DARLISTON. CHAP. XLI. LITTLE COMFORT. SONGS, AND A SCOLDING. directly he put the right sort of letter into my hand. Here it is, "MY DEAR MRS. GAINSBOROUGH,-Whether mischance or design has ruled that my letter I went early to Cedar Lawn; and, as I of the 30th July should not have arrived, it is a hoped, found Mr. Ainslie at home. He admitted circumstance to me of very serious concern. I that in order to balance the difficulties accruing would not for anything have given Helen cause from Mr. Wainwright's precarious state of to think me so negligent, even if all had been at health, it was necessary we should do as much its best with her. Mr. Wainwright's illness, as possible to strengthen Helen's position. The your absence, the disclosure of the imposture of ladies were preparing for a party at Mrs. Well- the man who calls himself Witham, and the wood's which was to take place the Thursday return of Grant Wainwright, are all so many following, and although Alice appeared very occurrences inclining me the more to deprecate ready to give up the pleasure, her mamma was the circumstance. Helen does not appear to much averse to her so doing. Mr. Ainslie, how- impute the affair on the marsh to any more ever, arranged matters in a satisfactory way by serious design than might have endangered deciding that Alice could be sent for in time to her watch; but I am far from convinced it is dress for the party, and might return to Dar-wise to think lightly about it, and have written liston Hall the next morning. on the subject to Mr. Ainslie. Some trustworthy attendant must be provided to accompany her rides. I was invited upstairs to a room which still bore the name of the nursery, to give my opinion on millinery matters; and could not but sympathize in Mr. Ainslie's anxiety that Alice's pretty little figure should be set off to fair advantage, especially as this was to be her first appearance at a "grand" party: so, considering much had yet to be done, I did not urge her leaving home before Saturday evening; The pretty tarlatane dresses, the flowers and ribbons, and the pleasurable anticipations so evident among the ladies, incited me to regret that dear Helen and myself had not been free to accept the invitation sent to us. I wondered Alice could be so apparently insensible to the attractions of the occasion. Returning home to my early dinner I afterwards spent the remainder of the day with Helen. We sat in the drawing-room except at tea-time. Grant Wainwright had been in during the morning, but did not intrude upon us. "In regard to Mr. Wainwright's nephew; I am glad to learn his conduct is so much amended, and cannot think I have much to fear from his mere assiduities. Helen is, I think, of too earnest a nature to engage in a flirtation, or ductive of no good purpose to the bestower. I encourage attentions she knows must be procomplained, I remember, in a former letter, that she would hardly condescend enough towards myself; I cannot fear my right-minded English girl will suffer any presumptuous suit from Vienna and, I trust, may find letters calculated another. Before this reaches you I shall be in to reassure me. "Perhaps I am needlessly anxious; but if you knew how more and more precious to me are the hopes I have built on my dear Helen, you would not wonder that in the present trying state of things some foolish dread should I promised to walk over with the letters cross my mind concerning her. I may not now directly they arrived and took care to be attired speak of my Italian travels; I bore with me ready for the occasion before the postman came such responsibilities as have not hitherto been up. How indifferent he looked! he was posi- my portion, and my thoughts have necessarily tively sauntering. I suppose it might be ex- been much devoted to them; but in such cusable as he had come up hill on a warm moments as were free I have had strange enjoy. morning. I thought of that excuse for himment, and ever in such enjoyment has been joined the idea of having Helen by my side when I again visited these beautiful scenes. said she looked a prim little quakeress, but on her discovering us among the throng of strangers her pretty face dimpled into such open gladoccasioned such a brightening, albeit I did not take all the credit to myself. I suggested to the gentleman the propriety of his escorting my cousin over the bridge, and he expressed his approbation of the arrangement by a ready assent and by continuing his attendance as far as the gate of Darliston Manor. "My last letter having failed to reach you, I owe you still thanks for the account you gaveness, that it was quite gratifying to have me of the occurrence at Cardington. I do feel very