicitly devoted to her controul and direction; and Lord Ossington ap- peared to be created, only to confer titled distinction on his lady, and to serve as a conduit to convey the means of refined frivolity and fashion- able luxury. In his parliamentary conduct he was equally under the guidance of others ; he regarded the IMarquis of Melrose as the paragon of wisdom, he consulted him as an ora- cle on every occasion, and his mind obeyed every impulse which it re- ceived from his friend. The prelimipary salutations had scarcely passed, and those unmeaning, but never omitted enquiries relative to each other's health, and a thousand frivolous interrogatories concerning their mutual acquaintance, had barely OR MODERN FllIEJiDSHIP. 23 subsided, when Mrs. Mansell and her son were announced. The eyes of Lady Osshigton, and her daughters were immediately riveted on the ele- gant person of Mr. Alansell, who bowed gracefully to the ladies; con- gratulated the Marchioness, in the most respectful manner, on her return to Melrose ; politely shook hands with Lord Arlington; and made the most particular enquiries concerning the Marquis and Lord Henry. Mrs. Mansell and her son were fre- quent and welcome visitors at the castle. — This lady was the purveyor of the domestic intelligence of the vicinity; every occurrence which interested the inhabitants, and the private scan- dal that circulated through the bo- rough of , were by her in- defatigable industry and flippant vo- lubility disembogued on the Marchio- ness; and amidst a sterility of real 24 DELMORE, circumstances she could liberally draw on her inventive powers for a copious supply of matter. A lady thus qua- lified, who was always ready to play a rubber at whist, or take a hand at cassino, could not fail agreeably to relieve the taedium of an c\*€ning in the country. The uncommon abili- ties and extensive knowledge of young Mansell attracted the particular notice of, and received the most distinguish- ing marks of approbation from, the Marquis of Melrose. He particularly recommended him to the friendship of his sons, and was never more gratified than in seeing them cherish- ing his acquaintance, and soliciting his intimacy. After the prolific brains and retentive memory of Mrs. Man- sell had been employed and exhaust- ed in diverting the Marchioness and Lady Ossington with the scandal of the place, they retired to give their OR MODERN' iniEXDSlllP. S5 opinions concerning some elegant dresses and superb ornaments, that liad just arrived from town, and to examine the decorations and improve- ments, which were nearly completed to adorn the castle on the approach- in": fete. Lord Ossinjrton, bv the di- o n't/ rection of his lady, descended to the library, to consult the i\Iarquis of Melrose on a projected purchase ; or, perhaps her Ladyship was anxious to give Lord Arlington every opportunity and facility to renew his attentions to Miss Ossington, in the fond hope that their budding attachment might be ripened into a union between her daughter and that nobleman. A pre- vailino- desire to a<>'"randize her fa- mily, stimulated Lady Ossington to facilitate and encourage the growth of their affection ; and as Lord Ossington could bestow a splendid portion on his daughter, she was convinced that the VOL. I. c 26 DELMORE, Marquis and Marchioness of Melrose would countenance, rather than op- pose so advantageous a connexion. Miss Ossington was now in the bloom of youth and loveliness ; in stature she was above the middle size; her form was, however, finely proportioned ; her features were not regularly beautiful ; but the mild lustre of her eyes, the animating glow of countenance that spoke the benignity of the heart, were irresistibly fascina- ting: her commanding appearance and dignified carriage were softened by the most engaging sweetness of tem- per, and refined by the most bewitch- ing affability of manners. She ^vas altogether an elegant and accomplish- ed girl ; she was mistress of the French and Italian languages ; her taste in music was correct and scien- tific ; her voice possessed such com- pass and flexibility, that she could ORMOBERN FRIENDSHIP. 27 execute the most difficult airs with facihty and precision, and the melodi- ous singer accompanied her vocal efforts by her exquisite performance on the harp. A congeniality of dis- position and sentiment, assimilating their pursuits, first attracted the no- tice of Lord Arlington ; the unaffect- ed benevolence of her heart, the ami- able simplicity of her manners, in- creased and secured the prepossession, which her charms and accomplish- ments had originally excited. Her understanding was highly cultiv^ated ; and her moral taste was refined and polished by the constant perusal of the purest modern writers. Though she was constrained to live amidst the bustle and tumult of fashionable life, and obliged, in compliance with her mother's wishes, to participate in those splendid assemblies and brilliant routs, where the voluptuaries of dis- c 2 58 3JELMORE, tinction seek a momentaiy refuge from lassitude and ennui ; where the young and old, the beautiful and de- formed indiscriminately sacrifice on the altars of dissipation and fashion ; ■Miss Ossington usually devoted a con- siderable portion of the morning to perfect herself in music and drawing ; and she frequently resisted the solici- tations and importunities of her mo- tlier to attend the opera or masque- rade, that she might improve her mind by a favourite \wo\\ or enjoy the amusing and instructive society of a few select acquaintance. She had obtained so great an ascendancy over Lord Arlington ; he entertained so exalted an idea of lier taste and sentiments, that he seldom pro- nounced his judgment on any musi- cal production, or expressed his opi- nion of any author,* until he had con- sulted, and obtained the sanction of OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 29 Miss Ossington. While the ena- moured lord was hstening to the ob- servations and remarks of his fail* mistress, who was examining and cri- ticising the music of the Opera Cas- torc c Polluce, that Lord Arlington had been practising; Mansell was flirting with, and endeavouring to en- tertain, the younger sister. He had successively touched on every subject that his fertile imagination and lively fancy could suggest to amuse her. She was almost compelled to be plea- sed with his vivacious sallies and sprightly effusions ; but though Miss Emma Ossington's vanity would have been gratified by Mansell's attentions in public; though she would have exulted in mortifying a crowd of en- vious misses and disappointed rivals by monopolizing the devoirs of the handsomest fellow in the room ; she did not consider him au object worthy c 3 so DELM0RE5 of a serious conquest ; and she was secretly piqued and chagrined, that she was not receiving these compli- ments and assiduities from an enno- bled admirer. Miss Emma Ossington had scarcely attained the age of eighteen ; her figure was ungraceful, awkward, and inelegant ; in stature, she exceeded her sister; and her present appear- ance indicated, that as she advanced in years, her form would be coarse and almost masculine ; her features were irregular and ill-assorted ; and lier countenance displayed to a skil- ful physiognomist the infallible indi- cations of supercilious pride and corroding envy. She was arrogant, haughty, and unfeeling; her mind was unenlightened by knowledge ; her sentiments were vulgar and uneleva- tcd ; and her taste capricious and un- refined. Sarcastic remarks and point- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. . 31 «d malicious observations maintained, however, in ordinary minds, the ap- pearance of superior intelligence ; a«d the undiscerning frequently mis-" took these illusive corruscations for the genial light of wit and reason. She received the instructions of her masters with indifference and almost disgust ; she assiduously, but unsuc- cessfully, endeavoured to excel in dancing, as that accomplishment was essential to a lady, wiiose whole de- light was centered in the dissipation and amusements of a fashionable win- ter in town. She then shone in the zenith of her happiness, wlien her mornings were absorbed in giving au- diences to milliners, jewdlcijs, and dress-makers ; in rattling through the principal streets ; and visiting the most gaudy sliops of the metropolis ; and the remainder of the day con- sumed by the important ceremonial c 4 " 22 DELMORE, of the toilet ; in hurrying* to tire opera ; or joining in the splendid par- ties of her noble friends. The unin- termitting endeavours of Emma Os- sington were directed to attract the regard, and engage the affections of a man of rank and fortune ; the ele- vation of a title would alone soothe her pride, and gratify her vanity; and the possession of considerable opulence, was necessary to supply her unbridled desire of indulging in os- tentatious parade and luxurious pro- fusion. She had pointed all the ar- tillery of her charms against Lord Arlington ; but his bosom was impe- netrable to her attacks : her artful allurements were eclipsed by the brisrhter fascinations of her sister. A mind thus corroded with envy, was agitated and discontented by contem- plating their felicity ; her eyes darted maliirnant i>lances at Lord Arlingtou OR MODERN FRIEyDSHIP. 33 and her sister ; their countenances ani- mated with joy and rapture, excru- ciated her envenomed soul ; and Em- ma Ossington experienced the most gratifying emotions, when their in- teresting conversation was interrupt- ed by the entrance of lier motlier, with the jMarcliioness, and ^Irs. Man- sdl. Reader ! if you are desirous of knowing what passed between the lovers : imaoine U) yourself all that love could inspire, affection dictate, or delicacy receive. Lady Ossington was expatiating on the dresses and ornaments which the Marchioness had exhibited to her in- spection, and profusely applauding her dear friend's taste and selection ; she was enraptured with the improve- ments that were expediting in the c 5 34f DELMORE, castle, and declared to her daughters, that the approaching festival would surpass, in skilfulness of design and splendour of appearance, any f^te that she had witnessed. During the time Lady Ossington was explaining, \vith increasing vo- lubility and insufferable prolixity, even the most n^nute alterations and improvements ; Alansell, whose pa- tience was exhausted, and whose at- tention was fatigued by this unin- teresting detail, had strolled towards tlie window, and carelessly glancing his eye over the picturesque scenery, he observed that a carriage was fly- ing with rapidity through the park. Her Ladyship was still dilating on these important topics with fluent fiippancy, when her descriptions were interrupted by the arrival of Lady Georgh^.a Delmore, followed by her nunt Lady Sarah Temple and her OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 35 cousin Louisa. Whilst the ladies were congratulating each other, the lively Lady Georgina embraced her rro- ther, exclaiming:, " O my dear mam- ma ! I am so glad to return home; I was so tired of remaining with grand- mamma; and aunt Temple has been so cross to Louisa and me." Slie then shook hands with Mr. Mansell, and flew to her brotlier. After saluting him, she gaily said, *' Oh Arlington ! what have you been saying to Miss Ossington that makes her have so fine a colour ?" Miss Ossington's cheeks were suifu- sed with a deeper crimson, at the thoughtless sally of this giddy girl. ** How is papa?" continued she; *' where is brother Henry? I suppose he is poring over some old musty books, or listening to papa's long speeches." " Lord Henry Delmore, " sarcasti- cally observed Miss Emma. Ossington, 56 DBLMORE, *' seldom condescends to honour th« ladies with his company." '' Oh ! I am sure that's very ill- natured," retorted Lady Georginar ** for, Henry is never better pleased, than when he is with his cousin Louisa and me." Miss Emma fixed her scrutinizing^ eyes on the countenance of Louisa Temple ; but, without allowing her time to reply, the sprightly girl dart- ed out of the room with Louisa, and descended to the library. The ami- able Marchioness, though she was de- lighted at the return of her charming daughter, had not overlooked her flippant remarks; she requested that the company would consider them as the innocent sallies of a giddy unre- flecting girl. Such an advocate was irresistible ; and even Lady Sarah Temple's stately reserve relaxed, and her formal countenance brightened OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 37 at the condescending apologies of her sister. Lady Sarah Temple was the only sister of the Marquis of Melrose ; she was married at an early age to the Honourable Colonel Temple, the el- dest son of Lord Aubeny; by whom she had one dauohter. Their union was, however, of short duration. About two years after their marriage, at a dinner given by the officers of Colonel Temple's regiment to the prin- cipal inhabitants of Belfast and its neighbourhood, the Colonel engaged in a political controversy with a gen- tleman of that town They maintain- ed their respective opinions, with such pertinacious vehemence and inflexible obstinacy, that their passions were in- flamed even to the intoxication of their reason ; and in the heat of discussion, some expressions escaped from his op- ponent which the Colonel considered J 38 to derogate from the honour and cha- racter of a gentleman : he insisted therefore on these observations beino^ retracted or explained away ; but, as the gentleman would not apologize for, nor qualify his expressions, the Colonel was compelled, by the bar- barous laws of honour, to challenge him to the field ; where, by the iirst fire of his antagonist, the Colonel re- ceived a mortal wound. Since the death of her husband, Lady Sarah had been domesticated with the Delmore family ; and her daughter and Lady Georgina had been companions from their infancy. Lady Sarah Temple displayed the same loftiness of deportment and stateliness of demeanour that cha- racterized her brother ; but the qua- lities, which distinguished him, de- generated in her to the most odious imperfections : — the pride of noble . on MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 39 birth was debased by supercilious- ness ; dignified reserve was disgraced by insulting contempt, and tlie most mortifying arrooance to her inferiors. She was ilh'beral, selfish, and unfeel- ing ; the authoritative mode in which she deUvered her sentiments, entrap- ped the injudicious and unreflecting; ** subtlety was mistaken for wisdom ;" and confidence for superior sagacity. Though haughty and unaccommoda- ting to others, the artful Lady Sarah could mould her behaviour, and adapt her observations, to humour the capri- ces, and indulge the foibles of her sis^ ter. The dogmatical and commanding tone with which she uttered her re- marks, had impressed the indiscrimi- nating mind of the Marchioness with an elevated opinion of her superior attainments ; and by the united means of adulation, subtlety, and dissimu- lation, she had obtained a complete 4(7 DELMORC, ascendancy over her sister. The do- mestic arrangments of tlie castle were committed to her management ; and the education of Lady Georgina Avas intrusted to her care. The indolent disposition and unostentatious charac- ter of the ]\Iarchioness rendered Lady • Sarah the dispenser ol' her extensive charities and liheral donations ; and as, through her imtrumentaliti/, the fa- vours and largesses- of her sister were bestowed, slie acquired considerable influence and augmented authority over the numerous dependents on the house of Dehiiore. Her haughty, supercilious behaviour, lier inflexib blfe gravity and cold formality, her rigid observance of the minutest punctilios of decorum, disgusted the younger part of the family: they were continually devising some experiment to thwart her ; and so perpetually ri- diculing her stateline&s and reserve^ OR MODER-V FRIENDSHIP. 