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THE

ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

A TALE OF REAL LIFE.

BY R. MCRINDELL,

AUTHORESS OF “THE SCHOOL-GIRL IN FRANCE.”’

FIRST AMERICAN EDITION.

PHILADELPHIA:
HERMAN HOOKER,—178 CHESTNUT STREET.

Ame

1844.UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA LIBRARY

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CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
The farewell to home,

“I

CHAPTER II.
Trials and changes, . 4 . ‘ : : is:

CHAPTER III.
Accumulated trials, . : ‘ : : : 7 ® SE

CHAPTER Iv.
The search for a situation, ; , ; : . =

CHAPTER V.
The voyage, . ; ; ‘ : 5 ; - 62

CHAPTER VI.
New scenes and characters, , : : : ys

CHAPTER VII.
Peculiarities of Gibraltar, : : : . ae

CHAPTER VIII.
St. Michael’s cave, . ‘ : . ‘ ; 164

CHAPTER IX.
The Mediterranean steps, ; : : : - hI9Algeziras, :

Greek superstitions,

A trip to Africa, :

The Cork Wood, :

A bitter trial, .

The eastern precipice,

Domestic sorrows.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X.

°

CHAPTER XI.

©

CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XIII.

e e

CHAPTER XIV.

° 6

CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XVI.

133

153

172

191

215

228

249>

 

INTRODUCTION,

 

Tue unhoped for success which has at-
tended the publication of “The School-girl
in France,” has imboldened the author
again to come forward before the public,
hoping that her present attempt may also
meet with some share of favour and encou-
ragement. “The English Governess” is a
simple narrative, consisting almost entirely
of facts, with very little mixture of fiction.
In it she has attempted to portray the effi-
cacy of vezal religion, in sustaining the true
Christian under trials and bereavements
which would otherwise be overwhelming;
and the power of scriptural principles, in
enabling the mind to pursue that path of self-
denying ad

—

1erence to duty which the Bible
enjoins, when it commands us not to be “un-
equally yoked together with unbelievers.”
But the author has had a still more im-
portant object in view,—that of awakening
the attention of Christians to the spiritual
destitution, and degraded condition, of Un-
happy Spain, and her interesting, though
misguided children. She has endeavoured

2V1 INTRODUCTION.

to sketch, though but very faintly, the sad ef-
fects of that pernicious system, miscalled re-
licion, under whose fearful influence they are
still kept in a state of ignorance, spiritual de-
lusion, and awful moral] degradation, which no
one can conceive, who has not had the oppor-
tunity of personally observing it. She is con-
vinced that no sincere follower of Christ could
witness these characteristic effects of the
great apostacy, without a fervent desire to
make some effort for the rescue of its devoted
victims; and she would, therefore, earnestly
urge on Christians the duty of doing some-
thing for the evangelization of neglected
Spain. Missionaries have been sent to
France, and to other countries of Europe,
which were, perhaps, comparatively speak-
ing, less in need of them.

How far the author may succeed in pro-
moting these objects, and whether or not her
present production will meet with the appro-
bation of the Christian public, are points on
which she cannot decide: but, while express-
ing her gratitude for past encouragement,
she humbly commends this feeble effort to
the blessing of Him “ without whom nothing
is strong, nothing is holy,” in the fervent
hope that it may not be altogether useless.THE

ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

CHAPTE Ref,
THE FAREWELL TO HOME.

For the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of
God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned.—1 Cor. ii. 14,

“Uree me no more, dear Clara;—sweet gentle
sister, cease your entreaties;—my resolution is taken,
and you will find it unalterable: I cannot, I will not,
remain any longer in this house!”

Thus spoke Maria Neville, while the deep crimson
of angry feeling mantled her cheek and brow, and
her beautiful eyes flashed with resentment, even
through the tears she vainly attempted to repress.

“ But, Maria, dearest, dearest sister! listen to me,
I beseech you, only for a few moments! Let me
beg of you to reflect before you take so decisive a
step; to allow yourself a short time for consideration;
to review your determination before you finally act
upon it!’?

“TI have reflected, Clara; I have viewed the sub-
ject in every possible light; it will almost break my
heart to leave you and mamma; but I must go—8 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

this house is no longer a home for me. Release me,
Clara, I entreat you, for I must pack up these boxes
to-night.”’

So saying, she forcibly disengaged herself from the
arms of her sister, who had in vain attempted to de-
tain her, and began, in a hurried manner, to gather
up the scattered contents of her wardrobe.

It was a scene which a painter might have copied,
with the certainty of producing an interesting pic-
ture. The last rays of the setting sun, as they
streamed through an open window, gilded the walls
of a chamber, the furniture of which, though not
costly, was simple, neat, and elegant. But that room
was now ina state of disorder which it had, perhaps,
never before exhibited. In the centre stood the bed,
with its comfortable white drapery; but it was now
covered with dresses, and various other articles of
female apparel; the carpet was strewed with the mis-
cellaneous contents of several open drawers, and two
trunks, also open, had already received a small num-
ber of books, which had been thrown into them,
without any regard to arrangement. But the sun’s
departing splendour rested on two figures, whose
appearance, attitude, and employment, presented a
striking contrast. In the centre of the room, gazing
on the scene of confusion that surrounded her, stood
a tall, handsome girl, whose lofty forehead, dark hair,
and arched eye-brows, gave an air of commanding
dignity to her countenance, that suited well with the
noble character of her figure. There was a.troubled
expression in her eye, and the evidences of severe
mental conflict on every feature; but the flushed

eeTHE ENGLISH. GOVERNESS, 9

cheek, and firmly-compressed lips, announced that
pride and passion were predominant, though tears
glistened on her long eye-lashes, and one hand was
strongly pressed on her heart, as if to still its tumul-
tuous throbbings.

Near the window stood a small couch, on which
rested a younger and very different figure. It was
a fair girl of eighteen, but who would scarcely have
been taken for more than fifteen, so much did her
small, slight form, and the child-like simplicity of
her mien, give her the appearance of extreme youth.
Her eyes were concealed by her clasped hands,
through which the tears were dropping abundantly;
but her cheek was pale as marble, and her com-
plexion, delicate almost to transparency, announced
a weak and precarious state of health; while the
idea of early death, naturally suggested by this cir-
cumstance, seemed not only confirmed, but hallowed,
by the beams of the departing luminary, which, as
they shed a golden gleam on her white forehead, and
bright chesnut hair, might have been fancifully said
to surround her with a kind of celestial radiance,
prophetic of angelic glory.

The sisters remained some time silent, each buried
in her own thoughts. At length the younger un-
covered her eyes, and raising towards her sister a
eountenance which, though not beautiful, was pecu-
liarly interesting, from its expression of humility and
gentleness, she observed,

“You. said, not long ago, Maria, that you had
viewed the subject of your departure in every pos-
sible light. Will you allow me to remind you, dear

9D *
&10 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

sister, that there is one point of view in which you
have not considered it. I fear vn have not examined
it by the light of Seripture.’

Maria paused a moment or two, as if struggling to
suppress her feelings, ere she replied,

“Clara, you are a dear, good little girl, but you
know I cannot think as you do on the subject of
religion. You may have a great deal of scripture,
and even reason on your side; but I cannot believe
that it is my duty to sacrifice my feelings, my in-
terest, my happiness, and every thing that is dear to
me, merely because my mother, forgetting the duty
she owed to her children, and to the memory of the
best of husbands———”’

«OQ, Maria! how can you speak thus?”’

&é Nay, nay, Clara, spare your rebuke; I mus¢
speak as I feel,—it is no longer time to dissemble.
I love my mother fondly, w ace and sincerely; I
ean do justice to her virtues: I acknowledge her to
be not only an excellent woman, and a kind mother,
but a true Christian. But I cannot forget my father;
I never shall cease to remember his goodness, his
exalted character, his tenderness and indulgence. O
my beloved, sainted father! can I ever cease to wor-
ship your memory?”

Here Maria’s feelings completely overcame her.
She covered her eyes with her clasped hands, and
burst into an agony of tears. Clara went to her,
threw her arms round her waist, and they wept to-
gether for some minutes. At length the sobbing
Maria raised her head from the shoulder of her sister ;
and, with forced calmness, resumed,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

  

il

“You must acknowledge, Clara, that it was very
much like disrespect to the memory of that blessed
parent, when my mother united herself to another,
and one, oh how unlike him!”?

“No, no, Maria! I cannot allow that.

Mamma’s

reasons for that step you know; she acted from the
best and purest motives, and it was our interest that

determined h

er conduct.”’

“JT cannot say that I am quite satisfied those were
her only motives.”’

“ Maria!”

“Well, well, n’¢mporte; we shall not agree on
However, that is not the question

that subject.
now.

You know, Clara, that we have both been

wronged, grievously, shamefully wronged by Mr.

Ashton,—by

my mother’s husband.

Your princi-

ples of passive obedience and non-resistance may
lead you to bear it patiently; and though I eannot
see it to be my duty to submit tamely to injustice,

even JZ might perhaps, for my mother’s sake, have

smothered for the present my grief and resentment;
but I have seen that beloved parent treated with the
most cruel unkindness, her feelings wounded, her

meekness trampled upon; I have myself been in-

sulted, taunted, and threatened, by that unprincipled
man, who has ruined all our worldly prospects; and
all your eloquence cannot persuade me that I ought

to submit.

He has dared to menace me with ex-

pulsion from my mother’s dwelling, and 1 will spare

him the trouble of executing his threat.

I will not

sleep another night under the roof that owns the

usurper for a master.’’12 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“If you would but be calm, dear faria, and
listen to reason, you would perceive that Mr. Ash-
ton, as well as yourself, acted under the influence of
passion. Your reproaches made him angry, and he
said what, I am sure, he did not mean. But, even
were your suspicions just, were he as unfeeling and
unprincipled as you think him, would it not rather
be your duty to remain to comfort and support your
afflicted mother, than thus to forsake her, and follow
the dictates of wounded feeling and hasty resent-
ment?”’

The tears of heart-wrung sorrow burst afresh from
Maria’s eyes, as the soft words of Christian persua-
ion fell from the lips of her gentle sister. She
threw herself on Clara’s neck, and long and bitterly
did she weep. Clara’s tears mingled with hers, and
she strained her closely to her heart, and thought
her object gained. But she was mistaken. Maria
rose from this burst of feeling calm and subdued,
but not less determined than before.

«Listen to me, my beloved sister, and do not
think me insensible to your kindness. I confess that
you have in your reasoning, as you have in every
thing else, a great superiority over me, yet I cannot
yield to your wishes. I feel that my dear mother
has a most efficient comforter while she has you
with her. My presence could only tend to make
her miserable, for my proud spirit could never bend
as yours does. Certainly, if ever any human being
can lay claim to the blessings promised to the meek,
you will both be blessed. But my fate, dearest
Clara, must be different. I shall be a wanderer onTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 13

the earth, but you will pray for me, and your
prayers, I trust, will not be in-vain. _ But now, I be-
seech you, attempt no more to dissuade me; if you
love me, Clara, Say no more on the subject.”? She
pressed her sister to her bosom ina long, close em-
brace, and then, dashing the tears from her eyes, re-
turned to her task of packing up, with a look of un-
shaken resolution.

A deep-drawn sigh of bitter disappointment burst
from Clara’s heart; but she saw that further attempts
would be vain, and, therefore, with true sisterly
kindness, resolved to perform the last office of af-
fection then in her power, by assisting Maria in her

preparations.

A long silence ensued, which lasted, with few in-
terruptions, till the work of packing-up was finished,
when Clara, whose anxiety could no longer be re-
pressed, drew her sister down on the sofa beside her,
and twining her arms around her, again gave utter-
ance to her feelings.

“« Maria, you surely do not contemplate remaining
at my uncle’s? I should tremble for you if you

did.”

“And wherefore, my dear anxious little sister?

Have you so low an opinion of my religious princi-

ples, as to fear that I could not resist the contagion

of infidelity?

This is scarcely charitable, Clara;—

but you may be tranquil on that subject; rest assured

that, how unfavourably soever you may think of me,
in regard to religion, my parents’ instructions have
not been altogether in vain. 1 have, perhaps, more
plous sentiments than you give me credit for; and,

at all events, I am not quite a reprobate.”14 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

«“ Dearest sister,” said Clara, kissing away the
bitter tears which had again started to the eyes of
Maria, “how can you talk thus unkindly? You
know that such an idea never entered my mind;
but you must pardon my anxiety while I remind
you that no human being is beyond the reach of
temptation, and that the Word of God says, ‘Evil
communications corrupt good manners.’ Forgive me
also for saying, that I fear you are too self-confident,
and that, as our own strength is worse than weakness,
you are in great danger of being betrayed by that
mistaken trust in yourself. Remember the Scripture
injunction, ‘Let him that thinketh he standeth, take
heed lest he fall.’ ”

«Well, Clara, you need be under no apprehension
on my account; I do not intend to remain long at
my uncle’s.”’

«What, then, will you do, Maria?’

«Harn a subsistence and a home, by my own
exertions. I will be a governess, a companion, or
any thing else that will secure me independence and
respectability.”

“ Dear Maria, you are not fitted for such a task;
your spirit is too high, your habits too indepen-
dent.”

“We shall see; perhaps you do not yet know me:
I can bear any thing but injustice, I can submit to
any thing but tyranny.’’

Clara was about to reply, when the noise of a
carriage was heard, and presently the ringing of the
door-bell announced the arrival of Mr. Hargrave and
his daughter, on their return from the Italian Opera.THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 15

 

Both sisters started up at the sound; Clara turned
as pale as death, and Maria’s colour came and went,
as the blood first crimsoned her brow, and then
rushed back to her heart, with almost suffocating ra-
pidity. She tore herself, however, from the circling
arms of her sister, which had closed instinctively
around her, and with forced calmness, walked to her
mother’s room, followed by Clara.

Mrs. Ashton was sitting up in bed; she was pale
and depressed, and her countenance bore the traces
of tears and suffering. Yet she received her daugh-
ters with a smile, though it was a sorrowful one.

“You are, then, determined to go, Maria?’’ she
said, as the agitated girl flung herself on her knees
by the bed-side, and clasped her neck, sobbing hys-
terically.

“OQ mamma, dearest mamma! forgive me! but I
cannot—indeed, I cannot—remain.”’

«¢Well,”’ said Mrs. Ashton, raising her streaming
eyes to heaven, “the Lord’s will be done! It is a
bitter trial to see you go thus;—but you will not
stay away long, Maria; O no! I trust mature re-
flection will soon bring you back to your afflicted
mother.”

Maria rose from her knees, and, again embracing
her mother, said, in a stifled voice,

‘I shall soon see you again. Good night, beloved
mamma! may God for ever bless you!’’

«¢ Beware of the snares that will surround you!’
exclaimed the anxious mother; but Maria had rushed
from the room, and was already out of hearing.
Mrs. Ashton dropped her head on her clasped hands,

i A 8A16 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

and alternately prayed and wept, in the agony of a
broken spirit.

Mr. and Miss Hargrave were in the drawing-
room, impatiently awaiting the arrival of Maria, the
former carelessly scanning a contents of a news-
paper, the latter reclining, with an air of listless s lan»
guor, on the sofa, The Wel beat and the sisters
entered, *their arms fondly linked, and their eyes
swollen with weeping. ,

“So you are come at last!” exclaimed Miss Har-
grave, in a querulous tone. “What atime you have
been getting ready! And, dear me! what a fright
you have made of yours
as she mincingly extend
gloved hand to Maria, without deigning th mains
notice to Clara. ‘“ Why, I declare, you wile not be
fit to be seen to-morrow, and we have quite a party
coming. What on earth can have been the matter

elf with crying!” she added,
ed two fingers of a delicately

with your”

“Come, come,” said Mr. Hargrave, rising, “ let
us hasten ae You have been moping here so
long, Maria, that you have almost become as tame
and i: as your mother; but we shall soon drive
all your silly notions and puritanical fancies out of
your head. Clara, I hope your mother is well.—
Come, girls, make haste, for it is ee and Iam ae
you have caught cold, Auguste

He did not wait for an answer to his cold and
careless question, respecting the health of an only
sister, nor could Clara
heart was ft fall, almos

. have given him one, for her

t to bursting, and she claspec
1 40 IQ ry ait]
ner sister's arm with a convulsive energy, thatTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 17

seemed as if it would defy all attempts to separate
them. In this manner they reached the hall-door;
Augusta was handed into the carriage, and the sisters
indulged in a last embrace; but, while Clara’s anguish
gushed forth in one imploring ery of, “ Do not, Oh
do not go!”? Maria shook her off with an effort of
desperate resolution; and, as the younger sister fell,
sobbing, and almost senseless, against the portico, the
elder sprang into the vehicle, the rattling of whose
wheels happily drowned the wild burst of hysteric
sorrow, which she could no longer restrain.
“Flome!” that one magic word, so lightly, so
heartlessly pronounced, how had it struck like a
knell upon the hearts of both! All night the sisters
wept over that word; but the one looked to herself
alone for consolation, while the other cast her bur-
den, in humble faith, on Him who has graciously
said, “Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will de-
liver thee; and thou shalt glorify me.”CHAPTER If

TRIALS AND CHANGES.

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be
weary of his correction; for whom the Lord loveth he cor-
recteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverss iil. 11, 12.

Marta and Clara Neville were the daughters of a
deceased counsellor, whose career had been cut
short, after a few days’ illness, before he could real-
ize that competency which his talents and brilliant
prospects seemed to promise. It isa very general
opinion, that piety is almost, if not quite, incompa-
tible with the study and practice of the law; how far
this prejudice may be supported by facts, we will not
attempt to inquire; but, if it be a rule, it has many
bright exceptions, and Mr. Neville’s character and
conduct were a triumphant refutation of the calumny.
He was an able and conscientious lawyer, an esti-
mable man, and a sincere Christian; but it was pro-
bahly owing to this high standard of character, that
he had not amassed a fortune. His patrimonial pro-
perty was small, and that of his wife not larger; yet
it would have secured to Mrs. Neville and her two
daughters a comfortable, though moderate indepen-
dence, had not the principal part of it been the sub-
ject of a long-contested law-suit, which, however,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 19

seemed near its termination, when he was unfortu-
nately snatched away from his disconsolate family.

When the violence of the widow’s grief had, in
some measure, abated, she found herself ina situation
of considerable difficulty. Mr. Neville had left the
property entirely at her disposal, though he had ap-
pointed his friend, Mr. Ashton, the guardian of his
daughters. This gentleman, who was also a lawyer,
now undertook to carry on the suit, in which were
involved the interests of his wards; but two years
passed away in alternate hopes and disappointments;
still the cause was undecided, and Mrs. Neville began
to fear that her resources, considerably diminished
by the frequent and heavy expenses connected with
it, would prove inadequate to ensure its success.
This was an alarming idea,and her anxiety was pro-
portionably great. Itled her to listen with an atten-
tion which she had at first refused to the suit of Mr.
Ashton, who had long sought to persuade her to
unite her fate with his. To secure to her children a
second father, whose ample means, as he assured
her, would be employed to secure their rights, and
whose affectionate care and protection would be so
conducive to their future welfare, appeared to her an
object of the first importance; and she gave her hand
to Mr. Ashton, in the full conviction. that she was
acting according to the dictates of both prudence and
maternal affection.

This union, however, did not take place without
many remonstrances, and much discontent on the
part of Maria, who, though but eighteen years of
age, manifested an independence and self-will which

a wa a a TO20 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

often gave her mother pain. She idolized the me-
mory of her father, and the idea of Mr. Ashton’s
wishing to succeed him in her mother’s affections,
and in so near arelation to herself and her sister, was
quite sufficient to create a prejudice against her guar-
dian, which soon ripened into positive dislike. Clara
was too gentle, and too difident of her own opinion,
to call in question the wisdom of her mother’s de-
cision, but she did not feel altogether free from fore-
bodings on the subject of the projected marriage.
She was by no means of a suspicious disposition, but
Maria’s observations on several parts of Mr. Ashton’s
conduct had often led her to reflect on his character,
and forced on her mind the unwilling conviction that
he was neither so pious nor so disinterested as her
mother thought him. The marriage, however, took
place, and in a few months the long-pending law-suit
was decided in their favour. The sum of ten thou-
sand pounds was recovered, which Mrs. Ashton re-
solved should be equally divided, and placed in the
funds in her daughters’ names, in order that they
might have possession of it as soon as they attained
the age of twenty-one. Her own fortune, which
amounted to seven thousand, still remained at her
disposal.

It was not long, however, before Clara’s fears were
more than realized, and Mrs. Ashton’s happiness de-
stroyed. Her husband’s character, as it gradually
became better known to her, appeared in a very dif-
ferent light from what she had been led to expect.
It soon became apparent that his profession of reli-
gion was a very hollow one, and, before they had beenTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 21

married two years, he dropped it entirely, as a mask
which it no longer suited his interest or convenience
to wear. His pious wife wept in secret grief over
his apostacy or hypocrisy; but she soon had other
causes of sorrow and apprehension. Every day
shocked her with new proofs of his flagrant immo-
rality, and the continual dissensions between him
and Maria pierced her heart with the keenest an-
guish. He had somehow discovered her former op-
position to his marriage with her mother, and his re-
vengeful conduct towards her had increased her dis-
like and contempt to a degree which she took no
pains to conceal. The consequence was, a state of
continual strife and domestic unhappiness, which
made poor Mrs. Ashton completely wretched. Maria
warmly loved her mother, and did not willingly give
her pain; but this very affection only increased her
indignation against the destroyer of her beloved pa-
rent’s happiness, while her impatient spirit could
not brook his ungenerous and tyrannical conduct to
herself,

Another twelvemonth, however, elapsed, and Ma-
ria completed her twenty-first year. Empowered by
this event to assert her independence, she, with the
advice of her uncle Hargrave, made a formal appli-
eation to her late guardian to be put in possession of
her property; but what were her feelings, and those of
her afflicted mother, when, after many refusals, eva-
sions, and equivocations, it'was discovered that her
five thousand pounds, as well as Clara’s, instead of
having been lodged in the funds for their benefit, had
all been squandered away by their unprincipled step-
3*I crete cstv
ors Bias SpE SPURS 2 Spee!

22

 

THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

father! Maria’s indignation knew no bounds: she
told him that, if it were not for the relation in which
he stood to her injured mother, he should be visited
with the punishment his villany deserved; and her
reproaches so exasperated him, that he threatened, in
his fury, to compel her to leave the house. She re-
plied, with contemptuous haughtiness, that she would
spare him the trouble; and, notwithstanding her mo-
ther’s remonstrances, and her sister’s tears and en-
treaties, immediately wrote to her uncle, requesting
he would fetch her that evening from a house in
which she was resolved never to pass another night.
She received an answer favourable to her wishes, and
was thus enabled to put in practice a resolution which
divided her for life from her dearest connexions.
For two whole days, Mrs. Ashton neither saw her
eldest daughter nor her profligate husband. On the
third evening he returned, and fearful was his rage
when he became acquainted with the step Maria had
taken. He vowed deep and bitter revenge against
her and the Hargraves; and such was the violence of
his conduct, that both Mrs. Ashton and Clara felt
truly thankful that the object of his fury was, for the
present, beyond his reach. In a few days, Maria
visited her mother and sister, timing her visits when
she knew him to be absent. She affected great
cheerfulness, and strove to persuade her anxious re-
Jatives that she had no cause to regret having thrown
herself on the protection of her uncle; but there was
a paleness on her cheek, and a look of care in her
fine dark eyes, which indicated but too plainly that
her mind was a prey to restless anxiety. She, how-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 23

ever, firmly resisted every effort to draw from her
a promise of returning to her parent’s roof, as soon
as her step-father’s resentment should have subsided.
To all her mother’s entreaties on that subject, she
only answered,

“Dearest mamma! it is much better, even for
your own peace of mind, that we should be apart.
You know my proud spirit could never bear injustice;
I am, unfortunately, too candid to conceal my senti-
ments, and therefore you must forgive me, if I say
that I can never again be an inmate of the same
house as Mr. Ashton.’’

Mrs. Ashton wept, but she scarcely knew how to
oppose her daughter’s resolution; for, under existing
circumstances, it was but too evident that no other
course could with safety be pursued. Every day
brought fresh proof to her sorrowful heart of the utter
worthlessness of him to whom she had unwarily con-
fided both her own and her children’s interest and
happiness; and she could only shudder, as she cast
a fearful look towards the future, and commit her
cause in earnest prayer to Him who is a “Father of
the fatherless.”? Every circumstance that reached
her knowledge respecting the proceedings of Mr.
Ashton, only realized the forebodings of her appre-
hensive mind; and she soon had the strongest evidence
of the painful fact, that her own property, which she
had incautiously neglected to secure before her mar-
riage, was daily disappearing, to gratify the depraved
propensities of her unprincipled husband. This was
» dreadful blow, for to this property she had fondly
looked, as the means of repairing, in some measure,

FR IT eR ee ere

reagp acer Se

:

   

24. THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

the injury inflicted on her daughters. Her meek
spirit bowed under this stroke; she bent in humble,
unmurmuring submission to the Divine will; but
her health visibly declined, and the sorrowing Clara
watched, with agonizing apprehension, the progress
of that slow-consuming disease which she felt would
but too soon leave her an orphan, and destitute in-
deed.

Her own health, too, which had been precarious
from infancy, was rapidly sinking under the aceumu-
lated trials of the last few months; but she struggled
with all her remaining energy against the increasing
debility of her frame; and the heightened resolution
that strung her every nerve to intense exertion,
seemed to impart an almost unnatural strength to the
weak and fragile girl, as, with all the trusting faith of
a Christian, as well as the tenderness of a devoted
child, she supported her drooping mother.

Some weeks of daily anxiety and sorrow passed
away, during which Maria’s visits were occasionally
repeated, and it became more and more evident that
she was any thing but happy at her uncle’s. Still,
however, she complained not, nor even imparted any
of her discomforts, but bore up with an unshrinking
firmness strikingly in accordance with-her lof y cha-
racter, But, though accompanying her cousin to
every scene of fashionable dissipation, and joining in
the hollow laugh of affected gaiety, while her heart
was heavy, she did not lose sight of her declared re-
solution, to obtain some employment by which she
might secure to herself a comparative independence:
Nor were her efforts unsuccessful. A young lady ofTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 95

family and fortune, with whom she had formed an
intimacy at school, and whose declining health re-
quired a removal to the south of Europe, invited her
to be the companion of her travels, and Maria found
the proposal exceedingly attractive. Miss Mansfield
was an only child, and her fond parents accompanied
their darling; but it was hoped that the society of a
lively young person of her own age would greatly
conduce to her recovery, and her affection for Maria
immediately decided her choice.

Maria’s delight was unbounded at the prospect of
visiting the romantic scenes and interesting coun-
tries she had often longed to see, in company with
one she so sincerely loved as Amelia Mansfield.
Her mother and sister wept bitterly at the proposed
separation, and still more at the numberless dangers
that would assail her unfixed religious principles; but
they knew not how to oppose a proposal so apparently
advantageous. After much earnest, affectionate, and
Christian advice, therefore, she was suffered to follow
her own inclination, and, in less than another month,
Maria was on her way to the south of France, fol-
lowed by the fervent prayers of her anxious mother
and sister, and feeling, in the midst of her enjoy-
ments, that distressing sensation of loneliness which
is produced by our separation from every kindred tie,
and the painful consciousness of having too often
slighted the affectionate admonitions of those beloved
ones whom she might never see again.

But poor Mrs. Ashton’s cup of sorrow was still
very far from being full. Every day exposed her to
fresh ill-treatment from her depraved husband. The

I OO a aa

a eS al

   

>2 nes hay agape Oa a ap aaa eg ori

26 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

whole of her property was now gone, and his brutality
was no longer restrained by selfish considerations.
He had recklessly involved himself to a considerable
amount, and the climax seemed at last arrived, when
aa execution was placed in the house.

The meek and patient wife had borne all her trials
with unmurmuring resignation. She had never irri-
tated the cruelty of her husband by one word of re-
proach, nor opposed his unprincipled conduct in any
other way than by gentle remonstrances, or affec-
tionate entreaties. She had been supported by a
power far superior to her own strength; but this last
blow was unexpected, and she felt almost over-
whelmed. She had with difficulty left her bed, when
the unprincipled author of all her calamities entered,
in that state of intoxication which had now become
habitual to him. He seemed somewhat taken by
surprise, and began to vent his ill-humour on his agi-
tated wife. His bitter taunts at length called forth
one irrepressible burst of anguish from her breaking
heart, and she exclaimed, clasping her hands in tear-
less agony,

“Q cruel, cruel Ashton! would that I had never
known you! How much happier would it have been,
both for myself and my poor children!”

The brutal monster clenched-his hand, and, with
one blow on the head, dashed her violently against
the bedpost. She fell on the floor, deprived of sense
and motion, while he stood stupidly contemplating
the effect of his ferocity. The noise brought the
distracted Clara into the room; she, with the help
of the shrieking servant, raised the helpless victimTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

  

27

from the ground, and, while a surgeon was has-
lily sent for, the guilty wretch silently left the

house.
Human means, however, could do nothi

ng for

Mrs. Ashton; a violent concussion of the brain pro-
duced instant stupefaction, and, without one glimpse
of returning consciousness, the long-tried spirit in a
few hours winged its flight to those mansions of
eternal blessedness, where “the wicked cease from
troubling, and the weary are at rest.’? Pale, motion-

less, and tearless, Clara sat all night by the b

ed-side

of her dying mother, and, when the morning light

began to dawn, she was taken from the place,

as cold and insensible as the corpse on which
intensely gazed.

almost
she so

A dreary interval of fever and delirium succeeded;

her life seemed more than once asif it we
pended on a thread; but she revived at leng

re sus-
th, and

found herself in her uncle’s house, attended by a
hired nurse. Miss Hargrave was by far too delicate
and nervous to venture within the precincts of a sick
room; she, therefore, scarcely saw her; but Mr.

Hargrave paid her-a few cold, formal visi

ts, and

from him she learned the events that had occurred

during her illness, and the necessity that existed for

her undergoing a severe trial of her fortitude.
The miserable Ashton had been secured, a

id was

now awaiting his trial; at which it was indispensable

that she should appear, in order, by her test
to substantiate his guilt. Clara shrank with
from the idea, and a partial relapse was the
quence of her agitation. Her reluctance, ho
was of no ayail, and, while scarcely recovere

imony,
horror
conse-
wever,

d suffi-

, = a a aa
CES A wT Ss28 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

ay ciently to stand, she was conducted, or rather almost
i carried by her uncle, into the witnesses’ box of a
a court of justice, and there compelled to give her
trembling evidence against the destroyer of her mo-
ther, It wasalmost too much for the timid and heart-
stricken girl; but she had implored strength from on
high, and was mercifully upheld during the trying
scene. As soon as it was over, however, she was
carried back insensible to her bed, and it was not till
some days after that she was sufficiently recovered
to be told the issue of the trial. The state of ine-
briety in which the unhappy man was, when he com-
mitted the fatal deed, had been taken into considera-
tion by the jury, and the sentence pronounced upon
him, was imprisonment and hard labour for the space
of atwelvemonth. He had uttered dreadful threats
of vengeance against the unoffending Clara, but she
heeded them not, while her heart melted in deyout
thankfulness to God, that she had not been instru-
mental in sending a fellow-creature, perhaps unpre-
pared, to his awful account. ‘This sentiment, ex-
pressed in the warmth of her feelings, called forth
many a scornful sneer from her cousin, and much

wpe sling Na pnd orien pola ea mR =
pr nei So eee ene rele =

displeasure from her uncle. He angrily reproved
her for rejoicing in the escape of her mother’s mur-
| derer; and, when she meekly reminded him of the
scripture injunctions, “Avenge not yourselves,” ‘Do
" good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
ih despitefully use you, and persecute you,’’? Mr. Har-
grave was so enraged at what he called her canting
hypocrisy, that his trembling niece was compelled
ne instantly to drop the subject.
. Thus passed several months, as uncomfortably asTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 29

the memory of recent sorrow and bereavement, the
incessant trials of uncongenial society, a state of irk-
some dependence, and an entire separation from all
she loved or valued, could make them. But he who
so graciously declares himself “the Father of the fa-
therless,” had not forsaken her. She was enabled to
trust in his promises, and to enjoy the sweet sense of
his love, and of that peace “which passeth all under-
standing,” in the midst of daily conflicts, and severe
affliction. Nor was she entirely deprived of all
earthly comforts; Maria’s frequent letters were a
balm to her wounded spirit. Her correspondence
had, at first, aggravated Clara’s sufferings, by its
tone of passionate and overwhelming sorrow, which
seemed resolved never to admit of comfort; but the
very excess of the ardent girl’s feelings had at length
wrought its own cure; her grief had been exhausted
by its own violence, and had given way, first to the
languor of sadness, and gradually to a state of return-
ing tranquillity. She was now recovering some por-
tion of her natural vivacity, and contributed not a
little to cheer her sister’s solitude, by her interesting
and animated descriptions of the places and scenes
through which she and her friends were travelling.
There was, also, another source of enjoyment still
remaining to the bereaved Clara. More than a year
before her mother’s death, she had been, with that
beloved parent’s entire consent and approbation,
affianced to a young man of distinguished family,
considerable fortune, and high moral character. Ed-
ward Seymour was an only child, an orphan, and
had been the ward of her father. His home had been

L30 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

for some years in Mr. Neville’s house, and the
affectionate intimacy produced by a congeniality of
tastes, feelings, and pursuits, and a constant inter-
change of mutual kind offices, issued in a warm at-
tachment between him and Clara. When, however,
on attaining his majority, he declared his wishes to
Mrs. Neville, she expressed her conviction that, as
they were both too young to marry, it would be de-
sirable for him to absent himself for two or three
years, and, in the interim, engage in some pursuit
which would have a tendency to mature his charac-
ter, and to fit him for future usefulness. To this he
reluctantly consented, and having already spent two
years at Cambridge, resolved to return thither for
two years longer, though without the intention of
embracing any profession, as his fortune was sufh-
ciently large to secure him the independence he pre-
ferred. His only stipulation was, that he should be
allowed to correspond with Clara, a request which
Mrs. Neville readily granted.

The letters of Edward, since the melancholy death
of his maternal friend, had been, if possible, still more
tender and affectionate than before, and sweet it was
to the desolate girl to reflect, that he, the brother of
her heart, the future partner of her life, was not only
bound to her by the ties of earthly affection, but by
the far stronger and more sacred links of Christian
sympathy and love; that he was one to whom she
might look for advice, direction, and assistance, in
running her heavenward race, and with whom she
might hope to spend, not only a life of holiness and
usefulness on earth, but an eternity of bliss in the re-
gions of never-ending joy and praise.CHAPTER ITT,

ACCUMULATED TRIALS.

Deep calleth unto deep, at the noise of thy water-spouts; all
thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.—Psatm xlii. 7.

Tur long-harassed mind of Clara had now re-
covered some degree of tranquillity. The circum-
stance of her being in deep mourning had exempted
her from much annoyance and persecution, as it
formed an unanswerable reason for her not joining
in the fashionable amusements, or engaging in the
dissipated life, led by her uncle and cousin, and,
therefore, afforded her a protection which all her re-
monstrances, arguments, and entreaties, would not
have secured. ‘The retirement in which she lived,
especially on the Sabbath, had hitherto enabled her,
without exciting observation, to attend the public
worship of God; for, as neither Mr. nor Miss Hargrave
ever went to church themselves, they had usually
scarcely begun breakfast when Clara returned; and,
as they always had a party in the evening, which
she never joined, her absence for a couple of hours
was either not observed, or not commented on. She
felt, indeed, that this state of quiet would not long
continue, but, remembering that “sufficient unto the
day is the evil thereof,” she strove to “take noSS

7 Soars ih pe

See aaa

    
 

Le a RE STN

is fs esses apa arena

     

ai

 

32 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

thought for the morrow,” but to enjoy with thank-
fulness the present advantages of her lot.

A letter from Maria, however, soon disturbed the
peaceful current of her thoughts. She had not heard
from her for some weeks, and she now wrote in a
hurried, anxious, and agitated strain. Clara could
with difficulty gather from the letter, that she had
met, at Florence, with the family of an English ba-
ronet of the name of Sydenham; that a sudden and
violent attachment had sprung up between Maria
and one of the younger sons, and that his family,
having discovered it, had adopted measures of hos-
tility, which had made the sensitive girl very un-
comfortable. Lionel Sydenham was ordered to
rejoin his regiment immediately, and forbidden to
hold any intercourse with her, under pain of his
parents’ severest displeasure; and Miss Mansfield,
between whom and the eldest son a matrimonial
alliance seemed likely to take place, finding her in-
tercourse with the family somewhat clouded by this
untoward circumstance, had exhibited so. much ill-
humour against Maria, as the unfortunate cause of
the misunderstanding, that every feeling of pride
and independence in her nature had been aroused to
indignant resistance,

Clara was deeply pained by this intelligence, and
by the mental distress but too evident in her sister’s
communication, She immediately wrote, urging her,
with the most affectionate earnestness, to relinquish
all ideas of a marriage under circumstances so inaus-
picious, to make every effort to subdue a hasty and
misplaced attachment, and to endeavour so to con-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 30

ciliate her offended friend, as to ensure to herself the
continued protection of her family till she could with
comfort return to her native country. Having de-
spatched this letter, she awaited, with trembling
anxiety, and in the exercise of earnest prayer, the
result of an affair which she could not but regard
with uneasiness and apprehension.

Two months of trying suspense elapsed, and still
no tidings came to relieve her fears. At length the
long-wished-for letter arrived, dated from Marseilles;
but its contents were only a confirmation of her
worst apprehensions,

«Your letter, my dear, prudent Clara, came too
late to-prevent the catastrophe you dreaded. The
coolness and ill-humour of Amelia, had increased to
positive persecution, and her behaviour at last. be-
came so insolent, that I could bear it no longer, but
determined at all hazards to leave her. I knew not,
however, how I could obtain a situation, or in whose
company I could safely return to England; and |
had just abandoned myself to the €xcess of grief and
despair, when I received a note from Lionel, whom
I had thought far on his homeward way, informing
me that, feeling totally unable to leave Italy without
seeing me again, he had returned secretly, and en-
treating me to grant him a few minutes’ conversation.
I hesitated for some time, Clara, and perhaps, had
you been near me, I should have overcome the temp-
tation; buf my excited feelings got the better of my
scruples, and I ultimately yielded. Having taken
this false step, as I am sure you will call it, I was but

4*34 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

ill able to resist the entreaties of Lionel, who urged
me to an immediate marriage, as the only means of
averting a thousand impending evils, and securing
our future happiness. I must do myself the justice
to say, that I held out a long time against this pro-
posal, but his eloquence was irresistible; and, indeed,
all things considered, dear Clara, what could I do?
I was an orphan, houseless, friendless, far from the
land of my birth, miserable with the Mansfields,
and with no prospect before me but a life of slavish
dependence. In short, not to tire your patience
with what, I am afraid, you will call very bad rea-
sons, I must inform you that, as you, my guardian
angel, were not near to support me in the struggle,
my resolutions finally gave way before the torrent
of conflicting feelings. We were married that very
evening by a Roman Catholic priest, and immedi-
ately embarked for this place, where we arrived
yesterday. We intend to set out to-morrow by land
for Havre, from whence we shall proceed to Ports-
mouth, where Lionel is anxious to rejoin his regi-
ment,

“J did not leave the Mansfields clandestinely, but
obtained an interview with Amelia just before we set
out, showed her the certificate of my marriage, and
bade her a formal farewell. Her anger and vexation
were so great, that she fell into a fit of hysterics,
during which I was obliged to leave her; and I did
so with real sorrow, for although she had lately
treated me with great unkindness, I could not forget
our former friendship.

“ And now, my dearest sister, I am well convinced

nopeseoriTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 3)

that you will blame me; but surely you will not re-
fuse me your forgiveness. You must also excuse my
saying, that I do not repent what I have done. True,
my husband’s family are, and probably may long con-
tinue, at enmity with us; but we can do without
their assistance, and, therefore, have no reason to court
their favour. Our means are certainly small, for a
lieutenant’s pay is no very handsome provision; but
we will limit our desires within the bounds of our
income, and with ‘industry, economy, cheerfulness,
and mutual affection, why should we not be happy?
Besides, Lionel looks forward to promotion, and we
may one day be comparatively rich.

«We intend to be re-married by a protestant cler-
gyman, aS soon as we arrive in England. I shall
then immediately write to you; in the meantime, ac-
cept of my beloved Lionel’s brotherly love, and be-
lieve me ever, my own dear Clara,

« Your unchangeably affectionate sister,
« Marta SyDENHAM.”’

« Imprudent, misguided Maria!’’ exclaimed Clara,
as she finished the perusal of this letter; ‘¢O that
you may never experience the natural consequences
of the inconsiderate step you have so rashly taken.”
Her anxious mind immediately presented to her
view the numberless vexations and humiliations
likely to result from a marriage into a family where
she would be despised; the domestic strife and un-
happiness too often attendant on such a connexion;
the misery inseparable from filial disobedience; and
the poverty, privations, and perhaps hardships, which

ifeek Soro aaa Z az IRAN TOTTI yemon eteaastaiedl , : i
‘ = parece” Seat ree = + en wcapgnertinenais oan SS ey F
“a es i 5

  

36 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

would probably be the lot of her high-minded, and
too sensitive sister. Bitterly did she weep, as the
painful images rose to her mind, and fervently did
she pray that the evils she dreaded might be averted;
then, with a strong mental effort, she resolved, as
much as possible, to lay aside all anxiety, and, com-
mitting the future welfare of one so dear to her into
the hands of a faithful and merciful God, to trast
Him with implicit faith and confidence. But she
found it difficult to subdue all apprehension, and
the agitating conflict materially injured her health.
Nor was the trial lightened by kindred sympathy;
for her uncle’s resentment at Maria’s marriage broke
forth in frequent invectives against her, for having,
as he said, thrown herself away on the younger son
of an upstart baronet, without any independent pro-
perty, and with no other resource than a licutenant’s
commission; when, with her beauty and accomplish-
ments, she might have made a better match.