much obliged to you for it, and for other kindness in your letter. I have a purpose in connection with both which I trust shortly to speak more fully concerning. The same lost letter would have explained that circumstances forbade my writing to England for some weeks after its date. My courier was under ths strange impression that I was a Russian Prince travelling incognito a mistake I could not afford to rectify until this day. "Yours sincerely, "ARDEN MAINWARING." With this letter, and one which gave promise of being at least as long, I proceeded to Darliston, and saw Helen watching for me from one of the drawing-room windows. She sits there to be out of Grant's way; and has acquainted her grandfather that she thinks it desirable, without intimating she has received serious offence. The poor girl was much delighted with her letter; cried over and kissed it. It gave no information as to the cause of his journey, but said he had passed safely through many scrapes, and some dangers; and succeeded in the purpose of his mission. I read part of the letter I had received and found it aroused afresh Helen's self-accusation. In seeking to appease the feeling, I reminded her that her momentary forgetfulness had been succeeded by a courageous declaration that her heart was given to Mr. Mainwaring; and I trusted this might have had more effect than anything in convincing Grant he strove in vain. Helen shook her head at this, and only answered, "We won't talk about him; I don't like to think about him;" so we reverted to the continent. Helen told me Mr. Mainwaring had found a pair of bracelets, which he thought would correspond well with the necklace his mother had presented, and hoped soon to be able to forward them by a gentleman going to England. Lady Arabella was trying the waters of some celebrated spa. Lord Cardington and Lady Althea were with her. Helen went on with her studies during the afternoon, and soon afterwards our pleasant friend Alice Ainslie appeared, and was made right welcome by all. I had much to tell and a good deal to hear, though during Barbara's attendance at table we carefully avoided some topics. Arden Mainwaring had written to his friend, and as it appeared to me, had hastened his coming to us. On his last visit to the neighbourhood, Mr. Brown had been staying at the house of a Mr. Dennison on the other side of Cardington Park. He had seen Alfred Merrivale several times and had made some endeavours to ascertain further concerning Mr. Witham. Mrs. Wellwood had now other guests; two nephews of her late husband being with her. Miss Alice Ainslie had asked if he were going to the party there on Thursday; he had no doubt he should be invited, but should go over in the morning and make sure. Helen attended afternoon service, Mrs. Cargill being with her, and on the return we joined company and had a very pleasant walk, conversing with little restraint about the letters received from Mr. Mainwaring. Merton told us he spoke of his recent travels as undertaken for the purpose of investigating some doubtful assertions. His travelling name had been Monsieur Deschênes, an appellation he had taken from his estate, "Forest Oaks," but he was supposed to be a Russian, and his knowledge of languages had given great facility in supporting the part required of him. There is a placidity about old Mr. Wainwright which is very satisfactory, only that it is plain he leans upon Grant so much. It is remarkable how partial he is to Alice, and she reciprocates his fondness with a watchful attention to him, and a willingness to please and be pleased, that is truly beautiful to witness. She even found courage to sing some hymns before us all when he asked for them; and sung them in her selfforgetfulness with a fuller and more sustained voice than I thought she had possessed. On Monday we had quite a musical evening. The old Squire seemed really to enjoy it and kept up an hour later than usual; when he retired charging us to continue, as he could not now sleep without music. It was near ten and rather dark when we left; the girls escorting us to the garden gate. The same evening brought Mr. Merton Brown again to our neighbourhood. He arrived late and put up at his old quarters at Dingleton. While dressing for church the following morning I heard he was down-stairs. He consented to With so stout a protector I felt no need to dine with me and afterwards walk over to Dar- be nervous, but was certainly startled when, liston. Meanwhile we went to church. Alice having proceeded some twenty yards, the was in the Darliston pew with one of the maids, apparition of Grant Wainwright stood beside but not knowing where I sat, and wanting either our