41 that the powerful interposition of the Marchioness was indispensably re(|ui- red to insure to her even an appearance of respect and attention. The Marchioness experienced no in- considerable satisfaction in observing that the loweiing clouds on her sister's brows were dissipating; and fearful lest her gloomy imagination mii^ht again ruminate on Lady Georgina's remark, she endeavoured to divert I^dy Sarah Temple's mind, by repeat- ed enquiries concerning the health of her mother, and by a variety of ques- tions relative to the different families of that neighbourhood. Perceiving Miss Ossington care- lessly turning over the leaves of the new opera, which was lying on the table, the Marchioness requested her to favour the company with the beau- tiful air in the second act. Allured by the sound of the music, Lady 4c2 DELMORE, Georgina Delmore and her cousin Louisa gently stole into the room. Scarcely had the distinguished perfor- mer finished this delightful composi- tion, when Lord Ossington returned, accompanied by the Marquis of Mel- rose, and Lord Henry Delmore. Lady Ossington exclaimed against the dull- ness and insipidity of a rural retreat ; she declared that she should be devour- ed by ennui and listlessness, if she continued much longer in the coun- try; and, avowing her intention of immediately visiting a watering-place after the celebration of the promised f^te at Melrose Castle, she endeavour- ed to persuade her dear Marchioness to participate her enjoyments by join- ing the party. ** I am enchanted/' said Miss Em- ma Ossington, whose bosom panted, and whose cheeks glowed with the thriiling anticipation of renewed plea- OK MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 43 sures, *^ at the prospect of speedily emancipating from tlie tiresome uni- formity of the odious country. I see no- thing to admire in shady groves, ena- melled meadows, and purling streams ; they are only calculated for despair- ing lovers and antiquated spinsters, who cannot relish the elegant refine- ments of fashionable life. What can be more horrible than to be condemned to the society of rustic squires and their vulgar families, or occasionally to mix even with village parsons and our brutal tenants ! I verily believe that the reformers, who declaim against the vices and dissipation of their supe- riors, have invented this purgatory, and doomed the votaries of fashion to a penance of six months, as an expia^ tion of their imaginary offences." ** I am always sorry to dissent from the ladies," observed the Marquis of Melrose; '* but, in my opinion, the 44r DELMOKE, country presents an inexhaustible source of gratification to an unsophis- ticated and reflecting mind. — When I ride round my extensive estates, and contemplate the lands groaning with the bending harvest ; my bosom glows v/ith conscious exultation in reflecting that the product of these fields secures competence and ease to their eultivar- tors ; diffuses cheerfulness and plenty to an iiulustrious population; and ad- ministers the means of magnificence, hospitality, and benevolence to their lord. My tenants are the firmest and most legitimate props of my house; and I consider a British yeomanry as the brightest ornaments and strongest support of their country. — It is the Siicred and indispensable duty of every great proprietor of land to reside, at least, some part of the year on his es- tate; he can then examine the situa- tion of his respective tenants; he can OR MODERN PRIENDSJIIP. 45 y^ersonally observe and redress their grievances, and secure them from the oppressive and griping hand of an avaricious steward : surely some por- tion of the opulence of the landlord should be expended, in liberal hospi- tality, amongst those beings, whose unceasing toil and laborious endea- vours are cheerfully exerted and unre- mittingly cmploj-ed to obtain it. I cannot sufficiently express my admira- tion of the noble institutions of my exalted friends the Duke of Woburn and Mr. Holkham, for the advance- ment of agriculture, and the improve- ment of cattle. — The Romans, indeed, decreed a civic croxoi to the man who preserved the life of a Citizen : but wdiat higher honours and brighter re- wards are due to those elevated cha- racters whose comprehensive views and benevolent exertions are directed to a- nieliorate the condition of society ; to 46 DEL3I0RE, secure happiness and content to an in- dustrious community; and scatter cheerfulness and plenty over a smiling land ! — Such examples of splendid hos- pitality and liberal encouragement should stimulate every man of fortune and consideration to pursue a similar career, with unabated ardour and in- flexible perseverance. " Lord Ossington cordially agreed M'iththe sentiments of his noble friend: hut as he never presumed to dissent from the remarks of his Lady, he pre- served an inviolable silence: and the Marchioness of IMelrose, though her heart beat in unison with every wish and observation of Lady Ossington, was so accustomed to regard the opi- nion of her husband with implicit de- ference, that she maintained a similar taciturnity. Lady Ossington, who had listened to these observations with astonish- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 47 nient and mortification, and almost doubted the evidence of her senses, to hear such remarks from a man of his Lordship's rank, spleneticly rejoined: ^' Surely, my Lord, you would not immure a woman of taste and fashion in an antiquated castle ; and condemn her to the insipid monotony of the country, deprived of those elegant di- versions and brilliant parties that con- stitute the sovereign delight of eleva- ted life and consign her half the year • To harmless plain-work, and to croaking rooks, ' Old- fasbion'd halls, dull aunts, and godly books I' If the amusing varieties and eccentric entertainments that follow each other in such charming succession at a wa- tering-place, did not intervene to dis- sipate the hours, I never could lan- guish through the tedious summer.'* ** I cannot be supposed," replied 5 48 DELMORE, the Marquis, ** to desire that persons of rank and fortune should be fettered by any unpleasant pursuits, much less would I wish to restrict them from elegant society, or doom them to a perpetual association with their infe- riors ; but in my opinion, some relax- ation, from the bustle and fatigue of an eternal succession of amusements, is essentially necessary to recruit their health, and renovate their bloom, after the dissipation and voluptuous- ness of a fashionable winter. In the crouded places of summer resort, the frivolity and luxury of a town life are only transferred ; and the votaries of pleasure, instead of re-establishing their constitutions by the salubrious breezes of the sea, by temperate diet, salutary exercise, and early hours, impair their health by the pestiferous effluvia of heated rooms : and exhaust OR MODERN FRIENI>SHIP. 49 tl^ir spirits by the distractions and vigils of the gaming-table.'* Delmore was too well acquainted with his father's invincible predilection for the country, and too firmly convin- ced of his inveterate prejudice against SL Nvatering-place, to hazard his dis- pleasure cr to irritate his passions by- opposition. He considered also that the Marquis had probably expressed his dislike in stronger terms from a secret desire of satirizing the pursuits and ridiculing the sentiments of Lady Ossington. Her flippant Ladyship turning to Mansell, peevishly observed, " Are you also so enamoured with rustication? do you experience such delight in an agricultural f^te?" Mansell, who had frequently, in compliance with her Ladyship's avow- ed inclinations, declaimed against tlje monotonous insipidity of a country- VOL. I. B bo delmoHe, life, experienced no inconsiderable em- barrassment from her interroo'atories : he was resolved not to oppose the opi- nions of the IMarquis; he was also de- sirous of ingratiating himself with Lady Ossington ; but being so poiiit- edly called on for his sentiments, he was reduced to the provoking dilemma of either differing from Lord Melrose, or appearing versatile and inconsistent : he therefore endeavoured by modify- ing his observations, to adapt them to their respective palates. He declared that he cordially assented to every re- mark which had been so irresistibly and conclusively urged by the Marquis of Melrose ; but perceiving the clouds of dissatisfaction collecting on Lady Ossington's countenance, he artfully observed, that as his own station in society rendered him entirely unre- stricted by his pursuits, he had no aversion to relieve the uniformity of a 1 OR MODERN FRIENDSIIII*. 51 country-life, by the enlivening gaiety and amusing variety of a watering- place. — ** The company, however, constitutes in my mind, the principal, if not the sole, attraction of any place; and I shall always consider the country as a paradisaical retreat," observed Mansell, turning to the la- dies, " when it possesses such fasci- nation and loveliness." This felicitous compliment, uttered with his usual grace and elegance, produced an electrical effect on Lady Ossington ; she laughingly observed that he must be prepared with an ad- ditional stock of wit and viv^acity by the day on which the Delmore family iutended to honour her with their com- pany. Mansell bowed; — and Lady Ossington's carriage being announced, the Ossington family departed for Ar- ley Grove, d2. UNIVERSITY Of* ILLINOIS LIB--"^ 52 DELMOttE, CHAPTER IIL The Marchioness of Melrose and her sister were incessantly occupied in devising and superintending the alte- rations and improvements of the Cas- tle; and the Marquis was forming the necessary arrangements with his stew- ard. The most eminent artists were employed to decorate the interior ; the walls resounded with the labours of the different workmen ; the house and grounds were crouded with the pea- santry; and the combined efforts of taste, ingenuity, and industry, were exerted to give additional splendour aud magnificence to the approaching OR MOI>ERN FRIENDSHIP. 5tS fete. Superadded to these avocations, the Marquis of Melrose was engaged in some family settlements with his eldest son, and deeply interested in a political neg^ociation with the most considerable members of the corpora- tion, and in canvassing the inhabitants of the borough of . The pre- sent member for that town had been returned to parliament by the Delmore interest; he was nominated as the locum- tenens of Lord Arlington, on the express condition that he should vacate his seat when that nobleman attained the age of twenty-one. — These important occupations absorbed the time of the Delmore family. One evening as Lord Henry Del- more and his brother, who had strolled to Belmont house to visit their friend jMansell, were returning to the Castle, their attention was attracted by the sight of a beautiful girl running with D 3 54 affrighted looks and breathless agita- tion. The lovely trembler flew to Lord Henry Delmore; and, under the irresistible impressions of terror, saught protection from the danger that had alarmed her. Some period elapsed, before the agitated and almost senseless girl conld recover herself suf- ficiently to be sensible of her situation, or explain the occasion of her fear : during this time, as she rested on Lord Henry's bosom, he had suf^cient time to contemplate the most bewitch- ing face, and a form moulded by the hand of nature in her most indulgent mood. She r^ppeared about twelve years of age; her dress was simply elegant; a gipsy hat, tied with pea- green ribbons, enveloped the auburn locks which profusely shaded her ani- mated antl interesting countenance. When her trepidation had a little sub- sided, her cheeks were suffused with OR MODERN FRIEXDSHIP. ijV bliislies, at finding herself supported by a gentleman : as soon as she could recover any degree of composure, tlie trembling girl apologized for the li- berty which, under the impulse of inor- dinate terror, she had presumed to take. Lord Henry and his brotlier, whose benevolent and susceptible hearts were considerably interested^ eagerly pres- sed her to develope the cause of bet" alarm. The lovely innocent artlessly replied, that she had been walking with her maid to a neighbouring far- mer's, and afterwards strolling into the adjoining wood to gather some wild strawberries, she had inadvertently separated from the servant ; and while she was endeavouring to rejoin her^ 3ome rude boys, who were hunting rabbits, had insulted her, and incited their dogs to molest and terrify her- She informed her noble protectors that $lie lived with Mr. Arnold, about a D 4 56 delmorp:, mile and a half from Arley Grove, the seat of Lord Ossington ; and if they ivoiild condescend to protect her be- yond the limits of the wood, she would return home. She appeared, however, to the brothers, not suffi- ciently recovered to undertake so long a walk. Whilst they were deliberating, Lord Arlington observed their mo- ther's carriage ; and vociferating to the coachman to stop, he immediately flew to her : he succinctly explained the situation of the engaging child ; and the amiable Marchioness, with the most condescending affability, insist- ed on the lovely stranger taking a seat in tl>e carriag-e. Lord Arlington in- stantaneously returned to his brother and his sweet companion, with the po- lite request of his mother; and dis- closing the name of his family, pressed her to accept the invitation. The beautiful innocent endeavoured to ex- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 57 cuse herself from accepting the kind offer, observing: ** Mr. Arnold will be distracted, and poor Anna terrified out of her senses at my absence ; as they promised mamma, that they would guard me as their dearest trea- sure." Lord Henry declared that a servant should be immediately dispatched to apprise Mr. Arnold of the cause of her absence. — Being thus delivered from anxiety on his account, she yielded to their solicitations, and accompanied the noble family to ^Melrose Castle. Whilst the lovely girl was proceeding with her exalted friends, her maid was distractedly running through eveiy part of the .wood, calling out for her young mistress. Poor Anna, having met with the son of a neighbouring farmer, and being very agreeably en- gaged in listening to her lover, had al- most forgotten her young charge; but 1) 5 OS DELMORE, wondering, at length, at her absence, she began to entertain some apprehen- sions for her safety; and immediately explored every part of the thicket to discover her. Finding her researches^ were ineffectual, she concluded, after the first emotions of her alarm had subsided, that her young mistress, ha- 'ving separated from, and being unable to rejoin her, had returned home. She therefore proceeded to Mr. Arnold's ; and as she entered the garden, the good old man, surprised at seeing her alone, impatiently enquired, where she had left her young mistress ! ** Is she not returned?" exclaimed the terrified girl. A thousand fears agitated Mr. Arnold ; the most dis- tracting suspicions darted across his mind ; there was a mystery attending her, which the worthy, old man had unceasingly, but ineffectually endea- A^oured to penetrate j — the education on MOpERN FRIENDSHIP. 5Q she received, and the accomplishments she was instructed in by her mother, so su}>erior to her ostensible situation, convinced him that she was a person of superior condition ; — he recollect- ed tlie parting injunctions of her mo- ther, — and his own promises, so sa- credly and solemnly pledged, to watch with unremitting care over her darling child. He inveighed in the bitter- est terms of indignation against Anna, for her remissness and inattention ; — he compelled the Meepi ng girl to re- peatevery particular of their excursion, and to point out the precise spot where they separated ; — and hurrying out of the garden with precipitate steps and disordered countenance, he proceeded through every field, and visited every place where his lost charge had ram^ bled. He questioned, with eager cu- riosity, every person that he met, whether they had eeen a. young lady 60 DELMORE, of her description ; — but receiving no satisfactory information, he was on the point of returning home, hopeless and almost broken-hearted ; when, ob- serving an old woodman, he renewed his enquiries. The man related, that he had seen a young lady of her age and appearance. — *' She was in com- pany," said the man, ** with two mortal fine gentlemen, who handed her into a grand coach, in which there were some desperate fine ladies." If Mr. Arnold was alarmed at re- ceiving no intelligence, he wa» now silmost frantic with horror and despair ; — he imagined that his lovely charge had been allured or forced into the carriage ; — he recollected that her mo- ther always selected the most unfre- quented walks, and that she uniformly shrank from the observations of per- sons of consequence ;— he had remar- ked that she seldom strolled far from OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 01 tlie liouse, when the Ossington family were in the country : — these circum- stances confirmed his own suspicions ; — Anna's account of their separation was, in his mind, equivocal; — he imputed treachery to the innocent servant; and the benevolent old man was convinced that his beautiful ward had been torn by violence, or trepanned by a stratagem, from his protection. His mind was in chaotic confusion, — bewildered with the most tormenting and contending conjectures, — alternate doubts, hopes and fears assailed him ; — disturbed and perplexed, he formed a thousand re- solutions, and as quickly abandoned them ; — at length he determined to proceed to the village, to consult with his brother (who was steward to Lord Ossington), on the necessary steps to be adopted on this melancholy cata- strophe. Mr. Arnold