Poor Clara was often obliged to listen to these
painful speeches, till her temper was roused to indig-
nation, and she was tempted to defend her sister in
a manner that was neither consistent with prudence
nor Christian meekness. These debates always
ended in bitter taunts against religion on one side,
and tears of grief and self-reproach on the other; and
scarcely did one day pass without adding to the se-
verity of Clara’s trials,

Another letter at length came, but it only added
an increase of grief to her former anxiety. Maria
and her hushand had scarcely arrived at PortsmouthTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 37

when they found that Mr. Sydenham’s regiment was
ordered to Canada, and with so little warning, that
their preparations must be made with the utmost de-
spatch. Maria wrote in great haste, and concluded
her letter with these words:

“And now, my dearest Clara, 1 have a proposal
to make. I am fully convinced that you are not,
that you cannot be happy in your present situation.
If, then, you are not in immediate expectation of a
brighter prospect, leave your uncomfortable residence,
and come to us. You shall share my home, how
humble soever it may be, that portion of earthly com-
fort which Providence may assign me, and, what is
of far greater value, the affection of a brother and
sister who will do their utmost to promote your
happiness. My beloved Lionel joins me in this re-
quest; therefore let no scruple of false delicacy re-
strain you.

«Tsay, ‘If you have nothing better in view, for
I remember that Edward’s three years of probation
will expire in a few months, and that your union
has only been postponed to that period. If no
change has taken place in your arrangements, | can-
not, of course, expect you to accompany me to
Canada. But it is so long since you have men-
tioned the subject in your letters, that I know not
how matters may stand; if, therefore, you intend to
delay your marriage still longer, at least let me beg
that you will come and spend the intervening time
with

“ Your affectionate sister,
“MARIA.”

Pe i ereae a

eee

38 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

The sorrow of another, and a much longer separa-
tion from her sister, for some time completely ab-
sorbed the mind of Clara. In a few days, however,
she wrote, gratefully thanking her and Mr. Syden-
ham for their kind offer, but acknowledging that
she was looking forward to the event mentioned in
Maria’s letter. Every communication she received
from Edward expressed increasing impatience for
the time when he might come and claim his long-
betrothed bride; her uncle was evidently pleased
with the connexion; and the solitude and constraint
of her present mode of life were cheered by this
opening prospect of brighter and happier days.

A few more affectionate communications between
the sisters,and the waves of the vast Atlantic had
divided them. Maria was on her way to America,
there to undergo all the varieties of military life;
and Clara, in the almost total seclusion of her cham-
ber, was offering up the unceasing petition of faith,
as much for those so dear to her, as for her own fu-
ture welfare.

Six months elapsed, and she heard twice from
Maria. Her picture of Canadian comforts was not
very favourable, but she said she was happy, and
Clara’s apprehensions began to subside. Her own
affairs, too, now began to claim her attention, for
Kidward Seymour had returned, and her nuptials
were to take place at the end of her year of mourn-
ing. Clara’s heart overflowed with gratitude, and
the pressure of sorrow was no longer felt. But,
alas! how uncertain are all human hopes and _ pros-
pects! How impressive is the Scripture injunction,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS: 39

“ Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest
not what a day may bring forth.’? It is necessary,
indeed, for the Christian ever to bear in mind that
“this is not his rest;’’ for otherwise he would often
be overwhelmed by the floods of sorrow which are
sent to speed him homeward. How much to be
pitied are those whose treasure is upon earth; whose
hopes, wishes, and affections, never rise beyond this
ever-changing sphere; and who, therefore, in the
midst of the trials which swallow up their earthly
all, cannot look up with the confidence of faith, and
say, in the words of an inspired apostle, “We know
that we have in heaven a better and an enduring
substance.”’

The storm which finally wrecked poor Clara’s
dearest hopes of happiness, arose from a quarter
where she could least have expected it. The pain-
ful conviction gradually forced itself on her mind,
that her intended husband had returned from the
university a very different being from what she had
ever known him, It was not that he had become
cold towards her; it was not that he manifested any
indifference on the subject of their projected union.
On the contrary, his attachment seemed even to
have increased, and he spoke with enthusiasm of
their future prospects, laid out plans for their mode
of life, and was eagerly engaged in making prepa-
rations to receive his bride elect. But Clara could
not help feeling that a withering change had passed
upon his character; that the influence of evil so-
ciety and example had blighted the holy dispo-
tions, and destroyed the Christian principles of this

oat40 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

once promising young man; that his aspirations
were no longer heavenly, his plans no longer based
on the service of his Redeemer, his heart no longer
right with his God. Slowly and unwillingly did she
admit these -heart-sickening impressions, and long
did she struggle against their unwelcome evidences;
but she found it impossible at last to shut her eyes
to the painful truth, that edward Seymour had not
only lost all spirituality of mind, but was running a
fearful career of extravagance and dissipation.

It is needless to say that the discovery was an
appalling one, and that, had she not been upheld
by an Almighty arm, her long-depressed spirit
would have sunk under the blow. But she felt her-
self called upon to act, as well as to suffer, and she
implored, with agonized earnestness, that strength
which alone could bear her through the conflict.

As far as human advice and assistance were con-
cerned, she was utterly without aid. The persons
by whom she was surrounded were not such as she
could consult in this difficulty, and to the very few
Christian friends she possessed she was precluded
i from applying, as her uncle had exacted a promise
from her, that she would neither see, nor in any way
communicate with them, while she remained under
| _ his roof. In this isolated position, she earnestly
h besought divine direction, and, in humble depend-
: ence on the Spirit’s promised teaching, consulted
i the infallible oracles of truth. She there found
4 marriages with unbelievers strictly and repeatedly
forbidden, and more than one instance of the num-
berless evils arising from such unhallowed connex-

2 a = an Rae a= ne
OT ee a a en a ie Ie arene : :
oe = ne i” oe Saat + er

 

SS SE i vt oa nea ctnencemmmmeerinoniesmnsaoniosemansinoniesTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 4]

ions; but it is probable that she might have been
prevailed on, by the violent grief and passionate
entreaties of Edward, seconded by the pleadings of
her own heart, to postpone their union conditionally
to some future period, in the fond hope that better
principles might regain their ascendency over him,—
had she not become acquainted with the dreadful
fact, that the contagion had already extended to his
moral conduct. Fain would she have disbelieyed,
and long did she repel, the astounding truth; but
its certainty at length burst with a crushing weight
upon her spirit; and then, indeed, she felt that,
though her heart might break in the struggle, it was
her imperative duty to tear herself from the fatal
bonds which involved her, and to fly with horror
from a marriage which would unite her to vice and
certain misery.

I shall not attempt to describe the agonizing con-
flicts through which she had to pass; the frantic
vows, promises, and protestations of amendment, and
the vehement remonstrances, entreaties, and even re-
proaches, of the unhappy young man; the violent op-
position and constant persecutions of her uncle and
cousin; and the treacherous strivings of her own
heart. That heart bled in every fibre, at the forcible
uprooting of a long-cherished, sacredly-sanctioned,
and deep-seated affection; but, in the daily experience
of her own utter helplessness, she was enabled to
cling, with the conquering energy of faith, to the
promises for support, and experienced the blessed
reality of those consoling assurances, “When thou
passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and

5

IN ST I PE

Rete a ES 1 CR RAE BESEUSE NOTES

     
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
 
   

enen

 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Sl ae et arnt aes

pO Ba RS i SPN ig Gen HI

 

42 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.’’
“¢ I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’’

One severe and most painful struggle decided the
question. Every feeling of nature and affection was
lacerated; but principle triumphed in the conflict,
and faith upheld her in the trial. Edward Seymour,
in the desperation of a disappointment which he felt
he had deserved, quitted his native. country, and
sought, in the dissipation of the continent, to forget
at once his grief and his remorse. He had tried to
obtain a promise from Clara, that, after a few years
of reformation, she would again accept him: but she
steadfastly refused to bind herself by any such en-
gagement,

From that day, she perceived that there was no
more rest for her in her uncle’s house. He was
ereatly enraged at her dismissal of Seymour, and
bitterly reproached her with having thrown away
the prospect of a good establishment. It was in vain
that she repeated to him her reasons for this step;
he could not comprehend, and would not admit
them.

« Edward Seymour,’’ he insisted, “had done no
more than other young men were in the constant
habit of doing: it was only her ridiculous and pre-
posterous notions that* could be shocked at such
peccadilloes; but, even supp6sing his irregularities to
have been much greater than they really were, she
might very easily have reclaimed him, as so many
sensible women had done; her influence over him
was unbounded, and there was not the least reason
to doubt that he would have made one of the best of
husbands,”’THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 43

‘ But, my dear uncle, I durst not make such an
experiment; I could have had no warrant to expect
success, while wilfully rushing into the path of danger,
and deliberately forgetting the daily prayer, ‘lead us
not into temptation.’ ”

“Well, well, that is enough; let me hear no more
of your cant. But one thing I have to tell you, Clara,
which I expect you will attend to. We have in-
dulged you too long in your whims and singularities;
henceforth.you must live as we do. I will not have
any part of my house converted into a hermitage, or
a convent; you must leave off your church-going
habits, and join us in our rational pursuits, or you
must find elsewhere a theatre on which to enact your
follies.”’

Clara’s heart was too full to reply, and she retired
to pour out her sorrows before her heavenly Father’s
mercy-seat. She felt that the time for decision was
arrived, and, though she could not hesitate for one
moment as to the path of duty she ought to pursue,
she yet resolved not to act hastily, or without due
timesfor reflection and deliberation. She had every
reason to believe that her uncle was serious in his
threats; his house could, therefore, no longer be a
home for her; and, indeed, she now felt the necessity
of exerting herself in some way for her own sub-
sistence, and remaining no longer a dependant on the
bounty of even a near relative.

She reviewed the subject with prayer, and endea-
voured to take a calm survey of the path upon which
she was now called to enter. She saw it strewed
with dangers, difficulties, and trials; but the hand

a er ei44. THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

of Providence pointed towards it, and she had no
right to hesitate. ‘The only resource open to her,
indeed the only one which the present state of so-
ciety leaves to an educated young person, was the
instruction of youth, She examined into her own
qualifications for this important and responsible of-
fice, and felt intimidated by the review. Her edu-
cation had been rather a refined than a scientific one;
it had been conducted entirely at home, under her
mother’s superintendence, and the object, constantly
kept in view had been that of cultivating and ele-
vating the mind, not of making her shine in external
accomplishments. She had a talent for languages,
and had, therefore, acquired both French and Italian
with facility. She had cultivated with pleasure the
light and ornamental acquirements which so agreea-
bly and innocently fill up many otherwise useless
intervals of time, in the life of females in the higher
and middie ranks of society. She wasfond of drawing,
and had made some proficiency in it, but she felt that
she had neither the skill nor the confidence of an ar-
tist. She had also a decided taste for music, and
played and sang with much feeling and sweetness;
but the extreme delicacy of her health in early youth
had precluded that close study and all-absorbing
practice of the piano-forte, which she knew were
considered necessary to proficiency on that instru-
ment, and she could not play on it with the brillianey
or execution of many whose performances she had
often admired, but utterly despaired of ever equalling.
Humble, however, as was her opinion of her own
abilities, and discouraged as she felt by this reviewTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 45

of her accomplishments, she knew that many young
persons, very inferior to herself in every respect, had
obtained good situations, and therefore resolved to
consult Mr. and Mrs. Graham, who had been intimate
friends of her mother, on the best means of compass-
ing this most necessary object.
Mr. Graham was rector of one of the city parishes,
a man truly evangelical in his sentiments and preach-
ing, and one whose character and conduct both ex-
eraplified and adorned the doctrines he inculcated.
He was, indeed, “a workman who needed not to be
ashamed ‘tehity dividing the word of truth,’’ and one
who might truly be called “a burning and a shining
light.’”” He had spent a long life in the service of
his Divine Master, and was now, in “a good old
age,” looking forward wi ith joy to thesummons which
‘ould Hiroduee him to his glorious rest. His wife,
the beloved companion of his labours, was, equally
with himself, an ornament to religion, a pattern of
good works, and the efficient friend of all who needed
her assistance. They were friends of Mrs. Neville’s
family during her youth, and the intimacy had con-
tinued with herself, her husband and children, till
the period of her fia sida death. Since then they
had been unable to testify their affection and sym-
pathy for Clara, from the determined enmity enter-
tained against them by her uncle, who had not
merely coldly but rudely repulsed every attempt they
made to see or communicate with her, and exacted
from her a promise to forego all intercourse with
these, the friends of her earliest youth.
Clara now felt it necessary to break through this

5*

SeePe tas DSM ap Ga: ih

46 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS,

arbitrary restriction, and, accordingly, wrote to Mrs;
Graham, briefly informing her of her present situa-
tion, and requesting her advice and assistance. She
was awaiting, with no little anxiety, the answer to this
letter, when Mr. Hargrave entered her room. He
was pale with passion, and held in his hand the
identical letter.

“ You have broken your word, and dared to dis-
obey my orders,’’ exclaimed he, in a voice of concen-
trated rage. “I have intercepted this epistle to your
precious friends, the Grahams, and now come to ask
you, once for all, whether you will comply with my
will, or leave my house immediately? Answer me,
Clara Neville, I command you; will you give up for
ever your preposterous follies, partake of the amuse-
ments of the world, and live, in every respect, as
we do?’’

Clara was so terrified by his manner, that she could
scarcely answer, but at length stammered out,

“ You know, my dear uncle, I cannot do it, con-
sistently with my principles—?”?

“Your principles! stuff and nonsense! once more
f ask you, will’you or will you not???

“ Never,” sobbed the weeping girl, “never can I
deny my Saviour !??

«Then go and starve!’ thundered he with fearful
violence, and immediately left the room,

Clara sank fainting on a chair, but, after a few mo-
ments’ indulgence of her emotion, she felt somewhat
relieved, and with a short but fervent prayer for di-
vine direction, resolved to lose no time in seeking
the protection of Mr. and Mrs, Graham. She ace.THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 47

fore went to them, and disclosed her situation and
intentions, From these kind friends she received
the most affectionate sympathy, and the immediate
offer of a home, which she gratefully accepted.
Neither Mr. nor Miss Hargrave made any objection
to this arrangement, and Clara soon found herself
quietly settled in Mr. Graham’s peaceful residence,
free from many of the anxieties and trials which
had lately imbittered her days.CHAPTER IV.

THE SEARCH FOR A SITUATION.

in the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I
haye overcome the world.—Joun xvi. 33.

Ir was not till some weeks after she had left her
uncle’s house, that Clara was sufficiently strong to
put in execution her design of looking for a situation.
The agitation and distress of the last few months
had produced an attack of illness, from which she
recoycred but slowly, though carefully attended, and
most affectionately nursed, by her kind, unwearied
friend, Mrs, Graham. From Mr. Graham, also, she
received that Christian consolation, and scriptural
advice, which were best calculated to strengthen her
mind, and fit her for the arduous duties she was
about to undertake. Most deeply grateful as she
was to these inestimable friends; she yet felt it a
sacred duty not to encroach further on their limited
income, and, therefore, began seriously to consider
what would be the best means of accomplishing her
purpose.

The idea of advertising in a newspaper presented
itself; but Mrs. Graham entertained a decided ob-
jection to this method, and she, therefore, for the
present, relinquished it. She did not see, however,
much probability of her obtaining a situation in any
other way; but a circumstance occurred, which dis-
pelled her fears on this subject.

AN TES LS PRE EP PT ET NTTTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 49

A lady called on Mrs. Graham, announcing her-
self as Mrs. Monckton, an old resident ina neigh-
bouring parish, but who had never visited the family.

She informed that lady that she was in want of a
governess for her children, and, hearing that Mrs.
Graham had a young lady under her protection who
was seeking such a situation, she had called to in-
quire respecting her. After some conversation be-
tween the ladies, Clara was called in, and introduced
to Mrs. Monckton, who received her politely, but
with somewhat of a patronizing air.

“Can you undertake, Miss Neville,’’ inquired the
lady, “to educate five young ladies, in all the
branches of a polite education, without the assistance
of masters?”

Clara timidly replied, that she did not consider
herself a proficient in music, and could not conscien-
tiously engage to finish that part of her pupils’ edu-
eation.

Mrs. Monckton paused a few moments, with an
air of disappointment, but at length rejoined,

«That is rather an obstacle, to, be. sure; but
none of my children are advanced in music, and I
dare say you can very well teach them for two or
three years yet. Well, Miss Neville, I will give

you a salary of thirty pounds; I cannot offer more, |

as you are so young, and deficient in one very im-
portant requisite.”

This was quite as much as Clara had dared to
hope for, and she knew too little of the world to be
well acquainted with the value of money. She
therefore thought Mrs. Monckton’s offer even gene-50 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

rous, and felt thankful that she was not reduced to
the humiliation of bargaining on the subject. Not
wishing, however, to make a rash engagement, she
thanked the lady for her preference, but requested a
short time to reflect on her proposal, promising to
give her a decisive answer in a few days. This was
granted, and, after some farther conversation, Mrs.
Monckton took her leave.

«What shall I do, my dear Mrs. Graham?” ex-
claimed she, as soon as they were alone. “Do give
me your advice, for I am totally unable to decide for
myself. You know this Mrs. Monckton, I suppose,
though I do not.’’

‘J never had any acquaintance with the lady, my
love, but 1 have a slight general knowledge of the
family. They are wealthy, and highly respectable;
but of their religious character I can give you no
account, except that I believe they are very regular,
church-going people. Mr. Graham, however, will
probably be able to tell you more about them.’’

Mr. Graham’s account did not quite set Clara’s
mind at rest on the subject. He knew the Monck-
tons to be extremely punctual in their attendance at
church, and strictly moral in every point of view,
but he doubted the vitality of their religion; for he
knew it had not led them to renounce the world,
nor to despise what the world calls honour and
pleasure.

“TY know, my dear child,” said the venerable
elergyman, “that you are anxious to enter a family
where you may enjoy religious privileges: and be
allowed to train up the children for eternity, as wellTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 51

as for performing a useful part in society.  Fewill,
therefore, candidly tell you, that, in Mr. Monckton’s
house, you would have no reason to expect much
sympathy with your sentiments. But it is possible,
that they might place sufficient confidence in you, to
allow you to educate the children on scriptural prin-
ciples; and, in that case, yours would be a sphere of
very great usefulness indeed. I would, therefore,
recommend your writing to Mrs. Monckton, giving
her a candid account of your sentiments and inten-
tiens on the subject of education, and leaving it to
her decision whether or not she wil? intrust her
children to your care. Should she consent to do so,
it would seem like a providential call to you, not to
refuse so promising an opening.”’

Clara followed this advice, and wrote to Mrs.
Monckton a brief but faithful abstract of the princi-
ples on which it was her determination to act, in the
education of any pupils that might be committed to
her care.

She waited with some anxiety for an answer to
this letter, and was not long kept in suspense. It
was in these terms:—

«Mr. and Mrs. Monckton present their compli-
ments to Miss Neville, and thank her for her com-
munication, of which they beg to express their entire
approbation. They are perfectly satisfied, both
from Miss Neville’s own character, aiid that of the
friends by whom she is recommended, that she will
never teach their daughters any thing but what is
conformable to the orthodox tenets of the Church of

~Ser

SNA Reine tine =

eee

eee pee gs spunea gegen aS Sesh ky a aan rae Se
PS nani toga oa roar eaterr mrt e a Pas Saban tptipes i yi sigh

52 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

England, and can, therefore, intrust them to her care,
with undoubting confidence.”

“This seems very fair,’ said Mr. Graham, when
Clara showed him the note; “yet that word ¢ or-
thodox’ has been so much abused, and so deplorably
misapplied, that its introduction here sounds rather
equivocal, You must, however, my dear Clara, seek
direction from above; and, since you are determined
on leaving us, I trust you will be guided to a right
decision.”

Clara did, seek for divine directiony and, after
much thought, resolved on accepting what seemed
like an opening for usefulness. She wrote to Mrs,
Monckton accordingly, and, during the few weeks
that were to elapse before she entered on her en-
gagement, endeavoured, by earnest application to
study, to qualify herself for the performance of her
yet untried duties.

She received a visit, in the interim, from Mrs.
Monckton, who, with much kindness of manner, in-
vited her to make acquaintance with her pupils,
before she became an inmate of the family. Clara
thought the suggestion a good one, and, accordingly,
made a morning call at the house, about a week
previous to the time appointed for her becoming an
inhabitant of it.

She was politely received, but could not avoid ob-
serving a slight shade of stiffness and hauteur in the
lady’s manner, which she had not noticed before.
Three of the young ladies were ealled in, and Clara,
alter speaking kindly to them, drew the youngest onTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 53

her knee, and endeavoured to win her confidence.
There was something, however, in all the children,
which struck her as being peculiarly unprepossess-
ing;—a bold, nay, almost insolent, expression of
countenance, singularly blended with a marked cha-
racter of slyness and cunning. They stared at her
with undisguised rudeness, and evidently watched
her every word and movement, at the same time
communicating with each other by furtive glances,
winks, and nods. Clara felt annoyed, and her heart
sank within her, as she thought of the difficulties
she should meet with, from characters and habits
apparently so unpromising. At length she rose to
take her leave, observing to Mrs. Monckton, that
she believed they perfectly understood each other,
and that the only thing to be decided was, the day
and hour of her removal to the house.

‘‘Y have one thing more to observe,” said Mrs.
Monckton, rather hesitatingly, “and it is what Mr.
Monckton particularly charged me to mention to
you, the first time I saw you. He wishes his chil-
dren to be brought up religiously, according to the
doctrines of the church; but he is quite determined
not to have any cant, Bible-reading, or psalm-singing,
in the house. He hopes, therefore, you will not
think of any such thing.”

“Madam,” said Clara, with somewhat of indigna-
tion in her tone, yet glad that the lady had ex-
plained herself before it was too late, “you must
allow me to express my surprise at this sudden
change of opinion. I need scarcely remind you that
I communicated to yow from the beginning, my

6 oaLG Tig HP ORR EA gat Remi NAS NA td SN RTL gee
— % “ A aati ia sis mary :

a Ee

54 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

sentiments on the subject, in the most candid and
unequivocal manner, and that I told you then that I
considered religion as the only true basis of educa-
tion, and the diligent study of the Scriptures as in-
dispensable to religion. Both Mr. Monckton and
yourself were then pleased to express your entire
approbation of these sentiments; pardon me, there-
fore, if I do not understand your present observa-
tion.”’

‘It only means this,’’ rejoined the lady, looking
much daunted by Clara’s straightforward manner,
“that we quite approve of the young ladies being
taught religion in a rational and orthodox way, and
reading a chapter in the Bible occasionally; but as
to making a practice of doing it every day, and
always talking to them about things which they are
not old enough to understand, it is so very much
like Methodism, that we cannot, on any account,
allow it.”’

«Then, madam,” replied Clara, with mild but
dignified firmness, “I have only to‘express my re-
gret that you were not equally explicit with me be-
fore, as it would have saved both time and trouble;
for I see clearly, by your present declaration, that
we should never agree on this important subject.
I, therefore, beg to decline the engagement we have
entered into, and shall now wish you good morn-
ing.”

« Nay, Miss Neville,” said Mrs, Monckton, evi-
dently much disconeerted by Clara’s unexpected re-
solution, “you are a great deal too hasty in this
matter. Neither Mr. ‘Morckton nor myself will

c < ¢ 6
« < c ¢

TTA SNR SSeS SSNS SS SN nr ntTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 55

ever think of interfering with your arrangements;
we only wish, once for all, to express our opinion.”

«“Fixcuse me, madam, but after this expression of
your sentiments, I could not conscientiously, or
with any thing like comfort to myself, undertake the
education of your daughters. To render instruction
effectual, there should be a unity of object, and a
harmony of sentiments, between the parents and the
teacher, which could never exist between us, It is,
therefore, much better for all parties that our en-
gagement should be dissolved.”’

Mrs. Monckton, who seemed disappointed at the
turn this affair was taking, was about to make some
further remarks; but Clara, unwilling to prolong so
unpleasant and useless a discussion, politely bade her
good morning, and took her departure.

Instead of the depression of spirits which this
first disappointment of. her hopes might have been
expected to cause, she felt so cheerful and happy,
that it astonished even herself. It seemed to her as
if she had just escaped a great danger; and with
the sweet and thankful consciousness that she had
been enabled to act uprightly, came the encouraging
promise, “He that walketh uprightly walketh
surely.’? Her venerable friends also approved her
conduct, and she now turned her thoughts, with
renewed hope, to the means of obtaining another
situation.

As the objection to advertising remained in full
force, she thought it best to answer an advertisement
for a governess, and was, in consequence, summoned
to wait upon a lady, about five miles from town. It

pet RN RTE TI FRE A
Spa nae et OE i ee a ia

     
  
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   

vCae

56 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

was a boarding-school, and Clara was ushered into
a waiting-room, where she found a young lady who
had evidently come on the same errand as herself,
and she had not been long seated before a third
made her appearance. The intérview was embar-
rassing, and Clara, whose feelings were not yet
schooled to the mortifications of her position, sin-
cerely wished that she had not come. Retreat,
however, was impracticable, and, after waiting nearly
an hour, the young lady who had preceded her was
called into another room, and, about twenty minutes
afterwards her own summons came. She was con-
ducted into a handsome drawing-room, furnished
with every article of luxury, where, at a table, with
a splendid rosewood writing-desk before her, sat a
lady, in an elegant morning dress, who scarcely
deigned to return her salutation with a slight incli-
nation of the head.

‘¢ Let me see,’ said Mrs. Hamilton, with a lan-
guid but studiously patronising tone, and tossing
over a heap of letters before her, “your name, I
think, is Neville, but I have so many of these letters,
that 1 scarcely know where to find one when I want
it. .Oh! here it 1s, 1 believe,’’ and she glanced over
it carelessly. “ Well, Miss Neville, I want a teacher
on whom I can depend, for doing every thing in
the school when I cannot attend to it myself. She
must take the entire charge of the young ladies, and
be answerable for every thing. I require her to
teach English, French, writing, arithmetic, drawing,
and music: and she is never to leave the pupils five
minutes in the day. I give twenty pounds a year

ieee CO SCT ee Se eaeTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 57

salary; but, however competent you may be in
other respects, you seem a great deal too young
for so responsible a situation. Pray, how old are
you?”’

«Twenty, madam.”

“ Have you ever been in any other situation?”

“¢ Never, madam.,’’

“TI thought as much. I could not place any con-
fidence in so young and inexperieneed a person.
However, I have your address, and should I have
any farther occasion to communicate with you, you
shall hear from me. Good morning.”

Clara bowed, and, her heart swelling with feelings
she could scarcely suppress, left the house. She
felt that she had no right to find fault with Mrs.
Hamilton’s proceedings; she had only been treated
exactly like the other candidates, and, having so
many applications, it was not possible that lady
should avoid disappointing a great number. She
could not even regret her own want of success, for it
was evident that the situation would not have suited
her, being far too laborious for her strength, while
the remuneration offered was shamefully low. Yet
Clara’s feelings were deeply wounded, and that pride
of the natural heart which is so difficult to subdue,
revolted in indignation against the cold and heartless
system, the evils of which she was just beginning to
experience. A few bitter, but involuntary tears,
escaped her, and she hastened home to seek strength
and humility in prayer, and comfort in the sympathy
of her friends. |

A few days after, she answered another advertise-
achee aes

Smee:

58 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

ment, and was directed to call at a large bookseller’s
shop in Cheapside. Here, on being admitted into
a back parlour, she found the room full of other
candidates. She observed that they were, one by
one, called into another room, where an examination
of their qualifications seemed to ‘take place, for the
same piece of music was successively played by each
on a pianoforte. Clara felt a painful compression at
her heart, and the whole scene seemed to swim be-
fore her eyes. She was roused by a cheerful voice,
and, turning round to the speaker, was addressed by
a pleasing-looking young woman.

“You are come, of course, like myself, as a can-
didate for the situation advertised?”

Clara bowed, for she could scarcely speak.

“Have you any hope of obtaining it?”

“Not the least; indeed, how can I, when there
are so many others, and the greater number of them,
probably, far more competent than I am?”

“Qh! but you don’t see the half of them. I un-
derstand, from good authority, that there are not
fewer than seventy applications; and, after all, the
salary offered is only twenty pounds. I am quite
disgusted at the idea of coming here, like so many
heads of cattle to a fair, or like slaves to an eastern
bazaar. It is, really, no better than a human fair;
Tam determined to make my exit without waiting
for the ordeal, and, if you are as sensitive as you
look, I would advise you to do the same.”’

The advice was so consonant to Clara’s present
feelings, that she resolved to follow it; and, encou-
raged by the countenance of her new acquaintance,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 59

who kindly gave her the support of her arm, she
left a scene that had struck on her heart with a
painful feeling of degradation, and bent her steps
back to Mrs. Graham’s hospitable dwelling. There
was something so humiliating in the ideas that day
presented to her mind, that she could not, for some
time, shake off the impression they produced; and
she formed the resolution never more to expose her-
self to similar mortifications, but to try the hitherto
avoided method of advertising herself.

She did so, and the next morning received a note,
intimating, that “if C. N. would call at such a
number, in one of the fashionable squares, at the
most western extremity of the town, she would hear
of a situation which might perhaps suit her.’? She
went accordingly, and was ushered by a smart foot-
man into an elegant breakfast-room, in which sat a
lady, who, without rising, superciliously made her a
sign to be seated.

“You are the governess who advertised for a si-
tuation, Can you undertake to finish a young lady
of sixteen in music?

“Tf you will be so good, madam, as to refer to
my advertisement, you will see that I only profess
to teach music for the first two or three years.”’

‘¢Qh, indeed! was it so? Well, then, in that case,
you would not suit me at all.’’

Clara rose, and, bowing coldly, retired; her heart
swelling with indignation at the cruel selfishness
which could thus trifle with the convenience. of
others rather than take the trouble of reading an ad-
vertisement.eaideeacs
Se

Sodio

am inc la haat REY pe ae

60 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

Another note, which she found on her return
home, summoned her to Edmonton, She was so
fatigued from her useless journey that morning, that
she felt unable to go the same day; but on the mor-
row she took a place in the stage, and arrived at
I.dmonton about one o’clock. She soon found, how-
ever, that this journey would avail her as little as the
last. ‘The lady, the wife of a rich citizen, very coolly
offered ‘her fifteen pounds a year, and, on her de-
clining it, observed with a toss of the head, that
“there were many governesses who would willingly
take less.”

“That may be, madam,” replied Clara, her indig-
nation bursting forth at this taunt; “there are go-
vernesses of all kinds; and, so long as parents set so
little value upon the real essentials of education, it
cannot be expected that the standard should be
raised.”’

The lady looked offended at this remark, and
Clara would gladly have taken her departure, but
the coach would not return to London till four, and
she was reduced to the unpleasant necessity of wait-
ing for it. Feeling herself an intruder, she had sel-
dom, perhaps, spent three hours more disagreeably;
and it was with a sense of inconceivable relief, that
she left the lady of the house, between whom and
herself but little conversation had taken place.

It was in December, and, sick at heart, she was
hurrying on through the brilliantly lighted city, from
Gracechurch Street, where she had been set down,
towards the residence of her kind protectors, when
a hand was roughly laid on her shoulder, and, at theTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 61
same moment, both her arms were seized, with no
very gentle grasp. She looked up in terror, and
recognised her unprincipled step-father,—the cruel
author of her mother’s death. His face was so dis-
figured by excess and every bad passion, his look so
terrible, that she felt paralyzed with horror, and was
utterly unable to move.

“Clara Neville!’ he said, in a low deep voice of
concentrated fury, “do not flatter yourself that you
can escape me, _ I will follow you wherever you go;
I will watch my opportunity; you have thwarted
and disgraced me, and it shall not be long before you
feel my vengeance.”’

He shook her violently from him, and she fell al-
most insensible against a lamp-post. It was not till
some minutes after that she recovered sufficient
strength to reach Mr. Graham’s dwelling, where a
succession of fainting fits, and several days of alarm-
ing excitement, were the consequences of the shock
her feelings had received.

Oe—

Rare Eo

ern te

CHAPTER V.

THE VOYAGE.

And, behold, lam with thee, and will keep thee in all places
whither thou goest, and will bring thee again unto this land.
GENESIS xxviii. 15,

Ciara was slowly recovering from the effects of
her late adventure, when she was told that a lady
requested to see her, and, on entering the room,
found herself clasped in the arms of her sister,—her
long-absent Maria. The surprise and joy of this
unexpected meeting were almost too much for her
enfeebled frame; but a long and violent burst of
weeping at length relieved her, and she was then
able to ask an explanation of this unhoped-for re-
union.

Maria was inexpressibly distressed at the state in
which she found her sister. For some time, she
could only soothe and caress her, while she anxiously
inquired into every particular of her recent trials.
Her indignation knew no bounds, when she learned
the malice and audacity of the villain Ashton, and
she strongly urged Clara to request the protection of
the law against him; but, observing how the subject
renewed her agitation, she dropped it, and answered
her sister’s anxious interrogatories respecting her-
self,

“Why, you must know, dear Clara, that in Ca-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 63

nada we were stationed very far up the country, and
it was so horridly dull, that neither Lionel nor I
could bear it. He has, therefore, after some trouble
and expense, succeeded in exchanging with another
officer, whose regiment was ordered to Gibraltar,
and whose health required a colder climate, I did
not write to you about it, because there were so i
many difficulties in the way of this arrangement,
that I was afraid of raising delusive expectations; and
when, at length, it was settled, we came off in such
a hurry, that I really had not time; and, besides, I
knew I should be here almost as soon as a letter.”
Clara could not help feeling somewhat doubtful of
the wisdom of this proceeding; but she refrained
from expressing her sentiments on this subject, and,
clasping Maria’s neck with anxious fondness, mur-
mured the important question, then asked for the
first time,
“Dearest Maria! are you happy? ‘Tell me can-
didly and truly t” (
“ Happy!’ exclaimed Maria, with a gay laugh,
which, however, had in it something affected, «O
yes, dear Clara, certainly; as happy as straitened
circumstances, and a military life, will permit.”
“But, Maria, the time was, when you would not
allow that external circumstances could, in any de- :
gree, aflect domestic happiness.’’
“Oh! but I was a giddy girl then; I have learned
better since.”’
Clara fixed her eyes inquiringly on her face.
Maria could not stand that look of alarmed affection,
but hastily changed the conversation.64 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“I shall bring Lionel to you this evening; he is
anxious to see you, and J am sure you will like each
ethers

« And so, you are going to Gibraltar.”

“In a few weeks, I believe, but we do not yet
know exactly when. You must come with us, dear
Clara; indeed you must. Why should you remain
a dependant on the bounty of strangers, when your
own sister can take care of you?’’

“TI do not intend to remain dependent on any
one’s kindness,’’ said Clara; “I am seeking for a
situation.”” But as she spoke, her heart sickened,
and a cold chill overspread her frame.

«Well, if you wish for a situation, you can easily
get an excellent one at Gibraltar. Going abroad is
the best way of avoiding that monster, Ashton; and
only think, dearest, what a comfort it will be to us,
to live within reach of one another.’’

Clara felt the full force of these arguments, and
promised to consider the subject. Maria left her,
but returned in the evening with Mr. Sydenham.
He was a fine young man, apparently frank and
warm-hearted, but very volatile; and Clara could
not but tremble for the happiness of her sister, thus
intrusted to such unsteady hands. They seemed,
however, strongly attached to each other; and Sy-
denham’s behaviour to Clara was most affectionate
and engaging. He warmly urged her to accompany
them to Gibraltar, and assured her, with great appa-
rent sincerity, that she should ever find in him the
love and protection of a brother.

Some weeks passed away in delightful and fre-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS, 65

quent intercourse, and Clara’s health and spirits re-
covered their usual tone. Yet, there was a levity in
both Mr, and Mrs. Sydenham, a seeking for plea-
sure, and a fondness for gay society, which caused
her much uneasiness; for she was certain that their
means were not adequate to the life they led, or the
company they kept. She ventured once or twice to
remonstrate, but Maria gaily evaded the subject, and.
she was afraid of appearing intrusive. She now
consulted her kind and venerable friends, on the
subject of her going with Maria, but found them
averse to giving any opinion. They again pressed
her to remain entirely with them; but, as she was
resolved not to do so, they told her they saw so
many advantages and disadvantages on both sides of
the question, that they would not undertake to de-
cide it. She was, therefore, left to her own gul-
dance, and, after much reflection and prayer, deter-
mined to accept her brother and sister’s offer, as it
promised her deliverance from the threatened perse-
cution, the idea of which continually haunted her,
and would probably give her the means of being
useful to Maria.

The next few weeks were full of bustle and prepa-
ration: and, towards the end of February, she found
herself off Sheerness, on board a transport ship,
with about two hundred soldiers, fifty women, a
great number of children, and a few officers, with
their wives and families. The parting from her
benevolent protectors had been inexpressibly painful,
and she wept bitterly at quitting the land of her
birth. Neyer had England been so dear to her,—
aL66 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

never had it seemed so beautiful, so free, or so happy,
as at the moment she was leaving it, she knew not
for how long. Every recollection of former happi-
ness that rushed on her mind increased her regret,
and she was overwhelmed with a- presentiment that
she might never again tread the green shores of pri-
vileged England. She found no one to sympathize
with her in these feelings; all her companions were
delighted with the change, the attractions of a sea
voyage, and the prospect of visiting the south of
Europe.

They stopped at Falmouth, took in stores, and
remained at anchor before the town till the next
morning. It was the Sabbath,and Clara had hoped
to go on shore for the purpose of attending divine
worship; but the bay was so rough, and the wind so
boisterous, that it was not thought prudent for any
of the passengers to venture; and she listened, with

feelings of deep depression, to the sound of thos
oF:

Che

“ church-going bells,” whose hallowed summons sh
could not obey. The other passengers, including
her brother and sister, were in high spirits, but their
raillery, which was intended to cheer her, only
served to increase her sadness.

The ship resumed her course the next day, and,
the wind being favourable, was soon in the Bay of
Biscay. Clara was a timid sailor,°and had very
much dreaded this part of the voyage, which had,
from her childhood, been associated in her mind
with ideas of storms, dangers, and shipwrecks. She
found it, however, much less terrible than her fancy
had anticipated: for, though the ship rolled ratherTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 67

more than it had done, and, being a clumsy sailer,
was very slow in its progress, yet the wind was in
their favour, and the weather tolerably fine. Clara,
however, was too unwell to leave her cabin, and had,
therefore, much leisure for solitary meditation. She
closely questioned her own heart, as to the feelings
and motives which had induced her to undertake
this voyage, and earnestly prayed for divine light,
that she might clearly see whether or not she was in
the path of duty. The result of her self-examination
was satisfactory, and she now humbly trusted that
the presence and blessing of her heavenly Father
would accompany her, in every vicissitude she might
be called upon to pass through.

In about a week they had traversed the Bay of
Biscay, and were now sailing peacefully down the
mighty Atlantic, along the beautiful coasts of Spain
and Portugal. The change in the climate was al-
most wonderful; the cold, cutting blasts of winter,
which had chilled them as they went down the
English Channel, were now exchanged for the genial
warmth of May; and the deep, rich blue of the sea
and sky presented a picture of indescribable loveli-
ness. Every thing seemed to partake of the delight-
ful change. The passengers, of all ranks, both male
and female, who had hitherto kept pretty much be-
low, now crowded the decks, enjoying the balmy
air, the brilliant sunshine, and the beautiful land-
scapes. The coast being very bold, and the water
deep, the vessel kept near the land, and the various
scenes that successively presented themselves to the

view were extremely interesting.eR

68 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

Clara sat on deck, now conversing with her sister,
or some other passenger, and now lost in contempla-
tion of the beautiful scene around her. There was
something so tranquil, so peaceful in every object
that surrounded her, that it seemed irresistibly to
impart its soothing influence to the mind. She felt
hopeful, thankful, and happy, yet could not alto-
gether banish a shade of sadness, that rested on her
mind in connexion with the idea of her native land.
She therefore took out her tablets, and poured out
her feelings in the following stanzas.

ADIEU TO ENGLAND.

Farewell to thee, England! a mournful farewell!
Thy green, smiling valleys are lost to my view;
But oh! what expressions, what language can tell
The grief of my heart, as [ bid thee adieu?

Dear land of my fathers! sweet land of my home!
Blest country of freedom, and refuge of peace!

[’ll love thee supremely, wherever I roam,

I'll love thee, till thought and affection shall cease!

Though thy white cliffs have faded in distance and mist,
Though the mighty Atlantic around me is spread,
Though my brow by the sunbeam of summer is kissed,
Though a sky of pure azure shines over my head;—

Though thy climate is chill, and thy sky overcast,

Though the rain clouds and mists its pale beauty deform,
Though thy sunbeam is languid, thy summer soon past,
Though stern winter rolls o’er thee his chariot of storm;—

Though through lands of bright sunshine, of beauty and bloom,
~ My footsteps may wander, while absent from thee,—

Yet PJ] love thee more dearly, my own island home!

Thou’rt ‘the land of the brave, and the home of the free!”*

eR RON NATHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

in thy sweet, rural valleys the gospel is heard,

The long aisles of thy temples resound to its voice;
On i: hi lls of soft verdure its banner is reared,
And thy hamlets and towns in its ble essings rejoice.

O land of the gospel! so favoured and blest!
May its beams still more brightly thy skies cverspread,
May its glories more richly thy future invest,
And its blessings on thee be more copiously shed!

May the fair fruits of righteousness, mercy, and peace,
More abundantly spring from thy rich, hallowed soil;
And while daily thy “labours of love” shall increase,
Be thou still the much honoured, the Protestant IsuE!
Blessed England! to thee shall my heart fondly cling,
On its tablets engraved shall thy image remain,

And thy memory a spell of enchantment shall fling

O’er the sorrows of life, till I see thee again.

Oh! that thought sheds a sunbeam of radiance and joy,
O’er the tears of regret that incessantly swell;

But, till then, while fond hope waves her pinions on high,
O my loved native home! dearest England, farewell!

3

<¢ What a romantic girl you are, Clara!”’ exclaimed
Maria, as she laid down the ta blets, after perusing
this effusion of her sister’s feelings. Why should
you love England so fondly, after all the sorrows
and miseries you have endured in it? Iam sure it
has no great claim on your affection. For my part,
I cannot see that it possesses so much pre-eminence
over other countries. Its climate is repulsive enough,
in all conscience: vi i quite luxuriate in the fich
that we are going to enjoy the bright skies, and
beautiful scenes, of the south, and leaving far behind
us the gloomy mists, and mournful recollections, of

Eingland.’’

ES70 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“ But the trials we have endured,” replied Clara,
“ were intended for our good, and I would fain hope,
dear Maria, that they have been sanctified to us.
As to England, it is the land of our birth; and can
that tie ever be dissolved? Must it not always be
to us the dearest country upon earth, even if it were
not, as we know it is, the most highly privileged in
Europe?”’

