A few days after the marriage, they bade adieu to the humble roof, which
had so many months afforded them a secure asylum; presenting the stock
on the farm, and the furniture, to the peasant, who, with his wife, had
proved themselves zealous and faithful servants.
By pleasant journeys, Sir Henry and his friends proceeded toward the
seat of Mr. Talton, which, as he had informed the Captain, adjoined to
the Corbet estate.--On approaching the Parsonage, Edward, who was
conversing with his father, checked the pace of his horse, and, pointing
it out to his observation, said,--"I can scarcely, my dear Sir, express
the pleasure I feel in this return to the scenes of my earlier days. How
often have I trodden the spot we are now passing, and plucked the wild
heath from its native soil--gayly carolling as the lark soaring over our
heads, unconscious of evil, and a stranger to sorrow! Here, too, the
worthy Blond, and my generous uncle, would often join Sir Henry and
myself, in our boyish amusements; and whilst we inhaled health from the
mountain breeze, would, from each object and incident, mix instruction
with our pastime. Here, too, I last beheld one of the fairest of
nature's creation----."
"Which circumstance," said the Captain, with a smile, "I believe, my
son, you remember with as much regret as pleasure. I have, Edward, from
the time I first beheld you, imagined your cheerfulness to be forced.
Your mother, too, has observed it; and I have wished for the
opportunity, which now offers, of inquiring the cause? Make me your
confident; nor think, in unbosoming yourself, it is to a rigid censor,
but to a father, whose anxiety for your happiness equals--and perhaps
exceeds your own."
"I doubt not your indulgence, my dear Sir," answered Edward, after a
slight hesitation: "your heart, I am certain, will afford an excuse for
the wanderings of mine. I have, as you justly observed, affected a
gaiety I am far from feeling, or hope ever again to experience."
"Can you despond," said the Captain still smiling, "with such an example
as the loves of your parents before you? But who is the fair-one, who
has thus gained your affections, and at the same time reduced you to
despair?--Is she above your hopes, or in a state of life too far beneath
you?"
"Your questions, my father," answered Edward, "add to my distress: I
know not who she is? Her state in life, if I may judge from her
appearance, is equal--if not superior--to my own."
"And when, Edward," asked the Captain more seriously, "did you first see
this object of your regard? Some acquaintance, I suppose, must have
existed--you could not, I imagine, become enamoured merely from seeing a
fair face?"
"My acquaintance," said Edward, "if it deserve that epithet, with this
truly beloved girl, began nearly three years since. I was returning,
with some of my fellow-collegians, from an evening's excursion, toward
our college; when a horse, on which was a lady, approached with a
rapidity fright only could occasion: the impulse of humanity hurried me
to her assistance: I caught at the rein, at the moment when,
overpowered by terror, she quitted her hold, and fell senseless to the
ground. I failed in my attempt to stop the affrighted animal, who darted
along with the utmost velocity; but fortunately so far broke the fall of
his lovely burthen, that she received no material hurt. I raised her
from the ground, and recollection was returning, when a gentleman,
followed by his servant, rode up to us; but, to my great astonishment,
instead of expressing any concern at the accident, or inquiring if the
lovely object I held in my arms had sustained any injury, he broke into
violent exclamations of rage at her mismanagement of her steed, and
declared she would only have received her due reward, if she had broken
her neck! I could not listen to him with patience, but sharply told
him--I should have supposed he designed her to meet the fate he had
mentioned, by his trusting her on an animal, more fit for the hands of a
horse-breaker than a lady.
"'And who, Sir,' he vociferated, 'asked your opinion of the matter?
Cease your impertinence, or talk to your fellows! For you, Madam, you
shall ride this horse for six months to come: and, if you dare, repeat
this day's behaviour!'
"He then commanded the servant to ride after the horse; in the mean time
I endeavoured to encourage the weeping girl, who, however, was too much
terrified by the menaces of her father, for such he was, to pay much
attention to me.