had almost reached tlic 6^ BELMOKE, village; when be was met by Anna, who, almost breathless, informed him^ that one of the Marquis of Melrose's grooms was waiting to deliver a letter to him. Tlie good old man redoubled his speed, and scarcely had he enter- ed the house, when he snatched the letter from the servant's hand, and impatiently tearing it open, hastily glanced over the contents : at the cer- tainty of the dear girFs safety, his emotions overpowered him, an?lIIl'. ?Q were entwined with jessamine, rose trees, and woodbines. The interior decorations corre- sponded with the elegance of the structure, and the beauty of the grounds; the graceful lightness of modern embellishment was combined with the ponderous magnificence of ancient ornaments. The company were scarcely assem- bled, when Lady Georgina Delmore requested permission to shew Maria, Miss Ossingtou's aviary ; and recei- ving a tacit acquiescence, she gaily tripped out of the room with her cou- sin Louisa and her young friend. Miss Ossington, who was greatly pre- possessed by Maria's interesting ap- pearance, availed herself of this op- portunity to gratify her curiosity in regard to her name and family. Lord Henry Delmore gave an animated and glowing description of his accidental E 4 80 DELMORE, meeting witli the fair stranger, and declared that there was somethins^ in her manners and appearance so be- witching,, that he was irresistiblj' in- terested in her destiny. '^ I mnst confess," observed Mr. Crosby, *^ that in my opinion, per- sons of rank and fasliion demean themselves, by the introduction of people of an inferior condition into their houses to associate with their children. When these vulgar cha- racters obtain a footing in the house of a person of distinction, they imme- diately aspire to an equality with their benetactors; and as such, an hlixe possesses every opportunity to ob- Berve the manners and conduct of his superiors ; their graceful levities and elegant pursuits are condemned as frivolous or vicious ; and the refined luxury of their domestic establish- rrhcnts is denounced as wasteful and OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 81 criminal profusion. I have ever con- sidered these unnatural attempts to exalt the vulgar above their own level extremely absurd and detrimental; and I conceive, that social order has been greatly disturbed, and that tl^ lower classes of the community have, by the general diffusion of learning, abated some portion of that implicit deference, which they formerly paid to their superiors ; and have presumed to offer respect only to those charac- ters who, in their wise opinions, de- serve it." " Nothing can be more preposte- rous," remarked Miss Emma Ossing- ton, " than a lady of birth and dis- tinction countenancing an acquaint- ance between their families and such low people : unless indeed she wishes the affections of her luisband to be alienated : or her son to be ruined bv E 5 82 DELMORE, a disgraceful niafriage with her artful *' The introduction of a young per- son into a noble family, against which Air. Crosby so vehemently inveighs," obser^xd Lord Henry Delmore, " can only produce those pernicious conse- quences, when caprice, instead of merit, governs us in the selection of the object. The budding virtues of the child of adversity, nipped by the chilling air of penury, may expand and fructify by the genial warmth of fa- vour and encouragement. And surely those liberal and exalted minds de- serve our highest commendation, who extend such generous patronage and disinterested support." *^ I acknowledge,'' said the Mar- chioness of Melrose, *' that if I could overcome my abhorence of the intro- duction of any stranger into my fa- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 83 mily, 1 should be induced to depart from my decided resolution in favour of Maria, and to adopt her, in com- pliance with Georgina's wishes. She possesses an indescribable fascination ; such a loveU- countenance; so sweet a disposition; such astonishing intelli- gence for so young a creature ; and altogether, so highly accomplished for a child of her years." '* The generosity of your senti- ments affects me," replied Lord Hen- ry Delmore : " 1 am confident that your liberal and benevolent heart M-ill induce you to gratify the wishes of Georgina and myself, by watching over the destiny of the lovely inno- cent. — My father," gaily remarked Lord Henry, ** will be little exposed to her captivating powers ; and as for my brother and myself," — (look- ing significantly at Lord Arlington and Miss Ossington,) — *^ our hearts 84 DELMOnE, are invulnerable to her enchant- ments." *' You protest nobly, my Lord/' said ^lansell; " but I suspect, that ia a few years you may, perhaps, not possess a talisman to guard you from the magic of Maria's charm*. " ^s dinner was announced, the Ho- nourable Mr. Dorville entered. — Mr. Dorville was the eldest son of Lord Harefield. He was a gay, volatile, good-tempered young man, whose rank entitled him to mix in the highest class of €Ociety ; and whose urbanity and liveliness rendered him an agreeable visitor: in a word, he was one of those well-dressed flutterers of dis- tinction, who serve to crowd the par- ties of a lady of fashion, and to swell the list of her ennobled friends in the columns of a newspaper. His family were visiting acquaintances of Lady Ossington ; and as Mr. Dorville ]iad OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. S5 intimated to Miss Osssington at the theatre, his intention of continuing some time in the country ; she par- ticularly pressed him to join their party, on the day that the Delmore family visited Arley Grove. A more important motive, than the desire of amusement, impelled Dor- ville to participate in the festivity. He was particularly anxious to make some additional enquiries conceniing Maria; and placing himself next to her at dinner, he almost overwhelm- ed the artless girl with unceasing questions. '* Has the little rustic thrown her spells round you also,'* — exclaimed Miss Emma Ossington, — ** you ap- pear so warmly interested in her situa- tion ?" '* I certainly," replied Dorville, " am highly delighted with my lovely companion ; but the engaging man- 86 iiers of a child, or indeed the highest female attraction, can possess little influence, when opposed to the brighter fascinations of Aliss Emma Ossing- ton!" As Dorville correctly interpreted Miss Emma's hint, he transferred his attentions, and assiduously exerted every effort to entertain her : and as she , was alternately flattered and ad- dressed by him and Lord Henry Del- more, her usual asperity softened into good-humour : and as Mr. Cros- by was pleased with the excellence of the venison, and the exquisite flavour of some fine madeira; the whole party gave a loose to mirth and hi- larity. When the ladies had retired, and the youthful party freed from re- straint ; good-humour and sprightli- liness circulated rapidly. — Radcliffe, exhilarated by the bewitching smiles OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 87 of burgundy, amused the company with his eccentricities, and convul- sed them with laughter, by ironi- cally supporting the opinions, or by openly ridiculing the prejudices and formal manners, of Mr. Crosby. The expensive and profuse enter- tainment lately given by the mayor of , became the theme of con- versation; and as Mr. Crosby was a complete voluptuary in the enjoyments of the table, he was expatiating on the wines and viands with epicu- rean delig^it, and culinary discrimi- natiou. ^* For my own part," said Radcliffe, who seized with avidity every occa- sion to mortify and plague him, " I never was so heartily disgusted . — such vulgarity, profusion, and dul- ness ; — such gluttony and rudeness ; — such scrambling for dainties ; — that I almost imagined myself at a 88 DELMORE, feast of the Cherokees, or Mohawks^ One brutal fellow observing me to separate some venison from the sweet sauce, exclaimed — ' I perceive, Sir, 'you don't like fat;' and instantly sticking his fork into it, conveyed the precious morsel to his own plate." ** I have received," said Mr. Cros- by, with his usual formal and pom- pous manner, '* intelligence that has surprised and alarmed me. The pe- titions of the Catholics of Ireland have been favourably received by go- vernment, and their requests \V\\\ pro- bably be granted. Rather than ex- tend to them the privileges of Protes- tants, I would recommend the mi- nisters to punish every dissatisfied person." *' Certainly !" remarked Mansell ironically, " I agree with Mr. Crosby, that the extermination of some of OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 89 tiiese persons would be a striking ex- ample of justice and wisdom !" "A system of conciliation," ob- served Delmore, *' must produce the happiest effects in allaying the ani- mosities, and soothing the irrita- tion of the people of Ireland. In re- ligious controversies, coercion can only inflame and confirm dissatisfac- tion. We must indeed carry on an intern ecionary warfare to cut off every discontented person in a country, where a considerable majority of its inhabitants coticehe themselves de- prived of several immunities and pri- vileges, on account of their specula- tive opinions on matters of religious faith. The wise and temperate will however suspend every difference of opinion, until the present arduous struo'He is terminated : and every heart and hand will, I hope, be united to repel the invaders of their country^ ^0 DELMORE, It is the essence of freedom and in-» separable from a free government, fof men to differ on speculative points. — The best and wisest men of this country differed on the effect and consequences of the French Revolu- tion. Those, who considered that Revolution as a monster of hell vo- miting discord and massacreS; — whose pestiferous breath polluted and en-^ venomed every person within its noxi* ous influence^ — imagined that aa iron barrier could alone oppose iu devouring progress. Others consider* ed that the most fallacious illusions acquired importance, when the intro- duction of opinions was opposed by violence and authority ; they con- ceived that the superior blessings of Englishmen, would induce them to value the real advantages of their own constitution, and to resist fantastic innovations. The French, if not as- ~ oil MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 01 sailed by exterior force, occupied with their own internal dissensions, would be incapacitated from disturbing the peace, or invading the nations of Europe ; but if the embodied phalanx of Europe combined against tlie re- public, they might cierive .^u^jc na- tural strength, from the convulsive struggles of despair; the united ener- gies and resources of a revolutionary government might be called into ac^ tion ; and the civilized world might crouch beneath the iron sceptre of military despotism." RadclifFe, who always dreaded Mr. Crosby's soporiferous harangues, and justly considered politics as the bane of conviviality, 'perceiving that his countenance was flushed with indig- nation at Lord Henry's observations, prevented his reply, by asking Lord Arlington, if he was inclined to dis- pose of his barouche horses ? and turn- 92 DELMORE, ing to Mr. Crosby he banteringly said : ** I'll bet you ^ven to four, my Dungannon colt beats Sir Frank Boville's filley, by Waxey, at the next races at ^lehose." As RadclifFe had fortunately fixed on the only subject, with the excep- tion of politics, that particularly in- terested Mr. Crosby, he succeeded in dispelling the clouds of disapproba- tion tbat were lowering on his brow. They immediately entered into a pro- lix dissertation on the respective me- rits of their dogs and horses : uni- versal good-humour was re-assumed ; and the gentlemen re-assembled, with renovated spirits and increased viva- city, in Lady Ossington's drawing- room. On their entrance, Lady Georgina flew to Lord Henry Delniore, — '* Oh * Brother," said ' the enraptured girl, *' Minima has been so kind as to in- OR MODERN FnrcXDSHIP. 93 vite IMaria to remain with me some time longer ; and Mr. Arnold has granted his permission. I am in such high spirits, for Maria will be so de- hghted with the entertainments and amusements at the Castle !" — The remainder of the day was spent wath general hilarity and universal good-humour : • — the enlivening in- fluence of burgundy gave additional zest and spirit to tl>€ wit of the gen- tlemen ; — and the parties separated at a late hour, satisfied with them- selves; and gratified by the liberal hospitality and polished affability of their noble hostess. Mr. Dorvilie had retired early in the evening; — his eager curiosity prompting him to make the most mi- nute enquiries concerning Maria, he seized this opportunity of calling on Mr. Arnold. The worthy old man received bis 94 DELMORE, distinguished visitor with the great- est respect and complacency. He was however greatly surprised and perplexed by his appearance ; and waited with impatient expectation to learn the cause and object of this in- terview. Mr. Dorville apologized for the li- berty he had taken ; but as he was particularly and deeply interested in the destiny of the young Lady who was^ at present, on a visit at Mel- rose Castle, he requested Mr. Arnold s indulgence, if he presumed to enquire some particulars concerning her fa- mily and connexions. Mr.- Arnold could indeed have af- forded but little information, even if he had been disposed to communicate \ every circumstance within his own knowledge. — Maria's mother had stu- diously abstained from any mention . of her connexions ; — she had parti- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP.. 95 cularly intreated, that her daugliter should live in complete seclusion du- ring her absence ; — and the maid had been enjoined never to carry her to the town of : and though Mr. Arnold had violated her injunctions, by permitting his young charge to continue at the Castle for a few days, he had reluctantly complied, as the request proceeded from persons of such influence and distinction. He bad been solicited to extend the period of her stay at the Castle; and a visit on the same eveu'wg from a gentleman of Dorville's appearance, who obviously interested himself so strongly, and was so anxiously inqui- sitive concerning her, excited consi- derable suspicion and alarm in the mind of Mr. Arnold. He therefore drily answered to Dorville's interro- gatories by merely declaring the name of Maria's mother. 