“Well, Clara, you were always an enthusiast, and
I suppose always will be; therefore it is of no use
attempting to reason with you.”’

Maria went away laughing, as she said this, but
Clara sighed, for she deeply felt how little sympathy
existed between them. She could not, however, be
sad, while the glories of nature were shining around
her, and while every day seemed to bring with it
some new object of admiration. She spent her time
almost entirely on deck, sometimes playing with the
children, sometimes conversing with her fellow-pas-
sengers, but oftener rapt in a trance of delight, as she
gazed on the lovely scenes around her. The rich,
exquisite azure of the sky, only slightly varied by
those light, fleecy clouds, that look like snow-flakes
on a bed of sapphire;—the still deeper blue of the
ocean, sparkling under the sunbeams like liquid
diamonds;—the magnificent sunsets, and the gor-
geous clouds that succeeded them;—such clouds as
she had never seen before ;—the indescribable beauty
of the moonlight nights, when the whole atmo-
sphere was, as it were, bathed in a flood of silvery
radiance ;—the brilliant phosphorescence of the water
at night; the balmy softness of the air they breathed;
the romantic features of the shores along which theyTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. V1

were slowly gliding;—all, all combined to form a
picture of such magic splendour, such overwhelming
glory and beauty, that it seemed as if the heart, with
all its vast capabilities, could scarcely contain it.

Clara’s thoughts ascended, with delightful emotion,
to the great and beneficent Author of all these en-
joyments, and often did she pour out her grateful
feelings in the words of the inspired psalmist, « O
Lord! how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast
thou made them all: the earth is full of thy goodness.”
But in vain did she look round for some one whose
sentiments would respond to her own. Her com-
panions all admired the beauties by which they were
surrounded, and apparently enjoyed them with lively
pleasure; but there was not one who seemed even
disposed to

‘Look through nature up to nature’s God.”
They were all, more or less, votaries of pleasure,
living only for the present hour, and totally forget-
ful of God and eternity.

In the mean time, the vessel kept slowly, but
steadily, on her way, and a favourable breeze con-
siderably shortened the period that had been calcu-
lated for their voyage. They now rounded Cape
Trafalgar, and, while the conversation around her
was engrossed by the glorious victory of Nelson,
Clara’s mind dwelt, with painful interest on the
dreadful sacrifice of human life involved in the fear-
ful struggle, the memory of which, to an English-
man, throws such a halo of glory round that spot.
She shuddered at the picture her imagination drew,
and breathed an inward prayer for the coming of
that blessed period, when “nation shall not lift up72 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

sword against nation, neither shall they learn war
any more.”

«You are pale, Clara,’ said Mr. Sydenham, ap-
proaching her, and gaily taking her hand. <I could
bet any thing that you are thinking of the poor fel-
lows who were killed here, instead of the glorious
victory they gained.”

Clara pleaded guilty to the charge, and he conti-
nued, laughing,

« Well! you are a simpleton, to be sure, and would
never do for a soldier’s wife. However, we shall
soon have something to look at, which I suppose
will give you more pleasure; as soon as we get into
the strait, you may gaze on another quarter of the
world, and that will, no doubt, afford you much
scope for pleasant contemplation; though, perhaps,
even from that you will contriye to extract melan-
choly thoughts, by dwelling on the wrongs and
sufferings of the African negroes.”’

Clara did not answer, for she knew she should
only draw upon herself more raillery from her gay
and thoughtless brother-in-law. The sea had be
come rough round the cape, and she was glad
take refuge below from the sudden Be a of “an
and the spray which flew over the deck. owards
evening, however, every thing was calm again, and,
as she resumed her place on the deck, her eyes
rested on a prospect which awoke every feeling of
her enthusiastic nature,

On their left still appeared the mountainous coast
of Andalusia; but on the right, and apparently at a
very small distance, towered the majestic heights of
Africa,—wonderful, interesting, and most deeply in-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 73

jured Africa! Oh with what a glow of indescribable
emotion, what a swelling of the heart, did she gaze
upon a scene which she had never, till within a few
weeks, ever dreamed of seeing! She thought of the
varied landscapes beyond that mountainous barrier;
of the palmy groves, the frightful deserts, the rich
magnificence of nature, and the ferocious wild beasts
that dwell in its loveliest retreats; but she thought
still more of the degraded state of its wretched in-
habitants, of the idolatry and licentiousness, the ig-
norance and barbarity, that reigned over the greater
part of that unhappy continent. She shuddered, as
she thought of the awful weight of guilt incurred
by enlightened Europe, in its treatment of its less-
favoured sister. For centuries had she not only
refrained from imparting to her of her own abundant
blessings, but she had deluged her fair groves with
slaughter, dragged millions of her children into cruel
bondage, and, by every means which civilized bar-
barity could devise, spread ruin and devastation,
desolation and misery, over the blood-stained Jand.
It was sweet, indeed, to reflect that a small band of
European Christians had at last awaked to a sense
of their duty, and that something had been done,
and was now doing, to remedy in some measure the
wrongs of oppressed Africa; but oh! how little was
it, when compared to her immense wants! Faith,
however, pointed to the promises, and drew comfort
from the assurance that, how melancholy soever
might be its present state, “Ethiopia should soon
stretch out her hands unto God,” and that, notwith-
standing every present obstacle, “the earth shall beBr

oe Ladi
eg ance a

74 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters
cover the sea.”’

On returning to the deck, the next morning, Clara
saw that they were still in the strait of Gibraltar.
The coast on both sides was still of the same moun-
tainous character, and they passed a headland which,
she was told, was T'arifa Point. Not long after,
they rounded Cabrito Point, and she saw they were
entering a fine bay. The coast of Africa stretched
down towards them in a long promontory, termi-
nated by a high mountain; and exactly opposite to
it, on the European side, another mountain, of equal
size, seemed to guard the entrance of the bay.

“That is Gibraltar,’ said her brother-in-law, in
answer to her eager inquiry, and pointing to the
latter. “That mountain opposite is Mount Abyla,
now vulgarly called Ape’s Hill. These two were
the twin pillars of Hercules. We are now drawing
near the end of our voyage, and 1 think none of us
will be sorry to set foot again on terra firma, though
we have certainly been lucky in having such a de-
lightful passage,”’

‘‘Should we not rather say that we have been fa-
voured by Providence?”’ inquired Clara. “You know,
Sydenham, there is no such thing as duck; why, then,
should we not ascribe the praise where it is due?”’

“Well, as you like,’”? replied he, shrugging his
shoulders; “you know I never argue with you.”’

Clara sighed, but, unwilling to indulge painful
feelings, turned her eyes to the majestic rock now
towering before them, and, as she recalled the many
historical events and associations that render it an
object of such peculiar importance, her mind becameTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 7)

absorbed in the lively interest it is so well calculated
to excite. The singularity of its position, the many
struggles it has cost, and the state of formidable de-
fence which evinces the national sense of its value,
or, at least, of its importance, all render Gibraltar
an object of no common kind; and Clara gazed with
increasing curiosity at this proud bulwark of English
power. She saw it consisted of three points, appa-
rently steep and precipitous; and, as they drew
near, she observed two large eagles taking their
flight from one of those picturesque heights, The
town is situated on the western side, circling the
lower part of the mountain, and overlooking the bay
up which the ship was sailing. It climbs the ac-
clivity to a certain elevation, and is defended on
every side by strong and numerous fortifications.
Clara’s eyes could scarcely turn in any direction,
without encountering the threatening aspect of can-
non, and she felt that she was indeed approaching a
military stronghold.

It was evening ere they disembarked, and as she
passed the ponderous gates that enclose the garrison,
she could scarcely repress a shudder. The quarters
assigned them were near the barracks, which were
situated against the side of an eminence, crowned by
the ruined keep of an ancient Moorish castle. They
had scarcely reached this place of their destination,
when a sudden flash above their heads, and the heavy
booming of the evening gun, giving the signal for
the shutting of the massy gates, reminded them, in a
forcible manner, that they were in a garrison, and
subject to all the vexatious, though salutary restric-
tions connected with the exercise of military law.76

 

CHAPTER VI.
NEW SCENES AND CHARACTERS,

Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is ever-
lasting strength.—Isatam xxvi. 4.

THERE are many spots more admired, more visited,
and more talked of, than the fortress of Gibraltar;
but, perhaps, to the mind of a reflecting man, espe-
cially if he be a Christian, there are few which pre-
sent more subjects of real interest or attention, It 1s
not its distinctive character, as the stronghold of Bri-
tish dominion in the Mediterranean; it is not its
beautiful climate, its serene sky, or its magnificent
prospects;—though probably in these respects it
might vie with other places of greater resort ;—but
it is the character of its population, and its relative
position with regard to surrounding places, that con-
stitute its claim to greater attention and interest than
ithasever yet excited. Itis an epitome of the world,
an area on which the natives of almost every country
meet, and where, therefore, much might, under the
divine blessing, be done for the advancement of
Christianity, civilization, and the happiness of man-
kind. You might almost fancy yourself in the midst
of a masquerade, whilst perambulating its streets, so
great is the variety, so singular the contrast of the
countenances, costumes, and languages, that at every
step captivate your attention. The Jew, with a coun-

wn er iret SaTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. Ti

tenance much more marked than his brethren in Eng-
land,and rendered more remarkable by his long beard,
shaven head, and Oriental costume, consisting of a
loose garment, with hanging sleeves, fastened by a
broad red girdle ;—the Moor, in his capacious hyke,
of striped or other woollen stuff, his turban and
yellow slippers;—the Spaniard, distinguished by his
high conical hat, and his cloak in all seasons;—the
Greek, in his picturesque embroidered Jacket, and
dress of many colours;—the Portuguese, with his
deeply-bronzed complexion, and the Italian with his
sparkling eyes,—all mingled in strange confusion
with the light, careless bearing of the Frenchman,
and the grave, thoughtful countenance of the Eing-
lishman. But the step of the latter, though com-
posed, was the. step of a master, and his eye, as it
glanced at the surrounding fortifications, and marked
the proud array of his country’s military uniform,
seemed to beam with the conscious triumph of power,
and undisputed sovereignty.

The Christian must see, in this singular spot, a
wide and promising field for the exercise of Christian
benevolence and Christian activity; but, alas! it is
one which no one attempts to cultivate. There is,
indeed, an English church, and a supply of English
clergymen; but their ministrations are limited to
their own countrymen, and the small Protestant
population of the place, the majority of which con-
sists of the military there; but, with a few isolated
exceptions, the many thousands of Jews, Moors,

and Spaniards, all sunk in their respective errors
878 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

and spiritual destitution, can truly say with the in-
spired Psalmist, that “no man cares for their souls.”’

One of our great missionary societies, it is true,
has established a mission there, and some good has
been done among the Spanish population, through
the divine blessing on the exertions of its zealous
missionaries. But the work is far too great for one
man; and, at the time of which we are speaking, the
active and pious missionary stationed there was bend-
ing under a burden too heavy for him, and struggling
with a host of local difficulties, which greatly im-
peded his usefulness.

To this minister, whose name was Rushbrook,
Clara was favoured with an infpoduction, and greatly
was she delighted both with him and his wife. Mr.
Rushbrook was a man of lively and fervent piety,
deeply impressed with the value of immortal souls,
indefatigable in the discharge of his ministerial du-
ties, and endowed with a spirit of courage and per-
severance, that would not have shrunk from the
stake in the vindication of truth. He was, indeed,
a perfect missionary, one whose whole soul was ab-
sorbed in his important work, though his physical
strength was rapidly sinking, under the continual
efforts of a mind far too energetic for its frail com-
panion.

Mrs. Rushbrook was one of those quiet, meek, and
gentle women, whose path lies in the silent walks of
unostentatious usefulness. She was, indeed, “a help
meet’? for the ardent missionary, and her sweet in-
fluence soothed many an obstacle, and blunted many
a sorrow, in his arduous path. ‘To Clara she was asTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 79

a mother, and the mission-house soon became the fa-
vourite resort of her leisure hours.

Not many weeks had elapsed since their arrival,
when Maria presented her husband with a son, and
the care of her sister, and of the infant stranger, for
some time engrossed all Clara’s attention, Mr.
Sydenham was in ecstasies at the birth of his son,
and Clara hoped that it might be the means of re-
storing that domestic happiness which had already
been grievously interrupted. But alas! the effect
was but temporary, and she soon saw her brother
again neglect his home for the haunts of dissipation,
and return to it only to vent his ill-humour on his
wife. No communication had taken place between
the sisters on this most painful subject; but it was
evident that Sydenham regretted his hasty and im-
prudent marriage, and made his unhappy wife feel
that she was not only an obstacle in his path, but a
burden on his hands. Brought up to high expecta-
tions, and accustomed to every indulgence and luxury
that money could procure, he could not submit to
the style of living required by his altered circum-
stances; he became impatient of every privation, and
spurned the restraints imposed by the narrow limits
of a lieutenant’s pay. He felt that it was his mar-
riage which had cut him off from all connexion with
his family; he saw that he had now no prospect of
that advancement in his profession which their inte-
rest or their money would otherwise have procured
him; that he had nothing to look forward to, but
hopeless indigence and obscurity. His mind and
principles were not such as to rise above these dis-80 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

couragements; he took refuge from his discontent
in a course of reckless extravagance; and, instead of
recollecting that he had involved Maria in his mis-
fortunes, he looked upon her as the cause of all, and,
his ill-founded attachment having now disappeared,
he daily visited upon her the bitterness of his disap-
pointment.

Maria bore this sad change with the impatience
natural to her character. Her high spirit revolted
against the unkindness and injustice of her husband;
and, though her pride prevented her complaining,
their domestic intercourse became a scene of frequent
and violent contention. These things were, as much
as possible, concealed from the knowledge of Clara;
but she saw enough to make her extremely anxious
on he sister’s account, and to confirm the opinion
she had always entertained, of the almost universal
unhappiness of clandestine and unsanctioned mar-
riages. Her situation, in the mean time, became
very unpleasant, and she resolved to put in practice
her long-deferred intention of endeavouring to obtain
a situation in some serious family.

She mentioned her plan to the Rushbrooks, and
had not long to wait for its accomplishment,
Through them she was introduced to Lieutenant-
Colonel Wentworth and his lady, and was soon an
inmate of their house, as governess to their four
daughters. They were well-disposed and amiable,
though not decidedly pious, people; they had not
forsaken the world, though nearly indifferent to its
pleasures; but, though much consistency could not
be expected from them, their tastes generally ledTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 81

them to prefer religious society, and they were sin-
cere promoters of every thing that was good.

Clara felt much regret at leaving her sister, and
the sweet little Charles, who had already twined
himself strongly around her affections. Maria, too,
lamented her departure, but could not use any argu-
ment to detain her; and the uniform kindness she
met with in her present abode was well calculated to
efface every regret from the minds of both.

She soon found, however, that she had not only a
responsible, but a difficult task to perform. Her
pupils were between the ages of ten and fifteen; and,
as they were all girls of no common character, per-
haps it will not be amiss to give a slight sketch of
each.

Isabella, the eldest, was a child of singular tastes,
and almost unaccountable propensities. She had
always been considered eccentric, sometimes almost
insane, and she seemed willing, in every possible
way, to encourage this opinion. She delighted in
every thing strange, wild, and unnatural; the most
preposterous and revolting fictions of the German
school were her favourite studies, and her conduct
was often so erratic and strange, as to make it doubt-
ful whether she was in the possession of her senses.
She would play her sisters the most extraordinary
tricks, amuse herself with sketching demons, flames,
and pitchforks, on every piece of paper that came
into her hand; and horrify her sisters with tales of
her own invention, in which the most preposterous
absurdities were oddly blended with scenes of har-
8 *82 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

rowing terror. Yet, on every other subject, Isabella
was perfectly rational; her abilities were remarkably
good, and there was a fund of nobleness, sincerity,
and good nature in her character, which led Clara to
hope that her energies might one day be directed to
higher and better pursuits.

Cecilia, the second daughter, had also something
of her sister’s taste for originality; but it was directed
to different objects. She was a girl of extreme viva-
city, fond above all things of gaiety and frolic; and to
amuse herself and others with every sort of laughable
oddity was her constant object. Her pranks were
really so exquisitely ludicrous and mirthful, that it
was scarcely possible to resist their influence. - She,
too, was gifted with the same native generosity as
her sister,—the same invincible good humour, and
the same abhorrence of every thing mean and disho-
nourable. But it was difficult to fix her volatile
mind on any subject that required thought; and her
merry humour was too ready at all times to intrude
into her studies, and even into her more serious oc-
cupations,

Augusta was proud, high-spirited, wilful, and ex-
ceedingly difficult to manage. She had also a touch
of satirical wit, which made her young companions
often dread the infliction of her sarcasms. She was
by no means so great a favourite, or considered so
amiable, as her elder sisters; yet Clara soon perceived
that she was peculiarly susceptible of kindness, and
that the proud, overbearing disposition, which set
itself like a rock against severity, might, with com-
bined gentleness and firmness, be softened into theTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 83

most obliging compliance, and gradually modified by
the hand of judicious affection.

Eliza, the youngest of her pupils, was a child of
great sensibility, and subject to powerful nervous ex-
citement. She was romantic and enthusiastic to a
degree which was surprising for her age; and these
morbid feelings were so prominently displayed in her
conduct, that she was generally looked upon as
guilty of very frequent affectation. There was far
more of nature in these singularities, however, than
was supposed by any one of her family. The sensi-
tiveness of her disposition had been allowed to run
wild, and the warmth of her feelings to waste itself
on subjects altogether improper for her; and the
result was, a mind enfeebled by excitement, princi-
ples lamentably warped, and a character perverted
from its natural direction, and reduced to a chaos of
disorder and confusion that was truly painful to
behold. Yet there were many bright spots in the
darkness; an affectionate heart, a keen susceptibility
to religious impressions, a kind and obliging dispo-
sition, and many of those endearing qualities which
peculiarly attract and rivet affection.

« Alas! who is sufficient for these things?” ex-
claimed Clara to herself, as she mentally surveyed
the important and arduous task thus committed to
her hands. The difficulties it presented for a mo-
ment appalled her, and she would willingly have
shrunk from the undertaking. To curb the wild
eccentricities of Isabella, and guide her perverted
mind into the paths of reason and religion; to check
the exuberant spirits of Cecilia, and teach her to find

eT stn ce atone,84 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

pleasure in more rational pursuits; to subdue the
haughty self-will of Augusta, and bring it under the
influence of the mild, humble, self-denying spirit of
the Gospel; and to control, regulate, and direct to
proper objects, the extreme sensibility and romantic
ardour of Eliza;—these were, indeed, results which
she earnestly longed to accomplish, but to which she
felt herself utterly unequal. She was depressed by
the view of her own helplessness, and would have
sunk under the discouragement, had she not recol-
lected the promise that cheered the great apostle of
the Gentiles, under far greater difficulties; «“ My
grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made
perfect in weakness.”? She, therefore, resolved, in
the spirit of prayer, to continue her “work of faith
and labour of love,’’ and, in humble dependence on
divine assistance, to adopt every method that seemed
likely to favour her important object.

‘Her first attempt was, to gain the confidence and
affection of her pupils, and in this she succeeded
without much difficulty, by entering into their little
concerns, taking an interest in their occupations,
and kindly sympathizing in all their feelings. She
engaged them in a regular course of daily Scripture-
reading, made it interesting to them by questions,
by short and simple remarks, and by leading them
to compare one part of Scripture with another, and
strove to correct their opinions, and form their prin-
ciples, by bringing every word and action to the test
of that infallible standard. She had many difficul-
ties to encounter, many obstacles to overcome, arising
from the peculiar characters of her pupils; but sheTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

85

had the satisfaction of observing that they soon be-
came deeply interested in the subject, and that no
occupation seemed to possess a greater charm for
them, than studying the Scriptures. It did not, in-
deed, yet exercise a transforming power over their
minds; but she trusted that the good seed thus sown
would one day spring up, and bear fruit to the glory
of God; and, while anxiously endeavouring to form
their minds both for time and eternity, she felt that
she had every reason to “thank God, and take cou-
rage.”’

a a anc LA enact

The place was almost as new to them as it was to
her, as they had arrived but a few weeks before, and
had not had any opportunities of exploring their
new abode. It therefore became a most interesting
recreation to visit the rock in its various localities, to
wander even to its most solitary retreats, botanize
among its multitude of wild flowers, and take sketches 7
from the surrounding prospects. Half the day was
often thus employed; and, as Clara was careful to
keep up a familiar conversation on some interesting
and instructive subject they always returned from
these excursions fatigued indeed in body, but de-
lighted and improved in mind.

The Mission-house was also a frequent place of
resort with them, for the girls loved Mr. Rush-
brook’s interesting anecdotes of his travels and resi-
dence in Spain, as much as Clara was delighted with
his interesting conversation, and fervent missionary
spirit. They also found there a companion to whom
they every day became more attached. ‘This was a
young Spanish lady, the first-fruits of Mr. Rush-RE time ene

  

86 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

brook’s ministry at Cadiz, who was now on a visit
to her former pastor and his wife.

Inesilla M——~ was not much more than fifteen;
but, like the generality of her countrywomen, she
was, though slight and youthful in her appearance,
fully equal in mind and manners to an English girl
of eighteen. She had attended the Protestant school
at Cadiz, from the first day of its formation, and pro-
fited by a course of instruction, superior, in many re-
spects, to what would otherwise have been within
her reach, in the present very low state of education in
Spain. Her mind had thus become enlarged, and, as
her ideas expanded, her heart and affections had gra-
dually yielded to the experimental influence of Chris-
tian principles, now presented to her in the pure light
of Protestant truth. She was a girl of no common
mind; and, when once convinced of the reality and
importance of the newly-arrived doctrines, she be-
came anxious to testify her faith, by an open ayowal
of her sentiments,

Her father was, like most of his countrymen, an
infidel, but more undisguisedly so than many of
them. He had had opportunities of knowing the
base hypocrisy and flagrant wickedness of some of
the priests, and had, in consequence, inflexibly ad-
hered to the resolution of never exposing his daugh-
ter to their pernicious influence. Inesilla, therefore,
had never been suffered to attend the confessional ;
but he made no objection to her becoming the vota-
ress of a religion, which appeared to him not only
pure, but simple and rational. Dofa Isabel, his
wife, had hitherto kept up a sort of distant and civilTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 87

intercourse with her church; but she was too liberal
to place any obstacle in her daughter’s way, believing
her, as she did, to be actuated by conscientious con-
viction; and, with the full consent of both her pa-
rents, Inesilla presented herself to Mr. Rushbrook,
as a candidate for admission into the Protestant com-
munion,

The missionary was both surprised and delighted
at this unexpected request. The sovereignty of
divine grace seemed remarkably displayed, in the
youth and simplicity of this interesting convert; but
he felt for some time doubtful, as to the propriety of
admitting her at so early an age. After some preli-
minary instruction, however, being satisfied of the
scriptural clearness of her views, on the great and
essential points of difference between the two sys-
tems—feeling convinced of the reality of her con-
version, and the purity of her motives, and having
ascertained the willingness of her parents, he could
not refuse to receive her into that communion she
felt so desirous of entering. Inesilla, therefore, at
fourteen, became the first Spanish Protestant at Ca-
diz, the first-fruits of that harvest which he hoped
one day to see abundantly reaped.

It was not long before others gathered courage to
follow the example of their youthful country woman.
Her mother was one of the first, and a small church
was formed, exclusively of Spaniards, of whose cha-
racter and principles their pastor entertained the
most pleasing hopes, and who continued steadfastly
to adorn their profession by their life and conyersa-
tion.

It may be asked, how did the priests bear this in-

   
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 

saben i eee ieseS

 

 

  

88 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

terference with their influence and dominion? Did
they not bestir themselves to put down the new doc-
trine, and to wreak their vengeance on its professors,
and especially its propagators? They certainly did,
and used every means in their power for the pur-
pose. They publicly anathematised the Protestant
teachers, their schools, and their followers; they prac-
tised every method of petty, and, when possible, do-
mestic persecution against the objects of their resent-
ment, and strained every nerve to prevent parents
from sending their children to the schools. It 1s not
to be doubted that they would fain have done more,
had more been in their power; but the time for reli-
gious tyranny is happily over in Spain. The Church
of Rome has there lost its hold on the affections, or
rather the fears of its votaries; and the government
has wisely learned the lesson of refraining from ac-
tive interference in matters of conscience; the loud
complaints of the priests were, therefore, disregarded.
There was another method, indeed, which, in other
days, they might have employed with impunity; and
even now, such is the weakness and the defective
state of the police in Spain,—such the awful state of
degradation and moral barbarism in which the greater
part of her people are plunged, that assassination in
the public streets is by no means an uncommon oc-
currence; and the ministers of a church, which teaches
the awful falsehood, that the end sanctifies the means,
could have found no great difficulty in obtaining ab-
solution, even for so dark a deed. But the friends
of Mr. Rushbrook were watchful for his safety; and,
besides, his murder, which, however effected, would
immediately be attributed to them, must necessarilyTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 89

incur a notoriety which would be more injurious than
beneficial to the interests of their cause.

Mr. Rushbrook, therefore, moved among them, in
the discharge of his pastoral duties, unharmed, and
almost unimpeded, for nearly two years; till a simul-
taneous and powerful appeal from the priesthood at
last succeeded in obtaining from the bigoted queen
Christina an order for his banishment from the pro-
vince. This was indeed a heavy stroke, both to
the minister and his flock; but they submitted to it,
as the will of a power far superior to that of Chris-
tina,—even that of the great « Shepherd and Bi-
shop of souls;”? and while their pastor prayed that
they might be kept “steadfast in the faith,’ they
unanimously resolved that they would be « faithful
unto death.”

Clara learned all this, partly from Mr. Rushbrook,
and partly from Inesilla; nor were her pupils unin-
terested listeners to the recital.

““ And was no one else sent to them ?”’ inquired the
children with animation. “ That tyrannical queen’s
order did not banish any one but yourself, sir?”

“An assistant missionary was sent,’? replied Mr,
Rushbrook, “and he succeeded in keeping them to-
gether, and, | believe, was very useful to them; but
the same method has been resorted to, to get him out
of the country, and, I am sorry to say, with the same
success. ‘I’hey are now like sheep without a shep-
herd; for, though Christina is now deposed, and the

government become more liberal, all our great so-
cieties are so discouraged, that not one of them will
step in to the relief of unhappy Spain.’
9

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

nn ene OR int it eateries!Ca ae gem

 

   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

CHAPTER. LE.
PECULIARITIES OF GIBRALTAR.

O Lord! have respect unto the covenant, for the dark places of
the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.—Psalm lxxiv. 20.

INESILLA was studying English, and had already
attained considerable proficiency in it. She was,
therefore, very well able to converse with her young
friends, who greatly admired her abilities, the sur-
prising facility with which she seized the idioms of
their language, and the peculiarly soft accent with
which she spoke it.

“Is she not a lovely girl, Miss Neville?’ they
would ask, after one of their usual walks with her.
“¢ But she is fairer than any other Spaniard we have
seen; indeed, more so than many English per-
sons.”

«That may arise from her Flemish extraction,
for you know she told you that her family, by the
mother’s side, came originally from Flanders. She
is, indeed, a very lovely girl, but even more so in
mind than in person.’’

“Oh! but look at the profusion of her beautiful,
rich, luxuriant. hair, black as the raven’s wing, and
those large, soft, magnificent eyes, with their depth
of expression,”’

‘“¢ Such eyes as I believe you seldom see any where
but in Spain,” observed Clara, while Cecilia indulged
in a violent burst of laughter, at the warmth of
Eliza’s description.THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 91

“Why do you laugh at me, Cecilia?” inquired
the latter, colouring with vexation. “You know it
is all true, and surely you are not envious of Ine-
silla’s beauty 2”?

“ Einvious!”? exclaimed Augusta, raising her fine
figure to its fullest height; “what a very ridiculous
supposition!’

“ But, Eliza,” replied Cecilia, who still continued
laughing, “you are so romantic in your language!
Only think of the ‘raven’s wing,’ and the ‘depth
of expression!’ What a way of speaking for a girl
of your age! It sounds so very poetical, that I can-
not help laughing. Inesilla is certainly very pretty,
but no one besides yourself would ever think of say-
ing so in such sublime language.”? And the mis-
chievous girl, seeing her sister irritated by her ob-
servations, continued to laugh with increasing glee,
while Augusta’s lip curled with scorn, as she uttered
the word “ affectation.”

Poor Eliza, thus touched on what was, to her, a
very tender point, burst into tears, and became quite

hysterical with vexation. Clara now interfered, and
enjoined silence on all parties, which was tolerably
well observed for some time, till Isabella, who had
taken no part in the dispute, remarked to Clara
with an air of deep consideration,

“JT have often heard, Miss Neville, that every
human being has a good and a bad angel, continually
attending him, and trying to influence him to good
or evil. Now, I have been thinking that, if such is
the case with us, we must give them plenty of work,
for we are always fluctuating from one side to the

   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

A NO ret eaten92 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

other; indeed, I don’t think the bad spirit, who is
of course the most anxious, can often find time to
eat his dinner.

This absurd speech was uttered with an air of sim-
plicity, which elicited a burst of laughter; but Clara,
to whom these extraordinary effusions were very
painful, severely rebuked the young mocker, and
bade her remember that the great spiritual enemy,
who is represented in Scripture as “a roaring lion,
walking about, seeking whom he may devour,” is not
a fit subject either for ridicule or trifling.

Just outside the southern gate of the town is a
beautiful public walk, called the Alameda, formed
partly of terraces, which climb the rock to a con-
siderable height. In that genial climate, every va-
riety of flower thrives with a rapidity, and flourishes
with a luxuriance, which are quite astonishing to the
natives of more northern regions. The Alameda,
therefore, was a wilderness of bloom, and, though but
little frequented by the Spanish inhabitants, was a
favourite resort with our young people, especially in
the evening, when the military band played on the
parade ground below it, and they could enjoy the
music, without being exposed to observation. On
one of these occasions, Eliza, on looking up to the
rock, gave a sudden shriek, and clung to Clara with
every expression of terror. On being asked the
cause of her alarm, she could only point to a spot
above, while she covered her eyes, and exclaimed,
“Oh! the horrible, horrible face!”

The others could not immediately see the object
of her dread; but Inesilla at length cried out, with
a hearty laugh,“It is a mono, Eliza, only a mono; you must not
have fear of him.??

“What is a mono?” they all inquired, “and
Where is it?’’ Inesilla did not know the name in
English; but Cecilia at length caught a glimpse, and,
clapping her hands with delight, declared it was an
old man, making “the most exquisitely funny gri-
maces she ever saw.’’

« No, no, not a man; a mono!” repeated Inesilla;
and Augusta, who had run up the ascent to get a better
view, now returned, and scornfully announced. that
it was a large monkey, or rather ape, which was ap-
parently listening to the music, and twisting its face
into all sorts of contortions, probably with delight.

“Oh! I see him now!’’ exclaimed Isabella, “and
he isa very bow of beauty and grace. Eliza, how
can you be so ridiculous as to call him ugly? Iam
sure he is the most beautiful creature I ever saw,
quite an Adenis!’’

“ Tsabella,’”? exclaimed Clara, who had at last suc-
ceeded in calming the groundless terrors of Eliza,
“you are now making yourself quite as ridiculous as
your sister, and, what is of far more consequence,
you are trifling with falsehood, and forgetting what
I have so much striven to impress on your mind,
that there is no such thing as an innocent fib.”

“There are plenty of monos, monkeys, on the
rock,”’ observed Inesilla, “but they no hurt any
body—never.”’

The colonel, who had been on the parade, now
joined his family, and was immediately informed of
their adventure.

O*

THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 93

    
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 

ne tener en Sern aria94 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“You must not be afraid of the apes,” said he;
“you may occasionally see them about the rock, but
they are perfectly harmless, and will fly from your
near approach, It is no uncommon thing to see a
fellow like this one venture half-way down to hear
the music, and their gesticulations of pleasure are
very amusing. Gibraltar is the only part of Europe
where these animals are found ina state of nature;
they are supposed to be the descendants of a colony
left here by the Moors when they were expelled from
Spain. They have been not only tolerated, but
favoured by the inhabitants, who are rather proud of
them.”

« But, papa, how do they subsist? I see nothing
for them to eat, unless they are continually robbing
the gardens, and, even then, there is not fruit, 1 sup-
pose, all the year round.”

«I dare say they make no great scruple of robbing
a garden, as occasion may serve; but their chief food
is the root of the palmetto, which, as you see, grows
in great profusion all over the rock. It is said that
there are two tribes of them, and that they are per-
petually at war.”

«¢ At war, papa, and do they fight like men! Oh!
how I should like to see them !’?

«“ For shame, Isabella! I should hope you could not
take any pleasure in seeing either men or monkeys
fight. But these creatures, it is reported, not only
have pitched battles, and destroy each other, which
prevents their increasing to an inconvenient number,
but each tribe has its own separate boundaries, which
are guarded by regularly appointed sentinels; and if

a8 AR I TORI eenTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 95

one of these sentinels neglects or betrays his trust,
he is dragged by the others to the eastern side of
the rock, and mercilessly hurled over the precipice.
They, however, entirely disappear during the winter
months, and it is not known what becomes of them.
There is an old traditionary legend, still believed by
many, which asserts that a communication exists be-
tween this place and the opposite coast of Africa, be-
ginning at St. Michael’s cave, and extending under
the whole breadth of the strait, and that the apes,
when they leave us, find their way, by this submarine
tunnel, to the warmer climate of Morocco. The
story, however, is too absurd for belief, and the most
probable supposition is, that they conceal themselves
in the deepest recesses of the caves, till the return of
spring favours their re-appearance.”’

“Q! papa, what a pity it is not true! What a
pretty romance it would make! But why should it
not be true?”’

‘“‘ Because, my love, the distance is twelve miles
between the nearest points; the depth of the strait
is very great, and the existence of such a communi-
cation, to say the least, highly improbable.”

“ What is this little burial-ground, papa?” inquired
the girls, as they were close to the gate of the town.
“How neglected and desolate it looks! The long
rank grass and weeds have covered all the graves,
and the few tombstones look nearly illegible, and are
falling from their places.

“‘Tt is the resting place of those brave fellows who
fell in the battle of Trafalgar.’’

«What a lesson on the folly of war!’? exclaimed

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 

Oe ein A areca

+ eI96 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

Clara, as she gazed on the deserted spot; “ poor
fellows! their country has triumphed in the glory
they won; it has enjoyed the honour and security
which cost them their lives; it has rung with the
name of Trafalgar. But ¢hey participated in none
of these advantages; they were torn from life, family,
and friends, their bones le on a distant shore, ne-
glected and forgotten, and their.souls were hurried,
perhaps in too many instances unprepared, before
the judgment-seat of Christ.’’

“ All this may be very true, Miss Neville,” replied
the colonel, after a pause; “but you know a soldier
must forget every thing but the good of his country,
and, while she reaps the benefit of his sacrifices, he
cares not at what price it is purchased.”’

Clara was silenced, and only answered with a sigh,
but Inesilla reminded her, in a low voice, that the
time would come, when “nation should not lift up
sword against nation, neither should they learn war
any more.”’

Isabella heard the words, and, on her return home,
sought them out in her Bible. The others joined
her in the occupation, and found a great number of
parallel passages, which, according to their usual
custom, they marked in their Bibles. Clara was de-
lighted to find them thus employed, and breathed a
fervent prayer that their taste for searching the word
of God might be blessed to the counteraction of their
peculiar faults.

Clara and her pupils would often visit the mission-
house after the evening service, which terminated
early, in order to enable the military part of the con-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 97

gregation to comply with the garrison regulations.
Mr. Rushbrook had another service in Spanish after
it, and our young friends had remained so long in
conversation with Mrs. Rushbrook, on the Sunday
following their last adventure, that they were still
there when he returned from this late duty. But
he was not alone; five or six men, in strange costume,
and of uncouth appearance, followed him into the
drawing-room. They were Spanish peasants, from
the neighbourhood of Valencia, who had come to hear
the preaching in their own language, and had after-
wards accosted the pudre, as they called him, to ask
for books. Mr. Rushbrook had given them a large
number of tracts, but, not satisfied with these, they :
begged for Bibles and Testaments, which, as they did
not offer to pay for them, he was not authorized to
grant. They were very urgent in their entreaties,
and spoke with earnest gesticulations. They formed

a ee

an extremely picturesque group, their olive com-
plexions, red caps, and their cigars in their mouths,
being strikingly contrasted with the English dress,
pale countenance, and mild manner of the missionary,
as, exhausted with the labours of the day, he reclined
on the sofa they were surrounding. There was even
something wild and fierce in their expression, which
almost alarmed Clara; but how was her terror in-
creased, when she saw one of them deliberately draw
from his sleeve a long and frightful-looking knife!
Before, however, she could even fancy the use he in-
tended to make of this formidable weapon, he quietly
cut a piece of tobacco with it, which he put into his
mouth, and then restored the knife to its original98 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

hiding-place. After they had most unwillingly taken
their leave, she observed, that it was almost a pity
to refuse them the word of God, as they seemed so
anxious to have it.

«Iam really sorry to deny them,” replied Mr.
Rushbrook, “but I have already given away almost
more than I was justified in doing, and it is very
probable they only wanted the Bibles for the purpose
of selling them. But it shows, at least, the great
desire that exists in Spain for the Bible.’

“I saw you start at sight of the knife,’”? said Mrs.
Rushbrook, smiling, to Clara, “and I am not sur-
prised at it. The first time I saw one of our Spanish
visiters do the same thing, I was so dreadfully terri-
fied, that I sprang to the door to call for assistance,
but was compelled to laugh at my own terror the
moment after. ‘They always.carry those formidable
knives in their sleeves, and, as it is natural for them,
when irritated, to use them, this accounts in some
measure for the great frequency of assassinations in
Spain.”’

‘““Do they often stab with those knives?” inquired
the young ladies, shuddering at the idea.

“Tam sorry to say such things are but too common.
Sudden passion, revenge, or cupidity, leads to daily
murders, even in the public streets, and such is the
inefficiency of the police, to call it by no worse name,
that the murderer is seldom apprehended; but the
most shocking part of the story is, that the crime
often excites very little horror, and, in other cases,
the perpetrator is so much dreaded, in consequence
of his former exploits of the same kind, that he isTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 99

not only suffered to walk at large, but his favour
even sought by the very connexions of his victim.
I was one day travelling in Spain, when my guide
said to me, ‘Do you see that crimson spot?’ pointing
to a part of the road where the mark of a large pool
of blood still stained the ground. A cold-blooded and
deliberate murder was committed here. And do you
mark yonder old man? He was the father of the
murdered victim; he was present when his son was
stabbed, and what do you suppose he did? You, an
Englishman, would never guess! He took out of his
pocket his lucifer-match, composedly lighted a cigar,
handed it to the murderer, and, after thus showing
him the usual mark of Spanish courtesy, quietly
left the spot in his company!”

“Oh! how horrible! how revolting!” they all ex-
claimed, and Eliza declared she should never think
herself safe in the company of a Spaniard.

“Nay, my dear child, you must not pronounce
SO sweeping a censure. They are a noble race of
people, when not under evil influence: and, were
they favoured with the civilizing and harmonizing
light of the gospel, would not be inferior to other
nations. This evening, however, you did our Valen-
cian friends wrong by your suspicions; and you
would have been highly amused, had you understood
their language, to hear them ‘complimenting Mrs,
Rushbrook with the title of my nurse.”

‘Your nurse! why did they call her so?”

“Tivery priest in Spain has a female relation,
whether real or pretended, residing with him; and,
as these good people could not realize the idea of

    
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

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100 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

a padre being married, they very naturally called
Mrs. Rushbrook by the name which is invariably
given to these female companions,—that of ama, or
nurse.””

It was now time for the visiters to return home,
which they did with minds deeply impressed by
what they had that evening heard and seen.

They were all extremely desirous of learning Spa-
nish, and the colonel soon procured them a master
to instruct them in that language. He was an old
man, and looked so dreadfully care-worn and wretch-
ed, so much like a man who has been the subject of
great and heart-rending calamities, that they could
not resist the desire of inquiring into his history.
They found that his life had indeed been one of
striking and peculiar trials. They could only gather
the outlines of this tragical story, which formed ano-
ther comment on the malice and unscrupulous cruelty
of a bigoted priesthood.

Monsieur $ was a Frenchman, and had, in his
youth to avoid the conscription, become a priest.
After having exercised the functions of the priest-
hood for eight years, he became, through what means
they could not learn, convinced of the errors of Po-
pery, and renounced it. He then went to reside at
Corfu, where he married a Greek lady. He was
soon, however, obnoxious to the Greek priests, who
formed a plan for his destruction, and induced his
wife to betray him. Assassins entered his house
one night, with the intention of murdering him in
his sleep; but, mistaking the person in the dark,

they killed his unhappy wife instead of him. HisTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS, 101

son was also murdered in the adjoining room; he
was then cast into a dungeon, where he lingered for
a considerable time, but was at length liberated, and
fled from the scene of blood to Gibraltar, where he
settled as a teacher of languages, and eventually
married an Englishwoman. The sufferings of this
poor man had so completely broken his health and
spirits, that he was really an object of compassion
to all who heard his deplorable history.

The young ladies were returning from a walk one
morning, when, en passing the Romish church, they
observed that it was filled with a disorderly crowd
of Spaniards, and that a great number of others were
standing outside, gesticulating, vociferating, and ex-
hibiting every appearance of violent excitement.
What could be the cause of this popular commotion
they could not guess, till, having hurried from the
spot, they overtook Captain Gray, a gentleman who
was a frequent visiter at the colonel’s, On making
the inquiry of him, he replied, with a hearty laugh,

“Oh! have you not heard what is the matter?
Why, it is only another of the pranks with which
the Catholic bishop has for some time been torment-
ing his own people, and amusing every body else.
- A poor fellow died yesterday, who had the misfor-
tune to be a freemason, and, as he did not confess
before his death, nor receive extreme unction, his
reverence ordered that he should not have Christian
burial. You know, I suppose, that the Romish
church anathematizes freemasonry, not because they
know of any harm in it, but simply because it is
something which they do not understand, and which

10

    
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 

Are setshnsiniien102 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

conceals its principles from the prying curiosity of
the priesthood. The bishop, therefore, has resolved
to put it down by a coup-de-main; but he calculated
rather too far on the submission of his people. They
have a taste of English liberty, which makes them
very restive under his arbitrary proceedings. They
have already shown many symptoms of disobedience,
and, on this occasion, they have broken out into
actual rebellion. The corpse was carried to the
church yesterday, at the time fixed for its interment;
the priests had all been forbidden to officiate; it was,
therefore, placed before the altar by the friends of
the deceased, and there it remained all night. This
morning, an official request was made for its burial,
but, as the bishop peremptorily refused, the enraged
people gathered in a tumultuary mob, ransacked the
church, and at last found, hidden in the belfry, a
poor old priest, called Padre Feliz. Him they
have compelled, by threats and violence, to perform
the funeral ceremony; but, when he came to the
place where he was to sprinkle the body with holy
water, he stoutly refused to perform that part of his
office. The good people, however, were no way
embarrassed by his insubordination; they seized his
hand, plunged it in the water, and then shook it
over the deceased, thus attaining their object with
the greatest ease. In the meantime, the bishop,
finding all his authority insufficient to control the
people, has sent for the military to disperse them,—
an assumption of authority which he had no right to
exhibit.