"The horse had been stopped by some farmers; and, on the servant's
returning with it, her father peremptorily commanded her to
re-mount.--'Dear--dear father,' she cried, wringing her hands, 'do not
insist on it;--pray let me walk.'
"'Get up this instant,' he replied, 'and do not irritate me, or my whip
shall enforce your obedience!'--He was going to execute his threat, when
I lifted his trembling daughter on the saddle, and, taking hold of the
bridle, told my companions I would soon rejoin them, then, begging her
to dispel her apprehensions, for I would guide her horse, led it by the
side of her father's.
"She looked her thanks for my care, whilst a faint smile played through
her tears; nor was my precaution useless, as the frequent starts of the
frightened animal plainly showed he would again have hurried his lovely
mistress into danger, if he had not been restrained by a more powerful
hand.
"Her father, as his passion subsided, I believe, became more conscious
of her danger; for when we had proceeded nearly a mile, he stopped, and,
alighting, commanded the servant to change the saddles; the man obeyed
with alacrity, and in a few minutes had the satisfaction of seeing her
on her father's horse; that gentleman mounting the runaway steed; then,
with more politeness than I expected from his preceding behaviour, he
thanked me for the attention I had shown his daughter: and wishing me
good evening, bowed and proceeded on his way. I remained on the spot, my
eyes directed after them, till they quitted the road, when I slowly
retraced my way to the college.
"This incident remained, with the image of the lovely girl, impressed
for some time on my mind; but in vain I visited every place of public
amusement, or inquired amongst my acquaintance, no one knew the person I
described.
"Time had nearly effaced the circumstance from my mind, when I received
my mother's letter, enjoining me to return to the Parsonage. I obeyed,
and, the day after my arrival, was going to the cottage of Owen, for the
purpose of meeting Thomas, when, on approaching the spot we have now
passed, I beheld three females, and as many children; one, who appeared
by her dress to be superior to the others, was seated on a ridge of
rock, caressing the infants; one appeared a servant, and the other, by
the loudness of her exclamations and thanks, I discovered to be an
object of charity, whom the beneficence of the first had relieved. I
approached, and with surprise beheld the features of her I had formerly
assisted; but, gracious Heaven, how was every charm improved! She as
instantly recalled me to remembrance, and, with a blush which heightened
every beauty, rose to return my salutation. At that moment I forgot the
purport of my walk--my mother--all but the lovely object before me. In
answer to my expressions of surprise, at meeting her in such an
unfrequented place, she informed me, she was on a visit to a relation of
her mother, who resided not more than two miles off; then, in terms as
elegant as language could express, or gratitude inspire, she thanked me
for the assistance I had formerly afforded her; enumerated each little
circumstance of the adventure, and again repeated her thanks. They led
to other subjects: the woman and her children retired toward the
village, and the time passed imperceptibly, till her maid warned her it
was time to return to the house of her friend. I would have escorted
her; but she declined my offer, adding--'As I informed you, I am under
the care of a relation, whose ideas of propriety are too rigidly severe,
to let her pardon such a liberty, should I grant it: and I think you,
who so humanely saved my life, would not wish, even for a moment, to
render that life unpleasant or unhappy.'
"I could urge no farther, and with a smile which nearly compensated for
her refusal, she presented her hand as she bade me farewell.--My peace
fled with her! Each look, each word, her vivacity, the animation which
sparkled in her eyes, were all impressed on my heart--and too deeply to
be ever effaced!
"The moment she disappeared from my sight, I regretted that I had not
asked her name; hope, however, whispered I might soon again behold her,
and, after vainly endeavouring to catch a glimpse of her between the
distant trees, I recalled to mind the cottage of Owen, to which I then
directed my steps. Thomas soon joined me, and with the highest
exultation of joy, informed me he had obtained the will of my deceased
uncle! I hugged the worthy old man in my arms, and with quicker steps
than I went, returned with him to the Parsonage.
"The transports of my mother and Mrs. Blond nearly equalled those of
Thomas, and joyfully did we anticipate the return of Sir Henry, and his
restoration to the honours of his house: but short-lived was our
promised happiness! The next morning Thomas returned, and with the
bitterest exclamations of sorrow, delivered the account of his death.