96 BELMORE, - Dorville immediately pressed him with a mutitude of questions: how long had they resided at his house ? — by whom were they recommended ? — how long did they purpose to con- tinue? — And the reluctant hesitation of the old man served only to quicken the eagerness, and increase the num- ber of his enquiries. Mr. Arnold confined his replies to the simple information, that Maria's mother had resided in his house about two years; that she had lately been constrained to visit some relations ; — and that she was hourly expected to return. Perceiving that Mr. Arnold was un- able, or unwilling to satisfy his anxi- ous curiosity, Dorville threw himself into his carriage, disappointed, per- plexed, and mortified. His anxiety to discover her family, the tenderness and interest which he 5 OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 9T manifested for this engaging child, originated from the revival of an af- flicting and melancholy occurrence. — A sister of Dorville, a beautiful child of four years of age, had disappeared in a most extraordinary manner. The maid, to whose care she was entrusted, had called on her mother, who lived in the village contiguous to Lord Hare- field's house. Whilst the girl stepped into the cottage, the child was left play- ing in the garden ; when she returned, the infant had vanished; — and whether she had fallen into the river, that ran at the bottom of the garden ; whether she was enticed by the mendicant gyp- seys, that infested that neighbourhood, who stripped, and, perhaps, afterwards murdered her; or by what means she disappeared, liad never been ascer- tained. The sight of Maria, whose age cor- responded so exactly to that of tliis VOL, I. F 98 long-lost innocent, and her striking resemblance to his other sister, revived the recollection of this distressing ac- cident ; her interesting appearance ir- resistibly excited the tenderest emo- tions, and even transiently lighted up the brightest hopes. From the moment Mr. Dorville had a glimpse of her countenance at the theatre, he never withdrew his eyes during the whole evening. The Mar- chioness of Melrose had been since persecuted with his enquiries; — she informed him that Maria was uncom- monly well educated; — that her know- ledge and accomplishments were truly astonishing for a girl of her condition; Lady Georgina officiously mentioned, that her young friend could speak the French language ; and that she played extremely well on the piano-forte. He had learned from the artless maid, that she was solely instructed by her OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 99 TTiother; — he collected from her an- swers, that she lived intirely secluded at Mr. Arnold's ; — and that her mother never associated with any persons of the vicinity. Dorville had flattered himself with obtaining every necessary information from Mr. Arnold; he hoped to have found the clue to guide him in his en- quiries; but, instead of disentangling his perplexities, Mr. Arnold's equivo- cal answers and unsatisfactory replies, concurring with the absence of her mother, involved him in a labyrinth of doubts. Bewildered and chagrined, his mind was distracted by the most painful ru- mination, and during the whole of his journey, he was devising innumerable schemes and expedients to penetrate this mystery. iOO IXFJ.M-ORE, CHAPTER VI. The town of was crowded with company ; — every house was com- pletely occupied; — and ^felrose Castle was filled with persons of the highest distinction. Invitations M'-ere dispatch- ed hy the Marchioness of Melrose to every one within the extensive circle of her acquaintance ; and it had been cir- culated by her authority, and \vas ge- nerally understood, that every person of genteel appearance and respectable con- dition, would be a welcome visitor at this festival. The IVIarquis was resolved to cele- brate the birth-day of his son with a 5 on MODKIl-V 1R1LM)SHIP. iU'l iriagnificence worthy the descendant of so illustrious a house; and as Lord Arlington came into possession of a considerable fortune bequeathed by his uncle, every motive of pride, in- terest, and ambition, conspired to render his arrival at twenty- one a source of joy and exultation. In superaddition to these powerful inducements, the aproaching election considerably operated on the mind of the Marquis, in producing this magnificent display and enormous ex- pence ; — he was desirous to augment and consolidate his influence in the borough of ; and he perhaps justly conceived, that nothing could so effectually increase his own impor- tance, or so completely gratify the in- habitants, as a participation in the li- beral hospitality and successive amuse- ments, with which he intended to en- tertain his distinguished visitors. t 3 10^2 DELMOnfc, The Castle had undergone a tliorough repair ; every exertion had been di- rected to render the apartments com- modious and elegant; the most inge- nious artists had employed their ta- lents to adorn and decorate the inte^ rior ; and the splendid furniture was selected by the refined taste of the Marchioness, Melrose Castle had originally been erected, about the time of Edward the Third, by an ancestor of the pre- sent owner : it had been demolished by iire; and the present magnificent struc- ture was rebuilt, in the reign of Queen Anne, by his great-grandfather George Marquis of i\relrose. This beautiful edifice had been greatly modernized and improved by the present Lord; and it was univer- sally allowed to equal in situation on >rODERN FRIENDSHIP. 103 ttnd grandeur, the residence of any nobleman in this country. The house was situated on an emi- nence in a spacious park ; the front commanded an extensive prospect over the surrounding country : a beautiful river meandered through the grounds, which, after passing between tremen- dous rocks, now llowed through a de- lightful valley : the banks of the stream were adorned with the finest trees ; the most enchanting walks were formed along the rocks; where the eye was occasionally gratified by a picturesque view of the water and the circumjacent country ; while the intervening fo- liage, at other times, obscured the prospect, and by its sombre influence served to contrast and heighten the beauty of the -landscape. Nature was here displayed in all her wild luxu- riance; she had been lavish in hei bounties to the place; and her match- F 4 104 DEI-MOnK, less graces and inimitable sublimity had not been disfigiived or dcstroj'ed by the innovating hands of modern improvement. The ^iarquis of Melrose had an in* vinci-ble di^itastc to that mode of dis- posing of the grounds, (unfortunately then but too prevalent in this coun- try,) where nature is distorted by a perpetual sameness; where a dull uni- formity usurps the place of varying prospects and diversified views ; where serpentine walks, formal plantations, and regular cut parterres, present them- selves in tedious succession; and the eye fatigued, wanders over a perpetual << , Scene Of red-hot giavel, fring'd with tawdry green." The approach was over a beautiful bridge; and the road, winding round the^ hill, facilitated the access to the house. OR MODEIIN FRIENDSHIP. 105 The perpetual succession of elegant carriages, hoi-semen, the varied li- veries of their servants, passing over the bridge, and winding round the road, as they hurried to the Castle, formed an agreeable and perpetually moving scene; and had greatly enter* tained the young people for several successive days. The bells of gave early in- telligence of the long-expected day, — every body was in motion, —every countenance beamed with joy and vi- vacity, — and pleasure revelled in every heart; — every person crouded to express their congratulations to Lord Arling- ton: — all were eaq-er to testifv their af- fection and veneration for this illus- trious house. The INIarquis of Mel- rose was lord lieutenant of the county: the militia, stationed in the adjacent town, were reviewed in tlic F 5 106 park ; and a sham fight was exhibited for the amusement of the company. After the military manoeuvres had ceased, the officers were invited to partake, with the visitors, of an ele- gant dej eu 77 e ; and the soldiers and the inferior people were regaled in the park. The company amused themselves, till dinner, by sailing on the water; in riding round the extensive grounds; or rambling through the beautiful woods that adorned the domain. In the elegant and spacious rooms of the Castle, five hundred persons sat down to a magnificent banquet ; a temporary room was erected ; and several marquees pitched, to entertain the tenants and most of the trades- men of ; whilst an ox and two sheep were roasted, to feast the neighbouring peasantry. During the banquet, the band play- OR MODERN I'RIENDSHIP. 107 C(l the most favourite pieces of martial music; concealed musicians occasion- ally breathed, from silver-toned flutes, the softest melody. Bonfires and fire-works were display- ed for the amusement of the peasan- try; while a brilliant ball closed a day of general joy and unintermitting pleasure. The following day was marked by a continual succession of varying en- tertainments. A race-course had been marked out in the Park, and so contrived (as the house stood on an eminence), that the company could, whilst they walked on the beautiful lawn in front of the Castle, command a complete view of the horses. A plate of one hundred guineas given by Lord Arlington, >vas run for by horses belonging to the gentlemen of the county. 108 DELM^ORE, The Hunters' Stakes then succeed* ed ; — the horses were rlddea by some of the vis tors at the Castle. As these races afforded excellent sport, the company were highly de- lighted; and the little Maria, who had never Avitnessed such scenes of mirth and festivity, was intoxicated v/itli pleasure. Radcliffe, who had, contrary to uni- versal expectation, won his match, had no sooner reached the winning- post, than he dismounted, and ran np the lawn, enquiring, v/ith breath- less eagerness, for Mr. Crosby ; as, in his own phrase, " he wanted to touch the old don for five hundred.'' Mr. Crosby, who justly considered his hoise superior in fleetness to Rad- cliffe's, had artfully made a consider- able bet with the thoughtless young sportsman : but, either through the unskilfulness of the rider, or from OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 109 restiveness, he had bolted out of the course, and lost the race. Pluming himself on his superior sagacity, and hugging himself in imaginary securi- ty, the mortification and disappoint- ment operated with redoubled vio- lence, from the anticipated certainty of success. Radcliffe, who delighted in torment- ing Mr. Crosby, and who was ne^'er better pleased than when he augment- ed, his uneasiness, was imagining to himself the reception that he would receive when he demanded his bet. Looking significantly at Lord Ar- lington and some of his sporting friends, he bantered Mr. Crosby on his loss ; and the party were almost provoked to laughter at the malicious industry that Radcliffe displayed to irritate and ridicule the morose and disappointed justice. Mr. Crosby, who had lost a con- no DELMORE, sitlerable sum on the race, was en- deavouring to console himself for his disappointment by asserting, that his horse was entitled to win, and ex- plaining the mode in which he ought to have been ridden, and pointing out the causes that had occasioned him to bolt out of the course. Perceiving young Wilson, who rode Mr. Crosby's horse, coming up the lawn, ''Wilson," said Radcliffe ; ''Mr. Crosby says, that his horse lost the race through your bad riding." Wilson, who was extremely vain of his horsemanship, proceeded to Cros- by to demand an explanation ; while Radcliffe was enjoying the confusion and perplexity of Crosby. A silver badge was afterwards row- ed for by four watermen belonging to the Marquis of Melrose. During the race, several boats, filled on MODETIN FRIENDSHIP, 111 Avith musicians playing the most beau- tiful airs, passed along the river; and several bands of Savoyards were sta- tioned in different parts of the woods contiguous to the water ; whose me- lodious notes occasionally dying away, and sometimes striking on the ear^ as the performers advanced or rece- ded, produced a most agreeable and almost enchanting effect. A prodigious multitude of the pea- santry and weavers of , were liberally regaled with roast beef ; and barrels of ale, brewed at Lord Arlinp-- ton's birth, enlivened the children of industry ; who. forgetting their cares and toils, indulged in harmless frolic and rustic merriment. In the evening, the house and grounds were illuminated; — the trees near the road were hung with coloured lamps ; — the bridge displayed the dazzling brilliancy of innumerable 1 112 DELMORE, lamps and torches; — fireworks were occasionally discharged: — and as those who had cards of invitation for the masked ball proceeded to the Castle, their carriages appeared ta be envelop- ed in a blaze of light. The spacious ball-room had been considerably enlarged, to accommo- date the immense numbers who join- ed the visitors at the Castle. The ceiling was adorned with the most exquisite painting; from which several grecian lamps of bronze and gold were suspended : vases of similar materials were supported on marble pillars ; the walls were decorated with rose, geranium, and jessamin trees, interspersed with variegated lamps, shedding a dazzling lustre, and gi- ving an indescribable brilliancy to the scene. The entrance to this superb apart- ment was by several marble steps ; — a OK MODERN FRIENDSHIP. IIS Venetian canopy and lattice- work that overshadowed them, was hung with a profusion of lamps, and entwined with w^ood- bines and the most odori- ferous shrubs. A number of the principal instrumental performers were engaged ; the enlivening music of the Gows, lent its animating aid to the dancers : and as the windows opened into the lawn, if the heat of the room induced any of the company to court the refreshing breeze^ a mi- litary band gratified them with the most favourite martial airs ; while repeated discharges of fire-works^ bonfires, and the shouts of the pea- sants, served to give additional spirit to the exhilarating festival. The motley groupe assembled early ; and the room resounded with frolic,, eccentricity and merriment; — spright- liness and good-humour were eminent- ly conspicuous ; joy sparkled in every 114 DELMORE^ €ye ; — dull restraint was banished; — the goddess of Pleasure fixed her abode in her favourite temple; — the walls re-echoed with mirth and laughter; and wit and gaiety reigned with triumphant sway. Radcliffe, who was dressed as a country bumpkin, was amusing the company with his awkward gait, rus- tic dialect, and humourous conceits. Seeing Lord Henry Delmore, whom he recognised dressed as a counsellor, he said : ** Ize wants to ax your honor's ad- **vice." — *^ I never give my opinion without ** a fee;" replied the counsellor, gravely stretching out his hand. *^ Why zounds, I've herd, that a 'Vpoor man can have counsellors for '* nothing." ** Certainly if you mean to sue iit OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 115 *\formc\ pauperis ;" rejoined the man of law. ** In form of a who l" said the rustic. ** If you mean to avail yourself of *^ your poverty," said the counsellor, " propound your question !" ** Why, you must know as how, ** your honor, that a hog of Farmer *^ Acid's come into my gearden, and '* yeata great mony cabbages ; — now, ** as I warned him off, and he come ** a second time, why, do you zee, I ** knows as how he has meade a tres- ' ^ pass ; and I wants to know wether ** I must go to law against the hog " or the measter ?" " Your action will unquestionably *Mie against the master," observed the counsellor; ** and as you state the *' trespass to be wilful and malicious, *' you will receive heavy damages. — ^I ^* succeeded last assizes in obtaiaing a 116 '* verdict for a man whose garden: ** had been injured by the pigs of a ** neighbouring cottager : we ruined ** the rascal, and obliged him to leave ** his country." ** Why yes," replied the country- man, *' and I zuppoze the conkeror " was sent to jail for the law charge.'^ The company were now attracted by Lord Arlington, Mansell, and Miss Ossington, dressed as wandering minstrels, accompanied by three love- ly girls. — They performed several beautiful airs with exquisite taste and brilliant execution. A circle AVas then formed, and Lady Georgina Delmore, Louisa Temple, and Maria danced several reels, with a grace and ele- gance that fascinated every spectator, while the attendant minstrels lent their musical assistance. It was now buzzed about the room, that there was a most extraordinary .OR MODERN I'llIENDSIIIP. 117 m^n dressed as a fortune-teller; and, as many who had crossed his hand, knew that he had given a just and accurate description of their own cha- racters, they Mxre anxious to hear his remarks and animadversions on others. Every ose was hastening to the spot, emulous to listen to his predictions, Mr. Rainsford, the assumed for- tune-teller, was an officer of rank, who formejly shone in the most dis- tinguished circles of fashion. He now spent the greater part of the year at his elegant seat near : but as he occasionally visited town, by mix- ing with persons of consequence, lae was intimately acquainted with the characters, sentiments, and pursuits of most of the company. — Addicted in early life to gaming, he had been stripped, in a state of intoxication, of an enormous sum by a titled sliarper. As the whole of the trans- 118 BELMORE, action was extremely equivocal, Mr. Rainsford contracted such an abhor- rence of dissipation and play, that he immediately retired from town. A life of seclusion had not, however, extinguished those generous senti- ments and benevolent affections that characterized his youth; though he had contracted an asperity of remark and sarcastic bitterness of expression, when he beheld the possessors of rank and fortune divert those splendid or- naments merely to cover their vices and licentiousness. Miss Emma Ossington, tripping as a flower-girl, pertly demanded him to tell her fortune. " The veil of innocence, simplicity, V and purity," he replied, " ill conceals '* the pride, frivolity, and folly of "the wearer. A heart devoted to *^ luxury and dissipation, — selfish and ** unfeeling, — pursuing its own gra- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 119 ^* tification without regarding the ** peace and happiness of others, — " can neither feel the force of vir- *' tuous sentiments, cannot be re- ** claimed by the precepts of wisdom, *' nor reformed by the admonitions of *' experience. A giddy, dissipated, ''restless being, — a gaudy, painted ''insect, who, after its ephemeral " fluttering, will terminate its career " in contempt, neglect, and disap- " pointment. A vain, unfeeling co- " quette, whose heart, insensible to *' the delicacy and refinement of an " elegant passion, will yield to the " addresses of the first noble profli- " gate that assails it, and whose for- " tune will become a prey to some " titled gamester, or rained man of " fashion." Mr. Crosby, who appeared in the dignity and paraphernalia of a judge, next addressed him. i^ DELMORE, ** It is perfectly natural, "observed