«T have heard,’’ observed Clara, “that this same
bishop is on very bad terms with his congregation.”’THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 103

“It is quite true, they have quarrelled about the
church fees, of which the elders have had the ma-
nagement from time immemorial. The bishop, how-
ever, who is resolved to have every thing in his own
hands, has taken possession of them, and refuses to
account for them to any one. There is a lawsuit
pending between them on the subject; but, however
it may be decided, it is certain that the haughty and
arbitrary conduct of this proud priest will go very
far towards alienating the affections of the people
from his church.”

“Oh! that they could see its errors, and forsake
its delusions |’? exclaimed Clara: but they were now
at their own door, and the conversation ceased.

  

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CHAPTER VIII.

ST. MICHAEL’S CAVE.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst
formed the earth, and the world, even from everlasting to ever-
lasting, thou art God.— Psalm xe. 2.

“On, Miss Neville!”? exclaimed Cecilia, running
precipitately into the room, “I have such good news
to tell you! Weare going to have such atreat! Do
you know that the great cave,—St. Michael’s cave,—
is to be lighted up this evening,—lighted with blue
lights: and papa has promised us that we shall see it!
Only think how delightful it will be, to have such a
beautiful view of the interior, with all its wonders,
instead of exploring it by torch-light, and not being
able to discern half its beauty !”’

Clara was fully prepared to share in the pleasure
of her young friends, and the whole morning was
one of delightful anticipation. The day’s duties
were cheerfully despatched, and, about four in the
afternoon, they set out on their way to the cave. Its
entrance is situated about half way up the rock, so
that it required rather a fatiguing walk to reach it.
The entrance is large, but the descent into it, though
not deep, is craggy, and rather difficult. They entered
the outer cave, which is spacious, and has several of
those curious natural pillars formed by the petrifac-
tions continually in progress; some of them extendTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 105

from the lofty roof to the floor, others only a part of
the distance, and look as if they were going to fall
on the heads of the beholders. A few torches were
placed at regular intervals, both to make the objects
more distinct, and to guide the visiters to the inner
cavern. The floor was wet and muddy, from the
continual dropping of water from the roof, and did
not, therefore, invite a long stay.

To remedy this dampness of the floor, part of the
inner cave was covered with matting, on which the
spectators were directed to stand, while this beauti-
ful recess of nature was displayed to their admiring
gaze by the aid of fireworks.

It is scarcely possible to imagine any thing more
truly magnificent than this inner cave. It is likea
grand natural cathedral, the roof supported by co-
lumns of exquisite workmanship, adorned with every
variety of fanciful and elegant tracery, captivating
the eye with the chaste and majestic simplicity of
its outlines. In one part of this stupendous hall is
a recess, commonly called the chapel, where a pro-
jecting part of the rock looks as if it were intended
to represent an organ; and others might, without
any great stretch of imagination, be converted into
a pulpit and galleries. In all these places soldiers
had been stationed, in such a manner as to heighten
the picturesque effect of the scene. But who can
describe the roof of this mighty temple? It must
be seen for its beauty to be conceived. Myriads of
brilliant crystallizations, petrifactions, stalactites, and
stalagmites, hang like rich fringes, or clusters of
flowers, from every part of this lofty dome, and,
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106 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

dazzling the eye by their whiteness, present a coup
d’cil which forcibly reminds one of the gorgeous
splendour of a fairy palace.

A military band, judiciously stationed in the cha-
pel, played several fine airs; and the effect of our
beautiful national anthem, “God> save the Queen,”’
rolling in majestic grandeur through the vaulted
arches of the cavern, and reverberated by its thou-
sand distant echoes, produced an effect which could
never be equalled by the most powerful cathedral
music. But the whole scene was far more like en-
chantment than reality, and our young spectators
stood entranced, as if by a magic spell; till a sudden
feeling of icy coldness, creeping over their frames,
made them sensible of the danger of remaining too
long in their present situation, and obliged them,
however unwillingly, to retrace their steps towards
the entrance.

St. Michael’s cave is, indeed, a magnificent tem-
ple, worthy of its great and glorious Architect, and
would well become the service of Him who “weighed
the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance.”
Inesilla remarked to Clara, as they were leaving it,
that it reminded her of the “noble army”? of ancient
martyrs, and other Christians, who were driven by
persecution to worship God in “deserts and moun-
tains, and in dens and caves of the earth;’’ and they
both thought how delightful it would be, to hear the
praises of God in this glorious natural temple.

Whilst uttering these observations, Inesilla inad-
vertently stumbled on the slippery and steep ascent
leading to the entrance; and would most probablyTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 107

have received a severe blow, from falling forward,
had she not been opportunely caught by an officer
from behind, who, after assisting her up the rock,
turned to offer his hand to Clara for the same pur-
pose. She, however, had climbed up with her pu-
pils, and now joined her friend in acknowledg-
ments for his politeness. Scarcely, however, had
she cast her eyes on his face, when the rushing
blood crimsoned hers, and she felt as if her tongue
were paralyzed. A total paleness as suddenly suc-
ceeded, and she leaned, half-fainting, against Ine-
silla, while her heart throbbed almost to suffocation.
That officer was Edward Seymour!

That one look of recognition was all that passed
between them, for he instantly bowed, and took his
leave; and the party paused a short time outside the
cave, attributing Clara’s paleness to the chilly air
within. She soon, however, recovered her compo-
sure, and was enabled to preserve it, notwithstanding
the following conversation, which occurred as they
were descending the mountain.

«Who is that polite gentleman?” inquired Ine-
silla. Do you know him?’’

“A little,’ replied Augusta; “it is Lieutenant
Seymour: he is one of the gayest young men in the
garrison, and on that account papa does not like him
much,”’

«Why does not your papa like gaiety?’’ inno-
cently asked Inesilla, who did not understand the
conventional meaning attached to the term in Eng-
lish. “Surely, it is very pleasant to be gay and
joyful; no one likes to be sorrowful.”RP ees RON

 

  

 

108 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“Oh, but that is not what we mean by gay in this
sense. I mean that Mr. Seymour is very fond of
pleasure, of racing, and gambling, and drinking.”

“And you call that gay!’? exclaimed Inesilla,
with unaffected surprise. “I call it muy malo,—
very bad, very wicked.”’

Clara now put an end to the conversation, by gently
reproving Augusta for her censorious description;
and, as they were soon joined by the Colonel, the
subject of the cave was resumed.

“And has it never been explored to its inmost re-
cesses, papa?”’

“ Never as yet, I believe. Many have made the
attempt, but have always been deterred from its com-
pletion, by some obstacle or other; indeed, several
persons have perished in the vain endeavour. It js
said that the interior is full of most terrific and dan-
gerous precipices; but the greatest impediment arises
from the noxious gases, destructive to human life,
which are generated by the confined atmosphere.’’

They now passed Mr. Rushbrook, who was talk-
ing to a decent-looking Spanish woman, with a
beautiful infant in her arms. She seemed in great
distress, and was weeping violently. Mr. Rush-
brook, however, dismissed her with What was ap-
parently a soothing assurance, and then joined his
friends on their return to town.”

“J have just been promising to attempt, what [
fear I shall scarcely accomplish,”’ said he. « Poor
Juana is the wife of an Englishman, and has hitherto
contrived to remain in the garrison; but her license
is expired, and I have already had it renewed soTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 109

many times, that I almost despair of succeeding
again.”’

«¢What!’? exclaimed the colonel; “has not the
wife of an Englishman a right to live in the same
place with her husband ?”?

«Not here, my good sir, if she is a foreigner.
The regulations of the garrison are exceedingly strict,
and perhaps it is necessary that they should be so;
for otherwise, it would soon overflow with Spaniards.
Their own government is so arbitrary, and their
country so miserable, that it is no wonder they are
anxious to exchange it for the advantages of a Bri-
tish colony.’’

‘‘T am told,” observed the colonel, “that the ty-
ranny of the government, and the excessive taxation
with which it oppresses the people, paralyze all
commercial energy, and keep a great part of the
population i in idleness and beggary.”’

«It is quite true, as you may be convinced from
the simple fact, that every Spaniard who possesses
any property, pays fifty per cent, on it to the go-
vernment, and, on some occasions, they have been
taxed as high as seventy-five per cent. So injuri-
ously does this absurd system operate, that many
proprietors of houses prefer letting them fall to aa
rather than comply with this oppressive exaction.”’

«Then why,’ inquired the children, “ why not
suffer the poor people to live here, where they can
get bread to eat, instead of forcing them to remain
in such a wretched country?”’

«The place would not contain them, my dears,
and, besides, they might be considered dangerous ina
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119 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

time of war. But it is a perpetual struggle to keep
them out; for, although their own government makes
them pay a tax of a peceta (nine pence,) every time
they cross the Spanish lines towards Gibraltar, there
is a constant influx of them at the gates. They are
not allowed to enter, even for a day, without a
license, which they can only obtain through the re-
commendation of some housekeeper in the garrison,
and which they are obliged to give up at the time
appointed, and then leave the town.

“This extreme strictness is often productive of
very distressing scenes, for it is cruel to separate
husbands and wives, parents and children; and there
is no method that ingenuity can devise, which these
poor creatures do not put in practice to evade the
law. Spanish mothers come here for a few days,
that their expected infants may be born in the place,
and, being thus British subjects, may have a right
to live in Gibraltar; others bring their children,
almost as soon as born, and have them baptized here,
in order that, by producing their baptismal register,
they may deceive the authorities into the belief that
they are also natives, and thus secure for them the
envied advantages of British freedom and protection.”

“What a deplorable picture!”

“Tt is, indeed, a sad state of things, and I pity
poor Juana sincerely. She not only has her husband
and children here, but also her aged mother, whom
she supports, and who will now be compelled to re-
turn with her to her own unhappy country, and beg
or starve, according to circumstances. Mrs. Rush-
brook employed Juana for some time, and I wasTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 111

thus enabled to renew her license from time to time,
as my servant; but I fear I cannot hope to obtain
this favour any longer. The poor old woman must
inevitably depart, and so must poor Juana too, unless
some other friend will become her security for a
longer license.’’

The colonel, moved by this account, promised to
mention it to Mrs. Wentworth, who might probably
find some employment in her household for Juana,
and thus procure for her the privilege of a longer
stay with her family. The young ladies and Clara
warmly joined in interceding for this purpose, and
their object was so far attained, as to renew Juana’s
license ; but her poor infirm mother was obliged to
quit the garrison, and return to certain want and
misery, uncheered by the kind attentions of her
daughter.

The young party, accompanied by Inesilla, were
proceeding to the Alameda one evening, when they
encountered a Spanish funeral. It was that of a
young woman, who was carried with her head and
bust uncovered. Her long black hair was braided,
and so disposed as to fall gracefully over her bosom.
In one of her hands was placed a wax taper, and in
the other a bouquet of flowers. The coffin also was
decorated with flowers and green boughs, which gave
it a very picturesque appearance.

On their return from their walk, they heard such
an extraordinary noise of singing and dancing, in a
house by which they were passing, that they inquired
of Inesilla, if she knew what it meant?

“It is the house,” replied she, “from which the
dead girl was carried.”’112 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“‘Impossible!”’ they all exclaimed, “the people of
that house could not be making merry like this!’’

“Tt is not the people of the house, at least not
the members of the dead person’s family, who are
dancing and singing, but their friends and acquaint-
ances, who all assemble on this occasion, with the
intention of cheering their grief, and comforting
them for their loss.’’

«“ And is this really the custom of your country,
Tnesilla?’’

“J am sorry it is too much so. The people
think the salvation of a very young person, and
especially an infant, so very certain, that they say it
is a sin to be sad, or to grieve for their death; they
always rejoice in this way on an occasion like this.”

“ But if the person were older, would they do the
same???

“ Almost the same, for then they think it a duty
to comfort the family. If you could go into that
house, you would see the room in which the young
woman died hung round with sheets and drapery,
and ornamented with flowers, for the reception of
the company, who will remain the greater part of
the night.”’

“Oh! how shocking!’ said Eliza: “for, if the
family have any feeling, it must greatly aggravate
their grief.”’

“What is this curious-looking old wall, Inesilla,
which seems to be carried up the Rock, even to the
very summit??? |

“It was built by the Emperor Charles the Fifth,
for the purpose of dividing the northern from theTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 113

southern part of the Rock. It is, therefore, a relic
of antiquity; but there are others here, which I be-
lieve you have not seen. Come down this way, and
I will show you a very ancient gate, which was for-
merly the entrance to a convent.”?

They now approached a venerable gateway, con-
nected with high walls, which formed an area of
some extent, and had the appearance of having once
belonged to a building of great Strength. It had
several inscriptions over it, but they were so defaced
by time as to be quite illegible.

“And this, you say,’? remarked Cecilia, « was
formerly a convent! Oh! the horrid place! Perhaps
many cruelties have been perpetrated here; do you
not think so, Inesilla ?’’

“Indeed, it is very probable, and 1 know there is
a horrible tradition, about a poor nun having been
buried alive in a wall.’’

“Bricked up, you mean. Oh! I dare say it is all
true! Are there any convents in Spain now, Ine-
silla???

“They have been abolished by the constitution,”
said Clara, “as they were in England at the time of
the Reformation. Perhaps nothing could be better
calculated to confirm and perpetuate the power of
the Romish church, than these pernicious establish-

ments, while none were more favourable to the per-
petration, and the concealment, of every species of
vice, crime, and tyranny.”

‘There is an old monastery still existing in the
Cork Wood, a few miles from this place; but it is
now only inhabited by an old priest.’’

1]114 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“Ig there, Inesilla? Then we must beg of papa
to let us go and see it. How delightful that will be!”

« But it is not always safe to visit the Cork
Wood,”’ observed Inesilla; “it is often infested by
robbers, and few persons, especially ladies, venture
so far as the monastery.”’

‘Travelling and excursions for pleasure are not
so safe or pleasant in the Peninsula, as they are in
England,” said Clara. “Spain is still in a very un-
settled state; the civil wars have devastated it in a
deplorable manner, and it will be a long time before
even a wise government will be able to reduce the
country to something like order or tranquillity.’

“Tf you ask Mr. Rushbrook,”’ remarked Inesilla,
“JT dare say he will one day give you a description
of what travelling is in Spain, and also tell you of
his own adventures, which are very interesting.’’

“Oh! we will ask him!” exclaimed they all; “he
is so kind and good-natured, that he will not refuse.”

«But, Inesilla,”’ inquired Isabella, “tell us, do the
priests still possess much power in your country?”

“¢ Not much, now, over the people; for they have
made their religion so ridiculous by their many ab-
surd practices, that almost every body laughs at them.
What do you think, for example, they do once every
year at, Cadiz? They gather together all the doricos,
donkeys of the town, at the door of the church of
San Josef, and sprinkle them with holy water, pro-
nouncing some Latin blessing over them! And the
same ceremony takes place on the monkeys!”

“ Donkeys and monkeys!’ exclaimed the girls,
laughing with excessive mirth; “well, that is amusing
indeed !’’

&THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 115

«It is almost too profane to be amusing,” observed
Clara. “But do the people really believe that these
animals derive any good from this ludicrous exhibi-
tion?”

“1 do not know exactly. The people are very
superstitious, though they do not respect the priests.
But it is an ancient custom, and the priests are paid
for it, so that it forms a part of their revenue.’’

“Does it not remind you, Miss Neville, of the
‘feast of asses,’ in the churches in France, during the
dark ages, of which we were reading some time ago?”

Clara acknowledged that it did, and inquired,
whether processions in the streets were common at
Cadiz?

“Qh! yes,” replied Inesilla; “my mother told me,
in a letter, that during the Holy Week this year,
they have been representing the sufferings of our
blessed Saviour.”’

« Representing them! how?”

“Why, it was like a play. They dressed people
like Jews and Roman soldiers; one wicked man
acted the part of the Redeemer, dressed in purple
robes, and they scourged him, and made blood fall
all about him. ‘Then they made him carry a cross,
and so went through the streets of the town, to ex-
eite, as they said, the devotion of the people.”

The whole party were struck with horror at this
recital of Romish audacity and profaneness, and the
girls inquired, why such things were not seen at
Gibraltar?

«‘ Because,” replied Clara, “Popery is not the
dominant religion here; but I dare say they exhibit
their mummery inside of their church.”116 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“Yes,” said Inesilla; “they had, last Good Friday,
an effigy of our Saviour lying in the tomb; and it was
guarded by two English soldiers, with muskets on
their shoulders.’’

“‘ Finglish soldiers!’? exclaimed Augusta; “what a
shame! What right had they to have them there?”

“A lady, who had entered the church with me,
asked the Romish bishop, who was walking about
with a taper in his hand, the very same question;
but he gave her three different answers, and all
equally evasive. First, he said, it was an ancient
custom which had always been observed; but, when
she said it was a very bad one, he informed her that
the soldiers were placed there to preserve order;
and when she answered, that it was a very unneces-
sary precaution, he finally assured her, that he knew
nothing about it.’’

“That was just like himself, all equivocation. But,
Inesilla, those bad men who act the part of the Lord
Jesus Christ, in the dramas you mention, must be
well paid for it, or they never could consent to bear
all the scourging and insults which are heaped upon
them.”’

“I suppose they are well paid, but they do not
always bear it patiently. I have heard that one of
them, on being struck rather too hard by one of the
pretended Roman soldiers, turned round, drew out
his knife, and stabbed him to the heart!”

“And I suppose,’ said Clara, “the poor igno-
rant people flock to see these exhibitions; some,
perhaps, from mistaken devotion, but the greater

eter tte ninsinieisienncinTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 117

 

number from curiosity, and many to turn them into
ridicule,”’

“Oh yes! they go to see them, as they go to see a
bull-fight, perhaps the very next day.”

“Those bull-fights must be horrible things, for I
Suppose the men who attack the bulls are in great
danger from their fury.’’

66 They are, and many of them are killed in the
combat,—sometimes two the same evening; but that
does not lessen, on the contrary, it increases the
pleasure of the spectators.”

“ And do women go there to see such things?”

“ Men, women, and children, and the most totihed
ladies of the place. The nae classes delight in
the amusement, and the poor would deprive them-
selves of their best meal, rather than lose the pleasure
of a bull-fight.”’

“Why,” said Eliza, “that is quite as bad as the
Greek and Roman sports of gladiators. Oh, Inesilla!
what a barbarous country yours must be!’

“It is only barbarous, from the ignorance in which
it has been kept,’’ observed Clara; «but what shall
we say of those English Protestants who often go
over, from this garrison, to view these Barbdious
exhibitions? They are always on Sunday evening,
too, which makes their guilt the greater.”

“Oh yes!” said Cecilia, “there are several who
do that. Mr. Seymour, who prevented you from
falling the other day, Inesilla” . .

“Hush, my dear! we must not mention names;
but let me see if you can tell me of a text of Scrip-
ture, to prove that those who thus sin against light
11*118 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

and knowledge are exposed to severer punishment
than the poor creatures who sin through igno-
rance.”’

Isabella immediately repeated Matt. xi. 21, and,
being joined by her sisters, they successively recited
the whole of that solemn passage, “ Wo unto thee,
Chorazin! ‘wo unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the
mighty works which were done in you, had been
done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented
long ago, in sackcloth and ashes.

«But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable
for Tyre and Sidon, in the day of judgment, than
for you.

“ And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto
heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the
mighty works which have been done in thee, had
been done in Sidon, it would have remained until
this day.

“ But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolera-
ble for the land of Sidon in the day of judgment, than
for you.”’

It was thus that Clara endeavoured to impress
her pupils with a sense both of their duties and
their responsibility; and she had the satisfaction to
perceive, notwithstanding many discouragements,
that her labour was not altogether in vain,CHAPTER IX.

THE MEDITERRANEAN STEPS.

All thy works praise thee, O Lord! and thy saints give thanks
unto thee.

Two days after her unexpected rencontre with
Kidward Seymour, Clara had received a letter from
him, expressing the most vehement and unabated
attachment, and solemnly promising to reform, if
she would consent to be his after a stated time of
probation. To this she returned a short answer,
again refusing to enter into any engagement; but en-
treating him, for his own sake, to abandon his evil
habits and evil companions, and return to that path
which he knew by experience to be that of peace
and safety.

Weeks passed away, and she only heard of his
continued excesses. She therefore endeavoured to
think of him only in prayer, and to leave his. case,
with humble resignation, in the hands of her hea-
venly Father. Thus keeping watchful guard over
her own feelings, she might have enjoyed the peace
attendant on a well regulated mind, had not her
sister’s concerns been a source of continual disqui-
etude.

Poor Maria was now reaping the bitter fruits of
her hasty and imprudent marriage. Mr. Sydenham,120 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

unable to relinquish the expensive habits of his
former life, was unprincipled enough to indulge in
them, although that indulgence deprived his wife
and child of all the comforts, and often almost of
the necessaries of life. Indeed, he so much ex-
ceeded his income, that he began to be inyolved in
very serious embarrassments; and their domestic
life was a scene of continual dissension. He did
not scruple to reproach her with what he had lost
for her sake; and she, with her usual high spirit,
and impatience under injustice, too frequently re-
torted, in a way which was little likely to promote
peace.

But poor Maria’s health and spirits were fast
sinking under the unhappiness of her situation. She
pined in uncontrolled sorrow, and spent her days
and nights in weeping over her child, while her
misguided husband was revelling in the most vicious
pursuits, with his thoughtless companions, among
whom Edward Seymour was not the least conspi-
cuous. <A perfect confidence had at length been
established between the sisters, on this most distress-
ing subject. Maria’s pride was subdued, and she
experienced some comfort from the kind soothings,
and affectionate sympathy of her sister. But « the
natural mind, which is enmity against God,” would
not let her look on her trials as the salutary chastise-
ments of a merciful Father, intended to bring her to
himself. She considered them, on the contrary, as
peculiarly severe inflictions, and was ready to mur-
mur at her lot, as one of undeserved hardship.

Clara’s pupils had long been most desirous ofTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 12]

visiting the highest summit of the rock, by what are
called the Mediterranean steps, on the eastern side,
as that ascent is by far the most interesting and pic-
turesque; and, as the delightful temperature of spring
was now beginning to merge into the greater heat of
summer, an early day was fixed for the excursion,
in order that the scorching rays of the sun might
not render it impracticable. They were accompanied
by the colonel, and a man-servant, with a basket of
provisions.

After passing the military defences at the bottom,
they entered on a very good path, which winds in
numberless mazy evolutions up the mountain, pre-
senting at every turn scenes of the greatest beauty.
It is difficult for those who have never experienced
it, to conceive the delight of thus climbing a stu-
pendous acclivity; stopping every now and then to
take a few moments’ rest on some rude stone seat,—
admiring and gathering an immense variety of beau-
tiful wild flowers, that bloom in every crevice of the
rock,—looking into the numerous caverns that per-
forate its sides, some of which have been converted
into powder magazines,—passing under natural arch-
ways, some of them pretty extensive, in the very
heart of the rock,—pausing often to gaze at the
magnificent prospects, to look down the terrific pre-
cipice at your feet, and up at the frowning height
above your head, looking as if it would fall on you,
and crush you with its gigantic masses of over-hang-
ing stone,—gazing thus, till your head becomes dizzy
with the sight, then resuming your ascent, and climb-
ing two hundred and seventy rude steps, which122 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

accelerate your progress up the romantic height, till
at length you reach the summit, and stand entranced
at the sublimity and grandeur of the scenery around
you!

A tower had been erected on the spot, by General
O’Hara, when he was governor of Gibraltar, with
the hope of commanding a view of Cadiz and its
harbour, which, it appears, could be seen from the
battlements, though at a distance of ninety miles.
But the tower was shivered by lightning, on the very
night after its completion: and, as it has never been
rebuilt, it now presents a ruinous, but picturesque
Object in the view. At its base is a flat stone, still
bearing the remains of an inscription, which an-
nounces its site to be elevated 1,470 feet above the
level of the sea.

The prospect from this spot is magnificent beyond
description. To the north, are the mountains form-
ing the boundary of Spain, presenting, through their
numerous openings, valleys and plains of great beauty
and fertility; to the west, the fine bay of Gibraltar,
nine miles in length, five in breadth, and thirty in
circumference, bounded by a ridge of mountains,
amidst which are situated the town of Algeziras, and
the village of San Roque; to the south, the Strait of
Gibraltar, sweeping away even to the vast Atlantic,
with the opposite coast of interesting Africa, and
Mount Abyla, one of the pillars of Hercules, ad-
vancing its towering height into the sea; and to the
east, the deep blue, calmly-rolling Mediterranean,
transporting the imagination to the shores of classic
Italy and Greece, and even to the borders of theTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 123

Holy Land. The ships sailing on its bosom looked,
from the height, like so many fishing-boats; the
mountains on the Moorish coast were distinctly vi-
sible, their snowy summits glistening in the sun, and
they could even see the blue, shadowy tops of a very
distant chain, which has been supposed by some to
be the Atlas.

The weather was beautiful, the sky serene, and
the sea and clouds such as are never seen but in a
southern clime: and the whole party were so en-
tranced_ with delight, their spirits raised to such a
height of enthusiastic admiration, that every thing
but the present scene was entirely forgotten. They
were leaning over the low wall which protects this
small platform, and shuddering, with a feeling as
much allied to pleasure as dread, as they gazed
down the tremendous precipice, of nearly fifteen
hundred feet, descending almost perpendicularly to
the Mediterranean, and neither heard nor saw ano-
ther party entering the enclosure, till a loud greet-
ing aroused the colonel; when, starting as if from a
trance, they beheld several officers near them, who
immediately entered into conversation respecting the
spot they were standing on. Clara was annoyed at
perceiving among them young Seymour; but she
succeeded in repressing every sign of emotion, and,
as he imitated her distant manner, she felt con-
siderably relieved. The two parties joined in friend-
ly intercourse, partook of the refreshments they
had brought, sitting under the shade of the ruined
tower; and when they found themselves sufficiently
rested, and the feryid heat was in some degree124 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS:

abated, prepared to descend the mountain by the
western side, which, though not so romantic as that
they had ascended, wound in many a serpentine di-
rection, presenting a beautiful view of the town and
the bay.

Clara was most anxious to avoid all conversation
with Seymour; but she found herself disappointed.
The colonel walked before, deep in talk with some
of his brother officers, and, as the girls dispersed
themselves in every direction, gathering wild flow-
ers, and plants to them unknown, it was impossible
that she should not now and then be alone. On one
of these occasions he approached her, and respect-
fully offered his arm to assist her down the descent,
which she as politely declined. He then walked
near her, for some time in silence, but at length,
unable to restrain himself, addressed her with vehe-
mence.

«Clara, you treat me with the most merciless
severity. Have I not promised to reform, to become
religious, to be every thing you can wish? What
more can you ask?’’

« Edward,” replied Clara, firmly, yet not without
some agitation, “you are extremely unreasonable.
Most happy, indeed, should I be, to see you return
to the paths of virtue and religion. Heaven knows
that my warmest prayers are daily offered up for that
unspeakable mercy: but I must be left entirely out
of the question.”’

“You are fully aware,” said he, in a sullen tone,
‘¢that it is in your power to mould me to your will;
your influence over me is unbounded.”

ERE SS

aTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 125

“Ah, Edward! you speak against your own con-
victions, I have no such power. How can I hope
to sway a heart which continually resists the stirrings
of the Spirit of grace?”

“T tell you,’ exclaimed he, passionately, «that I
will begin to reform to-morrow, if you will only
promise to be mine! I swear it by all 7

“Qh! do not swear, Edward, I entreat you! but
begin this blessed reformation to-night, and implore
the grace of God, to enable you to persevere in the
right way!”

“Will you then promise, Clara, to reward my
obedience? Only fix the time of my probat
it shall be done!”

© Beward,’ “said Clara, in low but resolved
yore, this' V*eannot doll "eannot promise that
we shall ever stand in a nearer relation to each other
than we now do; but oh! let a higher motive
with you!”

 

ion, and

prevail

“¢ Clara!”? exclaimed he with violence, and seizing
both her hands, “Clara! you will drive me to despe-
ration!”?

Clara withdrew her hands in terror, but was hap-
pily relieved from her distressing perplexity by the
approach of two of her pupils, who exhibited se-
veral beautiful flowers for her admiration and in-
spection.

A few days after this, the colonel took his family
to view another aspect of the rock. They passed
through an artificial excavation, at a short distance
from the centre point; this also had been made under
the orders of General O’Hara, but as it answered no
12126 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

purpose whatever, except that of perforating the
mountain from west to east, it had never been kept
in repair, and was frequently designated “ O’ Hara’s
folly.””? The passage was rough, and the sides damp;
but, on emerging from it, a prospect of great and
striking beauty presented itself. It was not without
some trepidation, that they seated themselves to eat
their luncheon, on a narrow ledge of the rock, about
two feet wide; while, immediately below them, the
precipice descended perhaps more abruptly to the
sea than in any other place. This they could only
see by lying on the grass, and looking over the edge,
for it was impossible to do so either standing or sit-
ting. -Still, there was an undefinable charm in that
romantic seat; the children were in raptures, and
Isabella was extremely vexed that she had forgotten
her sketch-book, as from thence she could have taken
the most beautiful and picturesque view of the moun-
tains of Grenada that she had yet seen.

«¢ But we shall come here again some other day,—
shall we not, Miss Neville ?’’

«J am afraid to promise,” replied Clara, “for this
is an extremely dangerous spot, and I should not
think it safe to visit it without your papa, or some
other competent person to protect us.”’

“Jt is dangerous, indeed,” said Cecilia; “my
giddy head could never bear the sight of that pre-
cipice without turning dizzy; and I see that steadier
heads than mine cannot stand it much better; even
papa’s does not seem equal to it.”

‘You must not come here without me,” said theTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 127

colonel, “for that precipice is frightful, and cannot be
much less than fourteen hundred feet in depth.”’

“ But, papa, we need not come near the precipice,
Herevis a nice wide grass-plot, where Isabella could
sit with perfect safety to take her sketch: and oh! it
is such a lovely place!”? ,

“TI fear, Augusta, that both Isabella and yourself
are much too daring, and I must request Miss Ne-
ville to keep a strict watch over you. However,
if I can spare a day from duty in the autumn, I will
bring you here once more: it cannot be earlier, I
think, for the summer is now so much advanced,
that the heat will not admit of our coming up the
Rock again.”

“Oh, but you will take us to the excavations,
papa, this summer, will you not? You know you
promised, and they are too damp to visit at any
other season.”’

“Yes, they are cool enough, but you must walk
nearly half way up the Rock first, which is no little
fatigue. However, if we choose rather a cloudy day,
we may manage it.”’

The young ladies regretted quitting the romantic
spot on which they had been sitting, and Clara
would also have felt inclined to linger, had not a cer-
tain undefined, but fearful sensation of danger, dwelt
on her mind all the time they stayed. She strove to
shake it off, as an unreasonable apprehension: but,
notwithstanding all her efforts, she experienced an
inexpressible relief, when the last of the party was
under the archway, on their return to the western
side. It seemed to her as if they had all escaped
.some great and imminent peril.128 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

They were returning from their usual walk one
evening, when Eliza requested that they might just
step into the Mission Chapel, to fetch her Bible,
which she had forgotten there the previous Sunday.
Clara consented, but, as the chapel was shut, they
went to the Mission-house to obtain admittance.
They found Mr. Rushbrook in conversation with
two Spanish gentlemen; and, as they requested to
see the Iglesia Protestante, the whole party en-
tered the chapel together. Eliza’s Bible was soon
found, but their attention was immediately fixed, by
the lively interest evinced by the Spaniards in every
thing they saw.

«« How very simple your churches are,’’ said one.
‘I do not allude to the architecture, for, in that par-
ticular, the more ancient of them are doubtless more
like ours; but you have no paintings, no statues, no
magnificent altars, and the pulpit seems to be an ob-
ject of chief importance among you.”’

“That is, sefior, because one of the principal
functions of our ministry is to preach the gospel,
and we are anxious that our people should hear
it with all reverence, and receive it, not as the
word of man, but, as it is in truth, the word of
God.”

“It strikes me very forcibly,’’ observed the other
Spaniard, a pale, melancholy-looking young man,
“that your preaching is essentially different from that
of our priests. You do not terrify and anathematize
your people as they do; your doctrine is much more
consoling than that of our church.”

“It cannot be otherwise,” replied Mr. Rushbrook;THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 129

“for, although we are bound to declare the judgment
of God against sin, we are also commanded to hold
forth the blessed invitations, promises, and consola-
tions of the gospel, to all those who truly repent, and
turn to God.”

“TJ allude chiefly, sefior,’? resumed the Spaniard,
“to the different doctrines of your church and ours,
with regard to the state of departed souls. You do
not believe in purgatory.”

‘God forbid we should believe in any such fable,
senor! ‘There is not the least foundation for that
dogma in the word of God; nay, it was not even
embraced by your church, till the period when it
became utterly corrupt and perverted. It is a well-
known relic of heathenism, and a most abominable
imposition on the consciences of men, in order to
have the command of their purse.”

The stranger seemed affected, and Mr. Rushbrook
continued speaking with much energy, exposing
with great clearness the falsehood and wickedness
of the dogma, and exhibiting, at the same time, the
superior beauty and comfort of the gospel-doctrine;
which, instead of involving death in a cloud of gloom
and terror, invested it, to the Christian, with the
light and glory of immediate blessedness. He was
animated with his subject, and might have continued
speaking for a much longer time, had he not been
arrested by the excessive emotion of his hearer, who
had laid his head on the side of a pew, and was
weeping and sobbing like a child. His companion
made a sign to the party, that it would be best to
leave him alone for a few minutes, and they accord-
12*130 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

ingly ascended to the gallery, to examine the small
organ.

When there, he explained the cause of his friend’s
agitation, by informing them that he had recently
lost a beloved brother, a priest, who had died the
victim of that very system of doubt and gloom, under
which the apostate church of Rome strives to keep
her truly conscientious members.

«¢My friend’s brother,’’ said he, was a good and
holy man, and, from an anxious desire to please God,
had adopted a life of peculiar and unusual devotion,
penance, and mortification. He lived so holily and
blamelessly, and devoted himself so assiduously to
the duties of his ministry, that his people actually
idolized him; and all who knew him ealled him an
angel upon earth. To obtain the pardon of his sins,
he fasted, wept, and prayed night and day; mangled
his body with frequent discipline, and allowed him-
self neither rest nor comfort. Yet he could find no
peace in all these performances; the more he strove
to expiate his sins, the more inexpiable did they
seem to him; the more he sought to appease his con-
science by self-inflicted tortures, the more intolerable
grew the sense of unpardoned guilt. Every body
praised him, but he abhorred himself, and was mise-
rable. His health at length sunk under this load of
mental anguish; he drooped and died, without one
ray of hope appearing to break on the gloom of his
mind; his people and his friends wept for him as a
saint; but he departed with all the horrors of pur-
gatory before his eyes. His brother has not yet re-
covered from the affliction, and the subject always
affects him in this way.”’THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 131

“Tt is, indeed, sefior, a most affecting history,”
observed Mr. Rushbrook; “and a forcible comment
on the detestable dogma of purgatory. Oh, had that
poor sufferer known the gospel, how different would
have been his life! how different his death! He
would then have known, that ‘the blood of Jesus
Christ cleanseth from all sin,’ and, instead of vainly
attempting to work out a fighteousness of his own,
and making his life miserable, by self-inflicted tor-
ments, might have been led to trust implicitly in
that all-sufficient Saviour who is ‘able to save to the
uttermost all that come unto God by Him.’ ”

The other gentleman now joined them, and, after
apologizing for his emotion, took a hasty leave, ac-
companied by his friend. The young party were
very much affected, and, returning to the Mission-
house, continued some time in conversation on the
subject, Mr. Rushbrook remarked, that it was not
uncommon to meet with somewhat similar instances
of truly devout Romanists being “all their lifetime
subject to bondage,”’ and kept in a state of constant
misery, through an invincible consciousness of the
utter insufficiency of all their doings to accomplish
their own salvation, and the horrid idea of the tor-
ments of purgatory.

The young ladies said, they thought the self-in-
flictions of the Roman Catholics were very much
like those they had read of, as practised by the idola-
trous Hindoos.

“They are very similar in many instances,” re-
plied Mr. Rushbrook; “and evidently spring from
the same source. They are unenlightened nature’s
only answer to the importunate question of an awa-132 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

kened conscience, ‘ Wherewithal shall I come before
the Lord, and bow myself before the High God?’
There are every where some of those persons who
aim either at the reality, or the reputation, of peculiar
sanctity; they are called beatos, or beatas, and some
of them really seem as if they would emulate the
poor Hindoo devotees. There is a lady at San
Roque, who has been known to place herself on her
knees before a crucifix, with her head raised, her
eyes fixed upon it, and her arms extended towards
it, and to remain in that posture, without the slight-
est change or motion, for a whole hour! The ex-
treme pain attending these senseless exhibitions is
considered meritorious, and thus the poor deluded
votaries expect to propitiate Heaven, and to shorten
their term of suffering in purgatory.”

‘Don’t you think, Miss Neville,’ said Eliza, as
they were returning home, “ that the poor priest we
have been hearing about this evening was very much
like Father Clement?”

“Oh, yes, yes!’ exclaimed all the girls, and Clara
acquiesced in the opinion, adding, that had the cir-
cumstances been less recent, she could almost have
fancied that the authoress had drawn from that very
character.

«You will think me almost as poetical as yourself,
Eliza,” said Cecilia, “ when I tell you it forcibly re-
calls to my mind a beautiful verse of Bishop Heber’s,
which I learned long ago.”

“ Thou art gone to the grave, and, its mansion forsaking,
Perchance thy tried spirit in doubt lingered long ;
But the sunshine of heaven beamed bright on thy waking,
And the sound which thou heard’st was the seraphim’s song.”CHAPTE RX.

ALGEZIRAS,.

Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin isa reproach to any
people.—Provenrgs xiv. 34,

Ir was now the middle of summer. The heat
had become intense, and all walking was impossible,
till six or seven o’clock in the evening. Clara and
the whole family felt it very much, and found its
effects on their constitution extremely debilitating.
From ten in the morning, till five at night, the
soldiers were shut up in the barracks, and strictly
prohibited from going out on any account whatever.
Every blade of grass, every plant on the Rock, was
scorched up by the sun, and the whole surface of
Gibraltar was one brown, arid aspect of barrenness,
The heat reflected by the parched rock was almost
intolerable, and as the sun, declining towards the
west, darted his rays full upon the town, the inhabi-
tants sought refuge from the burning atmosphere,
even to the exclusion of light and air. The dark
jatousies were drawn close over the windows, and
the Spanish stesta became a welcome relief to the
oppressed and exhausted frame.

So universal is this custom in Spain, that the very
workmen and labouregs regularly avail themselves of
it. They may be seen any where, at mid-day, eating134 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

the frugal dinner they have brought with them,
which generally consists of bread and garlic, some-
times with the addition of oil; then laying them-
selves down in any place where they have a little
shade, and sleeping till three o’clock, when, at the
sound of a bell, they start up, and resume their work
till six or seven,

What renders the heat so very oppressive, is the
total stagnation of the air. The bay, being enclosed
by the mountains of Andalusia, over which the sun
pours his unclouded radiance, has not the advantage
of those cooling sea breezes which, in other places,
allay the fervours of an almost tropical heat; so that
one is often compelled even to gasp for breath, while
a constant perspiration covers the whole body. The
scene, indeed, is sometimes varied by the visits of
the east wind, which wraps the Rock in mist, con-
céals the sun, and brings with it a cooling, clammy
moisture. ‘This wind, however, is by no means
popular with the inhabitants. It is the same which,
in Malta, is called the sctrocco, though much milder
in its character and effects. It is, certainly, in many
respects, unpleasant; for it whirls the dust about in
suffocating clouds, and its clammy touch, alternately
chilling the frame, and enervating it with a sensation
of distressing sultriness, often has an injurious in-
fluence on the nervous system. It is said to be very
unhealthy, and every kind of indisposition during its
continuance is, without hesitation, attributed to its
influence. Even the mind and temper are supposed
to be affected by it; the inhabitants complain of low
spirits, languor, and a general disorganization of allTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 135

their faculties; and Clara was often extremely amused,
by being-gravely asked, whether she did not find her
pupils very idle, peevish, and troublesome, during
the prevalence of the “Levanter.?? She could not,
indeed, bring any such charge against it, for, on the
contrary, she rather found ita relief from the ex-
cessive heat, which she felt convinced had a most
enervating effect on the constitution. The mosqui-
toes, too, were a very great torment, and made every
one look forward with pleasure to the approach of
autumn, when the mild temperature of the climate
would once more prevail.

Colonel Wentworth had promised his family, that,
before the season of the vintage, he would take them
to see the vineyards on the Andalusian mountains;
and the young people took care that he should not
forget his promise. At the proper time, therefore,
a small party was made up, of which Inesilla formed
one, and a boat was hired for the occasion. It was
to transport them across the bay, first to one of the
vineyards, and afterwards to Algeziras, which they
intended to take the opportunity of exploring.