"Wretched indeed were the moments which succeeded this intelligence;
for, in him, we had lost our only protector against the wiles of Lady
Corbet: the return of Mr. Talton added to our apprehensions, and the
next morning we privately quitted the Parsonage. My expectation and hope
of again beholding this enchanting girl, were thus destroyed: in my mind
she is ever present; but, from that period I have never beheld her."
"Your heart, Edward," said the Captain after a pause, "I am afraid, has
been too susceptible: yet my love for your mother was as sudden, and
equalled that of yours for this fair Unknown. You are, however, returned
to the most probable place to gain intelligence of her; if, as she said,
she have relations residing so near Mr. Talton. Seek and inquire after
her; and if you find--and she prove worthy of you, neither fortune, nor
your father's consent, shall be wanted to ensure your happiness."
Edward thanked his father with a vivacity he had rarely before shown;
adding--"Often have I wished to acquaint my mother with my predilection
for this Unknown, and intreat her permission to seek her; but, the
difficulties we have been involved in, her fear of being discovered,
and her superior fear that I should quit her maternal arms to seek a
father (whom I knew not, till the report of Sir Henry's death, to be in
existence), has repeatedly checked the confidence I ever designed to
place in her."
They continued conversing, till Mr. Talton inquired the cause of their
desertion; when they hastened to rejoin him, and soon after arrived at
the seat of that gentleman; where they received intelligence that Lady
Corbet had returned to the Hall the preceding day.
She had, indeed, been informed, when near London, by a gentleman, whom
she accidentally met, and who was personally acquainted with Sir Henry,
of his seeing him at Bristol with Captain Howard; she, therefore, gave
up the idea of going to London, and immediately proceeded to Bristol,
where she learned, the Captain had some time since gone on an excursion
into the country; but to what part no one could inform her. Perplexed at
this account, and fatigued with her journey, she resigned her first
intention of pursuing Sir Henry, and resolved to return to the Hall; as
the vigilance of Mr. Talton, she doubted not, would soon recover her
son, without her immediate assistance in the search. To her great
astonishment, a few days after, she was informed Sir Henry was a
visitant at Mr. Talton's; and, unable to reconcile the circumstance with
that gentleman's professions of attachment to herself, wrote to him, to
request the favour of an interview.
"I shall certainly comply with her Ladyship's desire," said Mr. Talton,
on perusing her note; "as I hope, by alarming her with a pretended
recourse to justice, I shall induce her to resign the estates of Sir
Henry; and, as witnesses may be proper, shall beg the attendance of you,
Howard, and Lieutenant Booyers."
These gentlemen readily assented; but before they were prepared for
their departure, perceived her Ladyship's equipage advancing up the
avenue. Sir Henry started on beholding it.
"Would to Heaven," he cried, "this interview were over! I think, Mr.
Talton, I had better retire."
"Louise, my love," said Harland, "let me conduct you to your apartment.
Your pallid looks convince me, an interview with your mother ought not
now to take place."
"No, Harland," answered Louise, "let me stay. Long have I ardently
wished to be blessed with the sight of her who gave me being; to hear
the voice of a parent, though circumstances forbid my hoping to receive
a blessing: then, I entreat you, let me stay. Believe me, if I tremble,
it is for her; unprepared to answer so serious an accusation; to meet
those she has so greatly injured!"
Harland reluctantly consented.
"You can stay, my dear girl," said Mrs. Blond; "but, as my presence is
not necessary, I shall beg leave to accompany Sir Henry:" and a servant
then announcing the arrival of their visitant, she took Sir Henry by the
arm, and hastily quitted the room.
With that innate elegance which marked her demeanour, Lady Corbet
entered the drawing-room: the appearance of such an unexpected party,
for a moment checked the smile which played on her lips; but, quickly
recovering herself, she informed Mr. Talton of the report which had
reached her, and begged to know if Sir Henry were actually under his
roof, or if it were the appearance of the youth she beheld, which gave
rise to the rumour?