the venerable man, *^ that the person, who *' absurdly arid undeservedly expects ** to acquire the reputation of Avisdom *' and virtue, should now assume a ** character that he is unable to sup- " port. Ignorance and folly will ever ** endeavour to obtain a borrowed im- ** portance from extrinsic circum- *' stances. A contracted understand- ** ing, slender acquirements, and ob* '* tuse feelings engender vulgar, un- ** elevated sentiments and confined ^* views. Such limited faculties are ** restricted to the contemplation of ** a single part ; and cannot embrace *' any enlarged or comprehensive sys- '^ tem. — But, should such an unen- ** larged mind, instead of perceivmg ** its own insufficiency and unfitness, *' presume dogmatically to enforce its ** own crude, undigested notions, or ** attempt to enlist superior intellects OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 1^1 ** to the standard of its own preju- '^ dices; though parasites and depen- ** dents may support, and even affect '* to applaud, such abortive opinions ; *' the liberal and enlightened will ** consign them to merited contempt '* and ridicule." Lady Georgina Delmore, who had been exercising her ingenuity, and torturing her imagination relative to Maria, nov/ led her young friend to the oracle ; when, the artless girl mentioning her name, ** Sweet, budding innocent 1" said the old man, **your pure, unadulte- *' rated mind, your guileless heart, '* and unsophisticated sentiments, pre- ** sent an agreeable contrast to the ''unfeeling apathy, the .affected man - ** ners, and unblushing dissoluteness *' of maturer life. Yet, lovely, in- " teresting maid ! to what danger^ '* are you exposed, what perils must VOL. T. G 12S DELMORE, 'you encounter i- tremble while you * tread the slippery ground, and wan- ' der through the mazy labyrinth of * fashionable life! Unshielded by for- * tune, unsecured by the magic circle ' of rank, your susceptible bosom * will be too frequently wounded by ' the coarse observations of the un- ' reflecting or unfeeling; your sensi- * bility will be agonized by the sar- ' castic remarks, and malicious in- ' sinuations of scandal ; and you * may, perhaps, be constrained ta ' listen to the most debasing propo- ^ sals, or insulted by the licentious ' addresses of a titled profligate ! ' Preserve then that unaffected sim- * plicity ; — cherish those virtuous ' sentiments ; — guard your heart * from the contagious seduction of * dissipation and voluptuousness : — f^'y;pu may then escape the snares and ^'temptations of licentious love; — OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 123 ** you will enjoy an uninterrupted ''gaiety of heart, unruffled by tor- " menting passions, — and secure a *^ perpetual serenity of mind, undis- *' turbed by the distractions of liber- *' tinism and vice." Miss Emma Ossington, overpower- ed by the heat, and mortified by the observations of the old man, had withdrawn from the room, followed by Lord Dasliall. He had long been a suitor of Emma Ossington, and if her heart was susceptible of any tender emotion, she felt, or at least she thought she entertained an ardent affection for that nobleman. His pur- suits and sentiments had endeared him to her ; an unbounded love of pleasure, — an unlimited indulgence in all the excesses and enjoyments of fashionable life, — a profound con- tempt and disregard for every em- ployment that required abilities or re- d 2 H*t delmort:, flection, — fust attracted her notice^ and afterwards captivated her affec- tions. With him she could pursue an unceasing career of luxury and profu- sion ; — she could then indulge her \inbridled propensity for expensive en- tertainments and crowded parties ; — with him, she could revel in every vo- luptuous deUght : — and Emma Os- sington's imagination had rendered her a willing captive, before he even at- tempted to subjugate her heart. Dashall had formerly been extremely remiss in his attentions; — he did not even avow himself a serious admirer: but his fort line being considerably im- paired by some heavy losses at play, by an extensive stud of race-horses, and a run of ill luck at the last October meeting at Newmarket, he had assi- duously pursued her during her resi- dence in town last winter, and they bad since continued a regular episto- larly coriespondencCr As his father OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. l2'5 had been a trustee under the will of the late Mr. Ossington, liC knew that Emma Ossington, exclusive of her dependence on her fiithcr, was entitled to an immense property bequeathed by her uncle. This circumstance induced him to redouble his amorous attentions, as h^e hoped by her opulence to repair his shattered fortune. He had ob- tained her consent to propose the mar- riage to Lord Ossington ; but as Dash- all was so overwhelmed with debts, that his estates.were in the hands of trustees, he was incapacitated to make any set- tlement, and he was convinced that lier father, on being acquainted ^vith the embarrassed condition of his aifairs, would inevitably oppose their union. Dashall, rapturously thanked her for her kind prepossession in his favour, a^d declared that he would immediately break the affair to Lord Ossington , Q 3 126 as soon as he had consulted his uncle, from whom he had considerable ex- pectations. Impressed with a conviction of the impossibility to succeed by an applica- tion to the father, the interested hia- morato exerted every endeavour to in- crease his power over her mind, — he hoped to engage her affections so com- pletely, — to secure himself so strong an interest in her heart, — that she would joyfully consent to a private marriage. The invitation to the present festi- val luckily coincided with his views; and as Melrose was so contiguous to Arley Grove, Lord Dashall arrived at the Castle two days before the com- mencement of the f^te, that he might avail himself of the opportunity of re- newing his attentions to his mistress. He informed her that he had secured his uncle's sanction to the intended union rand that he should, at the ter- OR MODERN FRIEX1>;hXP. 1£^v mination of the present ftte, endeavour to obtain the consent of her father. From the first moment of her arri- val at Melrose, Dashall had followed her with the most engaging solicitude and endearing attentions; — he danced with her during the whole of the pre- ceding evening; and EmmaOssington viewed, in him, the lord of her alTec- tions, to whom she would speedily and indissolubly be united. Such were her sentiments and feel- ings, when Lord Dashall followed- her from the room. — He artfully conx- menced his address by expatiating on the felicity which he anticipated from the approaching nuptials; — he rap- turously dilated on the enchanting and unfading delights that he should en- joy with his lovely Emma, the idol of his soul, — the mistress of his affections, — the object of his warmest wishes ! — he then tenderly lamented, that cold G 4 us delays, and the frigid feelings of pa- rents and relations, should protract the happiness, and impede the bliss of two fond hearts : and when the ena- moured girl, yielding to the solicita- tions and ardour of her lover, seemed to repine at such intervention ; he boldly proposed and warmly recom- mended an immediate elopement. She observed, that though she would frankly confess their union was the dearest wish of her heart ; yet there could be no occasion for this precipi- tate proceeding : — as he had secured his uncle's consent, no doubt could be en- tertained of Lord Ossington's approba- tion. Besides Tlie noble lord pressed her to his bosom in the fondest manner, inter- rupting her remarks, and passionately exclaiming, that if she loved him with an affection as ardent as glowed in his own bosom, she would not refuse to OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 129 accompany him this moment to the land of Liberty and Love ; — perhapshis uncle might retract; — perhaps Lord Ossing- ton might have other views ; — old men were often capricious, — and frequently pertinacious : — he hated the formal ceremony of a regular marriage: — what ^clat would such an elopement give her as a woman of spirit! — his fortune was more than sufficient to supply their utmost wishes.—-- ** Haste ! haste, my Emma!" said Dashall ; *'lose not the precious mo- ments, but let us fly from dull re- straint to love and happiness !'' Overpowered by the vehemence of his addresses, — dissolved with tender- ness, — inflamed with passion,- — heated with wine, — and melted with music, the fascinated girl suffered him to Icad^ or rather carry her into the park. At the appointed place, Mathewson met his master, and conducted him to G 5 150 DELMORE, the spot, where, in a retired corner of the park, stood his lordship's tra- velling-chaise and four. As Dashall had resolved to make his meditated attack on the night of the masquerade, he had commissioned Mathewscn to arrange the position of the carriage, to procure some ne- cessary apparel for his mistress, and to obtain the key of that gate in ths park which opened on an unfrequented road. During the secession of the noble inamorato and his mistress, the miutii and vivacity of the company 'were unabated ; — the characters were sup- ported with unusual spirit ; — jest, frolic, and playfulness, were every- where displayed. — The old fortune- teller excited considerable interest and curiosity ; and the sprightly party were again enlivened by some beauti- ful airs of tlic minstrels, and by the OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 131 bewitching attitudes and elegant mo- tions of the attendant graces. — Rad- cliffe was still amusing the company with his eccentric whims and vivaci- ous humour. The mayor of , habited as a charlatan, was descanting witli tedi- ous prolixity on the various virtues and efficacious qualities of his medi- cines. — '* One nostrum," he obser- ved, *^ would re -animate the most de- ** cayed constitution, renovate the *' most debilitated,. ^ — ins])ire the most ** languid, — and assuage the anguish *' of pain, by instantly lulling the pa- ** tient to repose." ** There can be ro occasion,'* re- marked a sprightly domino, ^' foi *• your composing medicine, when *^ your harangue will operate as a ** more certain and powerful sa- *'porific." All was noise and confusion at the 152 DELMOREj upper end of the room ; — a formal iiiethodist had been warning a young sailor, who was manifesting very tender regards to a lovely fruit-girl, not to be tempted by an agent of Sa- tan ; when the young tar, not re- lishing his interference, and being somewhat elevated by wine, conceived that the pretended religionist wished to rival him in the affections of the handmaid of Pomona, and was pro- ceeding to treat him with some de- gree of roughness. A leaden- heeled harlequin, in endeavouring to leap over the back of a pantaloon, that he might learn the occasion of this disturbance, stumbled and fell against a very luxuriant rose-tree ; the ground was quickly strewed with glittering fragm.ents of lamps, and the parti- coloured hero, drenched with oil, re- tired overwhelmed with shame and vexation. OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 133 The magnificent apartments of the Castle were now thrown open ; and supper being announced, the mot- ley groupe immediately busied them- selves in collecting their particular friends, and forming their respective parties. A sumptuous entertainment, com- posed of every delicacy that the sea- son could produce, — the choicest fruits, and most delicious wines, evinced the liberal hospitality of their noble host. Mirth and pleasure irra- diated every countenance, — good-hu- mour circulated with easy frankness and polished freedom, — and wit, inspirited by mantling champagne and enliven- ing burgundy, flashed with redoubled brilliancv. The festive partv returned to the ball-room with renovated spi- rits and increased animation ; and the 'exhilarated band continued their spor- tive revelry with additional vivacity. ISi DELM0RE5 The orient sun had gilded the mountains' tops, ere the whole of those who had joined the distinguish- ed guests at the Castle had departed. During the time of supper, Miss Ossington, who had been slightly in- disposed the precedi. g day, fatigued by her uncommon exertions to over- come the languor of sickness, and ap- pear animated and vivacious on the birth-day of the idol of her affections; and, overpowered by the excessive heat, fainted, and was carried out of the room senseless. Lord Arlington, who beheld her illness with the live- liest concern and most affectionate solicitude, impatiently returned to in- form her sister : he passed through every room: as he knew her dress, and the ladies were unmasked, he was in- deed surprised at being unable to dis- cover her; he imagined however that the anxiety and alarm which he ex- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIPV 135, perienced for his mistress, might have occasioned him to overlook her : and seeing Charles RadchfFe, he informed him of his cousin's indisposition ; de- siring him to find Miss Emma Os- sington. RadchfFe hurried through the sup- per-rooms, and, rejoining Lord Arling- ton, eagerly declared, that he could not find his cousin : that he had en- quired in every apartment, hut could hear no tidings of her. Lord Arling- ton then desired Radcliffe to inform his aunt (who had retired with i\Iiss Ossington) of their ill-success. Lady Ossington imagined that her daughter might have been attacked by indisposition ; and that feeling herself unable to support the exertion of the entertainment, and being unwilling to interrupt the enjoyment, or dis- turb the amusement of her sister, she had retired unobserved from the 155 festive scene. She immediately sent for Miss Emma Ossington's maid. On the appearance of the servant, Lady Ossington eagerly asked if her mistress was indisposed, as she had retired so early : the girl replied, that she had not seen ^liss Emma during the night. Lady Ossington instantly 164 DELMOTIE, diately on his enteiing^ the garden, ran to the door to receive him. Her anhnated countenance illumined by joy, bespoke the pleasure she felt at seeing her kind protector ; she eager- ly enquired concerning Lady Georgina and the family. Lord Henry gratified lier by his answers to her repeated questions, M\\ Arnold had taken a walk into the village; and while the maid was dispatched to desire her master to return home, Lord Henry amused himself by conversing with Maria on the different amusements, that had lately taken place at Melrose Castle; — he asked her opinion of the various entertainments in which she had par- ticipated ; — and was greatly delighted by her artless observations and inno- cent remarks, on the different pur- suits and scenes in which she had been so recently initiated » OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 165 As Mr. Arnold's return was so long protracted, Lord Henry requested Ma- ria to favour him with some music ; and the delighted girl, pleased to have an opportunity to oblige him, opened her piano-forte, and sang the beautiful and plaintive air in the *' Stranger/' accompanying her voice with the in- strument. Her noble friend compli- mented her on her performance, ex- pressing his astonishment that she could execute it with such pathos and correctness. '^ Oh! that is not wonderful," ^aid Maria; ^* this is a very favourite song of mammas, she is perpetually singing it." *^ Maria, my dear," said Lord Henry; '* I shall leave the country to-morrow." '* Oh ! but I hope,'* she observed, *< that you will soon return." ** No ! I shall proceed to-morrow 166 DELMOilE, to Russia, a country far distant 'from England ; and I do not expect to revisit my native land for a considerable time." *' Indeed ! indeed !" replied Maria, her eyes suffused with tears; *' I am very much concerned ; — but you must not go until mamma returns; — she will be so delighted to see you ; — and will so much wish to thank you for your kindness to me." She was greatly distressed at the idea of Lord Henry's departure; — his condescending affability and parti- cular notice had captivated her in- nocent heart. The attentions of a man of Del- more's age, are so gratifying to the vanity of a girl of her years, that they excite a fluttering emotion, a tender sympathy, which, though rcr mote from the passion of love, is pro- ductive of sensations particularly fas- cinating to a young mind. OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 167 Her uneasiness moved Lord Henry ; he told the sobbing girl he would revisit her as soon as he arrived in Eng- land ; * — '^ But my sister," said he, *' will frequently call on you, — and I assure you that Georgina is ex- tremely attached to you, and will ex- perience the greatest satisfaction in promoting your felicity, or increasing your enjoyments." Mr. Arnold was now returned ; and Lord Henry retired