FATHER JEROME.
Nothing had been heard of Sir Richard Rawcliffe since his sudden
flight, but Constance had no fears for his safety, for all danger was
over as soon as he got fairly out of Manchester.
But she looked forward to his return with an uneasiness such as she
had never before experienced. Her father loved her dearly--better than
any one else--for she was his only child. But he was of a violent
temper--easily offended, and by no means easily appeased, as she
herself had found, for she had more than once incurred his
displeasure, though for matters of very trifling import. From her
knowledge of his character, she could not doubt he would be
exceedingly angry that she had read the letter relating to Atherton
Legh, and though it would be easy to say nothing about it, she could
not reconcile herself to such a disingenuous course.
After some reflection, she determined to consult Father Jerome, and be
guided by his advice. Accordingly she sought a private conference with
him, and told him all that had occurred.
The priest listened to her recital with great attention, and then
said:
"I am glad you have spoken to me, daughter. If the matter is mentioned
to Sir Richard it must be by me--not by you. It would trouble him
exceedingly to think you are acquainted with this secret. He would
blame himself for committing the papers to your care, and he would
blame you for reading them."
"I have only read a single letter, father, as I have explained to
you."
"That I quite understand; but I fear Sir Richard will suspect you have
indulged your curiosity to a greater extent."
"My father will believe what I tell him," said Constance, proudly.
"'Tis better not to give him so much annoyance if it can be helped,"
rejoined the priest; "and though frankness is generally desirable,
there are occasions when reticence is necessary. This is one of them.
Have you the packet with you?"
"Yes, 'tis here," she replied, producing it.
"Give it me," he cried, taking it from her. "I will restore it to Sir
Richard. He will then say nothing more to you. But mark me!" he added,
gravely, "the secret you have thus accidentally obtained must be
strictly kept. Breathe it to no one. And now I must not neglect to
caution you on another point. Yesterday I saw this young man--this
Atherton Legh--of whom we have just been speaking. He is very
handsome, and well calculated to inspire regard in the female breast.
I trust you have no such feeling for him."
"Father," she replied, blushing deeply, "I will hide nothing from you.
I love him."
"I grieve to hear the avowal," he said. "But you must conquer the
passion--'twill be easy to do so in the commencement. Sir Richard
would never consent to your union with an obscure adventurer. I
therefore forbid you in your father's name to think further of the
young man. Any hopes you may have indulged must be crushed at once."
"But I cannot--will not treat him in this way, father."
"I charge you to dismiss him. Recollect you are the daughter and
heiress of Sir Richard Rawcliffe. You have committed a great
imprudence: but the error must be at once repaired. Disobedience to my
injunctions would be as culpable as disobedience to your father, whom
I represent. Again I say the young man must be dismissed."
Before she could make any answer, the door opened, and the very person
in question entered, accompanied by Monica.
"He has come to receive his sentence," said the priest, in a low,
unpitying tone.
"Not now," she cried, with a supplicating look.
"Yes, now," he rejoined, coldly.
On this he went up to Monica, and telling her he had something to say,
led her out of the room, leaving Atherton and Constance alone
together.
"I fear I have come at a most inopportune moment," said the young man,
who could not fail to be struck by her embarrassment.
"You have come at the close of a very severe lecture which I have just
received from Father Jerome," she replied. "He blames me for the
encouragement I have given you, and forbids me, in my father's name,
to see you again."
"But you do not mean to obey him?" cried Atherton. "Surely you will
not allow him to exercise this control over you? He is acting without
authority."
"Not entirely without authority, for my father is guided by his advice
in many things. This must be our last interview."
"Oh! say not so. You drive me to despair. Give me some hope--however
slight. May I speak to Sir Richard?"
"'Twould be useless," she replied, sadly. "Father Jerome has convinced
me that he never would consent to our union. No, we must part--part
for ever!"
"You have pronounced my doom, and I must submit. Oh! Constance--for I
will venture to call you so for one moment--I did not think you could
have so quickly changed!"
"My feelings towards you are unaltered," she rejoined. "But I am
obliged to put a constraint upon them. We must forget what has
passed."
"The attempt would be vain on my part," cried Atherton, bitterly. "Oh!
Constance, if you knew the anguish I now endure you would pity me. But
I will not seek to move your compassion--neither will I reproach
you--though you have raised up my hopes only to crush them. Farewell!"
"Stay--one moment!" she cried. "I may never have an explanation with
you----"
"I do not want an explanation," he rejoined. "I can easily understand
why Father Jerome has given you this counsel. So long as a mystery
attaches to my birth, he holds that I have no right to pretend to your
hand. That is his opinion. That would be Sir Richard's opinion."
"No, it could not be my father's opinion," she cried.
"Why do you think so?" he exclaimed, eagerly.
She was hesitating as to the answer she should give him, when the
priest reappeared. He was alone.
"You are impatient for my departure, sir," said Atherton. "But you
need not be uneasy. Miss Rawcliffe has followed your advice. All is at
an end between us."
With a farewell look at Constance, he then passed out.