"I do not wonder at your Ladyship's perceiving the resemblance of
Captain Howard's son to Sir Henry," said Mr. Talton; "it is indeed an
uncommon one. But this young gentleman is too well known in these parts,
although you, Madam, never before beheld him, to be mistaken for Sir
Henry, who, as you have been informed, is certainly in my house. It was
my intention to have waited on your Ladyship, as I have a circumstance
of some importance to unfold: the present period, however, may answer as
well; and, as Sir Henry has chosen me his joint-guardian with Captain
Howard, we will, if you please, come to the point at once."
Lady Corbet bowed, and Mr. Talton continued--"Disagreeable is the task I
have imposed on myself: but, as I think it my duty to make reparation,
as far as lies in my power, for the injuries I have, however
unintentionally, committed; your Ladyship must pardon me for espousing a
cause, which will prove so detrimental to yourself."
"I cannot comprehend, Mr. Talton," interrupted Lady Corbet, "to what you
allude; and will thank you to come, as you said, to the point at once.
My son, you inform me, has chosen you his guardian: I would wish to know
from what motive; or what induced you to accept the trust?"
"To reinstate him in his rights, Lady Corbet," answered Mr. Talton; "of
which, I am sorry to say, you have deprived him."
"This is an accusation, Sir," said Lady Corbet, haughtily rising, "you
have no right to make; and an insult I did not expect from you."
"I do not wish to discompose you, Madam," said Mr. Talton, coolly; "pray
be seated. This accusation, though of a most serious nature, is not the
only one I have to offer. Injuries designed against myself I can pardon;
but, not those you wished to make me the instrument of committing toward
others. But this is deviating from the principal charge--your Ladyship,
I presume, is conscious the will produced, and by which you hold the
possessions of the late Sir Henry, is a false one?"
"I can now pardon the treatment I have received," answered Lady Corbet,
recovering her composure. "My unhappy son, I perceive, has been relating
a tale, originating in his own distempered imagination: yet, surely, you
might have acted with greater delicacy, than to accuse me thus in
company, even had you, my friend, supposed the improbable account to be
true."
"It is past supposition, Lady Corbet," said Mr. Talton: "proofs have
confirmed its truth. As for Sir Henry being insane, the idea is absurd:
although, I acknowledge, the treatment he received at your hands, was
more than sufficient to have deprived an indifferent person of their
senses, much less a son, who ought to have expected a different conduct
in his mother!"
"Conduct!" repeated Lady Corbet. "I know not, Sir, what you would
insinuate: but my conduct as a mother, and in every respect, will bear
any scrutiny you can make!"
"It must soon be brought to the proof," said Mr. Talton; "though I
greatly fear it will not stand the test!"
"What mean you, Sir!" exclaimed Lady Corbet, exalting her voice. "I
would not have you imagine, because I have demeaned myself, by
permitting an intimacy, that you are authorised to treat me with this
freedom! Lady Corbet, Sir, believe me, will not be insulted with
impunity!"
"Have you not deserved this treatment, Lady Corbet?" asked Mr. Talton
solemnly. "Nay more!--Look round this circle--here are more than one to
prove the injustice of your conduct. This Lady, you falsely informed me,
your husband kept previously to his marriage--an abandoned mistress:
and, as such, did you not drive his sister destitute on the
world?--Demeaned by my acquaintance!--There sits a living proof of that
existing between yourself and the Steward of your father. This young
lady was left an infant at Rennes, nearly twenty years since, by
Mallet; and is, as I have been informed, the daughter of her whom I am
now addressing, and entitled to the sum of thirty thousand pounds,
bequeathed in trust to you, by the late Miss Louisa Holly! I mention
these circumstances, Madam, just to convince you--"
"Spare--spare my mother!" shrieked Louise, wringing her hands, "I want
no fortune! Force not a parent's curses on my head!"
"Compose yourself, my Louise," said the alarmed Harland; "and let
consideration for your husband calm these transports!"--But, breaking
from his arms, she threw herself at the feet of the apparently
horror-stricken Lady Corbet; clasped her hand to her bosom, and, faintly
murmuring--"Oh my mother!" sunk insensible on the floor.