from Maria, to pursue the important object of his visit. ** I have called, Sir," said Lord Henjy, ** to request your assistance, and to require your exertions in ob- taining complete information relative to Maria's birth and family." '* To comply with your wishes, my Lord," said Mr. Arnold, ** will ever afford me the greatest gratification," Mr. Arnold was convinced that this 16S DELMORE, enquiry did not proceed from frivo- lous curiosity ;~-he was well acquaint- ed with the philanthropy and bene- volence of Delmorc's heart ; — in every application that the old man had pre* f erred in behalf of the indigent and dis- tressed, he had ever found Lord Henry a liberal donor, and a willing and zealous advocate with the Marchio- ness of Melrose. He was satisfied, therefore, that this investigation ori- ginated from an anxious desire to be- nefit Maria ; — and as he hoped that the result would be productive of in- finite advantage to her, he experienced an additional motive to stimulate him to disclose every circumstance rela- tive to her situation with frankness and candour. ** Permit me to impress on your mind," resumed Lord Henry, " that the feelings of my friend are deeply interested in Maria's welfare;— - and I OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 160 rely on your honour to develop every fact and circumstance that may elu- cidate her birth." *' My inclination to oblige you, iny Lord," replied Mr. Arnold ; '^ my anxious desire to promote Maria's welfare and happiness; — my regard for my own character ; — every mo- tive, conspire to induce, when thus solemnly called on, the communica- tion of every particular within my own knowledge. — About two years ago, I received a letter from Mr. WiU kins, a relation of mine ; stating, that a lady, with a child, and one female servant, wished to be accommodated in a house in tlie country, where she could live in complete seclusion. As this proposal was agreeable to my wishes, and as the other arrange- ments were mutually satisfactory, the family became my inmates. — I con- fess that I was struck with the ele- VOL. I. I 170 DELMORE, gant appearance of INIrs. Lascelles and the beauty of her child ; my mind ^vas busily occupied in conjecturing, what motives could influence so lovely a woman to withdraw from society, where she was calculated to shine so conspicuous an ornament ; and to court, at her age, the retirement of an obscure village. JNfy curiosity was still more excited, by remarking that she always selected the most retired walks : — her maid was instructed never to carry Maria to the vilfage ; — and she expressly refused to permit me to take her daughter to the houses of my ac- quaintance. This prohibition shar- pened my inquisitiveness ; it occurred to me, and I am now more strongly confirmed in my conjecture, that IMrs. Lascelles is a woman of superior con- dition : her accomplishments evince that she has received a liberal edu- cation : she is the sole instructress of OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. ^79 her daughter; and Maria's proficiency in French, dancing, and music, is, I believe, considerable/' — *' But do you know nothing of her family, or connections ?" interrupted Lord Henry ; — ^' is she married ? — did you ever hear where Maria was born?" *' I promised to relate every parti- cular," resumed Mr. Arnold, unmoved by Delmore's impatience, *' and I am mindful of my pledge. Her family and relations are unknown to me, ■ — • nor have I ever heard the place of Marian birth. ]\fy eager curiositj-, and, suifer me to observe, my affection for Maria, have repeatedly urged me to communicate with her mother on the subject of her daughter'^ birth; — but she has uniformly evaded my en- quiries ; and shrunk even from the most delicate hints : and when my anxiety has induced me to resume the I 2 172 DELMORE, topic, she studiously declines, or in* geniously diverts the conversation. From several expressions which I have overheard, when she has been carress- ing the child, I haye every reason to believe that Maria's father is still living." '^ But are you convinced," said Delmore, '' that the child is her own?" *^ I am satisfied in my own mind," observed IMr. Arnold ; *' that ]\Iaria is her daughter. The unbounded af- fection, the unceasing anxiety, the unremitted care, the tender apprehen- sions, that Mrs. Lascelles manifests, can only proceed from the overflow- ings of parental love; and would never be displayed in such vivid co- lours, nor exhibited with such force, towards the child of another." ** And you never heard," said Lord Henry, ** the name of any of Mrs. on MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 175 Lascelles' family, nor the place of Maria's birth?" ** Never !" replied Mr. Arnold, im- pressively. *' Excuse me,'* resumed Lord Henry, ** but as my friend is vitally interested in this subject, if I re-urge, that I hope you have not from any motive, however imperative, suppressed any, the most minute circumstance, that may elucidate this mystery. — " *' My Lord," said the old man warmly, ** I had hoped, that when I solemnly pledged my honour to reveal the real facts, you would have given me implicit credit for the fulfilment of my promise. My life and con- duct ought to have convinced you, that I would neither equivocate, nor conceal. The Marquis of Melrose knows my character ; ask your fa- ther, my Lord, whether Arnold would I 3 174 DELMORE, stoop to falsehood, or be privy to im- posture." ** Pardon me," said Delmore, kind- ly pressing Mr. Arnold's band ; — '* if the ardour of friendship has momen- tarily transported me beyond the pale of rnoderation and politeness, you must be convinced that 1 have unin- tentionally offended." The worthy man, satisfied with the apologies of Lord Henry, resumed his usual suavity. *' I have only to entreat," said Dfel- niore, ** that you will be particularly attentive to Maria's welfare : every kindness and favour besto^\'ed on her, t shall consider as an obligation con- ferred on myself; and on my return to England, I shall avail myself of the earhest opportunity to testify my thanks and gratitude." He then requested to see Maria; OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 175 and, after taking an interesting fare- well, Lord Henry proceeded to ^lel- rose, to inform hh friend of the re- sult of his interview^. Dorville's pa- tience was completely exhausted by Lord Henry*s protracted visit; — and his anxiety so restless, that in the hope of meeting his friend, he or- dered his horses, and resolved to pro- ceed towards Mr. Arnold's house. — Lord Henry had advanced about two miles, when he encountered Dorville, who eagerly and impetuously pressed him to communicate the intelligence that he had obtained. Lord Henry then informed him of the substance of his conversation with ]\f r. Arnold. ** I am concerned," said Del more, ** that I cannot remove your suspense, nor dispel your doubts ; — though I am convinced, that Mr. Arnold con- siders Maria as the child of Mrs. Lascelles." I 4 176 BELMORE, *^* Are you really satisfied," enquired Dorville, ** that the old man has unfolded every circumstance ? — But should we admit the truth of his ac- count, it is by no means certain that !Mrs. LasceUes is the mother of Ma- ria." " Of that," replied Delmore, '' I can offer no decided opinion ; though I am considerably inclined to think that Mrs. Lascelles is actually the mother of the child. I will however pledge my existence for Mr. Arnold's ve- racity," . Dorville still entertained an expec- tation,, or rather sometimes cherished a hope,, that Maria was not her daugh- ter ; — he declared tliat he would pro- secute his investigation until he wa^ completely satisfied. The conversation then changed to, Xord Henry's immediate departure. Dorville observedj that he trusted his OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 177 excursion would be agreeable arid in teresting ; — and politely declared, that in the extensive circle of his friends, no person would be more gratified by his revisiting England. Lord Henry thanked him for his kind expressions of regard ; and the two friends separated with cordiality and regret. I S l78 BELMORE, CHAPTER VIIL ^^z The morning destined for Lord Henry Delmore's journey, was hailed with rapture by ]\Ir. Mansell ; and while the countenance of every in- habitant of the Castle was clouded with sorrow and regret, he could scarcely restrain the unbounded joy -wliich rioted in his breast. Mansell considered that the foundation of his fortune was now laid, and that it solely depended on himself to erect the superstructure of his own eleva- tion. — He exulted in the proipect of enjoying an opportunity to display I OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 179 those advantages with which he w^as so liberally gifted ; and of practising those artifices in which he was so deeply versed, to the advancement of his interest, and the promotion of his views. He felt that ** There Is a tide in tbe aiFiiirs of men, " Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." He thought that he now took the river at the flovv^ ; and he hoped to be carried with the current to prosperity and honours. At no moment of his life, did Man- sell feel such unfeigned pleasure ; never did he experience joy so un- mingled with regret, as at that in- stant, when he entered Lord Henry Delmore's travelling-carriage. The dread, lest any change of views, or ulterior arrangements, should retard or prevent their embarkation, transiently ^Qbscured his brilliant an- 180 ticipations : but the passing cloud of alarm served only to make his brighter hopes shine out with increased splen- dour. His dreams of happiness were not disturbed by phlegmatic delays or political changes. They proceeded on their journey with the utmost ex- pedition ; and the wind being fair^ Mansell and his noble friend imme- diately embarked for Petersburg^. While Maria was perhaps repining at th^ waves that bore Lord Henry Delmore from his native land ; the winds wafted to the British shore that beinof for whom she entertained the most transcendant love and venera- tion. Mrs. Lascelles had received intelli- gence of the death of a relation, a mer- chant, at Hamburgh, who had be- queathed her some property. As she had completed the necessary formalities to obtain. possession of the legacy, she OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. ISl was hastening from Hamburgh, with all the anxiety and eagerness of maternal affection, to the spot that contained a beloved being, for whom she had encountered the greatest difficulties, and undergone the severest trials. Imagination cannotdepicture greater delight than was pourtrayed in the countenance of every inhabitant of Mr. Avnold's house, on the day Mrs. Laseelles arrived. Maria's heart bound- ed with ecstacy at the sight of a^i adored parent ; — '■ Mr. Arnold expe- rienced a combination of agreeable emotions ; he was pleased at her re- turn, as it relieved him from the con- stant solicitude of protecting her daughter; and he felt some gratifica- tion at the anticipated certainty of satisfying his curiosity: Anna was delighted to behold a generous and indulgent mistress : while Mrs. Las- eelles enjoyed the niost rapturous sen- 18^ DELMORE, satioTis, m again clasping to her bo- som a beloved chiid, in contempla- ting the joy which her presence in- spired, and in revisiting her favourite retirement. But this sunshine of the mind was soon clouded, and this calm sereni- ty ruffled, by her daughter's intelli- gence. Maria, who imagined that she should transfuse into her mother's breast the delight she herself experienced, from the recollection of the scenes of fes- tivity that she had participated in at Melrose Castle, eagerly enumerated to her every particular of the enter- tainments and amusements that she had lately enjoyed. The perturbation of Mrs. Lascelles' mind was indescribable; — s^lie was agitated by the most tormenting and contending emotions : yet amidst these distressinc: sensations, a o'l^am of de- OR MODEPy rttlENDSHlP. 183 light shone faintly tlirough the gloom of disa])p()intnient and regret. She recollected indeed that her hus- band had expressly and solemnly de- sired that she would continue in the most complete seclusion ; — he had impressively stated the injury that would result to her daughter, if their marriage should be discovered by his family. These considerations occa- "sioned the most distressing rumina- tions : but when she reflected on the pleasure that Maria had enjoyed, on the attention and kindness she liad received from the Delmore family, the fond mother experienced some conso- lation, in knowing that the violation of the father's commands had at least been productive of amusement to his daughter. But this transient pleasure was overpowered by the reflection that this deviation from Mr. Lascelles' IS4 wishes might be succeeded by the most disastrous consequences. Maria had informed her of the visit to Arley Grove ; several persons of distinction had called at Mr. Arnold's house during her absence ; and one gentleman had minutely investigated, and inquisitively scrutinized her daugh- ter's birth and family. Mr. Arnold's conduct was, in her opinion, extremely reprehensible : she had solemnly enjoined him never to permit Maria to visit any person in the vicinity ; and he had promised that her daughter should continue in her accustomed seclusion. Mrs. La^celles resolved to commu- nicate her disapprobation of his con- duct; and to request, that Mr. Ai- nold would not permit her retirement ta be invaded. The worthy man explained the pe- culiar circumstances that had, so irre- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 185 sistibly, induced lilm to violate her injunctions ; and Mrs. Lascelles was so satisfied with his candour and frankness, that, though she regretted Maria's visit and continuance at Meh'ose Castle, she could not he displeased with the affectionate and liberal motives that had prompted his permission. She therefore coi> tented herself by requesting Mr. Ar- nold to prevent, or at least dis- courage, a renewal of the acquaint- ance; she impressively stated that she should consider any visitor as an officious intruder ; and she determin- ed, if he did not possess the power or inclination to preclude a similar interruption, to remove from his house. Since the departure of Lord Henry Delmore, iNlr. Dorville had seldom omitted to call every day on Maria. One evening, he was hurrying to 1S6 DELMORE, !Mr. Arnold's house with his usual im- petuosity ; when, as he approached the dwelling, the sound of two fine female voices saluted his ear. The melodious warbling arrested his atten- tion ; he could dicsriminate that the dulcet strains proceeded from the cot- tage ; and as he entered the garden, he distinguished Maria, singing in concert with a lady. Concluding that ^laria's mother had returned, Dorvi lie's heart swelled with the most tumultuous and opposing passions: he rejoiced in the anticipa- tion of being relieved from the tor- turing vicissitudes of suspence ; he exulted in the hope that jNIaria might possibly be his sister; but he was more frequently depressed by the ap- prehension, that his wishes would be disappointed. Eager to satisfy his anxious cu- riosity, and remove his tormenting OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 1S7 doubts, he impatiently enquired for Mrs. Las cell es ; and was immediately admitted into her presence. • On his entrance, Dorville was struck with the beautiful countenance, the graceful elegance, and dignified appearance of !Mrs. Lascelles. It in- stantly darted upon his mind, that he was not authorized to invade her pri- vacy, to satisfy his own, perhaps un- founded, conjectures ; — she would consider his visit intrusive, or at least officious ; and he was more perplexed to remove the probable imputation of impertinence, than occupied by a desire of prosecuting his enquiries. Jlrs. Lascelles received him with politeness and apparent ease ; though her bosom was distracted and be- wildered by distressing conjectures, on the occasion and consequences of this interview. When Dorville recovered from his IBS DELMORE, embarrassment, he apologised for the liberty he had taken in visiting her daughter. He stated, that when he first beheld Maria, he was misled by her exact likeness to the child of a near relation. — *' This coincidence^" said Dorville, ** first attracted my notice and regard; and the engaging manners and fascinating behaviour of your lovely girl, have confirmed my prepossession : her beauty and simpli- city so strongly attracted me, that I could not deny myself the gratifica- tion of occasionally amusing myself an hour with the dear child's so- ciety." The enthusiastic praises which Dor- ville lavished on Maria, were a grate- ful incense to a doating mother ; — his behaviour had considerablv alle- viated her suspicions ; and with a countenance illumined with joy, and a bosom glowing with delight, she OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 18.