Mr. Rushbrook advised them to take tracts for dis-
tribution, and supplied them with a large quantity in
the Spanish language, which they disposed about
their persons, and resolved to smuggle over, as the
introduction of all foreign books is prohibited in
Spain. They set out very early in the morning, to
avoid the heat, and after a lazy sail across, landed at
a small creek, called Sandy Bay, at the foot of one
of those picturesque mountains that bound the coast
of Andalusia. ‘The ascent was rather steep at first,magne ar aren

  

136 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

but soon became delightful, from the profusion of
beautiful wild flowers that entirely covered it. Al-
most every flower, cultivated in English gardens,
was blooming there with a luxuriance scarcely known
in more northern climates. Geraniums, lavender,
scabious, myrtle, anemones, and an infinite variety
of other summer beauties, literally carpeted the sides
of the hill, while, a little higher, it was covered with
luxuriant vines, not supported, or propped, or trained
in any way, but spreading and running wild over the
ground, in all the freedom of their nature. Their
rich clusters of grapes, of a size that seems almost in-
credible to those who have not seen it, were lying
on the ground in blushing confusion, ripening in the
fervid heat of their native clime, and seeming to in-
vite the hand -to cull their luxurious sweets. They
were not then quite ripe, but their size astonished
our travellers, and their surprise was increased by
Inesilla’s assuring them, that in their perfect state,
they often weighed fifteen, twenty, or sometimes
twenty-five pounds. :

They climbed up, through this wilderness of
beauty and fertility, to the house of the vine-dresser,
which was situated most beautifully, commanding a
fine view of the bay, and the opposite fortress of
Gibraltar. Here they were politely accommodated
with a booth, formed of branches and leaves, inter-
twined with wicker-work, where they sat down with
extreme satisfaction, to enjoy the solid breakfast
which they had brought with them. The grapes
were not ripe enough to form a part of their dainties,
but they had a profusion of most delicious figs, toTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 137

which they were by no means slow in doing justice.
Their situation, in the mean time, was most delight-
ful; a sky of the purest, deepest azure above their
heads, a prospect of Singular magnificence spread
around them, and the richest gifts of nature lying in
wild abundance at their feet. Well might their
spirits rise, their hearts expand, and an overwhelm-
ing sensation of gratitude and delight take possession
of all their senses.
After breakfast, Inesilla obtained permission from
the mistress of the establishment for the English
ladies to visit her cottage. It was most politely
granted, and she herself took them over the place,
and showed them every thing they wished to see,
which not a little gratified their curiosity. The
house consisted of three rooms, which were very
clean and tidy; but Clara could not help reflecting,
as she looked at the furniture, which consisted only
of a few indispensable articles, how different it was
from an English cottage of even a much lower grade,
where English habits have made absolute necessaries
of a great many things which in Spain are entirely
unknown, There was certainly no appearance of
what we call comfort; no curtains, either to the
beds or windows, no mats, no display of crockery-
ware, no bright kitchen utensils, no looking-glass of
any sort or size, no books, no clean fire-place, for
they burn nothing but charcoal in poéles, and the
climate is so mild, that they seldom require it, except
for cooking. There was nothing to be seen but
naked brick floors, equally naked walls of the sang
materials, beds, or rather mattresses, covered with a
13i38 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

sheet, or coloured cotton counterpane, a few chairs
of the most common description, two or three culi-
nary utensils, and one table.

They were then shown the wine-press, where the
grapes are trodden. It was very much like a cider-
press, but their attention was attracted by a pair of
the shoes which are used in pressing the juice from
the grapes. They are made of twisted bass-weed,
which they call soga; the soles are about an inch
thick. These they put on, and then stand in the
press, and crush the grapes with their feet. The
juice runs, through a spout, into a tub or vat, from
whence it is drawn out into another, for the purpose
of clearing, fermenting, &c.

On their return from this investigation, the young
ladies distributed a number of tracts to several Spa-
niards, who were sitting or lounging about the house.
These they gratefully received, and immediately set
about reading them. The good woman of the house
then offered to take them up the hill, to see some
beautiful bowers covered with vines, and two foun-
tains of remarkably pure water, of which they drank,
and found it very refreshing. On coming down
from this excursion, they politely thanked their kind
hostess for her attention, but felt at a loss whether
they should offer her money, as her appearance was
very respectable. She soon, however, extricated
them from this dilemma, by expressing a great wish
for some of their tracts. These they gladly gave
her, and she was evidently so much gratified by the
qift, that they were delignted so see so great a desire
for instruction existed, among the natives of poor
benighted Spain.

pte nen tenn A pean oe aeTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 139

In the mean time, others of the party had been
climbing almost to the summit of the mountain, and
found it covered with plum, fig, and mulberry trees,
growing wild in the greatest luxuriance; they loaded
themselves with these delicious fruits, and then re-
joined their friends, who were now preparing, though
not without considerable reluctance, to depart from
this delightful spot.

They now re-entered their boat and sailed to Al-
geziras. Arriving there during the greatest heat of
the day, they were compelled to take refuge, for
some hours, at an hotel, till the approach of evening
would enable them to walk through the town. Here
they were joined by an English gentleman, who had
been residing there a short time, and had already ac-
costed them on their first landing.

<‘T have just seen his excellency, the governor of
the town,”’ said he, “and he expresses a great wish
to see you and your family. I would, therefore,
advise you immediately to pay him a visit, as it is a
compliment which he expects.”

Mrs. Wentworth objected, that they were not
dressed for such a visit, and the Colonel observed,
that they had not yet dined, and were hungry from
their sea-voyage. Mr. Barton, however, would not
hear of any delay, and urged them so much, that
they at last consented to go. They were received with
true Spanish courtesy, and a sumptuous entertain-
ment set before them; this, however, consisted en-
tirely of sweetmeats, according to the fashion of the
country, and, consequently, was not very satisfac-
tory to them. The conversation was rather difficult,140 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

owing to their imperfect knowledge of the Spanish;
but the governor and his lady seemed bent on doing
their guests the utmost honour; they offered them the
use of their house, assured them that both it and
every thing it contained were entirely at their ser-
vice, and begged they would favour them by accept-
ing every thing they saw that pleased them. The
visiters had, fortunately, been previously informed
that this was a mere common form of Spanish eti-
quette, which meant literally nothing; they were,
therefore, prepared to decline these munificent offers
with suitable acknowledgments,

When they rose to take their leave, their excel-
lencies inquired at what time it would be agreeable
for them to return the visit? The colonel and Mrs.
Wentworth, of course, replied, that they should be
delighted to see their excellencies at any time that
might suit them; upon which, to their utter amaze-
ment, five o’clock the same evening was fixed upon
for doing them that honour. Confounded as they
felt by this unexpected arrangement, there was,
however, nothing to be done, but to express them-
selves highly flattered; and they hurried back to
their hotel to make what preparations they could for
receiving their distinguished guests, with a similar
entertainment ta that which had been set before
them. This they had scarcely time to do, and their
own dinner was, of course, out of the question,
The ladies, accompanied by the colonel, went in
search of pastrycooks’ and confectioners’ shops, and,
after some difficulty in procuring what they wanted,
were returning through the public Square, when
Inesilla hastily drew them aside, into a by-street,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 141

The colonel, who had stopped for an instant to look
at the fountain in the centre, was surprised, on turn-
ing round, to find his party had disappeared, but,
on glancing at the opposite side of the square, he
was at no loss to account for their flight. Inexpres-
sibly was he shocked to see a large number of chil-
dren, some of them entirely naked, and the others
with scarcely a rag on them, playing with much ap-
parent glee, and seeming quite unconscious that
there was any thing singular in their appearance.
The colonel stood for a moment, as if riveted to the
spot, then followed his family down the road they
had taken.

He found it impossible, during the ensuing visit,
to refrain from mentioning the subject to a Spanish
gentleman in the governor’s suite, who spoketolerable
English. Hereplied with the most perfect sang froid,
that there was nothing at all uncommon in the dis-
graceful exhibition he had witnessed, and that the
same thing might be seen any day in Algeziras.

“Those unfortunate children,’? he said, “are
foundlings, deserted by their parents, and brought
up in the hospital established for that purpose. They
are put into a basket outside, and, on the ringing of
a bell, are taken in without any inquiry. The terms of
admission being so easy, the house is always crowded
with these poor little creatures; they are kept there
till the age of seven, when they are turned out to
get their own livelihood, and, being scarcely able to
do that, are consequently still less likely to obtain
clothing, except from the occasional charity of private
individuals.”?

13%142 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“ But, my dear sir, this is a most dreadful state
of things. These foundling hospitals are great en-
couragements to licentiousness, great promoters of
vace.??

The Spaniard shrugged his shoulders, and replied,
“What you say, sefior, is very true; they do encou-
rage vice, and I am sorry to say licentiousness is so
general, so almost universal in Algeziras, that very
few of the people think it worth their while to marry,
or in any way provide for their children, when there
is So convenient a mode of disposing of them.”

“ But the poor infants,’ asked the colonel, “are
they properly taken care of, in those institutions
which so readily receive them ?”’

“TI cannot say much for the care taken of them,”
replied the Spaniard, with another shrug; “the great
number of them makes it necessary to manage as
economically as possible, and four or five of them are
frequently given to one woman to nurse. The con-
sequence is, that the great majority of them die in
infaney, and it is well that they do, for otherwise it
would be impossible to receive the continual influx
of new-comers,”’

“It is poor charity,”? observed the colonel, indig-
nantly, “to rescue these unhappy babes from one
death, only to expose them to a more lingering one
from such heartless neglect, and, if their constitution
should be sufficiently robust to resist and live through
it all, to turn them out into the streets at the tender
age of seven, with no alternative before them but to
starve, beg, or steal.’’

“It is very sad certainly, sefior, but what elseTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 143

could be done? And the urchins, in general, get on
much better than you might expect. They do, it is
true, both beg and steal, but very few of them starve;
on the contrary, they manage to live a tolerably
merry life, notwithstanding all the disadvantages by
which they are surrounded.”?

The colonel could scarcely conceal his disgust at
his visiters’ code of morality; he therefore dropped
the subject, and the distinguished party soon after
took their leave, with many expressions of high
esteem and consideration for their new acquain-
tances.

The family now began to hope that they might be
permitted to satisfy their long-repressed hunger, and
were just proceeding to order dinner, when they were
most disagreeably interrupted, by the entrance of the
proprietor of the boat.

“It is half-past six, sefior, and, therefore, high
time that we should re-embark. The wind is against
us, we shall have a hard tug across the bay, and, if
we delay five minutes, we may not be able to reach
Gibraltar before the shutting of the gates.’

The party looked at each other, in inexpressible
disappointment, but there was no gainsaying the ar-
guments of the boatman. One minute after eight
o’clock would shut them inexorably out of the for-
tress, and compel them either to return, or remain
all night in the bay, a prospect which was by no
means agreeable. They, therefore, hastily provided
themselves with whatever portable refreshments they
could find, and, after leaving a large number of tracts
at the hotel, hurried back to the water-side.144 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

They could obtain but a very cursory glance at the
town, which is a tolerably pretty one, and rendered
more so by the usual Spanish custom of painting all
the houses white, which gives it an appearance of
cleanliness it would not otherwise possess.

“ Look, Inesilla,”’ said Cecilia, as they were pass-
ing through one of the streets, “ who is that man
with the strange-looking hat? I never saw any thing
like it, the brim is at least two feet in length!”’

“It is a priest,” replied Inesilla: “did you never
see them before with those ugly hats? But no, you
could not; they do not wear them at Gibraltar, for
I suppose they are afraid of being laughed at by the
Einglish.”’

The party now embarked, on their return to the
Rock, highly amused with the adventures of the day,
yet feeling, in no slight degree, the effects of the
long fast to which they had been compelled. The
wind was contrary, and the sea somewhat agitated ;
the boatmen, therefore, had hard work to reach Gib-
—raltar in time. Several times, indeed, they almost
despaired of gaining their object, and were on the
point of giving up all exertion; but the encourage-
ments of the colonel, and the entreaties of the chil-
dren, spurred them to renewed efforts, and they at
last had the satisfaction of landing at Gibraltar, just
one minute before the gate was closed. Their ex-
cursion to Algeziras furnished them with many sub-
jects for mirth in after days, besides being merrily
discussed that evening, with the comfortable meal
they at length obtained to satisfy their craving ap-
petites, which by that time had become ravenous for
want of solid food.

 

ce : OCI SAE Ray TN rena attire osTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS, 145

It was not many days after this, that a young lady
lent them a book, in which they became deeply in-
terested. It was the “ Memoirs of the Reverend
William Barber,” a Wesleyan missionary, who, af-
ter having laboured with much zeal for four years at
Gibraltar, died of the yellow fever, which raged there
fearfully in 1828. The book is extremely interest-
ing, and became tenfold so to the young people, from
its description of scenes and localities by which they
were surrounded. Mr. Barber was a most devoted
missionary, and fell a victim to his indefatigable ex-
ertions among the dead and dying soldiers, having
been officially requested to perform the duties of the
garrison chaplain, who had already been carried off
by the dreadful disease.

“ Miss Neville!”’ exclaimed Isabella, laying down
the book, which she had been for some time atten-
tively perusing, “I do not think you ever heard or
read any thing more horribly blasphemous than what
is contained here, If you will allow me, I will read
it for your benefit.” She then read several pages, of
which the following is the substance.

Mr. Barber, who was most anxious for the salva-
tion of the poor benighted Spaniards, and had stu-
died their language in the hope of being useful to
them, had crossed over to Algeziras, and was one day
walking through the town, when, from an impulse of
curiosity, he entered a shop, in which were exposed
for sale a variety of toys, many of them of a religious
character. His attention was attracted by a small
box, the lid of which was formed in rays, and he
inquired what the use of it was? The proprietor146 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

crossed himself, reverentially kissed the finger and
thumb with which he had touched the box, and re-
plied, in a tone of solemnity, “ Hs Dios!” “It is
God!’ Mr. Barber then understood that it was a
pix, but, shocked as he was at the answer, he could
not forbear asking the meaning of another toy, which
- represented a man on his knees, at the foot of a tree,
ei |. and looking up to a clumsy angel, who was perched
. on one of its branches. The reply to his inquiry
caused him a shudder of horror; “ Es Dios, rogando
al anjel, para que le ayudase a sostener sus tormentos
en la huerta.”” “It is God, praying to the angel to
help him to bear his sufferings in the garden !”’

“Well, Miss Neville, is it not shocking?’ in-
quired the children; “ what do you think of it?”

“T think,” replied Clara, “that it is no wonder
| the poor deluded people should honour saints and
| angels more than God himself, when they are told
a that the ALMigutTy REDEEMER craved help from one
| of his own creatures. Oh, popery! what an awful
lie art thou!?’
if “‘Well might Mr. Norton say, the other day,’’
q observed Eliza, “when somebody remarked that the
Spaniards paid no regard to truth, ‘ How can they
be expected to know or value truth, when their very
religion is a lie ?? ”?

Mr. Rushbrook’s chapel requiring some indispen-
sable repairs, he was obliged to have divine service
in two large rooms, which had been hired for the
| | purpose. Our young ladies attended at one of those
oat places; for, although they generally went to the

1 ae church every Sunday, they loved also to avail them-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 147

selves of Mr. Rushbrook’s clear, simple, and faith-
ful preaching. On this occasion, they were much
struck with the novelty of the scene. The room in
which divine service was performed, was in the
house of aJew. The door and windows being left
open for air, the devout petitions of the Litany, and
the other sublime and beautiful prayers of the
Church of England, were distinctly heard through-
out the whole building. On the ground-floor and
stairs, several Jews were lounging; while, in a room
exactly opposite, the door of which was also open,
some Moors, seated on the floor, were gravely
smoking their pipes. On the roof of the house,
which, according to Spanish custom, was open in the
centre, a Jewish tabernacle was conspicuously placed;
and, on the opposite side of the narrow street, was
plainly seen a small private Romish chapel, through
the uncurtained windows of which appeared an ele-
gantly decorated altar, an image of the Virgin, and
a crucifix. Thus, within the space of afew yards,
might be seen Judaism, Mahomedanism, Romanism,
and Protestantism. Such a sight, perhaps, could not
be witnessed in any part of the world besides Gib-
raltar.

After the service, Mr. and Mrs. Rushbrook took
them up to the roof, to inspect the tabernacle. It
was composed of boughs, interwoven together, hung
with white drapery, and ornamented with pomegra-
nates, and other fine fruit. In the interior was
placed a long table, at which, faithful to their an-
cient law, the Jewish family took all their meals,
during the seven days of the feast of tabernacles.148 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS:

As there are few houses with gardens, in the town
of Gibraltar, the Jews always erect these tabernacles
on the roofs of their dwellings, and, as they form a
considerable portion of the population, these nume-
rous light and graceful arbours have an exceedingly
picturesque effect on the landscape.

Colonel Wentworth had promised his children to
show them the excavations in the Rock, before the
end of the dry season; and the present time being
favourable, they set out, with Clara and Inesilla, to
explore these wonderful monuments of British power
and enterprise. There are two rows of these galle-
ries, one over the other, and the upper one Is situ-
ated about half way up the Rock. They are entire-
ly artificial, and the spectator cannot but feel amazed,
at the amount of money and labour which must have
been employed to perforate the Rock through its
very centre, and form two wide vaulted passages, of
eleven hundred yards each in length. There are
Openings at regular distances, in which are placed
cannon of a formidable size: and thus a complete
command is obtained of the neutral ground between
Spain and Gibraltar, of the town of San Roque, and
the Mediterranean, on the eastern side.

The whole party were lost in admiration of this
stupendous work, and the children greatly enjoyed
the pleasure of running through those gloomy-look-
ing galleries, and hearing their voices repeated by a
thousand echoes from the very heart of the Rock.
They noticed one part which was somewhat dilapi-
dated, and the colonel informed them that it was the
effect of a dreadful explosion, which had occurredTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 149

Some time before, while a gun was being tried, and
by which the poor soldiers employed in it had been
literally blown to pieces, and precipitated into the
bay. All present shuddered at the catastrophe, and
the young ladies’ mirth was considerably damped.

“Look, papa,” said Augusta, “what a beautiful
cluster of Kandy tuft there is, growing in that small
cleft of the Rock, a few feet below this port-hole!
Oh how I wish I could get it! If Wilson were here,
I think he could manage to reach it.”

“My dear child,” replied the colonel, « you do
indeed speak in utter ignorance of the subject. The
distance completely deceives your eyes; the Sew feet,
at which you imagine that tempting flower to be, are
certainly not less than fifteen or twenty; and 1 would
not, on any account, suffer a human being to risk his
life in so perilous an attempt. You remind me of a
story I once read, with reference to this place, but
which is, I believe, a pure fiction.”

‘Oh, tell it us, papa, do tell it us!” exclaimed all
the young ladies, gathering round him,

“ T certainly will, since you wish it; but remem-
ber that 1 by no means vouch for its truth. A young
lady, the daughter of an officer in the garrison, had
two suitors, the one in the army, the other in the
civil service; she preferred the former, and the day
was fixed for their marriage. The civilian, stung
with jealousy and disappointment, resolved to avenge
himself by destroying his successful rival, who, not
suspecting his enmity, furnished him with what he
considered a good opportunity, by consenting to take
a walk with him to the top of the rock. To avoid
14mati, . ” RAS axe ; =; es a : oe

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150 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

suspicion, the intended murderer did not set out
with him, but, pretending to be detained by some
business, promised to meet him at a certain spot on
the road. He then went up by a different path,
which would bring him to the same point; but, not-
withstanding his most diligent search, he could not
find the object of his murderous intention, and, there-
fore, after waiting a long time, returned to the town.
In the mean time, the oficer was missing, and, after
several days, suspicion fell upon him, notwithstand-
ing all his precaution, for he was the last person who
had been seen with him; he had been obseryed lot-
tering about the place where the unfortunate officer
had disappeared, and he was known to have uttered
expressions of hatred, and threats of vengeance
against him. He was, therefore, seized, tried, and,
notwithstanding his protestations of innocence, con-
demned on presumptive evidence, and executed,
Before his death, however, he confessed the whole
truth, and acknowledged that he deserved his fate;
for, though not actually guilty of this murder, he
had been so in intention, and had, besides, commit-
ted another some years before, of which he had ne-
ver been suspected.

‘‘ After his execution, therefore, much doubt rest-
ed on the minds of many persons, respecting the
fate of the missing officer. One of his friends, who
felt very uneasy on the subject, dreamed two or
three times successively, that he was rowing in ‘the
Mediterranean, and saw him beckoning to him, from
one of the inaccessible fissures in the eastern preci-
pice. This dream he at first disregarded; but, onTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 151

its repetition, he was so deeply impressed by it, that
he took a boat, and rowed to the Spot pointed out
by his sleeping fancy, and, to his great joy, actually
saw an arm beckoning from a chasm in the preci-
pice! It. was the unfortunate officer, who had fallen
over, in consequence of a stone’s giving way, while
he was attempting to reach a cluster of flowers, —
probably similar to those you were just now covet-
ing, Augusta. He had been stunned, and much in-
jured by the fall, but, on recovering his senses, had
contrived to exist for, I believe, ten or eleven days,
on the herbs and roots that grew near the spot, till
his arm, frequently held up as a signal, (for even his
head could not be seen,) was thus providentially
made the means of his deliverance. He was taken
up with cords, for his hiding-place was inaccessible ;
and I need scarcely add, that after this miraculous
escape from more than one kind of death, he was
soon united to his once inconsolable, but now happy
betrothed.”’

“Qh, papa, what a delightful, romantic story! We
dare say it is all true;—why should it not? You
know truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.’

“TI do not think it can be, my dear; for, indepen-
dent of its romantic character, I have inquired of se-
veral of the oldest residents in the place, and no one
remembers any thing of it. But come, 1 must show
you St. George’s Hall; therefore leave off admiring
those inaccessible flowers, and prepare to ascend this
staircase.

The party did so, and, on arriving at the top,
found themselves in a spacious apartment, three hun-oi nd me cere iSight

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

152 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

   

dred feet long, cut in the solid rock, and having se
veral openings for windows, in each of which was
planted a cannon. The colonel informed them that
this stupendous hall was frequently used by pic-nie
parties to dine and dance in, and that even balls had
often been given in it.

After they had sufficiently examined St. George’s
Hall, another flight of stairs introduced them to a
platform of the rock, from whence they had a com-
manding view of all the beauties of the surrounding
perspective. They were surprised to see the sum-
mit of the mountain enveloped in a thick white mist,
which seemed slowly descending towards the town.
The young ladies inquired what it meant, when Ine-
silla laughingly informed them, that “the Rock was
only putting on its night-cap.’

“ Its night-cap, Inesilla! what can you mean

“It is a common saying,” observed the colonel,
“ which signifies that the east wind is coming on.
Come, my children, let us make haste to descend, or
we shall be involved in its noxious vapours, which

are, perhaps, not very healthy at this time of the
a?

392

day

“ Oh yes,”’ replied Cecilia, “let us make haste, or
we may suffer both in our health and our tempers,
which would be very sad, after all the fine things we
have seen to-day.”A AIT NT -~

 

CHAPTER XI.
GREEK SUPERSTITIONS.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that, in the latter times,
some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits,
and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy.—1 Timorny
iv. 1,.2.

THE heats of summer, and the pleasant days of
autumn, were now past, and the short season of win-
ter, if it may be called such in that beautiful climate,
was fast approaching. It consists, however, chiefly
of rain, which is certainly very heavy; but ice is
seldom seen, and snow never, except on the tops of
high mountains, Clara and her pupils highly en-
joyed the mildness of the weather, and were much
amused by hearing the natives, and those who had
resided some time on the Rock, loudly complaining
of the cold. Their constitutions had become so en-
ervated from the heat, that the two or three winter
months were felt by them almost as keenly as the
severe cold of northern climates is felt by their in-
habitants.

It was impossible to go out in the rain, for it is
not, as in England, a soft, gently falling shower, but a
torrent, which wets you through in five minutes. The
young ladies, thus unavoidably confined to the house,
endeavoured to improve the time to the utmost, for
14*i
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154 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

the advancement of their different studies. It would
be too much to say, that Clara had no trouble with
them; she certainly had many little trials to endure,
from their different tempers, and from the natural
opposition of the human mind to-whatever is good;
but, with the divine blessing on her gentle and per-
severing efforts, she was enabled to correct much
that was evil, to implant good habits, and to acquire
that influence over their judgment and affections,
which she trusted would eventually be blessed both
to their temporal and spiritual welfare. They took
great delight in studying the Scriptures, and she de-
rived much encouragement from the hope, that, if
the good seed did not now bring forth good fruit, it
would one day spring up, to the glory of Him who
has promised, “ My word shall not return unto me
void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and
it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it.’
Christmas day was, with the Romish inhabitants,
a season of mingled riot and devotion. About eight

_ the preceding evening, the bells rang a noisy peal,

when the multitude flocked to the church, to wit-
ness the beginning of those superstitions which were
to last all night. After bowing to the idols there set
up for a blind worship, they retired, to spend the
night in the most senseless riot, and scandalous ex-
cesses. Dancing and revelling were universal in
every Spanish residence; but, not satisfied with
these, numbers of drunken and disorderly persons
paraded the streets all night, causing so much noise
and confusion, that the peaceable inhabitants found
it almost impossible to sleep, and were continuallyTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 155

reminded of the heathen practices prevalent among
the Hindoos, and the poor pagans of central Africa.
In the midst of these disgraceful orgies, the rioters
visited the church, after midnight, to rock the cradle
of the waxen Jesus, which was then exhibited, and
to pay their adorations to the senseless idol, and the
other dolls, representing Mary and Joseph!

So universal is the custom of thus commemorating
la noche buena, as the Spaniards call it, that they
would cheerfully fast for a month, or nearly starve
themselves for a much longer period, to secure the
means of rioting on that night. Nay, some would
even ruin themselves, in order then to revel in plen-
ty and excess; and Mrs. Rushbrook told Clara that
she had known a family in Malta, who actually sold
off their furniture, which was all they possessed,
that they might on that evening go to the opera and
masquerade. Thus it is, that idolatry and immora-
lity go hand in hand, among the votaries of the apos-
tate church.

The month of January had scarcely ushered in
another year, when a surprising and delightful change
gradually took place in the weather. The rains be-
came less frequent, the air soft and balmy, the sky
serene, and the whole surface of the Rock assumed,
in a short time, the appearance of early spring. The
grass, plants, and flowers, sprang up with almost mi-
raculous rapidity, and were soon blooming in the
most astonishing luxuriance. The whole scene was
one vast waste of nature’s own magnificence; the
Alameda again became a lovely and inviting prome-
nade, where every variety of shrub and flower at-FAERIE cacti eit

~~

  

156 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

tracted the admiration of the beholder; and the fa-
voured inhabitants of this delightful climate again
rejoiced in that profusion of blessings which the
hand of Providence has so abundantly scattered
around them.

Some friends of Colonel Wentworth’s, who had
been for several years stationed in different parts of
the Mediterranean, were now returning to England,
on leave of absence, and, on their way, were per-
suaded by him to spend some days with his family.
Captain and Mrs, Ellerton were decidedly pious
people, and Clara found their society very agreeable.
The children, also, were delighted with the anec-
dotes of different places, scenes, and characters, they
had met with in their travels, and in the different
countries where they had resided. One day, in the
course of conversation on the mummeries of the
Romish Church, Mrs. Ellerton related the following
scene, which she had witnessed in Sicily some years
before.

“It was the feast of la vara, and my curiosity led
me to see the procession. A part of the pageant
consisted of an enormous wire cage, which was
dragged through the streets, much in the same way,
I suppose, that the Hindoos draw the car of Jugger-
naut. On the top of it sat a man, dressed in long
flowing robes, and disguised with a white wig, and
a long bushy beard of the same colour. This auda-
cious wretch was presumptuously and blasphemous-
ly placed there, to personate the glorious, invisible,
and awful Jesovan Himsextr; Him “whom no eye
hath seen, or can see!’? By his side was seated theTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 157

most beautiful girl that could be found in the island,
who, with clasped hands, and up-turned eyes, per-
sonated the blessed Virgin, as ¢ queen of heaven!’
A little lower, were suspended brazen globes, repre-
senting stars, and made to revolve continually by
machinery; and to each of these were fastened four
beautiful children, whose parents had devoted them
to this office, either through mistaken devotion, or
in fulfilment of some vow. ‘These poor little crea-
tures were dressed in white, with wings, to repre-
sent angels; but were so terrified by their situation,
and so giddy with the constant whirling motion,
that they became objects of even distressing com-
passion to every feeling spectator. This enormous
machine, with its human cargo, was set on wheels,
and dragged through the town by the infatuated
multitude. I could not help fancying myself in the
streets of India, during the dreadful saturnalia of
Juggernaut: and the horrid clang of musical instru-
ments, which was intended to drown the terrified
screams of the helpless children, heightened the re-
semblance almost to reality. It only needed that the
kneeling votaries should throw themselves under the
wheels of the idol car, to complete the picture; but
a character almost as tragical was imparted to it, by
the distress and agony of the poor babes, which are
generally productive of extreme sickness, and not
unfrequently end in the death of the little victims,
sometimes even on the very spot.”’

Every one present was shocked at this account of
the cruel practices countenanced by the Romish
Church, and the young ladies remarked, that it wased ee A ater  eenmet p

genome ae Satta oar mcooaresmnon ine bebone marge

eg,

icmnene

Fates
semmemmneatiiinaeie
ol agence cate

  

158 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS,

quite as bad as that of the heathen who sacrificed
their children to Moloch.

“I saw another exhibition at Malta,’ pursued
Mrs. Ellerton, “a child, in one of the processions,
covered with a white sheep-skin, profusely orna-
mented with bows of blue ribbon in every direction;
and, on inquiring the reason of this singular costume,
I was told, with the most perfect sang froid, that
made my very soul shudder, that this fantastic exhi-
bition represented the Lams or Gop! !”

A pause of horror Succeeded this revolting ac-
count; every heart recoiled from the idea of such
daring blasphemy, At length, Clara broke the si-
lence, by asking Mrs. Ellerton, if she considered
the Greek Church less idolatrous and corrupt than
the Roman?

“JT am sorry to say,” replied she, “that the dif-
ference, if there be any, is very slight indeed; at
least, if I may judge from what I have seen and
heard, during the seven years we have resided in the
Tonian Islands. You may form some opinion of it,
from what I am going to tell you. While we were
at Corfu, we saw a great deal of their superstitions.
San Spiridione is the patron saint of the island, and
to him they pay great honour. This saint is no
other than a mummy, which they carry in procession
through the streets once a year, in order to sanctify
the town; and the poor deluded Greeks lay the sick
and afflicted in its path, in the firm belief that, if the
shadow of the idol can but rest on them, their cure
is certain !”?

“Besides this public yearly visit of the saint, heTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 159

is in the habit, (so say the priests,) of walking out
in the evening, though of course unseen, and bless-
ing the fields and vineyards; and his shoes are exhj-
bited, covered with dust in summer, or snow in
winter, after his walks over the mountains. Of
course, he requires a new pair every time, and the
priests appropriate to themselves those he has worn.”

“The Greek church is quite as fertile in legends
and miracles as the Roman, and the following story
may, I think, vie with any of them in absurdity. A
very devout woman was in the constant practice of
giving money to the priests, to procure masses for
the souls in purgatory. Her husband, who was not
of the same mind as herself, frequently took posses-
sion of the money which she intended to devote to
this purpose; in order, therefore, to secure it, she
adopted the expedient of burying it in a particular
spot in her garden, till she found an opportunity of
giving it into the hands of the priest. This she did
for some time, successfully, but one day her hoard
was stolen, whether by her husband or any one else
I know not, and she could no longer deposit it there
with safety, She afterwards planted a pomegranate
tree on this spot, and it sprang up with most mira-
culous rapidity, and, though it was out of season, was
soon loaded with beautiful fruit. She sent some of
the finest pomegranates, as a present, to the bishop,
and the right reverend father, on opening one of
them, found in every seed a@ human soul, which
had been rescued from purgatory by the masses
purchased with the good woman’s money, and now
flew away towards heaven, on being released from
their confinement! !”S o er a 5 wed ‘ ¢ S
eras a : rene Re <A el “a Frere RET 5g ee ee Seni AN aati. sane ae Lae sooo i EE Ses * - i - Boise
is WA OS NG Airy vi <oa) lm gabspede ts oh i os - maar ; é re ‘ ea a Lana c E , ‘ 3
ee nny a nla wes I oe ae : wiht he f eas - ve eeey
eens ein rr or a z] dic * ee = ek hl eRe no Pe.
. ere ee * OSE tlie big Sapte oc 3 : Se is ‘hese ae RE I ee SE A ae ee ‘Si
" = See eee a mee er 4 Py 4 F
mas eet oan sere am oy = ' 1
a¥ co “

 

    

THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

160

The young people laughed heartily at this ridicu-
lous legend, but they were all grieved to hear so sad
an account of the Greek church; for they had always
cherished the idea, that it was less corrupt and su-
perstitious than the Roman.

Clara’s pupils had long been soliciting, through
Inesilla’s intercession, that Mr. Rushbrook would
favour them with an account of his adventures while
travelling in Spain, and, one evening at last, as they
were all sitting round him, he consented to gratify
their curiosity.

“] must begin by telling you, my dear young
friends, that 1 have nothing exciting to relate,—no
wonderful escapes, or dangers that would freeze your
blood to hear. The few incidents of my narrative
may perhaps amuse you, but they are only such as
have happened to thousands, and contain in them-
selves nothing extraordinary.

«“ When I left home, to proceed to Madrid for the
first time, Mrs. Rushbrook and all my friends were
in dreadful anxiety about my safety; for, as is too
much the case with English persons in general, they
could associate with the name of Spain no ideas but
those of treachery, assassination, and extreme peril
of every kind. I was earnestly entreated, nay posi-
tively enjoined, to preserve the strictest incognito
throughout my journey, as they were fully convinced
that my character as a Protestant minister would
certainly, if known, involve me in some fearful dan-
ger. I promised all that was required, more, how-
ever, from the wish to soothe their apprehensions,
than from any entertained by myself,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 161

‘There is no regular road from Gibraltar to Cadiz;
I was, therefore, obliged to hire a guide, and ride
over the rough country in the best manner possible.
We reached Cadiz without any remarkable occur-
rence, having passed the night at an inn which, in
every respect, answered to the description of those
you may perhaps have read of in Don Quixote; for
the accommodations in travelling, and the general
state of the country, with regard to civilization, are
not materially altered, since that graphic work was
written. On entering the town, I felt my fears re-
buked, by the inscription on its gate; ‘The Lord
shall preserve thy coming in.’ I still resolved,
however, in obedience to my promise, to be very
cautious in my proceedings; and, when I found nry-
self seated in the diligence, with five or six Spanish
gentlemen, I avoided entering into conversation, lest
I should betray myself. They were all extremely
polite, and very desirous of overcoming my tacitur-
nity: they offered me wine, which I declined; they
then pressed me to accept of some pork, which
formed part of their provision, but with no better
success. I was still bent on preserving my promise
inviolate, and they were determined, though in the
most courteous manner, to find out who I was. My
refusal to taste either wine or pork seemed to au-
thorize a supposition, and one of them at length
asked me, ‘ Usted es Judio, sefior?’ (‘Are you-a
Jew, sir?’) ‘No, sefor,’? was my laconic reply, but
he was not thus to be put off. ‘Hs Frances? (‘Are
you a Frenchman?’) was the next question, which
I answered with another, ‘No, sewor.’ ‘What are

15

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
   
 
 

hee lessees162 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

you, then?’ demanded he, bluntly, but with the most
perfect good-humour. Thus pressed, I replied, that
I was an Englishman. ‘An Englishman!’ they all
exclaimed, ‘then you are a Protestant, and you must
oblige us with an account of your religion, of which
we really know nothing in Spain, and tell us in
what respect it differs from ours.’ This gave rise to
an animated, and most interesting conversation, in
which the opposite tenets of Protestantism and Po-
pery were freely discussed; and I found them will-
ing to hear, and ready to acknowledge, the errors of
the latter. I gradually forgot all my caution, con-
fessed myself a Protestant minister, and, instead of
dislike, prejudice, or rudeness, experienced the great-
est kindness and friendliness from them all. leven
contracted a sincere friendship with one of the party,
who is a doctor in the university of Madrid, and a
member of a noble family; a friendship which has
continued to this day. I was favourably received
by the authorities at Madrid, to whom I applied for
liberty to establish a Protestant school at Cadiz; and
concessions, tending to establish liberty of con-
science throughout the country, were promised me,
and would, I think, have been granted, had not sub-
sequent changes in the government rendered them
impracticable.

«¢ And so I have ever found it with the Spaniards;
the priests may rage and plot against us, and their
influence may, for a time, prevail; but their power,
over the great body of the people, is no more; a
Spaniard, generally speaking, is always kindly dis-
posed towards a Protestant, and ever the more so,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 163

in proportion as that Protestant is bold, candid, and
consistent, in the avowal of his own principles,
This, young ladies, was my first journey to Madrid,
and, though you may perhaps have found it devoid
of interest, I have told it you first, in order to con-
vince you that the horrible ideas too often associated
with the name of Spain, are, in the present day, ex-
ceedingly unjust.

“But, perhaps, you will find my next journey
more interesting, as it abounded with incidents of a
more stirring character. I went with the mail,
which is conveyed in a small cart, drawn by mules.
You will think this a very clumsy mode of travelling,
but it is, perhaps, the best, considering the rough
and imperfect state of the roads,

“The diligencias, or stage-coaches, in Spain, are
similar in shape to those used in France, but drawn
by eighteen or twenty mules, without reins, and
guided by men on foot, or on horseback, who run
and ride beside them, shouting, plying their whips,
and urging them on in every way they can. So
unsafe is travelling, that they are often attended by
a government guard, consisting of a troop of soldiers,
who must be well paid, and whose convenience must
be consulted; so that travelling by this conveyance
is both slow and expensive. I, therefore, preferred
the mail-cart, which, seldom taking passengers, and
being thus less an object of temptation to robbers, is
not so much in need of this troublesome guard.

“1 told you before, that, between this and Cadiz,
a distance of seventy miles, there is no road at all,

and there are only two small villages; so that those164 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

who travel thither see scarcely any human being in
their journey, unless they meet with robbers, of
whom there are several bands in the Andalusian
mountains. The inns, in every part of Spain, are
but poor straggling hovels, but are walled and barri-
cadoed like fortified castles. When a traveller gains
admittance into one of these, which he does not
always succeed in doing without difficulty, he is
secure from robbers during his stay; for, though it
is very probable he may there meet with the banditti
who infest the neighbourhood, and even sleep with
them on the same kitchen-floor, (for there are no
such accommodations as bed-rooms,) yet they will
not attack or rob him there. There is always an
understanding to that effect, between these gentle-
men and the innkeeper, by which means, travellers
fee] themselves secure while at the inns; and thus
the innkeeper’s interest is promoted, and that of
the robbers also, for they can then watch, select,
and follow their prey, as soon as they resume their
journey.

“When a troop of robbers attack a diligencia,
they begin by shooting the foremost mule, which
obliges the whole to stop; they then turn the tra-
vellers out, make them lie down flat on the ground,
ransack and plunder every thing, and afterwards, if
unopposed, let them goon. But, if they are afraid
of being pursued and overtaken through their means,
they turn the mules loose, burn the carriage, and
leave the travellers to make their way as best they
can. Should any one be mad enough to resist, his
death, and perhaps that of the others also, would beTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 165

the inevitable consequence. This must be under-
stood, of course, of those cases in which the party
have not provided themselves with a government
guard. If there are any of the passengers, from
whose appearance they conclude that there is any
probability of a handsome ransom, they take him
prisoner, compel him to give them an order on some
friend, and despatch one of their own number to get
the money. This being obtained, they liberate their
prisoner; but, if it is refused, or any means used to
detain their emissary, they instantly put their cap-
tive to death. This law of theirs is so certain, and
so well known, that no one ever thinks of resisting
their demands, and they carry on these negotiations
with the utmost boldness and effrontery.”’

“But the law, Mr. Rushbrook,?? exclaimed the
young people, “why does not the law or the go-
vernment interfere to punish these audacious offen-
ders ?”?

“The system of police, unfortunately, is so very
defective and inefficient, that it can do nothing effec-
tual; and the government has been so weakened by
the civil wars, that it is equally powerless. Of this
you will be convinced, when I tell you, that, not long
ago, the only way in which it could suppress a for-
midable banditti, which had long been the terror of
the country, was by enlisting the whole troop into
its service, and giving the chief robbers commissions
in the army! I have told you that, on this occasion,
i was travelling with the mails. We were traversing
a peculiarly wild and lonely tract of country, when
a shot was fired at us, from a part of the road which

ip*

    
  
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 

ac RNR ER eH Nan aos166 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

was thickly covered with bushes. I immediately
followed the directions previously given me by the
guide, by lying down on my face, at the bottom of
the cart; while the driver, snatching up the reins
of his mules, and freely using his whip, urged them
to their utmost speed to escape the danger. On
turning an angle, we caught a glimpse of several ill-
looking men, concealed in the bushes, and evidently
watching us with hostile intention. We succeeded,
however, in outstripping them, and, after an hour of
anxious riding, arrived at one of the inns I have
before described to you. It was some time before
we could obtain admittance; the ponderous gate was
bolted, and we knocked repeatedly without being
heard; at last, however, we were ushered into a
kitchen, in the centre of which a large fire was burn-
ing, and I sat down near it, to enjoy its warmth.
‘c’There are but few refreshments to be had ata
Spanish inn, and even such as might have been ob-
tained, { would not ask for, my opinion of the
cleanliness to be met with in such places not being
sufficiently favourable to allow of my eating any thing
when prepared. I had, therefore, brought with me,
what I always provide for my travels in that coun-
try, a few eggs, which I requested the dirty servant
to boil for me, being certain that no impurity could
be communicated to them. My request was com-
plied with, and I sat down to eat my frugal meal of
eggs and biscuits, hoping, at least, to enjoy this
slight refreshment in peace; but I was disappointed.
The dirty domestic I have mentioned soon drew
near, with a large copper caldron, filled with swine’sTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 167

blood, which she began to beat up with all her
might, with her naked arms, In order, it seems, to
prevent its congealing, which would have spoiled the
pudding she was going to make. In the exercise of
this disgusting occupation, she liberally besprinkled
my clothes, and even my provisions, with the crim-
son fluid, till, unable to endure it any longer, I re-
tired to a remote corner of the kitchen, till the ope-
ration was completed.

“Jt was becoming late in the evening, when a
tremendous knocking at the outer gate announced
an increase of visiters, Four sinister-looking Spa-
niards were ushered in, whom my guide soon recog-
nised as the robbers who had attacked us on the
road. He managed, by stealth, to impart this intel-
ligence to me, assuring me, at the same time, that I
was quite safe for the present, and we settled our
plan accordingly. I entered in familiar conversa-
tion with the bandits, reciprocated their courtesies,
and then, having satisfied my landlord’s demands,
followed their example, by stretching myself on the
floor, with my feet turned to the fire, and soon fall-
ing into a sound sleep.’’