She was immediately conveyed from the room by her husband, followed by
Mrs. Howard, Ellen, and Eliza. Mr. Talton's agitation, which he in vain
strove to conquer, prevented his immediately proceeding; but, the
Captain perceiving Lady Corbet recovering from her surprise, said,
"I believe, Madam, you will no longer wonder at Mr. Talton's becoming,
with me, the guardian of your son; who, at length, has consented to
commit his cause to the decision of justice: and, the ensuing term, will
commence a suit, which, I am afraid, will render you an object of
abhorrence in every worthy heart."
"And who art thou?" asked Lady Corbet, scornfully, "or by what right
dare you impute these crimes to me--or threaten me with an appeal to
justice? The estates--the property I hold--are mine; nor can you deprive
me of them. By the will of my husband I hold them; and, protected by the
law, I will enjoy them!"
"The will you hold them by, Madam," repeated Mr. Talton, "is a false
one! and so it shall be proved, to your utter confusion!"
"Assuredly," cried Lady Corbet, "I ought to discredit my senses, which
tell me it is Talton who addresses me; or, you, perhaps, my good friend,
are affected by the phantasms of your new ward! I can prove him insane
from the evidence of my servants; think then, what weight his accusation
will have in a court of judicature!--But, if the will, which awarded
this property to me, be false--where, Sir, is the real one?--Produce
it!--and by that, if you can, prove the illegality of my tenure!"
"As I told you, Madam," said Talton, "neither proofs--nor witnesses,
substantial ones too, are wanting. To oblige Sir Henry, who does not
forget you are his mother, though you have proved unmindful of that tie,
I should have waited on you, that you might not be unprepared for the
charge: for there are many circumstances, too tedious to be now
discussed, which must be explained in a court of justice! The real will
of the late Sir Henry is found, and now in my possession: from whence it
will pass to that of the Lord Chancellor; together with a packet,
likewise of your husband's writing, containing an account of your
proceedings and conversations with your favourite, Mallet; which he
overheard, by means of a closet in the private room adjoining your
apartment; and by which means, the present Sir Henry is likewise well
informed of every artifice you have used to make him appear insane, and
your intentions to have destroyed the will, could you have discovered
it!"
He was prevented from proceeding, by the horror which appeared in the
countenance of Lady Corbet. An universal trembling seized her frame,
and, had not the Captain supported her, she would have sunk on the
floor: he replaced her on the settee, and when she had in some degree
recovered from this agitation of guilt and fear, he said:--"A candid
confession on your part, Lady Corbet, with the restoration of the
property bequeathed Sir Henry, by his father, are the only means to
avoid the ruin which threatens you. It is not my wish, nor Mr. Talton's,
far less Sir Henry's, to bring his mother to a public trial; but
justice, either by your hand or ours, shall be rendered him! If you
refuse to afford it him--all shall be discovered!"
"All is discovered!" cried Lady Corbet, distractedly. "But never shall
Henry triumph over me, in a court of justice! No--sooner shall my own
hand plunge me into eternity!"
"Little are you prepared for so serious a change," said Talton. "You may
fly from the accusations of a son, but would meet those of a husband,
injured in every respect, before a Being from whom there is no escape:
and whose justice, though blended with mercy, is equal to his power!
Rather, Lady Corbet, endeavour to atone for your past actions, and by a
life of repentance, seek that mercy, you at present so little deserve!"
This address, delivered in a manner, equally solemn and affecting,
appeared to increase the horror of Lady Corbet.
"Louise, too;" she faintly articulated;--"would I had not seen her! But
no matter, there is still a resource!"--She burst into tears; then,
after a moment's pause, hastily continued--"I presume, Sir, you have
nothing farther to communicate, and I am now at liberty to depart?"
Mr. Talton bowed, and ringing the bell, Lady Corbet, in a state
approaching nearly to derangement, followed the servant to her carriage,
and returned to the Hall.