^ gratefully thanked him for his favour- able opinion ; and politely acknow- ledged his condescending attentions to her daughter. He then directed his conversation to JNIaria, enquiring how she had amused herself since his last visit; and whether she was desirous of expe- riencing a repetition of the entertain- ments that she had participated in at Melrose Castle. The replies of the lovely girl de- h'ghted and gratified them ; — they were mutually pleased ; — ^f aria was elated with Dorville's kind attentions; his eulogium on the child had enchant- ed the mother; and Dorville was charmed by the interesting appearance and polished manners of Mrs. Lascelles. As i\Iaria was almost the constant subject of their conversation, Dor- ville expatiated on her engaging and 190 DELMORE, endearing qualities; — he remarked . that he could not conceive a higher gratification than to be the parent of so interesting a child : — ** a delight," said he, " that can only be clouded by the apprehension of being deprived of so inestimable a treasure." Mrs. Lascelles feehngly declared, that such an affliction would indeed render her existence burthensome : — ** the transient apprehension of ever losing my Maria, produces the most distracting reflections." '' If the privation of a beloved child," observed Dorville, *^even by the remorseless stroke of death, be so dis' tressing to a parent, what excru- ciating agony, what insufferable an- guish must that father experience, who is stripped of his offspring by neglect, or whose infant has been ra- vished from him! — of whose fate he OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 191 is uncertaia ; whose destiny he cannot ascertain !" Dorville then narrated the particu- lars of his sister's disappearance, dis- guising the name, and suppressing the circumstance of her resemblance to Maria. As he was deeply affected by the tenderest and most afflicting recollec- tions, he related the story with consi- derable pathos ; and IMrs. Lascelles was greatly moved by his impressive and feeHng recital. Dorville riveted his eyes on ]\rrs. Lascelles' countenance during the whole narrative, and narrowly scrutinized every emotion. She was indeed greatly distressed ; — she strained Maria to her bosom, while a tear stole down her cheek : her affection, however, ap- peared to him only the overflowings of a susceptible heart ; he could not dis- cover the pallid hue of conscious guilt ; — no dark dissimulation was lurking in her face ; all was open, candid, and serene ; her agitations seemed to pro- ceed from a retrospect of those mise- ries she would have endured, if her beloved child had been snatched from her in so mysterious a manner. He was more strongly confirmed in Mr. Arnold's opinion, that Maria was the daughter of Mrs. Lascelles : he was so delighted with her elegant man- ners and polished conversation, that he determined to avoid, or at least de- lay, the mention of an}^ circumstance that would so violently afflict her. Some uninteresting conversation then ensued ; and Dorville, after apologiz- ing for the length of his visit, retired, M'ith sensations of a more' pleasing na- ture than those which aoritated his bosom when he entered Mr. Arnold's house. If Mrs. Lascelles had been uneasy at OK, modehn friendship. 193 a vi^it from a gentleman, she was aciain a2:itated on the following: morning, when Anna announced Lady Georgina Dchiiore and IMiss Temple ; who frequently called on their young friend. She now perceived that her retire- ment would be perpetually invaded ; and tliat Mr. Arnold's house could no longer afford h^r a complete seclusion. Dorville was a frequent visitor; and as he professed merely to call on Maria, Mrs. Lascelles could nat ab- ruptly forbid his visits. She resolved, therefore, as Mr. Arnold could not prevent these intrusions, to remove to another habitation. Dorville had repeatedly called at the cottage, v/ith a steady determina- tion to interrogate Mrs. Lascelles con- cerning the birth of Maria. At every intervievr, his resolution failed him; she had established so powerful an in- VOL. I, K terest in his heart ; he was so gratified by the enjoyment of her society, that he could not sufficiently fortify his resolution to communicate any cir- cumstance that might afilict her : and as he courted opportunities to see lier, he constantly postponed the dis- tressino; disclosure until the succeed- ing visit. Dorville perceived that he could not sufficiently command his feelings to develope a story that would so vio- kntly. distress her ; — but as he was imperatively called on to investigate this apparent mystery, he requested Mr. Arnold to break the affair to Mrs. Lascelles, on the first favourable op- portunity. The worthy man had repeatedly sounded her on the subject of I\Iaria"s birth : he wished to unfold the circum- stances that Dorvillehad communicated to him by gentle degrees ; as he could OR MODERN rillExVDSHIP. 193 not endure the idea of paining her sensibility by an abrupt disclosure. ]\Ir. Arnold was ruminating' on the time and mode of relating the extraor- dinary disappearance of Miss Dorville; when ]\lrs. Lascelles opportunely en- tered the room. After expressing her grateful ac- knowledgements for the politeness which Mr. Arnold had manifested to herself and the tenderness he had evinced for Maria ; Mrs. Lascelles in- formed him that she regretted the ne- cessity that so imperiously constrained her to remove from his habitation : but, as his house was so frequented by company, she must endeavour to procure a more secluded resi- dence. The benevolent old man, who enter- tained a great respect for Mrs. Las- celles, and experienced the tenderest affection for jMaria, was greatly per- K 2 tiiibed at their anticipated removal: hr. dec lared that he would use e ver}- exertion to prevent any future interruption of her tranquillity and retirement ; and con- ceiving this as a favourable opportu- nity, he explained the interesting particulars of the melancholy occur- rence, that liad superinduced Mr. Dorville's repeated visits. Tlie most distracted and torturing reflections immediatelv ao-itated the mind of Mrs. Lascelles ; her susceptible bosom would, under any circumstances, have been greatly pained by this reci- tal ; but Maria's resemblance to Miss Dorville, the coincidence of their ages, appeared to her mysterious, or at least, equivocal : the most excrucia- tins: doubts and fears assailed her; she suspected some deception ; and she trembled with apprehension lest some artifice w^as meditated, to deprive her of her dauo'hter. oil MODERN rRi£XL>5i;ir. li/t In a paroxysm of alarm, slic wildly seized the hand of Mr. Ar- 11 old, and exclaimed : *' Dear Sir, can you join to rob me of my child, to strip me of excry comfort?" Mv. Arnold endeavoured to calm her agitations, and to soothe her sorrows ; — he informed her, that no violence or finesse was intended ; — that the mistake had solely originated from the strong likeness of Maria to the long- lost Miss Dorville. He stated that he M'ould pledge his life, from a knowledge of the high consideration and worth of the parties, who hud interested themselves in the elucidation of this affair, that no im- proper or sinister motives had induced this investigation; and that he was confident, they v>'ould be perfectly sa- tisfied by her solemn asseveration, that Maria Mas really her daughter. IPS DELMORE, Though Mrs. Lascclles wa:^ rc-as- surcd by Mr. Arnold's emphatic pro- testations, that no force or stratagem would be employed to remove her child ; she received additional motives to enforce the necessity of her depar- ture. The visits of the Delmore family ; tlie probable publicity of this extraor- dinary affair, would pervade the ob- scurity of her retirement. She was greatly perplexed by the re- peated visits af Dorville ; — though he professed merely to call on Maria, ^irs. Labcciles was conscious that she would be universally considered as the magnet that attracted him ; and she felt the mipropriety of sucli frequent interviews with a, . young man of rank and fashion ; *' For, if a clierub in the shape of woman, ShoukUvalk this world, yet deliimation would, Like a vile cur, br.rk at the anger? train J' ujj "oi>{:hn fkiexdshi?. If/^ From this combination of circmn' stances, Mrs. Lascelles was morv? strongly determined on her removal from this village : but, as her sudden departure might strengthen Dorville's conjectures, or confirm his suspicions, that Maria was his long-lost sister; she resolved, on their next interview, to develope so much of her story at least, as would elucidate her daughters birth. 200 belmoee; CHAPTER IX. "^••k Mr. Arnold's cottage no longer continued a retreat for a recluse; the obscurity of retirement was perpetually violated by the appearance of the gay and elegant ; and Mrs. Lascelles' pri- vacy was repeatedly invaded by the visits of Lady Georgina Delniore and Miss Temple. As lier husband bad impressively enforced the necessity of seclusion and concealment until his return ; and her solemn assurances had been pledged to obey his commands, Mrs. Lascelles was more strongly con- firmed in her determination to remove from her present habitation. She OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 201 communicated her resolution to Mr. Arnold : the wortliy man employed every argument^ and even entreated her to relinquish her intention.-— Con- vinced of the propriety of removing* from the cottage, ]Mrs. Lascelles in- flexibly adhered to her determination ; but, in compliance with the earnest wishes of her bencvolenc host, she consented to postpone her departure. As Mrs. Lascelles had resolved on the line of conduct that she would now pursue, she experienced that im- patience or anxiety which an ardent mind generally feels to carry her pro- jected removal into execution. She eagerly expected Dorvi lie's promised visit: and she now as anxiously de- sired, as she had formerly regretted^ his appearance. Such is the condi- tion of humanity ! one moment start- ing with terror, and apprehension at the presence of an object, which the 202 DELMORE, next instant we rush with breathless eagerness to meet. The well-regulated mind, should, however, endeavour to appreciate the intrinsic value of those things it desires; and only pant for their enjoyment when they possess solid inherent worth : but imagination too f)e({uently throws lier gaudy colour- ings on every subject; and fancy, like the prismatic glass shedding its varie- gated rays, distorts the face of nature and simplicity. Our judgement is thus deluded by the false medium through which it views objects ; and dazzled by the brilliant colouring of imagination, it too frequently mistakes the illusions of custom for the genuine light of truth and reason. Those 'errors and prejudices which operate with such pernicious and baleful in- fluence on society, flow from this fountain of deception : mankind, un- accustomed to contemplate the real OR MODEftN FRIENDSHIP. 20^ nature of things, divested of extrinsic ornaments, can seldom perceive the subhme but simple essence of truth, — and, deluded by external circum- stances, they often adopt the fantas- tic notions and fallacious opinions of the day, as the rule of rectitude and propriety. A constant habit of reflec- tion, or introspection, can alone dissi- pate the illusor}^ suggestions of fancy ; and remove, or counteract, the power- ful impressions of prejudice and custom. The mind of Mrs. Lascelles was not- long destined to endure the fluctua- tion of uncertainty or suspense. On the following morning Maria, who had been w^alking in the garden, ran inta the room to inform her mother that Mr. Dorvilie had that moment alighted at the door. Her wishes were no sooner gratified than her apprehensions returned : she now almost wished that Dorvilie had delayed his visit: — she £04 DELMORE, was indeed solicitous to remove all doubt and suspicion from bis mind, — but she felt, that at any other time, she should be more disposed to com- municate her story. She received Mr. Dorvillc with considerable embarrass- • ment; — they both indeed appeared disturbed and perplexed ; — though Mrs. Lascelles was anxious todevelope every particular, and elucidate every cir- cumstance, relative to Maria's birth, Siie unaccountably hesitated to com- mence the recital. Their conversa- tion was constrained and disjointed, — each seemed to avoid the mention of the subject which, almost exclu- sively occupied their reflections, Mrs. Lascelles almost wished to postpone a narration that ^vould generate such painful emotions; and Dorville could not sufficiently fortify his feelings to advert to circumstances that would occasion such poignant sensations. OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 205 A considerable period had passed in de- sultory observations and trivial re- marks on the most unimportant sub- jects. Mrs. Lascelles, at length sum- moned sufficient resolution to enter on the interesting explanation. *' Mr. Arnold has informed me," she observed, *' of the mysterious and afflicting circumstance that so strongly excited your interest, and prompted your scrutinizing enquiry concerning the birth and family of my beloved Maria. I will not advert to, nor di- late on a subject that must so deeply afflict every feeling bosom, and occa- sion the most agonizing sensations to a brother. The delicate and consi- derate manner in which, under cir- cumstances so imperative and extraor- dinary, and on my part, 1 am con- strained to say, so mysterious, you have prosecuted your investigation, demands my most grateful acknow- ledgements. The frank and explicit ^06 D ELM ORE, communication of every material fact, relative to my child, shall evince how highly I appreciate the moderation and politeness of your conduct." " I am concerned," replied Dorville, *' that my anxiety and affection should have compelled me to make any en- quiries, that may have occasioned you uneasiness or alarm. Your feel- ing heart, which sympathizes with a brother for the loss of a sister, will admit my apology for my inconsiderate, but irresistible curiosity." The peculiar and mysterious appear- ances," said Mrs. Lascelles, *' which so forcibly conspired to produce suspi- cion and incertitude, would, in my opi- nion, have sufficiently justified you, even in a more public and unreserved examination." Dorville thanked her for her conde- scension and politeness. ''My story," she continued. '^ though harrowing and distressing to my own OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 207 feelings, will, I fear, afford little in- terest or entertainment. — I am the daughter of an Italian nobleman, of a distinguished family. Addicted in «arly life to play, he had dissipated the greater part of his princely fortune among sharpers. When our country was invaded by the Frencli, my fa- ther, who was strongly attached to the existing government, joined the army of his sovereign ; and fell, bravely com- bating for his king and country." The afflicting recollection of her fathers fate overpowered ^Irs. Las- celles : her eyes were suffused with tears ; she sobbed, and her voice v/as inarticulate. As soon as her emo- tions of sorrow and regret had slightly subsided, she resumed her narrative. *' The troops of the Republic were successful; and their leaders hastened, with ardent eagerness, to execute the revolutionary mandates of their san- guinary and rapacious masters. The ^OS DELM0RE5 iriagnificent palaces of our nobles were plundered with a Vandalic rage ; the valuable furniture was torn away by- hands reeking with their owners' blood ; the finest statues and choicest paintings were transported to swell the triumph of the conqueror, and adorn the capital of the invaders. Hu- manity would shudder at the recital of the desolation and excesses, that tracked the progress of these blood- stained despoilers ! My father's man- sion shared the general fate. From this scene of devastation and ruin, I removed to the habitation of my maternal aunt, who resided at Naples. Her house was the resort of all tlie Englishmen of distinction in that city. Among the visitors who constantly mingled in her parties; was a young Englishman, who united to a vigorous, energetic mind, the most elegant and prepossessing exterior. His ardent OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. §09 character, the enthusiasm of his senti- ments, the extent of his capacity, and the variety of his attainments, com- bined with a graceful person, pohshed manners, and engaging address, secured mv esteem, and afterwards enslaved my heart. As my family were bigoted to the catholic faith, I was convinced that they would never consent to my union with a Protestant : it would liave been fruitless to have endeavoured to obtain the approbation of my friends ; I therefore yielded to the ar- dent persuasion and tender entreaties of my lover, and accompanied him to Lisbon. — I am fearful that I am te- dious ; but I strive to be concise." *' Proceed 1 I conjure you." — '* We arrived on the wings of love and expectation, and, on the succeed- ing day, the marriage ceremony was performed by the chaplain to the En- glish factory. Hours, days, months. ^10 DELMORE, rolled on with uni intermitting Joy and never-fading delight; — happy in one reciprocal attachment, we courted no extrinsic gratification ; nor desired adventitious pleasures. As my husband's income was extremely li- mited, I was anxious to increase his felicity by securing him the means of gratifying his liberal and philanthro- pic inclinations. Impressed with this pleasing anticipation, I prevailed on him to return to Naples. My san- guine heart panted to be re-established in the kindness and friendship of my family ; and my affectionate solicitude burned to present my father's fortune, as a tribute of love, to the tenderest of husbands.' — On my arrival I immedi- ately repaired to the residence of my aunt. She received me with stately reserve, and formal politeness. Her remarks on my rash and precipitate marriage, as she designated it, were Oil 3IODER\ nnEXDSJlIP. 