“You went to sleep!’’ exclaimed the children,
with astonishment; is it possible you cowdd sleep
in such a situation, and in such company ?”

“J did, indeed, I assure you, and very soundly
too. Ihave told you that I knew I was in no im-
mediate danger; and, besides, had I not the blessed
assurance, that ‘He that dwelleth in the secret
place of the Most High, shall abide under the- sha-
dow of the Almighty?’ ”’is tapas niece is Sake tT el ear a nla

  

168 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“But you did not sleep all night, surely, Mr.
Rushbrook!”

“No, I did not; that would have been tempting
the peril. I got up about the middle of the night,
cautiously aroused my guide, and we stole softly out
of the house, prepared our cart and mules, and were
far on our way before the morning*lawned.”’

«We travelled pretty quietly for some time, but
at length found the country through which we passed
in so disturbed a state, in consequence of the civil
wars, which were then raging with the utmost fury,
that I did not think it safe to proceed without a
guard of. soldiers. ‘These were obtained, in consi-
deration of a handsome sum paid to the authorities,
and we resumed our journey. Some leagues, how-
ever, before we reached Manzanares, our guard be-
came dissatisfied, and, complaining that the govern-
ment had not, for a long time, paid them their
arrears of wages, declared they would not proceed
one step farther without being reimbursed. This be-
ing evidently a scheme to extort money, I of course
refused to comply with their demands, and they im-
mediately departed, leaving us to accomplish the
rest of our journey as we best might. We, however,
reached Manzanares in safety, though we met, at al-
most every step, with marks of the destruction that
had lately been there. In fact, the Carlists had, only
two days before, sacked the town, ravaged the sur-
rounding country, and not only plundered, but mer-
cilessly slaughtered, a great number of the inhabi-
tants. They had carried away every thing that could
be taken; and never can I forget the fearful spectacleTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 169

that presented itself on entering the town. Numbers
of the wretched inhabitants were lying in the streets,
some dead from violence, others from want; some
were weeping most piteously for hunger, others lite-
rally howling; it was such a scene as no imagination
can conceive, and to which no description can do
justice. Fire and sword, and hellish cruelty, had
done their work, and the place was one heap of ashes,
one frightful waste of desolation!

“ We were unable, in the midst of all this misery,
to purchase any refreshments, and it was not with-
out great difficulty that we at last succeeded in ob-
taining a small loaf, with which we were obliged to
be content. But here I found myself placed in an
awkward predicament. As it is not safe, when tra-
velling in Spain, to carry much money, I had pro-
vided myself with orders on the authorities of the
different towns through which I was to pass, as
there are no bankers to be found. At Manzanares,
however, nobody could cash my bills, for the Carlists
had carried off every dollar they could find in the
town. I should, therefore, have been very unplea-
santly situated, but for the kindness of my guide,
who made himself answerable for all my expenses,
till we reached Madrid.

« This we did in the middle of the night, and my
friendly guide conducted me to an inn, where, after
knocking and hallooing, he at length succeeded in
waking the landlord. He came down the stairs,
grumbling most heartily, and imprecating on our
heads the vengeance of all the saints in the calendar.
J was ushered into the only apartment on the ground-ioe: eval aedinesietiectlcmnaeamiaiaiednctiaat
sea

weit apd

Sa

Poe
Pikigd

 

170 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

floor, which was neither more nor less than a stable
for horses and mules, then up a winding Staircase, to
a small room at the top of the house, my host
scolding and swearing all the while, at my unsea-
sonable interruption of his rest. When left alone, I
examined my chamber; it was the same I had occu-
pied on my former visit to Madrid, three years be-
fore, and had evidently neither been scoured, dusted,
nor in any way cleaned since then. The walls were
hung with cobwebs; the bed was not fit to lie in, and
every thing, in short, was in the most filthy state
imaginable. As I could not venture to seek rest in
such a place, I waited patiently till the day broke,
then, summoning the servant, inquired whether I
could not have my room cleaned. She was greatly
surprised at my question, but replied decidedly that
it was impossible. Such being the case, I locked the
door, and sallied forth in search of another inn. I
accosted a watchman, and requested him to direct me
to one; he very courteously complied, and, with his
staff of office, soon procured me a favourable recep-
tion, at a house where I found somewhat better ac-
commodation, during the time I remained at Madrid.

“Now, young ladies, I have told you all the pe-
culiarities of my travels in Spain; there is nothing
extraordinary in them, but I trust you will be con-
vinced, by my experience, that although there are
dangers to be encountered, arising from the unsettled
and semi-barbarous state of the country, yet an Eng-
lishman may always be sure of courtesy and friend-
liness from all the respectable classes, and is not
likely to meet with inconvenience, even from the
religious prejudices of the people.”THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 171

The young ladies were much gratified by Mr,
Rushbrook’s kindness, and earnestly lamented, on
their return home, that nothing was being attempted
for the enlightenment of so interesting a country.

“ Papa,” inquired Eliza, “why do you not write
to some of the missionary societies, and ask them to
send missionaries to Spain???

“TI fear, my love, such an application from a pri-
vate individual would be entirely ineffectual; be-
sides, their funds are already so fully applied, that
they can scaréely be expected to undertake any new
missions,”’ 3

“Yet, 1 am sure, Spain is as much in want of
instruction, as many other countries to which they
send ministers.”

“ Unfortunately, Eliza, there is a notion too gene-
rally prevalent, that Europe, being nominally Chris-
tian, is not a proper field for missionary labour.’’

“Christian!”’? exclaimed Augusta, “they should
come over to Spain, and judge for themselves, what
sort of Christianity the Romish church teaches the
people.”

“And the poor Protestants of Cadiz, what is to
become of them?” inquired Cecilia. «I know there
are missionaries sent to France, where there are
already Protestant ministers; and is it not a shame,
that this poor little flock should be thus abandoned 2”

“Well, God will take care of them,’’ observed
Eliza, “for He has promised that ¢ His sheep shall
never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of
His hand.’ ”’

Isabella said nothing, but she looked for the pas-
sage, and marked it in her Testament.172

CHAPTER XII.

A TRIP TO" AFRECA,

Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Psaum Ixviili. 31.

Ir was once more-summer, and Colonel Went-
worth resolved to give his family the gratification of
a long-promised, and long-looked for, excursion across
the strait of Tangier, in Africa. A steamer con-
veyed them pleasantly over the distance, which is
only about thirty miles; and when they landed, and
found themselves on African ground, the children
were so delighted, that they could almost have kissed
the sod; in the excess of their enthusiastic joy. It
was so new, so exciting, to be in another quarter of
the world, and to tread the shores of that Africa of
which they had read such wonders! The aspect of
the scenery, too, was so different from every thing
European, that it increased their emotion, and al-
most made them doubt the reality of what they saw.

They entered Tangier through a strong gate,
guarded by sullen-looking Moorish soldiers, and,
after some inquiries, took up their abode at an inn,
kept by a respectable Jew. As it was rather late in
the day, they deferred till the next morning their
intention of going through the town. ‘Their land-
lord spoke indifferent Spanish, and the colonel
availed himself of this circumstance, to obtain fromTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 173

him much interesting information, not only respect-
ing the place itself, but also the condition of his
brethren, under the Moorish government.

He learned that the Jews were extremely nume-
rous in the North of Africa; there were 1,200 in
Tangier, 4,500 or 5,000 in Tetuan, 6,000 at Fez,
8,000 at Mecanez, 1,200 at Mogador, and at Saley
Eirbat 8,000. Their condition, under the Moorish
government, is truly deplorable. Every kind of in-
justice, tyranny, and oppression, is exercised towards
them; they are treated more like beasts than human
beings, and, as soon as it is known that they have
acquired any little property, it is forcibly taken from
them. The Jews of Tangier trade a great deal with
Gibraltar; but, in order to do this, they are obliged
to obtain permission, for which they pay a large
sum; but they are bound to return, and their wives
and children are detained in Morocco, asehostages
for their fidelity. This at once explained to Clara a
circumstance which she had often noticed, without
being able to understand it,—that there were no
African Jewesses in Gibraltar. The Moors are so
sensible of the value of the Jews, and of their im-
portance to the well-being of their country, that they
will not, on any account, risk their loss; and, there-
fore, prohibit absolutely the removal of their families.

It was with many a mournful sigh, that their host
informed them of these and other particulars, re-
lating to the oppression and degradation of his people;
and they could not help reflecting, how strikingly
they exemplified the fulfilment of those prophecies,
which describe the Jews as an outcast and perse-
16174 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

cuted race, bearing for centuries the just punishment
of their rebellion against God. Yet, knowing full
well from Scripture, that these same outcasts will
one day, (and that perhaps not far distant,) be restored
to their own glorious land, and enjoy a much greater
degree of honour and prosperity than they ever yet
have done, they looked upon Manasseh and his fa-
mily with inexpressible interest, and even with a
kind of reverence. This feeling was not a little in-
ereased, by the scene they witnessed every evening,
during their stay at Tangier. The Hebrew popula-
tion have so few enjoyments, to cheer the dismal
servitude of their lot, that they usually avail them-
selves every day of the only pleasure within their
reach, which is that of assembling in small parties
at each other’s houses, to solace themselves by sing-
ing, in concert, the Psalms of David in Hebrew.
The ferf@les bring their musical instruments, and,
as they have a natural taste for music, and voices
of extreme richness and beauty, it was no little gra-
tification to our travellers to listen to their touching
strains, as, seated around the inner court of Manas-
seh’s dwelling, they poured forth the melody of
those inspired psalms, rendered still more striking
by being uttered in the sublime accents of their na-
tive Hebrew.

They could not avoid observing, as they contem-
plated this picturesque group, that all the women,
almost without exception, were remarkably beauti-
ful, but had an expression of deep-seated melancholy,
which no feeling heart could behold without pain.
And well might this character of quiet, resignedTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

175

 

dejection, mark the beauty of the daughters of Zion,
while, thus captive and oppressed, they were reduced
to “hang their harps upon the willows,” and “sing :
the Lord’s song in a strange land.” &
But, if our travellers were moved with compassion,
at what they saw and heard that night, of the tyranny
exercised by the followers of the false prophet, on a
the ancient and ever-beloved people of God, how =
was their indignation roused by what they witnessed
the next day! In order to see the town, it was ne-
cessary that they should hire a soldier, to accompany
them, as otherwise, such is the barbarous state of the
people, their lives would not have been safe. They
complied with this requisition, and were conducted
by their guard through the principal streets, in which
they saw nothing to admire, the houses all being
situated in large courts, and having no windows out-
side. They met many Jews in their way; but if the
poor people had the misfortune to come near to them,
or even presume to look at them with any appear-
ance of curiosity, they were immediately and cruelly
struck by the brutal soldier. The party repeatedly
remonstrated with him against this barbarity, but
without producing any effect on his mind, or any
alteration in his conduct. At last, finding all other
means ineffectual, Colonel Wentworth threatened to
give him no gratuity for his attendance, if he dared
to strike another Jew in his presence. The fellow é
acquiesced, but in a manner they little expected.
He refrained, certainly, from dea¢ing the poor Isra-
elites, but, with one thrust of his foot, he hurled if
them to the other side of the road! The colonel176 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

was exasperated, and renewed his threats in so de-
cided a manner, that he at last desisted; muttering,
however, in a very sullen manner, that “he could
not see why they should take so much interest about
the Jews, who were only dogs after all.’’

They were highly amused with the appearance of
the shops, which are extremely small, and without
any door to the street. The whole space within is
occupied by a board, or table, on which the merchant
sits cross-legged, and smoking his pipe.

His goods are piled up on shelves around him,
and he is provided with a long rod, having a hook
at the end of it, with which he reaches down any
thing he may require, without even thinking of
rising, or giving himself any sort of trouble. When
a customer approaches the open window, and in-
quires the price of any article, he is immediately
asked, what quantity of it, he requires. If he is
difficult in his choice, or too slow in making his
selection, he is politely told by the seller, that it
is too much trouble to serve him, and that he had
better go to another shop.

Having seen every thing worthy of notice in the
town, they resolved to make an excursion into the
country, though they could not go many miles with-
out incurring more danger than they wished to risk,
They therefore had horses and mules, on which they
traversed a country so entirely different from any
thing they had ever seen, that they returned in the
evening not only delighted, but deeply interested by
the peculiar features of its truly African scenery.
Again they listened to the sweet songs of Zion,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. L727

chanted with melancholy pathos by the dejected
Hebrews; but, after the mournful melody had ceased,
the colonel entered into conversation with some of
the principal among them, and endeavoured to ascer-
tain whether they did not entertain some hopes of a
brighter future, for their dispersed and persecuted
nation,

Animated with the subject, he strove to direct
their attention to the glorious promises of their final
restoration, when their long-despised, but divinely-
exalted king, shall come to reign over his own pecu-
liar people; when, according to the prophetic de- °
claration, they shall “look on Him whom they have
pierced,” and, while mourning, in penitential sorrow,
for their obstinate rejection of a crucified Redeemer,
shall come to Him for salvation, and be received
with that loving-kindness and favour, which shall
again render their now desolate Jerusalem a glory
and a praise in the midst of the earth. But these
encouraging words were addressed to ears either too
apathetic, or too unbelieving, to derive any benefit
from them; the desponding Israelites shook their
heads, and seemed unwilling to indulge even the
slightest ray of hope,

The next day, their guard offered to show them
the harem of the pacha who governs the town, as
he said it was undergoing repairs, and they could
see every part of it, except the gardens, where pavik
Hons had been erected for the temporary aceommo-
dation of the ladies, its usual inhabitants. They
accepted his offer, and were much gratified with the
inspection of the house, so different in all its ar-
16 *178 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS-

rangements from every thing European; but Mrs.
Wentworth inquired, whether there was not a pos-
sibility of their being admitted to see the gardens,
and their secluded inmates? Hassan, replied that
he believed he could get permission for the ladies,
but that they had better count the cost before they
ventured.

« While you are under my care,”’ said he, “I am
responsible for your safety to the government, even
at the price of my head. But the instant you go
beyond my sight, I have no power whatever to pro-
tect you. I cannot enter the garden gates with you,
neither can I assure you that you will not meet with
the pacha, who might think it no presumption to
be somewhat bold in his own harem; if, therefore,
you choose to incur the risk of either injury or in-
sult, remember that I have warned you, and am
not answerable for the consequences of your rash-
ness,”’

The ladies immediately declined making the at-
tempt, and they all returned to the inn, to prepare
for another excursion into the country. On their
way back in the evening, they were delighted at
meeting with a large caravan of travellers, from across
the desert, with their camels, dromedaries, and pic-
turesque array. The persons who composed it
seemed equally entertained by their appearance;
they halted, surrounded them, shouted, and many
of them dismounted, and satisfied their curiosity by
closely examining, and even touching, the singular-
looking strangers. All this, however, was done in
so good-humoured a manner, that it was impossibleTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS, 179

to feel any alarm, and the interview terminated, ap-
parently, much to the amusement of both parties.

On their return to the inn, they found their host
bargaining with a pedlar, for a pair of very large
and massive gold ear-rings, richly set ‘with precious
stones, for which he eventually gaye a considerable
sum of money, and then presented them to his
daughter, a very pretty girl, who already wore a
great number of valuable ornaments. Mrs, Went-
worth expressed her surprise, at his purchasing so
expensive an article, and one which, from its antique
and heavy fashion, was peculiarly unsuitable to a
young person.

“Alas! madam,” replied the Hebrew, “it is
scarcely a matter of taste or choice with us. We
purchase all the jewels we can, with the little money
we are permitted to acquire; it is the only safe way
we have of disposing of it, for we are not allowed
to possess landed property; there are no banks in
the country, and, if it were known that we had a
hoard, the government would soon find a way to
deprive us of it. We are, therefore, compelled to
lay out all our money in jewels, which is a compa-
ratively safe investment.”’

The English party had been invited to visit a
Jewish lady, the wife of the richest Israelite in
Tangier, and they gladly availed themselves of the
opportunity. They found her seated on cushions,
in an apartment of truly Oriental splendour; her
dress was of the most magnificent description, and
she was literally covered with jewels. But her ex-
quisite beauty seemed to eclipse every thing aroundaaa gg IS

gaa HO =

     
    
  
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   

1890 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

her, and the noble majesty of her figure would well
have become a throne. There was, however, the
same touching expression of melancholy seated on
her lofty brow, and seeming, like a transparent veil,
to shade the surpassing loveliness of her features.

She could speak a little English, and Mrs. Went-
worth and Clara were, therefore, enabled to converse
with her. They naturally inquired, whether she
found the monotonous and secluded life of an Or:-
ental female always agreeable? She shook her head,
and mournfully replied, that she detested it, and
would willingly make any sacrifice to live in Europe.

«Then why do you remain here?” inquired Mrs.
Wentworth, forgetting, for the moment, every thing
but the feeling of interest and compassion. “ Per-
suade your husband to quit, with you, this horrid
place, and come with us to England, free and happy
Fingland!””

The bright glow of uncontrollable emotion for a
moment chased the pale hue of sadness from the
cheeks of the beautiful Jewess; her eyes flashed
with animation; she clasped her jewelled hands to-
gether, and, extending them imploringly towards
her questioner, exclaimed, with impassioned earnest-
ness,

“Qh! take all these baubles,—take all I possess,
If you will only convey me to England!’

Then covering her face with her hands, she relapsed
into the mournful despondency of her former manner.

“Alas! alas!’? exclaimed her husband, “it cannot,
cannot be! I have offered the government almost
every dollar I can command, for permission to takeTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. isi

my wife out of the country, but have been peremp-
torily refused; and, as we cannot pass the gate with-
out a passport, escape is altogether impossible.’’

Mrs. Wentworth was grieved at having excited
such painful emotion, and the party soon after took
their leave, with something of the feeling that dic-
tated the expressive question of the Psalmist, «O
Lord! how long?”

They were to leave Tangier the next day, and re-
solved to pay an early visit to the bazaar before
their departure. The children were much amused
by the motley scenes it presented, and were busy
making several purchases, when Clara’s eyes rested
accidentally on a group of Spanish contrabendistas,
who were lounging near her. ‘There was one face,
however, in the band, which was evidently watching
her, and whose glance instantly fixed hers, like the
fabled eye of the basilisk. She felt as if an iron
hand had grasped her heart; the current of her
blood rushed impetuously towards its source; her
senses seemed forsaking her, yet she could not with-
draw her eyes from that terrific object,—for, in the
Spanish confrabandista, she distinctly recognised
the ruffian Ashton! He knew her, too, and a half
smile of fiendish triumph slightly curled his lip.
Clara at length recovered from her trance of terror,
and, tearing her eyes from their fascinated gaze, fol-
lowed, though not without much difficulty, the rest
of the party to the inn.

They embarked soon after breakfast, and returned
to Gibraltar, with hearts overflowing with gratitude,
as they contrasted the freedom and privileges of their182 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

native country, with the scenes of cruelty, tyranny,
and oppression, they had just witnessed, under the
iron sway of Mahommedan despotism.

But Clara’s mind was so absorbed by anxiety and
fear, that she could scarcely be said to enter into
these feelings. One single idea, one fearful image
haunted her imagination:—the villain Ashton was
in her vicinity; he had traced her, followed her
steps, knew the place of her retreat, and had thus
defeated her every attempt to escape him! And
with what purpose had he done so? His last dread-
ful, threatening words, still sounded in her ear, and,
for a long time, she could not recover from the
stunning effects of the shock her mind had received.
But calmer thoughts at length succeeded; she ac-
cused herself of unreasonable timidity; reflection
suggested, that she had no reason to imagine herself
the object of his pursuit, and that though their
meeting was certainly a singular coincidence, yet it
was possible it might have been as great a cause of
surprise to him as to herself. His dress, and the
companions by whom he was surrounded, sufficiently
denoted the desperate nature of his present occupa-
tions; but, in a place like Gibraltar, what possible
danger could there be of his injuring her, even sup-
posing he had such an intention; for which suspicion,
at present, she had no rational foundation? Thus did
she attempt to reason herself into calmness; and, with
fervent prayers for Divine protection, she strenuously
endeavoured to banish the subject from her mind.

Inesilla was a frequent visiter at the colonel’s, and
was now invited to spend a short time with theTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

183

family, as she was soon to leave Gibraltar, on her
return to her paternal home. During this visit, she
and Clara made it their constant practice to walk on
the housetop every evening after dark, to enjoy the
delicious coolness of the air, and the indescribable
beauty of the moonlit or starry heavens. The lovely
planet Venus, of the shape, and almost the size of a
young moon, shedding a stream of light across the
bay, and actually causing objects to cast a sensible
shadow, the innumerable myriads of glittering gems
that seemed literally crowding the vault of heaven,
the milky way, with its broad line of gorgeous splen-
dour, and the flood of silver radiance with which the
cloudless moon bathed every object in the magnifi-
cent landscape, were alternately the themes of their
delight. In that fair climate, it was scarcely neces-
sary to use any precautions against the night air; a
slight gauze scarf, thrown by Clara over her head
and neck in imitation of Inesilla’s lace mantilla,
enabled her to enjoy, without restraint, the balmy
freshness of the sea-breeze.

She could not help, sometimes, during those de-
lightful walks, pausing a moment to gaze at the
lovely and graceful Spanish girl, as their conversa-
tion, turning often on the beauty and the unhappy
condition of her native land, animated her dark,
magnificent eyes, and speaking countenance, into a
feeling of momentary enthusiasm. She deplored,
with gushing tears, the spiritual destitution of her
countrymen, and especially that of the interesting
few in her neighbourhood, who had been thus pain-
fully deprived of the preaching of the gospel, and184 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

besought Clara to exert any influence she might
possess, in persuading those Christians to whom God
had given the means, to take pity on their desolate
condition. Clara replied, that she would willingly
do so, had she the means and_the power; but that
she feared both they and the thousands of neglected
Jews scattered over the precincts of the Mediterra-
nean, would yet have reason to say, for a long time,
that no man cared for their souls.

The opposite coast of Andalusia presented, on
these summer evenings, a coup d’cil of singular, and
yet almost awful, grandeur. It is the custom, in
that part of Spain, during the hot season, to set the
ground on fire, for the purpose of burning up weeds,
and the destructive element, favoured by the extreme
dryness of the vegetation, spreads in uncontrolled
dominion over a large extent of country. The grass,
too, on the mountains, and wild tracts of uncultivated
land, frequently ignites of itself, and presents to the
eye of the spectator a blazing surface, frequently of
several miles in extent. There is something fear-
fully picturesque in this singular spectacle, and the
breeze, which is wafted across the bay, is sometimes
so impregnated with the burning heat, as to feel like
the breath of a furnace, and alarm those who are un-
accustomed to its strange effects.

The two friends were somewhat startled, on one
of these evenings, at hearing groans of distress, and
moans of a dying person, issuing from a patio, or
collection of buildings, round an inner square, in the
neighbourhood of their residence. After a few mo-
ments’ pause, Inesilla calmed the fears of her com-
panion, by observing,

eeTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 185

“Tt is no doubt the poor young woman, who, I
heard to-night, was dying in the patio.”

“Dying!” repeated Clara; “how is it, then, that
her friends and neighbours in the same court are
amusing themselves with such rude merriment?
surely, they do not begin the revels you told me of,
before the spirit has actually left its earthly tene-
ment?”’

“No,” replied Inesilla; “but these friends and
neighbours, as you call them, are perhaps all stran-
gers to her, and therefore have no concern with her
life and death. You have, perhaps, no idea of the
multitude of people residing in that patio.”

“It is large, certainly,’? answered Clara; « but
yet not so extensive as to preclude the idea of
elose neighbourhood. I sheuld not have thought
that more than ten or twelve families could find room
1 at”?

“You are greatly mistaken in your calculation.
At the last census taken of the population of the
town, that patio was reported as containing three
hundred and seventy-five human beings.”’

“Is it possible?’? exclaimed Clara; “how can
they manage to live in that space? The court-yard
in the centre does not seem to me above thirty feet
long, and perhaps fifteen wide. And how can there
be room, on the four sides of it, for such a multi-
tude?”’

“You have no idea how the poor people herd to-
gether, in these dens of poverty. Did you never
hear Mr. Rushbrook relate the scenes he witnessed,

17SN TER as ast x

 

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186 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

when visiting the different patios at night, in search
of his dead child?”

«What can you mean, Inesilla? I never heard any
thing about it.”’

“You must know, then, that he lost a little boy
while at Cadiz, and being averse to bury it, as is the
usual custom, in the sands, he brought it to Gibraltar
for a decent place of interment.’’

«But why is it the custom to bury in the
sands?”

«¢ Because the Papists will not allow the Protes-
tants any other resting-place, unless they have pur-
chased one for their own exclusive use. There is a
Protestant burial-ground at Malaga, and the English
consul at Cadiz has just now purchased one, with the
subscriptions of the English residents; but, at that
time, there was none, and Mr. Rushbrook, therefore,
conveyed his dead infant by sea, in a leaden coffin,
to be interred here, in the cemetery on the Neutral
Ground. It happened unfortunately, however, that,
in landing, some mistake occurred about the coffin;
and Mr, Rushbrook, who had intrusted it to the eare
of a porter, was extremely surprised and disturbed
not to see it arrive. The evening advanced, and his
anxiety increased, till, at eleven or twelve o’clock,
unable to control his uneasiness, he sallied forth, with
a friend, to examine the different pazzos in the town,
in search of the porter, whose name he did not know.
The poor people were all gone to bed, and he saw
the wretched way in which they were huddled to-
gether; families of eight or nine persons all lying in.
one very small room, on mattresses which, duringTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 187

the day, are thrown into a heap in one corner, as the
apartment serves them to eat and sit in, as well as
for sleeping. Bed-clothes they have few, or none,
but they cover themselves with the rags they wear
during the day; and I need not tell you how filthy
such places must be. Mr. Rushbrook, at last, found
the man he sought, and learned that the body had
been, through his mistake, left at a warehouse, from
whence he had it removed the next morning.”

“ But,”’ observed Clara, “ it must be very shocking
for the English Protestants in Spain, to have no place
in which they can lay their dead. Such barbarity is
truly worthy of the apostate church.”’

“A very sad instance of it,’? resumed Inesilla,
“occurred not long ago, at San Lucar, a small town
not very far from Cadiz. An English gentieman,
who was travelling for the restoration of his health,
was taken suddenly and alarmingly ill, and, being
unable to proceed, applied for hospitality to a coun-
tryman of his, to whom he had brought letters of
introduction. He was the victim of consumption, a
disease of which Spaniards entertain the greatest
horror, as they consider it highly infectious. It seems
that his countryman participated in these fears, for
he actually refused to give the poor dying mana
corner in his house; and, as it was quite inpossible
to obtain lodgings for him, or induce any one to re-
ceive him, for any consideration whatever, he was
carried to the door of the hospital, and there left,
although he had been refused admittance even there!

“¢ He was rich, and a friend who accompanied him
offered to pay lavishly for accommodation, but all in5a RL GeO aC RS eo EX dita ee SAB RG ase pee has 1) Anleda len .
nt eae el ip tl I Re toe, Settee commenti ou elias SE angie Y
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188 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

vain, he was shunned as if he had had the plague,
and, at last, barely suffered to occupy an outhouse,
with no more comfort than would have been allotted
toa beast! The unfortunate gentleman died, and
his body would, most probably, have been thrown
into a ditch, if Mr. Carlton, an English gentleman
residing at Puerto Santa Maria, had not providen-
tially visited San Lucar at the time. He was in-
formed, by the friend of the deceased, of his melan-
choly fate, and felt it his duty to see that his
unfortunate countryman was interred somewhere.
After some difficulty, they succeeded in bribing the
grave-digger, with a large sum, to make a grave for
the body, not in the church-yard, but in a piece of
ground which had formerly been used as a burying-
place, but had long been abandoned, and lay quite
waste. It was necessary that this should be done
secretly, and they had the body conveyed, during
the night, to a small shed adjoining. The next
morning, they repaired to the place, but were obliged
to conceal their intention, by first entering the
church-yard, where another funeral was just then
taking place. When it was over, and all observers
gone, they requested the grave-digger to show them
the spot where they might inter the remains of their
deceased countryman. He went before them, but,
to their surprise, passed over the whole piece of
ground, and, finally, led them to a ditch, at some
distance, telling them, in the most insulting manner,
that ¢hat was the only place fit for a heretic. It
was in vain they remonstrated, threatened, or even
offered to increase the reward, if he would comply;THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

189

nothing could induce him to change his determina-
tion. Their only resource now was to apply to the
parish priest, hoping that he might be ashamed to
sanction such barbarity. They therefore went to
him, but could obtain no other reply than this,—
“That the ditch was the only proper place for esa
gente, such rabble!”’

“Mr. Carlton then applied to the governor of
San Lucar, who testified great indignation at the con-
duct of the priest, but politely expressed his regret
that he could not in.any way interfere, and advised
Mr. Carlton to try if he could not prevail on some
humane individual to allow him to bury the corpse
in his garden. Almost reduced to despair, the pe-
titioner withdrew, and, after some difficulty, sueceed-
ed in finding a Spanish gentleman whose heart was
not quite steeled to the voice of pity, and who allowed
the poor foreigner a resting-place in his grounds,
where the body was at last deposited, with the usual
solemnities.

“This is a shocking story indeed, Inesilla, and
shows how deeply-rooted the bigotry of your coun-
trymen must still be, when they can thus violate
the natural respect which is always due to the
dead.”

‘It is more so in the country, than in large towns
like Cadiz; but you must not suppose that all the
priests are so bigoted, or so cruel. There was a
venerable old man at San Roque, who took great de-
light in reading the Scriptures, and the few tracts
he could procure, and who endeavoured to teach his
people as much of the gospel as he knew. He had
17 *eg ee Fits Cin me aT, Sale abs eI oe rigors ‘ -
ai aC Mei Sema omer nie ce eam Lat ies i

 

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Ser ae ‘ piangat chdéiiteber
is o oo ms s mae Se ae ‘ =
ee :
— i rea te te = oe
ean asa OP ae ayn clini ae we

a sa ag a

  

190 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

read one or two of Mr. Rushbrook’s publications,
on the errors of Popery; and, hearing that he was
about to publish a translation of the four gospels,
with explanatory notes in Spanish, he earnestly re-
quested a friend of his at Gibraltar, to procure him
a copy of it, as soon as it should come out. He was
told, however, that, owing to some unforeseen obsta-
cles, the work would not be ready for some months
longer. He shook his head mournfully at the intel-
ligence, and observed, with a deep sigh, that the
period mentioned would be too late for him. His
words were prophetic; it was, indeed, too late; for,
before the work was published, the good old priest
was no more! Oh, Miss Neville, will no English
Christians take pity on my benighted country?”

«We must pray for it, dear Inesilla, and I trust
the Lord in his merey will at length interpose. But
look! the moon is actually sinking behind the moun-
tains; time has slipped away unperceived, and we
must hasten to seek repose,’’Clive Ely Chel

THE CORK WOOD.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man
> soweth, that shall he also reap—GatLaTIANs vi. 7.

A Few days only after the preceding conversation,
Inesilla departed, to rejoin her mother, (for her father
had died suddenly, about two years before,) in her
native town of Cadiz, It was not without much sor-
row on both sides, that she left her friends; for, add-
ed to the natural regret of separation, came the pain-
ful idea of the spiritual privations she must undergo,
and the unpleasant situation to which she might
eventually be reduced. Many tears were shed by
the young ladies, for they had become fondly attached
to her; but the pitiless steamer glided majestically
from the bay; and their interesting Spanish friend
was borne swiftly from their view.

‘It is painful to reflect on the probable fate of
that sweet girl,’”’ said Mrs. Wentworth, as they were
conversing on the subject that evening. “She is, of
course, unfitted to be the wife of a Roman Catholic;
indeed, she is, from her English education, far too
refined for any Spaniard; and where will she find,
in her present situation, a husband suited to her
merit, her character, and habits? Yet she will, no192 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

doubt, be exposed to many temptations, for her
beauty and grace will make her an object of pursuit.
So long as her mother lives, she is secure of protec-
tion; but, should she lose that only parent, she
would, I fear, experience much domestic persecution;
for I understand her grandmother is a most bigoted
Papist, and her brother, though a nominal Romanist,
is utterly indifferent to all religion.”

«Oh, mamma! what would become of her then?
Poor Inesilla! But she must come to England.’

«Mr. Rushbrook would reprove you for that
speech, Cecilia,”’ said Clara, smiling; “he would tell
you it was very unjust to wish poor unhappy Spain
deprived of its few Christian ornaments, and that
you should rather wish the number increased, of
those who, as the ‘salt of the earth,’ and the < light
of the world,’ might be the means of instructing and
blessing their benighted countrymen.’’

«Mr. Rushbrook is right, I dare say; but still, 1
cannot help wishing that Inesilla could live with us
in England. And it is very provoking that she
should go this week; for we had expected so much
pleasure from having her with us, in our excursion
to the Cork Wood.”

«What are you doing there, Isabella?”’ inquired
Mrs. Wentworth, in a tone of great displeasure.
«What! sketching devils and flames again, on that
scrap of paper! Will you never leave off those
abominable tricks, after all the pains Miss Neville
has taken with you?”

Isabella started, as if from a dream; her face and
neck assumed a crimson hue; she looked bewildered,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 193

while Cecilia snatched up the paper, and, tearing it
to pieces, threw it into the fire.

“Indeed, mamma,” she at length stammered out,
“J assure you I was acting quite mechanically, and
was not at all conscious of what I was doing, till
your voice roused me.”’

‘“Horgive her, dear mamma, pray do!’’ entreated
Eliza; “I really believe she was asleep, though with
her eyes open, and was merely drawing under the
strong impression produced on her yesterday, by
that horrible painting of purgatory which papa took
us to see in the Popish church.”

‘‘T cannot accept such an excuse,” replied Mrs.
Wentworth; “it grieves me beyond measure to see
that Isabella cannot conquer her bad habits; she
must, therefore, go to her room, and remain there
until Miss Neville thinks she is fully sensible of her
fault.”’

Isabella said not another word in her own defence,
but silently rose to leave the room. Just at that
moment, a servant announced Mr. and Mrs. Rush-
brook, who had promised to take tea with the family
that evening. Cecilia went to him, and Eliza to his
amiable partner, and both earnestly requested, in a
whisper, that they would intercede for the pardon of
Isabella. This was immediately done, and Mrs.
Wentworth, after a little hesitation, granted their
petition.

“Do not let us tell Miss Neville any thing about
it, Cecilia,’ said the affectionate Eliza; “it would
grieve her very much, and, 1 am sure, it is only from
haying seen that frightful picture of purgatory.ee le em een 8 eae -
ey niger Rose

Raptajinn aoe

 

 

 

  

194 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

For my part, I have scarcely had it out of my head
ever since, till the sorrow of parting with Inesilla
drove it away.”

“So you have seen the,painting of purgatory, my
little friend,’’ remarked Mr. Rushbrook; «and pray
what do you think of it?”

“O sir! it is a shocking, frightful thing! but it is
only intended to make people give money for their
masses; for there was a_ priest by it, holding out a
box, and chanting, in a most doleful volce, some-
thing about ‘das almas en el Purgatorio,’ ”’

«There was one at the inn at Algeziras,’’ said
Cecilia: “who was begging of every body, with
a similar box, and the same horrid, sepulchral
chant.”

“You would find them at every inn, in every
town, if you travelled in Spain, But the picture of
purgatory here, is very inferior to many that I have
seen. Some of them, indeed, are so horribly like
reality, that it is impossible to look at them without
feeling the blood creep through your veins.”

“It must be admitted,” observed Mrs. Wentworth,
“that the church of Rome has certainly enlisted
all the fine arts into her service. Their paintings,
statues, and other church appendages, are eminently
calculated to take captive the imagination, and lead
the judgment astray.”’

“They know the power of such appeals to the
senses, and use them accordingly. Hach church in
Spain values itself on some favourite painting, and

the priests connected with it would fain persuade you

that there exists nothing equal to it any where else.THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 195

Their preposterous vanity might often excite a smile,
were there not something very shocking to every
Christian mind, in the evident mockery, but thinly
concealed, under a show of extreme reverence, for
their boasted pictures of the Saviour.”

“Oh, Mr. Rushbrook!” exclaimed all the young
ladies; “do, pray, tell us something about the pic-
tures you have seen!’’

“T have not seen many, my dears, for I could
seldom spare much time to examine the churches;
but I will tell you of one or two that particularly
arrested my attention. I once visited a church,
which was noted for containing a highly-admired
painting. The subject of this picture was the Re-
deemer, represented as a youth, and he was generally
designated as e/ mozo, the lad! By this appellation,
so revoltingly familiar, was the picture pointed out
to me by one of the officiating priests; and, though
he would cross himself, and bow before the painting,
yet this empty show of respect was more than nulli-
fied, by the disgusting freedom with which he spoke
of el mozo!

“J was still more shocked, however, by another
exhibition I witnessed. A painting was shown me,
which represented a live fish, broiling on a gridiron,
and curling and writhing with the extremity of its
torments. I was requested to examine it minutely,
as it was considered a very fine performance; but,
on my inquiring the meaning attached to it, what
was my horror at being told, that it was Christ
agonizing under his sufferings! They have taken
the initials of several Latin designations applied to196 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

the Redeemer, and have formed with them the word
Ichthyo, Fish; this name, therefore, they have, with
the most blasphemous irreverence, given to the Lord
Jesus Christ; and the ingenuity of the Romish church
has been exercised in representing him under this
absurd character! Yet the information which so
shocked me, was communicated with the most re-
volting coolness and indifference; and I subsequently
ascertained that ameng the priests, and even the laity
of that place, the adorable Redeemer, he who is ‘over
all, God blessed for ever,’ ‘the brightness of the Fa-
ther’s glory, and the express image of his person,’
‘the King of kings, and Lord of lords,’ ‘the Alpha
and Omega, the first and the last,’—* He who was,
and is, and is to come, the Almighty,’ was commonly
spoken of, under the degrading and insulting appella-
tion of [cHTuyo, THE FisH!!”’

It may easily be imagined what -effect was pro-
duced on Mr. Rushbrook’s audience, by this heart-
stirring account. Clara, who had been some time
absent from the room, now re-entered it, and the
young ladies gathered round her, to impart the sub-
stance of Mr. Rushbrook’s information, intermingled
with indignant comments and observations of their
own.

“Do you think,’? inquired Mrs. Wentworth,
“that, if the church of Rome were again invested
with the power it once possessed, it would again dis-
play the persecuting spirit that so fearfully distin-
guished it?’

“‘T have not the least doubt of it, madam. In-
deed, why should it not? Its constitution, its max-

er aTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 197

ims, its principles, are not changed in the slightest
degree; nay, is it not the proudest boast of this apos-
tate church, that it is infallible, and therefore can
never change? What it has done before, then, it
would do again; it is its principle to exterminate he-
retics, and their destruction would be as meritorious,
then, as it was formerly.”

“They allege,’’ observed the lady, “that perse-
cution was but the effect of the ignorance and bar-
barism of the dark ages, when Protestants were often
guilty of it, as well as Roman Catholics.”

‘It is, unhappily, but too true, that Protestants
have disgraced themselves, more than once, by per-
secution, though not to an extent which can be
compared with the blood-stained annals of Popery.
But there is a most important distinction, which
should ever be kept in mind,—the totally different
principles of the opposite systems. If a Protestant
persecutes, he does so in defiance of his religion,
which, taking its doctrines simply from the Word
of God, lays him under the obligation of universal
benevolence; but, when a Romanist persecutes, he
does so in obedience to his church, with her direct
sanction, and under her immediate commands. And,
as to the assertion, that persecution was peculiar to
the dark ages, | need only mention a fact which has
come to my knowledge, that, no longer ago than the
year. 1828, a poor Spanish Protestant, (a Quaker, I
think, he professed himself,) was publicly burned
for heresy in the city of Valencia, where, if I am
not misinformed, a Jew had also been executed for
his religion, some short time before. No, madam,

18198 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

there is no material change in Popery; what she has
ever been, she is now in principle, and will be again
in action, if ever she regains the power,— drunk
with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of
the martyrs of Jesus.’ ”

Colonel Wentworth now entered the room, and
inquired if Mr, Rushbrook would join them, in their
proposed excursion to the Cork Wood.

“My duties,’ replied the missionary, “do not
admit of my devoting a whole day to pleasure; but,
have you really decided upon going? Are you quite
satisfied that you can do so, without some risk or
danger?”

‘Oh! I believe all fears of that kind are quite
chimerical. Do you really think there is any ground
for them ?”

“I have not heard of any outrages being com-
mitted there of late; but it is not many years since,
as you must have been informed, two officers of the
garrison were seized in that wood, by the banditti
who infest the neighbouring mountains, carried to
their stronghold, and one of them sent back to Gib-
raltar for a ransom, under the most horrid threats,
that, if he did not return by a certain time, his com-
panion would be put to death without mercy. They
did not allow him a horse for his journey, and the
poor gentleman, after losing his way, and wandering
about for a long time, at length arrived, quite ex-
hausted, at the Landport Gate in the middle of the
night. After much difficulty and entreaty, he suc-
ceeded in getting a message conveyed to the gover-
nor, who, on hearing the circumstance, gave ordersTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 199

for the gate to be opened, and admitted the officer
to an immediate conference. The case was urgent,
for the allotted time was nearly expired, and, if he
did not reach the mountains by the rising of the sun,
the prisoner would be sacrificed. The governor
knew the inflexible severity with which the outlaws
invariably adhered to their declarations; he knew,
also, that resistance would be both useless and im-
practicable; he, therefore, furnished the officer with
the sum required, and sent him back with a good
horse, which enabled him to reach the robber’s den
just in time to rescue his friend from inevitable de-
struction.”’

“It is, certainly, an alarming story; but, it oc-
curred some years ago, and nothing of the sort has
been known of late. At any rate, we shall be a
large party, and that, I think, will secure us from
any molestation.”

«IT would strongly advise you, however, not to
venture too far into the wood, especially on account
of the ladies.’’

The subject was dropped, but the ladies felt some-
what timid at the approach of the day fixed for the
excursion, though their curiosity and interest would
not allow them to relinquish the long-projected plan
of visiting the Cork Wood.