2li of joy and liappincss ! Low speedily bitter and sarcastic : my family, she observed, was degraded by this union with a heretic ; — a nobleman of my own country had made proposals to my uncle ; and honour, wealth, and con- sequence, would have accompanied such a connexion. *• However," she continued, *^ as the •indissoluble knot cannot be severed, I will not discountenance, though I can- not applaud your choice." '' Mr. Lascelles and myself occa- sionally visited my relations. As my husband proposed to accompany a friend on a short excursion into the country, my aunt invited me to reside with her until his return. This pro- posal seemed most propitious to my Avishes, as I fondly hoped that her powerful, intercession v/ould accelerate my settlements with my uncle, and thus immediately secure possession of my father's property. Illusive dreams 212 »ELMORE, of joy and happiness ! how speedily were ye dissipated ! — Pardon nie, for a moment; but such train of torturing Recollections croud on my mind !" — " Suppress, I intreat you," observed Dorville, moved by her distress, '^any circumstances that are painful in the narration." " During two days,'* she continued, ** I enjoyed a state of quietude and tran- quilhty; — itwas a still, unagitated mo- ment, — like tha,t calm, — that awcful pause, — which is succeeded by a convul- sion of nature. As our discourse fre- quently turned on the subject of my mar- riage, my aunt subtilly endeavoured to transfuse the most injurious suspicions into my breast; — she hinted that my husband's absence was occasioned by the pursuit of an illicit passion; — she insinuated that he had long supported a celebrated courtezan; — and that his licentiousness and profligacy were in- famously notorious. The terrors of super- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 213 stition were then Inlisted ; and thedread- ful weapons of our faith were display- ed to alarm and paralyse me. My aunt enforced the tremendous consequences of such a disastrous union, and empha- tically demanded, if I did not shudder with horror at having purchased a mo- mentary gratification at the dreadful sacrifice of salvation and eternal hap- piness? One only mode now remains to avert the dreadful vengeance of Heaven ; to secure your everlasting felicity ; and escape the yawning abyss of destruction that threatens eternally to devour you : — renounce your hus- band ; abjure liis religion !" '^ Gracious Heaven !" exclaimed Dor- ville, *' can rehgious prejudices so de- form the soul, and infuse a tiger's fury into. a female breast?" ** As my affection for my husband was ardent and sincere, and mv confi- (lence unlimited ; my determination to 214 DELMOUE, preserve my plighted vows inviolable, was firm and unalterable. A week had scarcely passed, during which I was continually exposed to similar persecution, when I was surprised by the unexpected appearance of my pa- ternal uncle. He embraced me with ap- parent tenderness and cordiality ; but I thought that his manner was con- strained, and his countenance gloomy and discontented. ^' In the evening I w^as compelled to attend prayers in my aunt's chapel. After the ceremonies and pageantry of the service were finished ; the priest, in an artificial and florid harangue, ex- patiated on the blessings that would attend the true Catholic : — he deli- neated, in terrific colours, the inevitable and endless sufferings of the un- believer ; — displayed the destructive and hideous consequences of apostacy ; — and concluded by exhorting me to OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 215 deprecate the wrath of Heaven, by re- linquishing my husband, and re- nouncing his execrable heresy. My uncle superadded the allurements of ambition to the fulminations of the Church. Finding that my attachment could not be weakened or dissolved by the denunciations of superstition, or the enticements of vanity, my uncle's rage was ungovernable ; — his counte- nance was distorted by passion ; — with fury in his eyes, and indignation in his looks, he franticly seized my arm, and drawing a poniard, ' Swear, so- lemnly swear at this altar,' said he, ' never to see your husband more! ab- jure his detested faith I or this dagger drinks your blood !' Awed by his menacing attitude, (for he held the weapon to my breast,) and overpowered with terror, a death-like sickness seized my heart ; — I swooned, and sunk into insensibility." 216 DELMORE, Here Mrs. Lascelles Avas so subcliicd by the violence of her emotions, that for some moments she could not pro- ceed. As soon as she recovered some degree of composure and self-col- lection, she resumed. ** When I awoke to reason and re- collection, the same expedients were employed, and similar arguments were advanced, to accomplish their infernal purposes. Ondiscovering, that I would neither be cajoled by persuasions, nor intimidated by menaces, to abandon my husband, — three men entered the chapel, and, seizing me in their arms, hurried me through the garden, — my uncle pointing the dagger to my breast, and threatening to bury it in my heart, if I made the slightest opposi- tion, or attempted to raise the least outcry. At the garden-door stood a chaise and four, into which I was forced ; my uncle and another gentle- OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 217 man, instantly entered : the blinds were drawn up, — and the carriage pro- ceeded with impetuous velocity. For some time, a mournful, a portentous silence reigned; — absorbed in my own thoughts, I yielded to the most dis- tracting, heart-rending reflections, till, overpowered by the poignancy of my sensations, I relapsed into stupor and inanity. From this state of oblivion I was roused by the terrors of my compa- nions, and the tremendous roaring of the elements. My associates instantly communicated the occasion of their alarm ; — the cries of the drivers, and the terrifying celerity with which the vehicle moved, sufficiently confirmed the dangers of our situation. I could perceive by the flashes of lightning which occasionally pervaded the pitchy darkness of the night,- — that our road passed through an immense forest, whose sombrous foliasre seemed to cast VOL. r. L 2^18 delmoue, a deeper horror over the scene. Tlie face of heaven was obscured by black and angry clouds, — rent, as by convulsive efforts, they appeared to open to form a passage for sheets of liquid fire; — loud and crashing peals of thunder roared from the flaming abyss; — a de- luge of rain descended; — the jarring elements seemed to threaten uuiv^ersal destruction, as in the last agonj'' of ex- piring nature. The affrighted horses flew with accelerated impetuosity; — my uncle and his companion endea- voured to avert the impending danger, by throwing themselves from the car- riage. I now resigned myself to fate; momentarily anticipating a termina- tion of my woes. '' Scarce a minute had elapsed since my uncle and his friend bad precipi- tated themselves from the chaise ; when the terrified animals dashed the vehicle, with prodigious violence, against a heavy waggon. The se- OR MOr>ERy FRIEICDSIUP. 219 verity of the sliock slilvered the wheel to atoms ; — the carriage was over- turned, -e- and I received so violent a contusion on my head, that I v/as for some time senseless. The hlceding of my temple, however, speedily resusci- tated suspended sensation. On my recovery from insensihility, 1 per- ceived that I was supported by a countryman and a young lad. My uncle's servant informed me, that his master had experienced a dreadful ac- cident ; and that the other gentleman WSLS lying in the road almost inanimate. '* 1 instantly dispatched tlie man and the waggoner to assist the other ser- vant, (who was waiting v.ith his mas- ter,) in conveying my uncle and his companion to this spot. During this interval I interrogated the boy, whe- ther there was any house contiguous, in wdiich we could be accommodated : he replied, that there was an obscure inn about a quarter of a mile distant. l2 220 DELMOKE, *' The servants now returned with their master and his associate. My uncle uttering the most piercing groans, faintly articulated, that he believed his leg was fractured.- His companion appeared lifeless and inani- mate. I prevailed on the driver, by the promise of a considerable reward, to repose the mangled bodies of my friends on his waggon : I placed my- self by their side; and we proceeded slowly to the inn. " On our arrival, I had an opportu- nity of beholding my companions ; — r my uncle's countenance \\2ls distorted by the anguish of bodily pain, aggra- vated by the more acute as^onies of his mind : his associate was perfectly torpid ; his face was dreadfully lacera- ted, and his hair and forehead clotted ^vhh gore. Beds were instantane- ously prepared for the w^ounded men ; and a messenger dispatched to pro- cure medical assistance. The man OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. gSJ speedily returned witli a surgeon, who, on examining the condition of the patients, observed, tliat my uncles leg was dreadfully fractured : — the clothes of the other gentleman must, he suspected,' have been entangled in the wheel, by which he had been dragged some distance, — as his head was so dreadfully bruised and lace- rated ; and, from his torpidity, he ima- gined that some extravasated blood had collected on the brain. He im- mediately proceeded to set my uncle's leg; remarking, that unremitted care, attention, and quiet, were eminently necessary. The surgeon declared that, in his opinion, the other gentleman would not survive the night. "^ Never will the recollection of that moment be effaced from my memory ! mv blood curdled with horror, — the icy chillness of death seized my heart, — when I reflected that this ill-fated wretch, while in the actual com- l3 222 DELMORE, mission of a crime, would instantly, terminate his iniquitous career ; and appear with all his sins and vices at the awful tribunal of his Maker ! — no moment left for repentance, — no pause for contrition or remorse!'* Dorville requested her to moderate her emotions, and abstain from, or at least to touch lightly on those subjects that created such violent agitations. **As m^^ countenance," she conti- nued, *' was pale and haggard, from the fatigue and terror which I had so lately experienced, the surgeon in- sisted on opening a vein ; and pe- remptorily ordered me to he conveyed to my chamber. I retired to my couch ; but not to sleep : — the various impressions of horror and alaim, that had so recently affected me, floated before my imagination; — my brain was disturbed by feverish rumination; — m}' frame was indescribably agita- ted ; — in this paroxysm, nature exerted OR MODERN FRIENDSHIP. SQ3 her powers, — and my darling Maria sprang to light and life. All-boun- teous Providence ! how dost thou mingle the sweets of hope with the Lit- ter cup of misery, and pour the healing balm of tenderness and sympathy into the bleeding wounds of anguish and despair ! The perturbation of my mind, the fatigue and alarm which I had suffered, occasioned a fever ; and, for several days, I was delirious and raving. When reason began to re-as- sume her empire in my distempered brain, I was recalled to recollection and delight, by the tender caresses and affectionate solicitude of an adored husband. My mind, relieved from anxiety and doubt, and cheered by the endearments of my child and husband, soon recovered its accus- tomed vigour and elasticity : my strength and spirits were daily reno- vated and confirmed. '' I learnt that the gentleman who §24 had accompanied my uncle, was the Marquis de C ; that the un- happy wretch died the succeeding day after our arrival, — and that my uncle had been removed in a litter to the chateau of a friend. My husband af- terwards obtained information that this outrage had been committed, to force me into a marriasre with the Marquis De C . Mr. Lascelles conjectured, that some secret agree- ment subsisted between my uncle and that nobleman, relative to the division of my property. '' I have, Sir, imposed this painful undertaking on myself to satisfy your mind, and to remove any doubts or surmises concerning the, parentage of Maria." " You have, Madam, unnecessarily, but considerartiv submitted to a dis- tressing retrospect of such melancholy circumstances; — your solemn asser- tion,** said Dorville, bowing, ** would on MODERN FRIENDSHIP. 225 have convinced me of the fallaciousness of my hopes, and the unjustness of my suspicions/' ** I should, perhaps, have subjoin- ed," observed Mrs. Lascelles, *' that the mother of my present servant was nurse to my child. Maria was bapti- zed by the chaplain of the English Ambassador : my servant Anna assist- ed her mother in her attendance on my daughter, when Maria had scarcely attained her second year." ** Let me conjure you," interrupted Dorville, " to desist. I am only con- cerned that the ardour of my temper, some mysterious appearances, and vour absence, should have excited ex- pectations and doubts, which have revived the most afflictive recol- lections, and reciprocally occasioned the most torturing sensations. As the villainous machinations of your family were so providentially interrupted, I 526 BKLMOHEj sincerely hope thac their infamous de- signs were eternally defeated." '* On our return to Naples, Mr. Lascelles communicated the leading circumstances of this transaction to Sir William H , the English Ambassador. So unprovoked and daring a violation of hospitality and friendship excited the indignation, and interested the sympathetic bosom of the Lady of the Ambassador; — with that ardent benevolence and cheerful alacrity which distinguish her character, she exerted her influence with the Queen of Naples ; and under such powerful protection, we reposed in confidence and security.*' Though Mrs. Lascelles' narrative had completely dispelled every suspi- cion and doubt relative to her child ; the interesting disclosure that she had 60 frankly made, and her present equi* CE MODERrf FRIENDSHIP. 227 vocal situation, excited in the mind of Dorville a curiosity, almost ungovern- able, to kiiow the remainder of a life replete, as he conjectured, with so many extraordinary incidents. A con- siderable pause ensued. Dorville hoped that Mrs. Lascelles might pro- ceed : he expatiated on the treachery, bigotry, and inhospitality of her aunt; inveighed against the tyranny, ava- rice, and cruelty of her uncle; — and execrated her lover's baseness and in- humanity. He emphatically declared, that the sequel of the life of an object, who had experienced such barbarous persecution, must be pregnant with interest and wonder, — and more than insinuated his disappointment at her abrupt termination. Observing, how- ev^er, that Mrs. Lascelles was little disposed to withdraw the veil of se- crecy that shaded her present situa- tion, Dorville again renewed his apo- logies; and reluctantly departed from 5 S28 DELMORE, &;C. the cottage. Mrs. Lascelles had in- tended to have hinted at the impro- priety of Dorvi lie's visits, under her present peculiar circumstances ; hut the perturbation of her mind had dissi- pated the recollection. As she had re- solved, however, on a speedy removal from her present habitation, she de- termined, should Dorville, re-visit the cottage to decline an interview on the plea of indisposition or business. EN'D OP THE FIRST V0LU1HE. Brettell, Printer, Marshall-street, GoLDEW-jquARa.- wm m^^ #^ :4t:-';;;.vv..v: :(K^ UNIVERSfTY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 3 0112 084219630 ^ m 'i Ziiz-Jit. '««■ i.^^ «- ^^i l^«5fi«.^^P ?L51515ISISl51ST5TSTcn ^ cr» stqiFl^J^iMs'lS^ '^ ^ ^ ^^'^ '^'^