The day at length arrived, and the party set out
at four o’clock in the morning, in order to avoid the
noontide heat. There were eight gentlemen, and
the same number of ladies, and they proceeded, the
former on horseback, and the latter in carriages,
as far as San Roque, a distance of six miles. They% Ee ST EI a aS Gea ee
Site acd paola oom fone
- ey *

 

 

 

 

 

  

200 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

crossed the neutral ground, a narrow isthmus, which
separates Gibraltar from the main land of Spain;
and in so doing, obtained a very advantageous view
of the North point of the Rock. This is, perhaps,
the highest, and seems the most precipitous. There
is something very imposing, and almost. awful, in
the aspect of a mountain, rising, in stupendous ma-
jesty, from a surface unmarked by any other eleva-
tion, and towering to a height of nearly fifteen hun-
dred feet. Its steepness is so great, that it looks
almost perpendicular; and the two formidable rows
of port-holes in the excavations, with each a large
cannon pointed towards the neutral ground, add
greatly to its singular and interesting appearance.

The road was very good till about half way; that
is, as far as it belonged to England. But, on ar-
riving at what are called the Spanish lines, its con-
dition changed very materially. Not being kept in
proper repair, and the soil being sandy, it became
extremely fatiguing, and most passengers preferred
traversing the beach. The contrast, too, between
the English and Spanish sentinels on duty along the
line, was too striking to escape the eye even of the
most cursory observer.

“Did you ever see so deplorable an object as that
poor soldier with his ragged clothes, shoes in holes,
rusty musket, and torn hat??? inquired Cecilia of
Clara, as she and her sisters indulged in a hearty
laugh at his rueful appearance.

“ He is certainly very miserable-looking,” replied
she; “but do not laugh at him, young ladies, at least
till we are a little past this spot, for you know it isTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 201

cruel to hurt any one’s feelings. The Spanish
government is too poor to keep its soldiers decently
clothed.”’

‘“T do not wonder now,’’ observed Augusta,
“that Inesilla always took such delight in looking
at our English troops. She used to say they seemed
so very nice and comfortable, and that the men were
all dressed like gentlemen.”’

They passed a small, mean-looking village, called
Campomento, and three miles more of heavy driving
brought them to San Roque. This is a tolerable
little town; and, having taken breakfast there, they
prepared to prosecute their journey. It was neces-
sary to leave their carriages, and donkeys had been
provided for the ladies. This is the usual mode of
riding for females in Spain, for, owing to the bad
state of the roads, it is the safest; and, in the pre-
sent instance, indeed, it was the only safe one; for
only an accomplished and fearless horseman could
have ridden a horse over some parts of the track
they were to pursue. There was, however, some-
thing so singular and novel in the arrangements
made for their accommodation, that they were both
surprised, and highly amused. Each donkey was
provided, not with a lady’s saddle, but a strange
contrivance in the place of it. It is called ayamuga,
and consists of sticks laid across each other, in the
form of two X’s, with flat wooden bars between
them: on these are fastened, first a thick cushion,
and then a pillow over it, the pillow-case edged
round with a frill, about a quarter of a yard in depth.
On this strange machine the lady sits, as in an arm

18 *202 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

chair; and it forms a very comfortable seat, when it
has the appendage of a stirrup, which, however, is
not always the case.

Clara was somewhat startled, when all the party
assembled, to find that Edward Seymour was one of
the number. He only bowed coldly to her, how-
ever; and her equally distant recognition left no
pretext for any nearer reproach.

She was just going to mount her long-eared steed,
when Eliza’s voice reached her, in tones of timid ap-
prehension.

“ Look, Miss Neville,” said the distressed child,
“they have put me on this donkey the wrong side
of the animal, with my left hand to this piece of
rope they call the bridle; and I shall never be able
to guide the creature.’’

“Tush! Miss Eliza,’’? exclaimed one of the gen-
tlemen, laughing, “we never mind such trifles in
this country, and, as to guiding the donkey, you
see there are several guides, employed expressly for
that purpose.’’

“But I cannot ride thus without a stirrup, or
something to support my feet. I shall certainly fall
off if I attempt it.

The gentleman politely exerted himself to remedy
this deficiency, and, at last, with the assistance of
one of the guides, succeeded in contriving a loop of
rope, which, in some manner, acted as a substitute.
Clara looked round for her other pupils, and saw
them capering away, while the air resounded with
their unrestrained merriment. Eliza was now en-
couraged to proceed, and the whole party set forth.THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 203

They first plunged down a rough declivity, then
waded through a rather broad stream, and entered
upon a large common, comprising several hills and
valleys, and possessing great natural beauty, but to-
tally waste and uncultivated. The track they followed
was extremely wild and rough, and, in some places,
so steep and craggy, that Clara would have been afraid
to traverse it, on any animal less sure-footed than a
Spanish donkey.

The prospect on every side of them was exceed-
ingly beautiful, comprising, on one side, occasional
views of the bay, with now and then a far-off glimpse
of Gibraltar; and, on the other, the mountains of
Andalusia, with the blue outlines of those of Gra-
nada in the distance. An involuntary feeling of
timidity made the ladies wish to keep all the party,
as much as possible, together; and they certainly
looked a very picturesque cavalcade, heightened as
the effect was, by the white dresses of the ladies,
and their singular mode of riding. They might
easily have fancied themselves transported back three
or four centuries, such was the antiquated appearance
of their travelling apparatus, and the wild character
of the country through which they passed. Yet that
country was most beautiful, and, if cultivated, would
have yielded a rich reward.

After traversing about four miles of common,
every where bespangled with wild flowers, they en-
tered the Cork Wood, where the scenery became still
more secluded and lovely. The large, ancient, wide-
spreading trees, of that species of oak whose thick
bark is cork, differ scarcely, if at all, in their ap-

>204 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

pearance, from the common oak, and form a very
fine wood. The profusion of wild flowers, many of
which are carefully cultivated in England, could not
fail to attract the attention of the party. Immense
bushes of lavender, and beautiful double-flowered
myrtle, in full bloom, emitted a most delightful per-
fume; large shrubs of still more beautiful rhodo-
dendron frequently met the eye; the ground was
thickly sprinkled with tufts of the palmetto, with
its dark green, fan-like leaves; there was a pro-
fusion of the largest and loveliest convolvuluses;
and luxuriant vines every where intermingled with
the oaks, twined round their trunks and branches,
and, in many places, formed arches and bowers over-
head, hanging their clusters of grapes from every
bough.

After riding about four miles through this en-
chanting wood, they arrived at the termination of
their journey, without having met with any other
adventure, than that of the ladies being somewhat
alarmed at the appearance of two suspicious-looking
men in the wood, who seemed to examine them very
attentively; but, on seeing so large a party, imme-
diately retreated. The place to which they now
bent their steps was an ancient monastery, situated
in the very depth of the wood, and surrounded, at
a short distance, by a few small farms and cottages,
or rather hovels. Since the suppression of religious
houses, it had been deserted by all the monks, ex-
cept one old padre, who received visiters, and met
them, at their entrance, with the utmost kindness of
manner. He conducted them into one of the spa-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 205

cious corridors, when, with the help of an elderly
female servant, his only companion, he spread a
table with the provisions they had brought, and
accommodated them with every convenience they
could desire. They expressed a wish to see the
chapel, and he immediately led them thither. It
bore evidences of having been once very splendid,
but every thing had yielded to the ravages of time.
The marble altars were broken in several places;
the gilding, with which the recesses had been pro-
fusely ornamented, was quite tarnished; the rich
gold and silver lace and embroidery faded and
soiled; and the whole wore the melancholy aspect
of decay.

The complaisant old padre allowed them to ex-
amine and touch whatever they pleased; and even
carried his politeness so far, as to make them taste
the wine, pure from the grape, without any mixture,
with which he celebrated mass. There were some
paintings in this chapel, which might originally have
been very fine ones, but were now quite defaced by
time and neglect; and around the different altars
were suspended a great number of diminutive casts,
in silver, of various parts of the human frame, which
had been offered, by Romish devotion, as marks of
gratitude for sundry real or imaginary cures, sup-
posed by them to have been effected through the
power or intercession of particular saints. On a
beautiful, but disfigured marble table, in a small
vestry adjoining the chapel, were spread the canoni-
cal vestments, with their gorgeous gold and silver
embroidery, but sadly soiled and tarnished. The206 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

convent, as the priest informed them, had been built
in 1237.

The party amused themselves with ranging through
every part of it: it was built in the form of a square,
with a large court in the centre, which had formerly
been a garden. In the middle of it was a deep well,
shaded by some beautiful orange trees. The cor-
ridors were in many places in ruins, and strewn with
fallen bricks, of which the whole of the interior was
composed, there being no wood to be seen, except
in the doors. The cells were almost all locked, and
seemed very ruinous; but one, in which the ladies
were allowed to deposit their bonnets, might be con-
sidered a specimen of the whole. It was a small,
square room, with a recess at one end, containing
two couches, each of which consisted of three or
four planks nailed against the wall. The recess
was just the length of the couches, and there was a
space of three or four feet between each; they were
provided with-a mattress, but no sheets, or any
other kind of bedding. They were evidently in-
tended for two persons; and the ‘furniture consisted
of arude table, two chairs, a wooden settle, and a
crucifix.

The most interesting object in the place was cer-
tainly the venerable padre himself, moving among
the ruins of his ancient abode; celebrating, in the
morning, the vain and idolatrous rites of his apos-
tate church, still exercising his priestly functions
towards the few villagers of the neighbourhood, and
performing, in the afternoon, the office of host to
those whom curiosity induced to visit his retreat; forTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 207

which hospitable labours he was, in general, liberally
rewarded.

Oh! who could guess the past history, or por-
tray the present feelings, of that aged, forlorn, and
solitary man? His good-humour and courtesy won
the favour of the whole party, and they felt much
interest in him. Clara and her pupils deeply re-
gretted that they could not yet speak Spanish flu-
ently, and that they had forgotten to provide them-
selves with tracts. “Perhaps,” thought she, “through
them, some ‘word in season? might have reached
him.”? There was, however, no remedy, and she
could only lift up her heart in prayer for the vene-
rable man, as she gave him her hand at parting, and
uttered the sincere wish couched in the words,
“ Senor padre, Dios la bendiga & usted!” “ Father,
God bless you!” He kindly responded, “ Dios la
bendiga & la nina!’ “God bless you, my child !’?
and they separated.

Before their departure, however, the priest, who
had heard every little circumstance of their morning’s
progress discussed during the day, called Mrs, Went-
worth aside, and strongly advised their resuming
their journey early, avoiding intercourse with any
one they might meet on the way, and returning by
a different path from that by which they had come.
He did not assign any reason for giving her this
counsel; but there was an earnestness in his man-
ner, which somewhat alarmed her. The guides were,
therefore, hastily summoned, and the party, remount-
ing their horses and doricos, found them much more
ready to proceed than they had been in the morning;208 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

for, as no provender could be procured for them, the
poor animals were extremely hungry, and trotted
briskly homewards.

There was a small, miserable-looking auberge, or,
as it is called in Spain, a venta, situated near the
confines of the wood, where some of the party had
stopped in the morning, to ask for a glass of water.
Two or three of the donkeys now ran, with their
riders, into an outhouse which formed a part of the
building; and, while they were being led out again,
two ill-looking men came from the venéa, and claimed
money for some glasses, which they alleged to have
been broken by the party in the morning. This was
evidently a false charge, but, to avoid altercation, a
sum more than adequate to the amount of the pre-
tended damage was offered them. This, however,
they refused, yet without making any specific charge,
and were so evidently bent on extorting money, that,
the anger of the gentlemen was aroused, and they
declared their determination not to submit to the
imposition. A loud and violent quarrel immediately
ensued; several other men issued from the venta,
and’ joined in the fray; and the ladies, in great
terror, vainly attempted to draw away the gentle-
men. Clara had dismounted from her Jorico, in
order to have the cushions better fastened, and was
standing, greatly alarmed, by Mrs. Wentworth, join-
ing in her entreaties for an immediate departure,
when young Seymour approached her, for the first
time during the day.

‘ Clara,’’ he said, in an agitated voice, permit
me to remount you, and then make the best of yourTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 209

way from this place; depend upon it, there is some
mischief planned, some harm intended us: * Oar
only wise measure is to hasten away from the dan-
ger. Ihave just sent your pupils before, you must
follow them, and the others will not be long after.”

He did not wait for an answer, but, hastily lifting
her on the donkey, gave the animal a smart blow,
which sent it trotting briskly through the wood.
Clara scarcely knew whether it was better for the
ladies to remain, or proceed alone; but she had no
choice, and her berico soon overtook those of the
young ladies. Though rather anxious at the delay
of their party, they continued to ride on gently, till,
as the distance between them increased, Clara began
to feel uneasy, and was deliberating whether it was
wise for them to proceed farther, when Cecilia, who
was the foremost, suddenly diverged from the straight
path, and, after making two or three circuits among
the trees, turned her donkey’s head, and, with some
difficulty, compelled it to rejoin the others. She
was very pale, and Clara anxiously inquired the
cause.

“Oh, Miss Neville,” said the agitated girl;
“there are two ruffianly-looking fellows crouching
in the long grass yonder! I pretended not to see
them, and would not turn back directly, lest they
should think I was afraid. But oh! what shall we
do???

“It is possible that your fears may be groundless,
my love; but, at all events, we had better not ven-
ture farther without our friends.”’

“Oh! let us go back to the venta,’? exclaimed
19210 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

they all. What can detain papa and mamma so
long? But it is surely not safe for us to remain
here alone.”’

Clara began to be of the same opinion; but, to
their inexpressible relief, the rest of the party now
came in sight, and they hastened back to meet them,
and inquire the cause of the delay. Mrs, Went-
worth, however, who was extremely pale and agi-
tated, requested them, for the present, to suspend
their curiosity, and make as much haste as possible
out of the wood. Clara thought it right to apprize
the colonel of what Cecilia had seen, and some of
the gentlemen immediately rode forward to ascer-
tain the state of the case. As the men, however,
though evidently watching them, remained perfectly
still, it was thought most advisable’ to pass by with-
out takingany notice of them, Every eye, notwith-
standing, was involuntarily turned towards them,
and what was Clara’s terror, when she distinctly re-
cognised, in one of them, her profligate stepfather!
His eyes met hers with a savage glare, and she be-
came so sick and faint, as to be scarcely able to keep
her seat. A cold perspiration started to her face;
but she felt that it was a moment which required
exertion, and, with an almost convulsive effort, re-
pressed her agitation.

They rode on as fast as they could, till, having
cleared the wood, two different roads presented
themselves. The guides led on towards that by
which they had come in the morning. Mrs. Went-
worth, however, remembering the priest’s counsel,
insisted on taking the other, but was strongly op-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 211

posed by the guides, who objected that it was much
more wild, rugged, and difficult; that it was also
longer, and that the evening was drawing to a close.
The lady, however, was determined, and the point
was at last conceded, though not without great dis-
content on the part of the guides, and the disappro-
bation of some of the party, who thought her fears
exaggerated.

Their way lay through a very romantic and rug-
ged tract of country; but the apprehensions enter-
tained, to a greater or less degree, by every one,
completely superseded the admiration and pleasure
they would otherwise have felt. Nor did they feel
quite comfortable, till within sight of the village of
San Roque. Then, indeed, they slackened their pace,
and Mrs. Wentworth satisfied the curlosity of her
family, by giving them an account of what had de-
tained them so long at the venta. The substance
of it was as follows.

The ruffians who came out of the venta seemed
determined to intimidate the party, for one of them
seized Colonel Wentworth by the collar, and pointed
a loaded musket at his breast; and, as this action
excited the indignation of the English, a general cry
was raised by the villains, to bring more arms, which
some women, who were apparently of the gang, im-
mediately went inside the house to procure. The
matter having thus assumed a serious aspect, the
officers reflected that they were almost unarmed,
and that this attack might be a manceuvre to detain
them, till the arrival of a more numerous party.
They, therefore, thought it safest to yield to the212 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

entreaties of the ladies, and make a timely retreat,
however inclined they felt to chastise the insolence
of their assailants. Some money was, therefore,
flung among the group, which while they gathered
up, the party moved away, slowly at first, but more
briskly afterwards, as reflection and prudence pointed
out the danger they might be threatened with, should
a larger number of the banditti, to which it was
evident these brigands belonged, pour down upon
them from the mountains. Mrs. Wentworth, who
had turned aside the murderous weapon from her
husband, and whose alarm had been increased by
the old padre’s mysterious warning, was so much
overcome by agitation, that it was not without diffi-
culty she gave Clara and her daughters a connected
account of theiradventure. She felt quite convinced
that there had been a plot for way-laying them, which
they had escaped by taking the more unfrequented
route; and, considering all the circumstances of the
case, it was not an improbable conclusion.

On their arrival at San Roque, the gentlemen
thought it a duty incumbent on them to acquaint the
police magistrate with the attack which had been
made upon them. But, on mentioning their pur-
pose, they could not induce one Spaniard to show
them where the justice resided. Provoked at this
apparent collusion, they resolved to find the house,
if they were obliged to knock at every door in the
town; but as they were setting out on this errand,
they met an English gentleman from Gibraltar, to
whom they communicated their perplexity, and asked
if he could assist them in their search.THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 213

“If you will allow me to offer my advice,’ re-
plied Sir Charles Selby, “I would seriously recom-
mend your pocketing the affront, and dropping the
subject entirely. Depend upon it, this will be both
the wisest and the safest way. You see these fellows
shake their heads, and refuse to give you any in-
formation. The truth is, they are all leagued toge-
ther, and will do nothing for the apprehension of
their friends,”

“But,” observed the colonel, “it is giving en-
couragement to crime, if we allow it to go on with
impunity.”

“Believe me, my dear sir, you could not get these
fellows punished, if you were to exert yourself to
the utmost for that purpose. You seem to know
very little of Spanish justice; but I have been here
longer than you, and can assure you that theres no
such thing to be had, at least in this part of the
country. The brigands could easily escape, even
were they pursued, and from their mountain fast-
nesses all the police of Spain would not dislodge
them. The authorities stand in awe of them; and,
as to the poor people of this town, they are either in
league with them, or so much afraid of them that,
should any of them be seized, they would expect
the whole band to come down the very next night,
pillage and burn San Roque, and murder every
human being in it. Indeed, such things are not
altogether uncommon; you cannot, therefore, be sur-
prised at their timidity.”

“Ts there, then, no justice in Spain?’ inquired
to.SaaS AR a RS A EE

214 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

one of the gentlemen: “do crimes of every sort re-
main unpunished?”

«T believe,” replied Sir Charles, “ we must blame
the weakness, not the will, of the authorities; but, as
to crimes remaining unpunished, I need only tell you
that there is a ruffian, residing within a few yards of
the monastery you visited, who is known to have
committed no fewer than eight murders! He isa
miller by trade, but one of the leaders of the banditti.
Not long ago he stabbed a priest, within the walls of
that very convent; the cause was said to be jealousy;
but he also shot a man in the streets of this very
town, and then, leaving the body where it fell, coolly
walked away, unquestioned and unmolested! No,
no, my friends, you must not pursue your intended
inquiry. The least that would happen, from your
arousing the vengeance of the villains, would be the
robbery and murder of the very next English party
that entered the Cork Wood.”

The officers reluctantly yielded to the judgment
of Sir Charles, and consented to forego their original
intention. But oh! what painful reflections were
suggested, by this melancholy picture of the degraded
state of the country! They felt, however, that they
had much cause for thankfulness, in their preserva-
tion from actual violence, and they re-entered the
gates of Gibraltar with an increased sense of the
value of British protection, and the privilege of
British security.CHAPTER XIV.
A BITTER: TRLAT,,

Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
whom He receiveth—Hegrews xii. 6.

Ir would be difficult to describe the state of agita-
tion, and constant, though indefinable terror, into
which Clara was thrown, by this last sight of her
implacable enemy, Ashton. It seemed as if he were
pursuing her, and as if she could never escape from
him. And yet, what could his intentions be? That
they were hostile towards her she could not doubt,
from the fiend-like expression of his countenance,
when he looked at her; but what could be his object,
in thus following her from one country to another,
and connecting himself with a band of desperadoes,
whose occupation was alternately smuggling and
robbery? Her imagination recalled what she had
often heard of the fearful deeds of those men, who,
as contrabandistas, were frequently seen in the streets
of Gibraltar, carrying on that unlawful traffic in
which they were but too much encouraged by the
English, and, at other times, lurking in their moun-
tain holds, kept the surrounding country in perpe-
tual terror, or attacked the defenceless traveller, and
plundered him with impunity. Her blood ran cold,
when she thought of all this, and scarce could herpi a A Se a SSS SO OE ncaa

SNOT eta tat

216 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

sense of the overruling providence of God overcome
the impression of unknown, but apparently certain
danger. She prayed earnestly to be delivered from
these phantoms of a terrified imagination; she strove
to persuade herself that, situated as she was, she
could have no real ground for fear; she struggled to
keep in mind that “not a sparrow can fall to the
ground,” without the permission of our heavenly
Father, and that “the very hairs of our head are all
numbered;’’ yet, notwithstanding all her efforts, a
cold shudder would occasionally come over her, as
the ferocious glare of Ashton’s eye shot across her

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mental view.

Her attention, however, was soon most painfully
absorbed, by the unhappy situation of her beloved
sister. Mrs. Sydenham had presented her husband
with a daughter; but this addition to the family had
not increased her domestic comfort. Mr. Sydenham
was as extravagant, as negligent, and unkind as ever,
or rather still more regardless of her comfort, and
that of hisfamily. Their intercourse was little more
than a succession of disputes, and angry altercations,
in which he upbraided Maria so cruelly, for enticing
him, as he said, into a marriage which had alienated
his family, and utterly blighted his prospects, that
the violence of her feelings almost amounted to dis-
traction. She knew herself to be most deeply in-
jured, most basely calumniated, by these unjust
aspersions, and she had not learned to bear unde-
served reproach with the self-renouncing meekness
which the gospel enjoins. Her high spirit, therefore,
could not brook such treatment, and her sister’s re-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. JF

monstrances and entreaties were entirely unayailing,
in inducing her to adopt a more conciliatory conduct,
or, at least, to refrain from a system of retaliation,

The consequence of these continual quarrels was,
that Sydenham absented himself more and more from
his home, and plunged every day deeper: into the
fatal vortex of dissipation. Maria’s health, in the
mean time, began seriously to fail: mental anguish,
and the constant struggle of irritated feeling, had
long since destroyed her naturally buoyant spirits,
but they were now undermining her constitution, to
a degree that was perceptible to all who beheld her.
The bloom and elasticity of youth were gone, her
cheek was wan, her eye dim, yet troubled, her
countenance haggard, and her attenuated form but
too plainly showed that the canker-worm of sorrow
was preying on the very springs of life.

But poor Maria’s cup of sorrow was yet far from
being full; her trials were yet but begun. While
Clara wept in sympathy with her misery, and anx-
iously watched her altered appearance, a piece of in-
formation reached their ears, which, like a thunder-
bolt, almost paralyzed their faculties. The thought-
less Sydenham, having involved himself in a laby-
rinth of debt, from which his resources were quite
inadequate to extricate him, had completed his ruin
by selling his commission. Fain would they have
disbelieved the report, but it was soon confirmed by
his own confession, and his announcing to the dis-
mayed Maria, that she must prepare to accompany
him back to England. He, however, peremptorily218 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

refused to tell her what his plans were for the future,
or how he intended to employ the small sum which
remained after the settlement of his affairs. Maria’s
heart sank within her, and she almost gave herself
up to utter despair.

She was not allowed any time for the indulgence
of her grief. Her infatuated husband had already
engaged their passage on board a vessel ready to sail,
and now urged her, with unfeeling rudeness, to hasten
the preparations for their departure. Maria felt
completely bewildered by this stunning blow, this
destruction of every hope, and cutting off of every
resource; and, had it not been for Clara’s active
assistance, she would have been completely unable
to exert herself, or in any way meet the coming
emergency.

“What will become of us, Clara?”’ she would ask,
as, leaning on her sister’s neck, she bedewed it with
the tears of hopeless despondency; “Sydenham
could not live on his full pay, and how will he live
without any settled dependence? What can he
mean to do when we arrive in England? Alas! I
fear he will rush into still worse courses than he has
yet done, and leave his wretched family to starve.
Were I alone concerned,”’ she continued, raising her
head, while a flash of her former spirit darted from
her eyes, “I could rise superior to his unkindness,
and bid defiance to the miseries that now threaten
me; but oh, Clara, what can 1 do with these dear
helpless babes? Nothing; I can do nothing but sink
into my grave, which 1 shall soon do, and then what

 

 

 

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will be the fate of my poor little ones, in the midst
of a cold, unfeeling world, and with no protector but
an unnatural father???

“ Dearest Maria,”? would Clara answer, while she
vainly attempted to repress her falling tears, “you
must not yield to this fatal spirit of distrust and
gloomy foreboding. Iam persuaded that Sydenham
would never have taken so rash a step as selling his
commission, had he not previously secured some
other resource. You must endeavour to reclaim him,
by kindness and submission, and then, with the
return of domestic peace, you will, I trust, recover
your health.”

Maria shook her head, with an expression of de-
termined incredulity, and replied, that in the grave
alone could she ever hope for peace.

Clara’s tears flowed still faster, as she said, with
affectionate earnestness,

“Oh Maria! would that you could be brought to
reflect on eternity, instead of thus dwelling on the
idea of death and the grave, as if that were the end
of our existence! Do remember the words of the
poet,

‘The grave is not a place of rest,
As unbelievers teach,
Where grief can never claim a sigh,
Nor sorrow ever reach.’
Or rather, let me remind you of the words of divine
inspiration, ‘It is appointed unto men once to die,
but after death the judgment.’ Do think of these
things, dear Maria.”
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220 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

wish to dispute the point. I can only think of my
hapless children, and my anxiety for their fate super-
sedes every personal consideration.’’

“¢ Endeavour, dear Maria, to trust them in the
hands of their heavenly Father. Pray for faith to
do so, and be assured he will take care of them.
¢Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you.’
And if you should be taken from them, you know
they will never want a maternal friend, while I live.”

“Oh! Clara!’? exclaimed Maria, her countenance
lighting up with a sudden brightness; “if you would
but consent to marry Edward Seymour! Then, in-
deed, I should feel that my poor little Charles and
Emma had a friend able, as well as willing, to be-
friend them. But, otherwise, what can you do?
Without fortune yourself, how can you assist others?”

“Do not play the tempter to me, I beseech you,
my beloved sister,’’ replied Clara, with a pained, but
firm expression of countenance. “Is not your ex-
ample sufficient, if I had no other reason, to deter
me from uniting myself to a dissipated young man?”

«Oh! but, Clara, Seymour has a good private for-
tune, so that he can afford to be gay. Besides, your
influence would soon win him to more steady habits.”

“Oh, Maria! would you not once have thought
the same of your influence over Lionel Sydenham?
I dare not rush into unwarranted danger; and, even
should I succeed, you know that mere morality in a
husband would not satisfy me. ‘ How can two walk
together, except they be agreed,’ on the most impor-
tant of all concerns? Say no more on the subject,
Maria, but be assured, that, should your dear babesTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 221

ever require it, my whole life shall be devoted to
their welfare.’

It is needless to say with what overwhelming an-
guish the sisters parted, or how Clara’s heart sank
with apprehension, when she saw, and embraced the
wasted form of Maria for the last time. She had
obtained a private interview with her brother-in-law,
and, while studiously refraining from every word of
reproach, had_ earnestly entreated, nay solemnly
charged him, to be kind to his wife and children,
and to adopt some rational and settled way of pro-
viding for them. He was softened by her appeal;
and, though he did not satisfy her as to his future
intentions, he promised, with an air of sincerity, that
Maria should have no further reason to complain of
him. Clara felt somewhat consoled by this assu-
rance; but her imagination would still torment her
with the anxious questions,—What would be the
future fate of her beloved sister? and, should she
ever again behold her in this world? She had re-
course to fervent prayer, diligent study, and constant
occupation, in order to dispel these gloomy fears;
and, though she could not altogether overcome
them, she at length recovered a considerable share
of mental serenity.

Summer and autumn gave place to winter, and
the quiet tenor of her life was only varied by the
receipt of letters from Maria. They were residing
in London, and she spoke of her health as having
been benefited by the voyage. She could not tell
what Sydenham was doing, for he had not, as far as
she knew, engaged in any stated occupation; but he

20222 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

was constantly in company which she knew to be
very dissipated, and even questionable in point of
morals. His conduct towards herself was, generally,
expressive of great indifference, except at times,
when he seemed violently excited, and would then
overwhelm her with unkindness and reproaches.
He was sometimes possessed of large sums of money,
and, at others, entirely destitute; so that she could
not help suspecting that he was engaged in gambling
transactions. Clara, too, felt extremely uneasy on
the same subject; and, though she strove to follow
the direction of her Divine Lord, “In your patience
possess ye your souls,” yet the state of constant
anxiety in which she was now living, insensibly
undermined her constitution, and greatly injured
her health.

Affairs were in this state, when her attention was
attracted, one morning at breakfast, by the colonel’s
indignant remarks, on the folly of several officers in
the garrison, who were that day to engage in the
senseless and perilous amusement of a steeple-chase.

“It is really shameful,’’? observed he; “that such
madness should be encouraged, or permitted. Those
wild, brainless fellows, Granville, Berkeley, and
young Seymour, are, of course, the leaders in this
insane proceeding; but others, who are wiser and
steadier than they, and who remember the tragical
end of the last steeple-hunt, when poor Maxwell
was thrown from his horse, and killed on the spot,
ought to be ashamed to sanction their conduct.”

Clara’s heart beat violently with alarm, as she re-
flected on these words of the colonel. She had longTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. Zan

2

studiously banished Seymour from her thoughts;
but the idea of the peril to which he was thus reck-
lessly exposing himself was too much for her ac-
quired calmness. She prayed that he might be
preserved from the danger he so rashly tempted,
and felt somewhat relieved by thus « pouring out
her heart before God;’’ but her friends could not
avoid observing that she was excessively pale, and
looked, during the whole day, unusually anxious,
disturbed, and unhappy.

It was spring, and the short twilight was begin-
ning to spread over the horizon. Clara, unable to
control her uneasiness, was standing at the window
of the breakfast-room, gazing intently on the bay,
while her thoughts were far distant, when she heard
Augusta enter the d rawing-room, where Mrs. Went-
worth sat; there was a door of communication be-
tween the rooms, which was half open, and she dis-
tinctly heard her say, in a hurried voice,

“Mamma, Wilson has just come from the Castle,
to say that we must not expect papa home to tea,
for a dreadful accident has occurred at the steeple-
chase, and they have brought back poor Mr. Sey-
mour quite dead!’

Clara did not hear Mrs. Wentworth’s reply, nor,
indeed, any thing else that was said. “A mist seemed
to fall over her eyes, her head became dizzy, and a
sense of stupefaction overpowered her. She pressed
her hands to her temples, as if to stop their throb-
bing, and over her eyes, as if to shut out some
frightful object. She remained in this almost insen-
sible state for some time; at length, a gleam of con-

1S Se a Sa OI ERT LLL IT OT TR aa 7see

224 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

sciousness returned, and, feeling an invincible repug-
nance to meet the eye of any one, she roused herself
sufficiently to reach her bed-room, and throw herself
on the bed. She was called down to tea, but was
just able to send a message, excusing herself under
the plea of a headache.

One single, fearful image was present to her mind,
and absorbed every faculty; Edward Seymour cut
off suddenly, in the most awful manner, in the midst
of his transgressions, perhaps without sufficient time
for one sigh of repentance,—one heart-breathed
prayer for forgiveness! He had tempted his fate,
too, by wilfully rushing into peril, and might almost
be considered asa suicide! She tried to pray, and
earnestly wished she could weep; but the relief of
tears was denied her, and her thoughts were too be-
wildered for prayer. The one horrible idea filled
her soul to agony, till, from its very intenseness, it
obscured the mind, became gradually indistinct, and
at last faded into the shadowy semblance of a dream.

Clara was scarcely sensible, when Mrs. Wentworth
visited her that evening. She, however, said a few
words mechanically; but there was such an appear-
ance of wildness in her eyes, that that lady, after
administering some simple remedies, which she
thought might be useful, resolved to send for medi-
cal advice in the morning, should no change for the
better have taken place. A servant was directed to
sleep in the room, who was so alarmed at the inco-
herent exclamations of the invalid during the, night,
that she roused her mistress, and Doctor Falconer,
the family physician, was immediately summoned.THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 225

He found her in a high nervous fever, and from that
time, for five whole weeks, not a gleam of conscious-
ness visited the mind of Clara. Though delirious,
however, she was quiet and tractable, and none of
her expressions disclosed to her attendants the shock
that had so utterly overthrown her reason, Her
anxious friends had long seen and sympathized in
her uneasiness respecting her sister, and they na-
turally attributed her illness, in a great measure, to
this cause.

Nothing could exceed the kindness, the affection-
ate attention she received, both from her pupils and
their parents. At length consciousness began to re-
turn, and with it came also, gradually, the distress-
ing feeling of her last most dreadful affliction. It
did not now, however, overwhelm her as it had at
first done. Her mind was calmed, humbled, and
deeply impressed with a sense of gratitude for her
preservation from death. She wept long, frequently,
and bitterly, over the fate of the unhappy young
man; but she was now enabled-to mingle prayers
with her tears. The keenness of her anguish was
somewhat blunted, and a soothing conviction dif.
fused itself over her mind, that even this bitter trial
was one of the “all things,’? which her Bible as-
sured her would work together for her good, She
felt that it was her duty to obey the solemn injune-
tion, “Be still, and know that I am God.”? She
longed to hear some particulars of the awful event,
in the fond hope that some ground of consolation
might exist,—that poor Edward might have had
some few moments for reflection and prayer vouch-

20 *

aad A hear aeaa onde rer ee ere226 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

safed to him; but, though she made many efforts, she
never could bring herself to introduce the subject;
and, by some singular chance, it was never alluded
to in her presence, except on one occasion, when the
colonel mentioned incidentally to his lady, that a
party of the officers were going into Spain the next
day.

«I hope they are not going to have another
steeple-chase,’”’ exclaimed Mrs. Wentworth, with
evident apprehension.

“Oh no, my love,’’ replied he, “ they have recent-
ly had two such lessons on that subject as, 1 hope,
they will not easily forget. But they may, never-
theless, get into mischief in the course of their ex-
cursion.’”

Clara would have given worlds, had she possessed
them, to ask one single question—to hear one single
answer! But her tongue seemed chained to the roof
of her mouth, and the subject of conversation was
changed, She was obliged to gasp for breath, and,
feeling that her senses were about to desert her, she
exerted herself quietly to leave the room, without
being noticed by any one. Arrived in her chamber,
she was relieved by a passionate burst of tears, and
soothed by prayer. It occurred to her, that perhaps
it was far better for her to remain in ignorance on
this most momentous subject; for she still might che-
rish the faint hope of the lamented one’s having been
able to fly to the Saviour, though but at the eleventh
hour; whereas, if the contrary were the case,—if he
had indeed been snatched away, without the possibi-
lity of breathing one prayer for mercy—she fearedTHE ENGLISH GOVERNEss. 227

that even her intellects would hardly stand the hope-
less agony of such a conviction. She, therefore, re-
solved to be mute under the rod, and strove -to
acquire that resigned tranquillity of mind, which she
knew would be most conducive to the restoration of
her health.

It was nearly two months, however, ere she was
able to resume her usual avocations, or to mix in
general society. During this time, she received a
letter from her sister, which contained no satisfactory
information. The family was still in London, but
Maria expressed her inability to say how, or upon
what resources, they were living. She had repeat-
edly questioned Sydenham, but had only received
rude and even repulsive answers. Clara began to
look forward with pleasure to the few months which
had now to elapse, till, the colonel’s term of service
being expired, she would return with the family to
Fingland. She would then have to seek another
situation, her three elder pupils having now com-
pleted their education, and the youngest being des-
tined to a finishing school. Three years of most
affectionate intercourse had greatly endeared them
to each other, and the separation would be a cause
of regret to all; but she hoped to be able, somehow,
to be near her sister, and devote her utmost exer-
tions to comfort, support, and perhaps assist her,
Thus time glided on, and Clara’s mind recovered
some degree of serenity.228

 

CHAPTER XV.
THE EASTERN PRECIPICE.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
PsaLm xxvii. 1.

Tue party of officers did indeed, as the colonel had
predicted, “get into mischief.” They were only
four, but they ventured into the Cork Wood; here
they were set upon by a troop of banditti, against
whose numbers resistance was unavailing; they were
robbed of every thing valuable they had about them,
their horses were taken from them, and they were
shut up in the venta, where they remained some
hours, but at length succeeded in breaking through
their prison, and walked back to Gibraltar. The go-
vernor, anxious, if possible, to stop such depreda-
tions, wrote to the governor of Ronda, requesting
that if the horses should be brought for sale to the
fair of that town, they might be seized, and the vil-
lains apprehended. An answer was received, though
after some delay, stating that the horses had been se-
cured, and one of the robbers seized, but that, while
the police were conducting him to prison, he had
contrived to shoot one of the guards, and thus suc-

ceeded in making his escape. The officers were de-
sired to come to Ronda,and identify the horses, when
they should be restored to them, on payment of costs.
They, however, inquired what the amount of theseTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESs. 229

costs would be, and found them so exorbitant, that

they fully equalled the value of the horses; they,
therefore, declined availing themselves of the offer;
and thus ended their appeal to Spanish justice.

Summer came and went, and the family of Colonel
Wentworth began to prepare for a return to their
native land. It was not, however, without regret
that they thought of leaving Gibraltar, which was
endeared to them, not only by its own beauty, but
by many an interesting recollection. Clara, indeed,
scarcely participated in these feelings; for to her it
had been the scene of much Sorrow, anxiety, and
terror, and she longed again to be near her sister,
and contribute, if possible, to her comfort.

A few weeks before the time appointed for their
departure, Isabella reminded her father of the half-
promise he had made her, when they had visited
O’Hara’s Folly.

“You know, papa,’ said she, “you almost. pro-
mised to take us again through that passage in the
Rock, to the place where we lunched, that I might
take a sketch of that beautiful view, and the moun-
tains of Malaga rising in the background.”

“What! to that dangerous spot, Isabella? I really
do not think you can go there again; for I cannot
spare the time to accompany you, nor dare I trust
you there without me.”’

“ Dear papa, we will be very careful; do let us go,
for I wish so much to have that sketch!”

“ Well,” said the colonel, after a pause, “TI suppose
I must not disappoint you, since your heart is so set
upon it; but what says mamma?”230 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

“] think,” said Mrs. Wentworth, “ we may trust
Isabella with Miss Neville, provided Wilson goes to
take care of them; but I will not allow either of the
others to go, for, even with the greatest caution, an
accident will sometimes happen.”’

« Well, then,” rejoined the colonel, “ you may go
to-morrow; but take Wilson with you, and promise
me that you will be very careful not to go near that
narrow ledge.”’

Isabella promised, and the matter was thus ad-
justed. The next morning arose in unclouded splen-
dour, and, after many repeated injunctions to be
prudent, the small party set out on their expedition.
They found their walk delightful, though of course
fatiguing; and, as Clara was not very strong, she sat
down two or three times to rest, in natural recesses
of the Rock, while Isabella, with her characteristic
activity, wandered about the place in search of flow-
ers or plants. At length they reached the passage
excavated through the Rock, and, after traversing
it, found themselves on a smooth bed of turf, which
skirted a small part of the precipice. Near them,
however, was the narrow ledge on which they had
sat before, but the very sight of which, abruptly de-
scending to the precipice, was sufficient to turn dizzy
any head not accustomed to such a coup dil.

Isabella chose a favourable spot for taking her
sketch, but suddenly perceived that she had dropped
her sketch-book somewhere. Aftera little reflection,
she recollected having left it on a stone, while she
went to secure a cluster of wild anemones. Clara
proposed sending Wilson to fetch the book; but sheTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 231

said she must go herself, for she could not describe
the spot, though she recollected it sufficiently to find
it without any trouble.

“TI really am very sorry I have been so careless,”
said she, “but I shall not be long fetching it, for it
is not very far,” :

“Go, then, Isabella,”? said Clara 5-* but you must
let Wilson accompany you, for I cannot let you go
down the Rock alone. I shall sit here to wait your
return; but, pray, do not be longer than is absolutely
necessary.”’

Isabella sprang through the excavation, and down
the western side of the mountain, followed by Wil-
son, who could scarcely keep up with her. Clara’s
eyes followed them, until a turning in the path hid
them from her view; she then returned to the east-
ern side, and stood a few moments contemplating
the prospect. But she could not divest herself of
the unaccountable terror inspired by the sight of the
perilous ledge near her, and the frightful descent to
the Mediterranean. In vain she strove to shake it
off, to reason herself out of it; and, feeling that her
nerves were overcoming her reason, she resolved to
end the conflict, by returning to the western side,
and there remaining till she was joined by her com-
panions.

She had advanced a few steps in the passage of
communication, when she was startled by observing
the light at the western opening darkened by a sha-
dow; and her terror may be more easily imagined

than described, when her eyes encountered the figure
of a contrabandista! Her first impulse was to turnee

232 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

back, and fly to the other side; she did so, but, recol-
lecting the dreaded precipice, instinctively checked
her steps; and, as she reflected that the man was
probably a stranger to her, and accidentally visiting
the place, she felt almost inclined to retrace her steps,
and pass him with the customary salutation.

She had just ‘come to this conclusion, when the
sound of precipitate footsteps approached, and, in
an instant, a strong arm- was thrown around her,
both her hands were roughly seized, and the fearful
face of Ashton glared on her affrighted view! She
neither screamed nor struggled, for her every faculty
was paralyzed. The monster regarded her a few
moments, with the expression of a tiger rushing on
his prey; then, bursting into a fiendish laugh, he said,
with horrible deliberation,

“So, so, gentle one, you thought to escape me,—
to elude my vengeance;—but you see I have you
at last. It was not in vain that I have watched you
for nearly three years. So, now, my holy dove, say
your last prayer, and be quick about it, for your last
minute is come.”’

Clara strove to rouse herself, and to say something
that might soften him, or at least delay his purpose,
whatever it might be; but the diabolical exultation
and ferocity of his looks seemed to freeze her very
life-blood, and she felt totally unable to articulate a
syllable. She could only raise her eyes to heaven,
and mentally implore divine succour.

“You are dumb, then, my angel,’ rejoined he,
with a horrible sneer; “you were_not always so;—
but I forget, you Bible-saints are always ready to die,THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS, 233

and need no extra preparation. So come, Miss Clara,
we have no time to lose,—I will send you by a short
road, to that heaven you are so sure of.”

He dragged her down the short descent from the
excavation to the frightful ledge. At sight of this
perilous spot, Clara’s energy seemed for a moment
to revive; she made a desperate effort to resist, to
struggle, to disengage herself; but her hands were
secured, and her frame powerless, in his iron grasp.
Still he dragged, or rather carried her towards the
precipice; now they stood on its very verge;—she
saw the yawning abyss at her feet, and felt herself
irresistibly impelled towards it. She was just able
to utter one wild shriek; she raised her eyes to the
countenance of her murderer; but when she saw its
livid hue, the teeth set, and the eyes flashing with
demon-like fury, she fixed hers, for a moment, on
the sky above her, then closed them with an ago-
nized shudder. She now felt herself lifted from the
ground, and forcibly hurled forward; there was a
whirling, dizzy, stunning motion, then a violent
concussion, and all sense and consciousness entirely
forsook her.

Clara once more opened her eyes, witha sense of
suffocation at her throat. An indistinct recollection
of the last terrible scene flitted, like a frightful dream,
before her mental view; but it was so dim and con-
fused that she could not, at first, determine, whether
she was really awake. An excruciating pain in all
her limbs, however, soon testified to the reality of
the horrible impression; she raised her head with
great difficulty, and memory gradually returned,
21- fae ea mp pemcirecigeaeee
Saal om fp ha A ince SUM Sa
SOS pee POL,
? a)

 

 

KS A A a a

234 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

She threw a fearful glance around her, though she
dreaded to ascertain her situation. Above her rose
the Rock, in frowning grandeur, though not to the
height she expected; around her was the Mediterra-
nean precipice; but she felt a consciousness that she
was not lying at its base, and the position in which
she was placed sufficiently indicated that she was in
great danger of falling still lower. After several
minutes, during which she succeeded in collecting
her senses, and turning her head with great caution,
she at length ascertained where she was, and the
knowledge almost froze again the reviving current
of her life.

It was evident that her fall had been providentially
arrested, first by some thorny shrubs, which had en-
tangled her muslin dress, and then by a very large
American aloe, growing in a crevice of the Rock.
This friendly tree had received her, as it were, into
its arms; its enormous leaves, nearly an inch in
thickness, rising from the root, and extending to an
area of some feet, were fully adequate to the support
of her weight; and she was lying against it, with
her head and feet hanging down at each side of it.
How. far she had fallen she could not guess, but a
shuddering glance beyond her place of refuge showed
her the precipice, looking as deep as ever. She
became sick and giddy, and, as far as the pain she
suffered would allow, she struggled to place her feet
on something that would support them, and at last
succeeded in resting them on a projecting stone. .

One spontaneous gush of gratitude to Him who
had thus far almost miraculously spared her, arose
from the depths of her heart; but then came theTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 235

agonizing uncertainty of her ultimate preservation.
Would her friends discover her situation, or would
she be left there to perish, in a manner still more
dreadful than that she had escaped? She attempted
to scream, but could only utter a few inarticulate
sounds; her brain began to whirl; she clasped one
arm, with convulsive tightness round the friendly
aloe, laid her head against its hard fibrous leaves, and
relapsed into a state of utter insensibility.

The burning rays of the noon-day sun, beating on
her uncovered temples, again roused her, but only to
a dim and confused perception of danger and sur-
rounding horrors. She heard a Strange screaming
noise, and perceived two eagles stooping in mid-
air, as if ready to alight upon her. She uttered a
faint shriek, and closed her eyes in terror. Again
she opened them, as another sound broke on her ear.
A large ape, with a young one in her arms, was at-
tentively contemplating her, from a projecting crag
above her head; the animal was soon joined by one
or two others, and a great deal of chattering went on
between them for some minutes; but at length they
all disappeared, and Clara, feeling as if their presence
had imparted a ray of hope, again sunk into the
stupefaction of despair.

How much time might have elapsed, she could
afterwards form no idea; but she was startled by a
piercing shriek, and it was followed by another and
another, as she looked upwards, and recognised the
face of Isabella, advancing over the precipice.

The sudden revulsion of feeling, the rush of joy
that again sent the life-blood from her heart through

en: Nee En ee
we236 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

every part of her frame, completely overcame her
half-recovered faculties, and once more she sank into
a death-like swoon.

In the mean time, Isabella’s voice, raised to an
unnatural pitch, seemed to awaken every slumbering
echo of the Rock. “ Wilson!’’ she cried; “ Wilson,
I say! she is here! she has fallen down the preci-
pice! Come hither instantly, and snatch her from
destruction !’?

The voice and the words soon recalled Wilson,
who had advanced a short distance, in anxious search
for the missing Clara. How was he startled, to see
his young mistress lying down on the verge of the
precipice, and that her face, as she turned it to-
wards him for a moment, was deadly pale, while her
eyes seemed almost ready to start from their sockets.
He cautiously leaned over the edge, and started back
with affright, on observing the situation of Clara.

“¢ Make haste, Wilson!’ exclaimed Isabella; “ you
are a good clamberer; can you not reach that spot
by some other way, and save her fram inevitable
destruction?”’

“Impossible, Miss Wentworth,” replied he; “it
would be certain death to attempt it; but, if you will
let me raise you up from the dangerous position you
are In, we can hasten down to the nearest battery, and
get men and ropes for the purpose.”’

“‘ No, no,”’ said Isabella, impatiently; «I will stay
here while you go down,—and oh! make haste, good
Wilson,—oh, do make haste!”

“ But, Miss Wentworth, I cannot possibly leave
you here;—what would my master and mistress
say?’THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 237

“T tell you,” exclaimed the young lady, with the
utmost vehemence, “ that I will not move from this
place, nor from this position, until you return! so
now do as I bid you instantly, or the guilt of murder
will rest on you for your delay,”’

The faithful servant hesitated for a moment, and
felt uncertain how he ought to act; but, seeing his
young lady thus determined, he rushed away with
the speed of desperation, and Isabella was left to
her solitary watching. How long she remained thus,
she could form no idea, for she was only conscious
of one feeling, that of self-reproach, amounting to
positive agony, Still she kept her eyes fixed, with
indescribable apprehension, on the object of her so-
licitude, and her eye-balls seemed to swell, with the
aching earnestness of her gaze; her temples throbbed
as if they were bursting, and her brain began to reel.
Still, still her gaze continued, though she could now
scarcely see any thing; at length, voices sounded
around her, and steps approached. She felt herself
lifted up in the arms of some one, and, laying her
bewildered head on the person’s shoulder, without
even looking to see who it was, her overstrained
faculties found immediate relief in a fit of insen-
sibility.

It is not necessary to describe very minutely the
process by which Wilson was let down over the
precipice, and drawn up again with the unconscious
Clara in his arms. Litters were procured, and the

procession advanced towards the town, whither a
messenger had previously been despatched, with in-
formation to Colonel and Mrs. Wentworth, which

21*I ds nr ae on

238 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

prevented the consequences which might otherwise
have resulted from the shock.

A long, dreary interval of pain and sickness suc-
ceeded. A broken ankle, a dislocated shoulder, and
almost universal bruises, were the immediate conse-
quences of Clara’s fall; but all these had been over-
come, and their effects in a great measure obviated,
ere she recovered to a full and clear perception of
surrounding objects. A dreamy kind of delirium,
varied by occasional paroxysms of terror, occupied
the interval; and she had even been unable to give
any account of her strange and horrible adventure.
Isabella, too, had been seriously ill. Frequent and
violent hysterical attacks had greatly weakened her
frame; but she was now more calm, and would sit
all day long by the bed-side of Clara, indulging her
depressed feelings by almost constant weeping; nor
could any thing induce her to forego this melan-
choly occupation. As the former, however, reco-
vered, she gradually resumed her cheerfulness; but
her character seemed greatly softened, humbled,
and yet elevated, by the chastening she had under-
gone.

Clara was at last able to answer the natural and
anxious inquiries of her friends; and great was their
surprise, on hearing her account of the transaction,
for they had hitherto imagined that, in consequence
of too nearly approaching the edge, she had fallen
down the precipice. She was obliged, while unde-
ceiving them, to relate all the particulars of her
former connexion with the depraved Ashton, and the
unrelenting determination with which he had since
persecuted her.THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 239

“How mysterious are the ways of Providence!”
observed the colonel, when she had concluded. “Do
not be too much startled, Miss Neville, when I tell
you, that the wretch has met with his deserts; nay,
has most probably been the means of his own pu-
nishment. On the very day of your adventure, the
body of a contrabandista was found at the foot of
the Rock, but so horribly mutilated, that it was im-
possible to recognise it. It was also noticed, that a
large stone had been displaced from the platform of
the Rock which nearly overhangs the place where
you fell, and we all concluded that it was thus you
had been precipitated over the ledge; but it is now
more than probable that he stood upon that stone to
watch your descent, and was thus hurled down the
abyss, by its failing under his weight.”

Clara shuddered and her blood ran eold with hor-
ror, at this account of the awful fate of her impla-
cable enemy. It was some time before her mind,
though soothed and strengthened by frequent prayer,
was enabled to recover a tone of comparative tran-
quillity. _Meanwhile, the colonel had engaged lodg-
ings at Algeziras, and thither he sent the invalids
for a few weeks, under the care of a trusty servant.
The change of air and seene, with constant though
gentle exercise, gradually restored their exhausted
strength, and they were able to return to Gibraltar,
in time to assist in the preparations for the departure
of the whole family.

As the colonel wished to see Cadiz, and his family
were desirous of enjoying some farther intercourse
with Inesilla, it was decided that they should first
repair to that town, and, after spending a few daysCe

240 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

there, embark on board the steam-packet for Eng-
land. It was not, however, without considerable re-
luctance, that they bade farewell to Gibraltar,—its
beautiful sky, its delightful climate, and its really
pleasant society. Even Clara, though she could
never look at the Rock without shuddering, recol-
lected that she had there met with much kindness
and friendship, and sighed with involuntary regret,
as its towering form gradually disappeared from her
view.

They arrived at Cadiz early in the morning, and,
immediately after. breakfast, the young party set out
in search of Inesilla. Great and mutual was their
joy, at once more meeting again; and they were
much pleased with her mother, Dofia Isabel, though
they could but imperfectly converse with her; for,
although they had acquired a thorough knowledge
of Spanish, the want of opportunities for conversing
in it had prevented their attaining much fluency in
the colloquial use of it. Inesilla, too, from the same
cause, had lost much of her English, and could no
longer speak it with that ease and correctness for
which she had been so much admired. Yet, not-
withstanding all these disadvantages, the friends
contrived to spend two very pleasant days together,
during which time, Dofia Isabel and her daughter
took them to see every thing in the city that was
worth seeing.

Cadiz is a pretty-looking, clean, quiet town:—so
quiet, indeed, that it is not possible to imagine that
much traffic can be carried on within its precincts.
There is the usual number of public works, foun-
tains, and churches, ‘The whole population crowdTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 241

these walks in the evening, and enjoy a delightful
respite from the heat and fatigue of the day, in
rambling through the orange-groves till the middle
of the night.

There was one circumstance, however, which
strongly attracted the notice of our young travellers;
it was the peculiar appearance of the houses, each
with its strong iron net-work, enclosing the windows
from top to bottom, and its gloomy portico, and
gates studded with knobs of iron, some of them al-
most as large as a man’s fist. The colonel told them
the custom was general throughout all the Spanish
and Portuguese towns, and Inesilla assured them that
no house could be considered safe, without these ne-
cessary precautions.

“ But the buildings all look like so many prisons,”
observed Augusta; “are the people, then, so very
bad, or the police so useless?”

“ You can form no idea,” replied Inesilla, “of the
state of things among us, or of the shocking scenes
that are daily to be witnessed. People are often as-
Sassinated in the streets, sometimes for the sake of
plunder, and at others by hired ruffians, or personal
enemies; and the murderers are very seldom indeed
apprehended. Even those large outer gates, which
are intended to protect the houses, very often favour
the commission of crime; for, when a band of vil-
lains have fixed upon a victim, they push him into
a portico, and, shutting the gates, thus enclose him
with themselves in a small space, where they can
rob or murder him at their ease. And, when peo-

ple have been plundered, or their houses robbed, it
is of very little use applying to the police. A friend242 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS,

of ours, who had been robbed of considerable pro-
perty, complained to the Corregidor, but as he could
not name or describe any of the thieves, he was told
that nothing could be done. On leaving the place,
however, one of the police officers told him, in a
very mysterious manner, that, if he wished to reco-
ver his property, he could put him into the way of ef-
fecting his object. He accompanied this man to the
town prison, where he was introduced to a felon,
with whom he had some conversation, in the course
of which he was told, that if he would go the next
night, at a certain hour, to a particular part of the
town, he would be conducted to a place where he
might bargain for the restoration of his property.
He went accordingly, and was accosted by a man,
who led him blindfolded through he knew not what
passages, till he found himself in the midst of a band
of thieves. He was requested to give a detailed ac-
count of the articles he had lost, and then, after some
consultation, a price was mentioned, at which he
might recover the whole. The sum, however, was
so exorbitant, that he declined accepting the terms,
and merely stipulated for the return of a watch
which, as a family relic, he greatly valued. The
agreement was concluded, and he was directed to
pay the money to the man in prison, and to station
himself, at a certain hour the next evening, in front
of one of the churches. His eyes were then again
bound, and he was reconducted into the public
streets, not, however, without many expressive
threats of certain vengeance if he attempted to trace
their abode. He complied with the conditions, and
went to the church as directed, but with little hopeTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 243

_that the robbers would keep their word. He had
not been long there, however, when a lady, ele-
gantly dressed, passed by him, and slightly touched
hisarm. She went on, but paused an instant at the
corner of the railings, and then resumed her walk.
He followed her with his eyes, and, when she was
gone, curiosity induced him to examine the spot,
where, to his great surprise, he found his watch sus-
pended, and was thus compelled to acknowledge
that the thieves had faithfully performed their en-
gagement.??

The next day was Sunday, and the English party
availed themselves of the privilege of meeting the
small protestant flock for divine worship, at the house
of Dofia Isabel. There were fourteen Spaniards in
the congregation, and their attention and seriousness
were truly edifying. The beautiful service of the
Church of England, in Spanish, was read in a very
becoming manner, as also an affectionate pastoral ad-
dress, with which Mr. Rushbrook furnished them
every week. After the service, some conversation
took place, in which the deserted protestants feeling-
ly lamented their spiritual destitution, and entreated
their English friends to intercede for them in Eing-
land, with some of the missionary societies.

Many tears were shed the next day, when the ar-
rival of the noble steamer «“ Tagus” gave the signal
for a final separation. They all felt it painful to
leave these few poor sheep in the wilderness, with-
out one ray of hope or comfort; and to embrace their
beloved Inesilla for the last time, was almost too
much for the fortitude of her attached young friends,
The time, however, came, and they were compelled244 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

 

to tear themselves asunder, and the sparkling waves
of the blue Atlantic were soon dancing around the
sides of the majestic vessel.

Accustomed as Clara had been, during her voyage
out, to the slow and uncertain motions of a transport,
she was delighted with the easy and rapid progress
of a steam packet. The accommodations, too, on
board the “‘Tagus,’’ were so elegant, or, rather, to
speak more properly, so luxurious, that it was more
like a floating palace, than any thing else she could
imagine. Their voyage, therefore, was truly de-
lightful, and they arrived at Lisbon in the afternoon
of the second day. Nothing can be more beautiful,
than the sail up the river Tagus to this city; the
luxuriant scenery on the banks, the handsome villas
that adorn the landscape, and the noble river itself,
can scarcely be viewed without feelings of rapturous
admiration.

As they were to remain two days at Lisbon, the
colonel procured a lodging for his family, just out-
side the town. The expectations they had formed
of this metropolis were, however, grievously disap-
pointed. Its principal streets, indeed, are tolerable,
but, the instant they quitted these more public tho-
roughfares, the filth and stench were beyond all en-
durance. There seems to be but little commerce of
any sort carried on; the whole is strikingly quiet,
still, and gloomy, compared with the bustle and ani-
mation of any large town in England; and the po-
pulation are a dirty, lazy-looking people, who seem
as if they had nothing to do, but to bask in the’ sun,
and lounge in the public squares, Yet they are evi-
dently very poor and wretched, and strangers are

STE an geTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 245

constantly beset by the importunities of a host of
squalid, miserable, and disgusting beggars. The rain
is the only Scavenger in Lisbon, and, as that useful
agent does not come for some months in the sum-
mer, it may easily be imagined how offensive the
streets become, with their accumulated filth baking
in the burning heat of a Portuguese climate. Indeed,
it is astonishing how even the proverbial salubrity of
its atmosphere can preserve it from the pestilential
effects of such a state of things.

The young people were exceedingly amused with
the uniform dress of the Portuguese, which consist-
ed chiefly of a large brown cloth cloak, although the
heat was so great, that they themselves could scarce-
ly bear the lightest clothing. The women invaria.
bly wear a handkerchief pinned over their head; the
more respectable have them of fine lawn, but its ef.
fect is very different from that of the graceful Spa-
nish mantilla. Caps and bonnets seem almost un-
known, except among the French or English inha-
bitants. They saw several ladies in carriages, but
they were bare-headed, and had their hair ornament-
ed with flowers.

Colonel Wentworth had a friend in Lisbon, and
the whole family spent a very pleasant evening at
his house. The colonel inquired the state of reli-
gion among the English residents, and was grieved
to hear a most deplorable account of it. He ex-
pressed his surprise, observing that they had a
church, and, therefore, were not destitute of the
public means of grace.

“We have a church, it is true,” replied Mr. Wil-

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246 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

mot, “but seldom a clergyman long resident among
us; and, unhappily, too many of those who are sent
out as chaplains are extremely ill-chosen, and quite
unfit for the office; young men of a purely worldly
character, with neither experience, piety, nor sense
of ministerial responsibility. I need only mention
to you one or two, out of many facts, to convince
you of the truth of my assertion. We had one of
those useless young clergymen here, some time ago,
and he was requested to visit a poor man, who was
almost at the point of death. This man had long
been an object of charitable solicitude, to a truly pi-
ous and benevolent English lady; she had visited
him during his illness, had administered to his tem-
poral wants, and had not neglected to urge on his at-
tention the all-important concerns of eternity. The
clergyman knew all this, and he chose to be offended
with what he called her unauthorized interference in
spiritual matters. She was present, when he went to
read the service for the dying to the patient, and he
accosted her in the following ungracious manner.

«¢<¢ Madam, is it your intention to take the respon-
sibility of this man’s salvation on yourself? because,
if it is, I will have nothing to do with him.’

«The lady was, as you may suppose, both sur-
prised and confounded by this extraordinary ques-
tion; but, perceiving that her presence was unwel-
come, she, to avoid any thing like a contest, quietly
withdrew.”

«Oh, how unchristian!’’? exclaimed Mrs. Went-
worth; “but, surely, he did not mean to imply that
he could himself undertake the responsibility of the

poor man’s salvation!’’THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 247

“T really cannot tell what he did mean, my dear
madam; but you may guess what sort of a gospel
can be expected from such men. Another instance
will still farther illustrate the spirit of this gentle-
man. A young American Roman Catholic, who was
studying for the priesthood, was sent by his friends
to Lisbon, in order that he might see his religion in
all that pomp and splendour which can only be seen
in those countries where it reigns without a rival.
Instead of being confirmed, however, in his attach-
ment to popery, as his family had expected, he saw
so much of its absurdity, that his mind began to be
filled with doubts of its character, and anxiety to as-
certain the truth or falsehood of its pretensions. He
communicated his fears and perplexities to an Eng-
lish friend, who advised him to apply for information
to the Protestant clergyman. This he did; but, in-
stead of meeting with encouragement and kindness,
he was rudely repulsed.

“<¢T sent him about his business,’ said this unpas-
toral clergyman, in relating the circumstance; ¢ how
did I know but he might bea spy? and, besides, J
did not come here to convert people!’ ”?

“For what did he come, then?” inquired the co-
lonel, indignantly.

“ Alas, he came to please and benefit himself, not
to preach the gospel, or save the souls of men. An-
other of our ministers, who was in the frequent ha-
bit of attending bull-fights, was heard one morning
inquiring of a friend, if he had attended the last ex.
hibition of the kind. On being answered in the ne-
gative, the successor of the apostles exclaimed, ‘Oh,
you really should have been there; it was capital248 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

sport, I assure you. There were two horses, two
bulls, and one man killed!’

«It is with great sorrow I tell you these things,”
continued Mr. Wilmot; “ but, really, it is high time
that a different course should be pursued. Why are
not our bishops, and religious societies, more careful
in selecting the persons they send? I do not say,
that none of them are men of real piety; but we
have never yet had a faithful, effectual, evangelical
ministry established among us. Our souls are lite-
rally like dried bones, from this famine of the Word
of Life, and we are tantalized with muddy draughts,
instead of the pure waters of salvation.”’

This was indeed a sad picture, and it was impossi-
ble not to pity the poor English wanderers, thus de-
prived of those blessed privileges which are so ne-
cessary to spiritual improvement; doubly important
and necessary, too, to many of them, who, as help-
less invalids, are sent hither in search of health, but,
more frequently, only to find a grave. Our travellers
were desirous of visiting the English burial-ground,
of which they had heard much, but found it even
more beautiful than their imagination had pictured.
It is indeed a lonely, lovely, and solemn spot. The
long rows of dark, waving cypresses, intermingled
with innumerable tombs and funereal monuments,
present such a picture as is seldom to be met with.

But the chief object of interest to Clara, was the
tomb of the pious and justly celebrated Doddridge,
erected, as the inscription testifies, by one of his pu-
pils, seventy years after his death. She gazed on it
with reverential awe, and mentally contemplated
him as one of those who, having “ turned many toTHE ENGLISH GOVERNEss. 249

righteousness,”’ shall shine “as the Stars for ever and
ever’?

The party were not sorry to leave Lisbon, and, as
they drew nearer to their native shores, every heart
seemed to bound with joyful expectation. A delight-
ful sail of four days brought them to Falmouth; and
oh! how lovely were the green hills of England, af-
ter the scorched and parched-up landscapes they had
so lately left behind them! Again the majestic ves-
sel glided swiftly up the British Channel, and finally
landed her passengers at the bustling town of South-
ampton, Again they stepped on English ground,
and every thing seemed to smile a welcome.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
DOMESTIC SORROWS,

Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge
of God! How unsearchable are His Judgments, and His ways
past finding out !—Romays xi. 33.

Crara’s first care, on arriving in London, was to
seek out her sister; but, on calling at the place of
which she had the address, she found that the family
had left six weeks before. With some difficulty, she
traced them to another lodging, but there again she
was disappointed; and it was not till after some days
of harassing and anxious search, that she succeeded
in ascertaining their present residence. In an ob-
scure lodging, in the vicinity of Holborn, she found
22%RE a ran ae
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arenes

 

 

250 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

her poor sister; but the unprincipled Sydenham had,
three weeks before, left her and his children to mi-
sery and destitution!

Language would be inadequate to describe the
startling change in the appearance of Maria, or the
state of hopeless despair under which she was fast
sinking to the grave. All Clara’s powers were im-
mediately exerted to the utmost, both to rouse her
from despondency, and, if possible, to provide the
means of subsistence for the future. Bat she found
herself, indeed, involved in difficulties of no trifling
character. Maria’s health and spirits were both un-
equal to the slightest exertion; on her, therefore, the
whole task must necessarily devolve; and her own
situation excited considerable anxiety. Her engage-
ment with Mrs. Wentworth was closed; but that
lady had kindly requested her to remain with her
family, till she had obtained some comfortable situ-
tion. Her heart sank at the thought of again en-
countering the trials, and humiliating mortifications,
inseparable from the search after one; but she had
now no alternative, and resolved to set about it im-
mediately.

Before taking any measures, however, she resolved
to wait on her invaluable friends, the Grahams, for
advice in her present emergency, as well as to testi-
fy her gratitude and affection. But what were her
feelings, when she learned that the venerable pastor
had died, after only a few days’ illness, and that Mrs.
Graham, soon after the funeral, had left London for
Iixeter, where her remaining relatives resided, to
spend the rest of her days among them. This was,
indeed, a great shock to Clara; for, besides her al-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS, 251

most filial affection for them, she had always felt that
she could not be entirely deserted, while possessing
their friendship, and the support of their counte-
nance. All human props seemed now taken from
her, and she was called upon, more emphatically
than ever, to « walk by faith.”? She earnestly
sought divine direction, in her present trying cir-
cumstances, and was not left long without an answer
to her prayers. A friend of Mrs. Wentworth’s re-
siding in a pleasant village in Devonshire, was anx-
lous to procure a governess for her family, and,
having written to her on the subject, that lady pro-
posed the situation to Clara.

“ My friend,” said Mrs, Wentworth, « would pre-
fer a daily to a resident governess, and, if you eould
persuade your sister to accompany you, I think the
offer would suit you very well; for you might hire
a cottage for a mere trifle, and living in that part of
the country is exceedingly cheap. It would be more
comfortable, both for Mrs, Sydenham and yourself,
to reside together; and, when her health is restored,
there is no doubt of her also obtaining employment
in teaching, if she wishes it. Consult her, therefore,
on the subject, and let me know your decision.”’

Clara did so, and found Maria so entirely passive,
as to be willing to go with her any where. She,
therefore, gratefully accepted Mrs. Wentworth’s of-
fered recommendation, and, all preliminaries being
soon settled, she took an affectionate leave of the fa-
mily with whom she had so long been domesticated,
and departed for Devonshire, with her almost help-
less charge.

It was, indeed, a beautiful spot, in which they now252 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

took up their abode. The scenery was delightful,
the climate mild, and the air salubrious. A neat cot-
tage was secured, at a moderate rent; and, though it
drained Clara’s utmost resources to furnish. it, even
in the most simple manner, she trusted that every
sacrifice would be more than repaid, by the improve-
ment in Maria’s health, and the domestic comfort she
hoped to enjoy, in this retired spot.

The family to whom her services were now de-
voted, consisted of several very young girls, entirely
undisciplined, very badly managed, and, therefore,
extremely troublesome. Clara laboured diligently
and conscientiously for their instruction and im-
provement, but she found them often almost unma-
nageable; nor were her fatigues and trials sweetened,
as formerly, by friendly, considerate, or affectionate
treatment from the parents. It was a discouraging
and wearisome task, but it was the path of duty, and
she toiled on patiently, if not cheerfully, in her al-
lotted sphere. But she had domestic evils to endure,
which greatly aggravated the trials of her lot. The
whole of her salary could, with much difficulty, meet
the expenses of their maintenance; and Maria’s ill
health required medical advice, and additional com-
forts, which she could not afford. To meet, if possi-
ble, these demands, she sought and obtained private
lessons; but the extreme fatigue she thus undertook,
materially impaired her own strength, besides that it
precluded her devoting so much time to her sister,
as she could have wished.

The state of the invalid’s mind, too, occasioned
her great and constant uneasiness. She seemed to
have lost all mental energy, and to be sunk in a stateTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 253

of invincible despondency, which would not even
admit of any attempt at consolation. Her husbands
eruel desertion had broken her heart, and she looked
upon her children as doomed to inevitable misery
and destitution. Clara proposed making an appeal
to Sir James Sydenham, as she felt persuaded that
he would provide for his grandchildren, and, she
hoped, if this cause of anxiety could be removed, it
would restore quiet to her sister’s disturbed mind;
but Maria would not hear of it. She declared, that
the mortification of being under obligation to those
who had treated her with such scorn, would certain-
ly hasten her death; and Clara, therefore, desisted,
though she felt that there really existed a necessity
for some such step being taken.

In vain did she strive to raise her sister’s thoughts
to higher and more important subjects; in vaimdid
she entreat her to place some confidence in that God
who so graciously styles himself, “the Father of the
fatherless,’? Maria’s religion had been one of forms
and external observances, without spiritual percep-
tion, or experimental power; and she could derive
from it, in the hour of adversity, neither consolation
nor assurance. ‘I'he God she had worshipped, was
“a God afar off,” and now she could not look to Him,
as to a reconciled Father, in Christ Jesus. Even the
caresses of her children, their expanding intelligence,
and dispositions of fair and delightful promise, were
ineffectual to rouse her from the torpor of self-de-
stroying dejection; they only imbittered her sorrow,
and nourished her life-consuming anxiety. She
would sit for hours weeping over them, and brood.254 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

ing with obstinate wilfulness over every topic that
could increase her misery.

It was not till she was completely laid up, and the
medical attendant had pronounced her case hopeless,
that her mind seemed truly humbled, and brought to
a better frame. She then, under the enlightening
power of that Divine Spirit, whose peculiar office it
is to “ convince the world of sin,’’ began to perceive
how utterly unprofitable her whole life had been;—
how completely self had been her governing princi-
ple, and how selfish had been her unresisting yield-
ing to, and even wilful indulgence of, immoderate
and useless sorrow. Jor this change of feeling and
principle, Clara had long earnestly prayed; and she
now anxiously strove. to direct her sister’s view to
Jesus, as the only refuge of sinners,—“ the Lamb of
God, who taketh away the sin of the world.’? In
this endeavour, she was eminently blessed, and a di-
vine efhcacy seemed to rest on the means she em-
ployed. _Maria’s soul was humbled, consoled, and
elevated; she still wept at the thought of parting
from her children, but was enabled to trust them, in
simple faith and filial confidence, to the care and love
of him who had promised never to leave nor forsake
them, Casting from her every remnant of wounded
pride, she begged that Clara would, after her decease,
apply to their grandfather, for the means of their sup-
port and education. After this, she rapidly declined;
but her end was peace; and Clara, in the midst of her
sorrow, was enabled to rejoice, that the sting had
been taken away from death, the victory from the
grave.

The unavoidable expenses connected with sick-THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 955

ness, and the funeral of Maria, had entirely drained
her resources; she, therefore, felt the necessity of re-
newed and diligent application to her daily labours,
She immediately wrote, however, to Sir James Sy-
denham, and Stating the facts of the case, with the
touching simplicity of truth, appealed to his feelings
as a man, and a professed Christian, requesting to
know what were his wishes, respecting the disposal
of his grand-children, as their father’s unnatural de-
sertion had Jeft them no other protector. She re-
ceived a dry, short, formal letter in reply, enclosing
a bank-bill of one hundred pounds, for the use of the
children, and requesting that he might never again
be troubled on the same subject, as this was all he
ever would do for the offspring of a connexion which
he never could acknowledge.

Clara felt indignant at this barbarity, and almost
inclined to return the insulting gift; but a sense of
justice to her infant charge restrained her. She,
therefore, placed the money in the funds for their
joint benefit, and resolved, that nothing but the direst
necessity should ever induce her to withdraw it.
The poor orphans were now left entirely on her
hands, and she prayed fervently for strength to pro-
vide for them, and wisdom to bring them up “in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

They were both lovely children, and little Charles
especially, who was now nearly four years old, gave
abundant promise of uncommon intelligence, and
great excellence of character. It was Clara’s delight,
her comfort and recreation, after her scholastic duties
were over, to instruct these interesting little ones, as
their opening faculties permitted, in whatever wasi i a las aac pee

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256 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

most important, as the basis of a Christian education.
She taught them to love the Scriptures, and would
listen with delight to their clear infant voices, repeat-
ing, in lisping tones, those beautiful and touching
passages, sublime enough to elicit the admiration of
angels, yet so simple as to be intelligible to the
comprehension of babes. She took great pains to
imbue their minds with the essential truths of the
gospel, but in so simple and practical a manner, that
they seemed inwrought into all their thoughts, feel-
ings, and motives of action.

She would sometimes take them to their mother’s
grave, and let them kiss the flowers that bloomed
above her mortal remains, while she strove to deepen
in their minds the love and reverence they owed her
memory. But she never allowed their thoughts to
dwell there. She bade them look up to heaven, and
contemplate in imagination the blessedness and glory
of the parent they had lost, reminding them that her
body alone was in the grave, but her spirit with God,
and that even the sleeping clay would one day be
raised, to share the happiness and immortality of its
now emancipated companion. ‘Thus she accustomed
them to look on death, not as an enemy, but a friend,
not as the gloomy portal of the tomb, but as the
bright herald of everlasting blessedness.

Thus time glided gently on, and Clara found her
sweetest solace in this interesting employment; but,
alas! her fairest hopes were soon to be blighted, and
her heart wrung with the bitterest anguish. Little
Charles, after a severe attack of the measles, never
recovered his former health, but drooped day by day,
in a manner that seriously alarmed her. The medicalTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS, 257

attendant at length ordered sea-bathing, and can-
didly told Clara that it was the only hope left in his
case. She immediately requested leave of absence
from her scholastic duties for a fortnight, and ob-
tained it, but accompanied with such unequivocal
signs of displeasure, that nothing but the urgency of
the duty she had to perform, could have induced her
to avail herself of so ungracious a concession. She
set out with her infant charges for a village on the
coast, at some distance from her usual residence,
where a beautiful, smooth, sandy beach offered pe-
culiar advantages for bathing. She took a lodging
in the house of a respectable, kind-hearted widow,
whose daughter engaged to assist in immersing little
Charles. It was not by any means a fashionable
place, but a small hamlet, at some distance from the
village whose name it bore. The scenery was ex-
ceedingly beautiful, but Clara had no heart to en-
joy, or even admire it, while she saw her interesting
charge, instead of deriving any benefit fromthe means
used for his restoration, withering away like a ten-
der bud, in rapid and hopeless decay.

The stipulated fortnight had expired, and Charles
was so ill as to make it impossible to remove him,
at least for the present, even for the purpose of re-
turning home. Perplexed, and almost distracted with
anxiety, she again wrote to Mrs. Copeland, stating
the circumstances in which she was placed, and
entreating leave of absence for another fortnight.
It was some days before she received an answer, and
then a formal note informed her that she need not
trouble herself to return, until it was perfectly con-

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258 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

venient to herself, as Mrs. Copeland, unable to wait
till an indefinite period, had provided herself with
another governess.

It is a common saying, that when the cup is full,
one additional drop will make it overflow. This was
the bitter drop in poor Clara’s case, for it struck at
the very root of her present means of subsistence.
Her heart was already torn with anguish, and her
mind bowed down with anxiety, and constant watch-
ing; this cruel act seemed the finishing stroke: even
her faith failed in the conflict, and she sank beneath
the blow, completely overwhelmed. Little Charles’
symptoms announced his speedy dissolution, and, as
she knelt by his couch, and held the little clammy
hand whose fingers convulsively pressed hers, she
laid her throbbing head by his side, in all the tearless
agony ofa broken spirit.

«Dear, darling aunt,’’ said the infant sufferer, “do
not grieve so much for Charles; you know I am go-
ing to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to live with Him
and dear mamma. God will take care of you and
dear Emma, and you will soon come to live with us
in heaven.”’

Clara could make no reply; she felt almost suffo-
cated, and, at that moment, their kind landlady en-
tered the room.

«Miss Neville,’”’ said she, in a sympathizing voice,
“J am truly sorry to see you so overcome; but our
minister has just called to see us, and I should really
feel glad if you would allow me to bring him here.
He is a most excellent and pious clergyman, a true
servant of God, and I think he would comfort you
in your present distress.”’THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 259

Clara did not answer; she was totally unable to
speak; but Mrs. Willis took her silence for assent,
and, in a very few minutes, re-entered the room with
another person.

It was dusk, and Clara did not raise her eyes, for
she felt completely prostrated in the dust of over-
whelming, and almost hopeless misery. Little Emma
had climbed on to the pillow, and, her cherub coun-
tenance bathed in tears of infantile sorrow, was gently
wiping, with her little handkerchief, the cold dew
on the forehead of her brother. A solemn pause
ensued, and then a low and gentle voice, whose
tones thrilled through the heart of Clara like the
music of descending seraphs, addressed a few simple
questions to the dying infant.

“You seem very ill, my dear little friend; do you
think you shall die?”

“Qh, yes, sir, I am going to Jesus, and to my dear
mamma in heaven.”?

“Do you wish to go there???

“Indeed I do, very much, but I am sorry to leave
dear aunt and Emma.”’

“ Do you love the Lord Jesus, then, that you wish
to go to him?”’

“Oh, yes, yes! I love Him very much,” gasped
the little sufferer; “and I ought to love Him, for
you know, he loved me, and gave himself for me.
But dear aunt and sister Emma,—you will comfort
them, sir, will you not?”

This was uttered with great difficulty, and it was
evident that the final struggle was near. The cler-
gyman replied, “i will indeed, my sweet ebid,”

23 *260 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

and’then, opening his Bible, he read the latter part
of the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle to the Co-
rinthians, adding to it the consoling declaration in
the twelfth of Hebrews,

‘“‘ My son, despise not thou the chastening of the
Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him;

‘For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”’

Clara heard it all, but her senses were locked up
in a kind of ecstasy. That voice, whose tones she
had never hoped to hear again, had at first acted
with startling power on her mind, and her first im-
pulse had been to rush towards the speaker; but her
senses were so bewildered, her reason had so com-
pletely lost its ascendency, that imagination now
took up the reigns, and she fancied that Edward
Seymour had descended from heaven, being divinely
commissioned to soothe and comfort her in her pre- '
sent distress. Her mind being thus impressed, she
felt as if she ought not to disturb the heavenly mes-
senger; and, under this delightful, though visionary
notion, she listened, in a kind of mental transport, to
the short but fervent prayer, with which he com-
mended the dying sufferer and his friends to the
tender care and compassion of their heavenly Father.
At length the sounds of prayer ceased, and the room
became still, except when a convulsive sob escaped
the dying child. Clara’s faculties had been too highly
wrought up, and they now sank under the revulsion;
—she uttered a long, deep-drawn sigh, and dropped
fainting on the floor.

When she again opened her eyes, she was lyingTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 261

on the sofa, in the little parlour, and «Mrs. Willis
bending anxiously over her. She started up, With
the intention of returning to Charles; but the good
woman gently attempted to detain her, with an ex-
pression which she too well understood. Her mind,
however, though still bewildered, had recovered
somewhat of its former tone, and she said calmly,

“T understand you, my good, kind Mrs. Willis,
but 1 must go, and I trust I can now bear it.”? She
walked to the bed-room, and, advancing a few steps
within it, beheld, at one glance, the lifeless form of
little Charles, lovely in the calm stillness of death,
and, by his side, the figure of Edward Seymour,
affectionately trying to calm the grief of the sobbing
Emma. A mist came over Clara’s eyes, and she
would have fallen to the ground, had not an arm
been extended to support her, while the same gentle,
and well-remembered voice, addressed her in tones
of tenderest sympathy.

“Clara, dear Clara, remember, the hand that in-
flicts the blow is that of a Father. Let not your
faith fail, though your feelings are deeply lacerated.”

“ Fidward,’? murmured Clara, with a half ineredu-
lous look, “do I indeed see you in the land of the
living ?”?

“Eiven so, dear Clara; but did you ever doubt
my being so? I was, indeed, very near death, but
let us not think of that now; let us unite in acknow-
ledging the hand of Him, who ‘hath torn and who
will heal; who hath smitten, and who will bind you
up.’ 22

It was with many tears, yet with recovered calm-262 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

ness and resignation, that Clara joined in the prayers
and thanksgivings now offered up; by him who seemed
to her almost as one risen from the grave. It is
scarcely necessary to say, that he superintended
every arrangement necessary on the mournful occa-
sion, while she felt no longer friendless, and without
resource in the world.

Mr. Seymour’s explanation of the circumstances
which had induced the belief of his death, was brief
and satisfactory.

«¢ My preservation from death was almost a mira-
cle, for no one imagined that I could live a single
day; hence arose the report which so painfully de-
ceived you. When at length, contrary to all expec-
tation, my recovery became probable, it was disco-
vered that the internal injuries I had received were
so serious, as to require my being conveyed to Eng-
land as soon as possible. I was scarcely conscious
of any thing, till I found myself on the blue Atlantie,
under the affectionate care of my faithful servant.
It was some months after my arrival in England,
before I was able to go out, and, during that long
interval, my reflections on the awful risk to which I
had so thoughtlessly exposed myself, and the life of
guilty dissipation which had led to it, were, I trust,
sanctified by the divine Spirit, to the renovation and
salvation of my soul. I now saw every thing in a
new light, and resolved, in the strength of divine
grace, to enter on an entirely new course of life. I
will not say, dear Clara, that the recollection of you
did not often cross my mind; on the contrary, it
was frequently recalled, and your truly ChristianTHE ENGLISH GOVERNESS. 263

firmness commanded my utmost approbation. I felt
that you had done quite right, in refusing to unite
yourself to me; indeed, 1 had always felt so, even
when I made the most strenuous efforts to overcome
your resolution. I now resolved, however, never
more to obtrude myself on your notice, till I had
given ample proof that my present change was both
a radical and a permanent one. I sold my commis-
sion, determining to deyote myself exclusively to the
service of Him who had so mercifully spared and
restored an unworthy backslider, The dissipated
life I had led had greatly impaired my fortune, and
the failure of a bank almost completed my ruin, I,
however, went to Cambridge, obtained my degree,
and soon after 1 had taken orders, was kindly pre-
sented by a friend to the living of this parish. It is
not a rich one; the income does not exceed two
hundred pounds a year; but it presents a wide field
of usefulness, and my ministry has been blessed in a
manner that astonishes me. The people are simple,
affectionate, and docile; they are much attached to
me, and my heart is so much bound to them, that I
would not exchange my present situation for one of
much greater worldly advantage.

“And now, dear Clara, if you will allow me to
recur to our former connexion, I have only to say,
that the same Edward Seymour whom you refused
with two thousand a year, has now little more than
two hundred to offer you; but he trusts you will
find none of those reasons now existing, which so
justly formed the obstacles to our earlier union. As
the wife of a poor country clergyman, you will not264 THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS.

shine in the world, but I know you too well to doubt
that, as your principal object is to glorify God, you
will do so in any sphere which his providence may
assign you.”

Some months passed away, and, after much re-
flection, observation, and prayer, Clara’s path of
duty appeared so plain, that she hesitated no longer,
in uniting herself to the object of her first attach-
ment. In the humble sphere of a country pastor’s
wife, she found ample employment for her time,
her talents, and her energies; and, while diligently
striving to perform the duties allotted her, she was
constantly cheered by the counsel and example of
her husband, while both studiously kept in view the
injunction of our blessed Redeemer, “Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heayen.”’

THE END.a
een

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