path. He made us rather a formal bow and courage or inclination for observing her neigh-hoped we had enjoyed a pleasant evening. To bours, she did not perceive either of us until this my companion replied, "A very pleasant one we overtook her on leaving. Mr. Brown had Mr. Wainwright. I hope we may spend many such in years Good-night." to come, and you likewise. I said also," Good-night;" and we proceeded but as if some thought struck him Mr. Brown begged me to wait for a moment, and quickly retraced his steps. He spoke some few words to Grant Wainwright, the last of which were alone audible to me; "You may tell him so from me." We proceeded a little way in silence; then Mr. Brown said: "I am truly sorry for that unlucky young fellow. There has he been, I have little doubt, standing outside in the darkness, listening to our music, and trying to distinguish Miss Dalziel's voice. Oh, this love! it does play all manner of mischief with men !" "Really, you seem to know something about it," I said. He laughed light-heartedly enough. "You know what is said of lookers-on," was his reply. "And of course you always mean to be a looker-on?" I suggested. "Well may-be not. I suppose it is possible I may some time be caught: but I hope to keep out of all sentimentalities for at least a dozen years. I sometimes feel as if I ought to be married before I am forty, and must allow some five years for the thing to come on." "Mr. Merton Brown-what do you mean by 'keeping out of all sentimentalities? Did you not sing 'Juanita' to-night as if you had been fairly educated in them?" "O Psha! Mrs. Gainsborough! I'm fond of music, and when I sing I fancy I'm somebody else. That's the whole secret of it. Did I not sing Rage, thou angry storm,' just before? I fancied myself a desperate villain then, of course. We are all fond of acting." "Well, I admit your argument, and pronounce you in your own person a barbarous contemner of my own beautiful sex. You don't think there's one among us worth the risk of wooing; men ought to be above the weakness of loving such poor silly, helpless, things! If you must have a companion best choose one in whose presence you can sit at ease with your feet on the table, if you fancy it, and when you are tired of him be free to walk off and choose another! He won't object to your smoking, or pester you with twaddle about curtains and flounces; he won't ask you to hush a child to sleep; he won't, he-" "He won't scold me till he's out of breath, Mrs. Gainsborough." necessary. Between Barbara and Lance there has always existed more or less of warfare. Though not himself aggressive, he resists strongly the idea she persists in presenting that he is under her. I felt sure when I told him that I expected visitors whom I did not wish her to gossip about, he would feel bound to confidence and discretion. So, having done all in my power to keep matters quiet, closed my curtains, and lit my lamp, I sat down and commenced a crochet antimacassar; which, beginning with a number of plain rows, was not likely to suffer from divided attention. It was scarcely dark when a post-chaise drew up and my visitor alighted. I doubt however if Lance would have recognized him. When he first entered the room I was under the impression he had purposely disguised himself; but a light travelling-cloak removed and his hat lifted, there stood Helen's handsome husband. His fair complexion was much embrowned with summer travel under southern skies, this, and the addition of a moustache, had made the difference perceptible to me. His earnest eyes were unchanged, and their look into my face "Oh, it's getting up hill makes me short of revealed that not yet had he ceased from exbreath, or I could have scolded you for twenty-pecting evil chance attended him. "Is all well?” minutes!" he asked, as he took my offered hand. "All is tolerably well," I answered. "I do not know that you had any right to come, and feel a little frightened about it: but I cannot, of course, send you back without seeing Helen. She will be here in a few minutes." CHAP. XLII. MORE THAN COMFORT, "Could I help but come," he said; "when I read your last letter? I went at once to Lord St. George, he had been giving me unusual credit for my services, and begged if they had | she had passed the light on the table she saw- "Helen, look up. seemed worthy of consideration he would pardon "Yes, and I believe in the fact of his disinterestedness. He besought her recently to break off her engagement with you and suffer you to retain her fortune, which somehow he has discovered is already in your hands." "Aye, Mrs. Gainsborough; that matter, I know, tells cruelly against me, and again how unfortunate was the loss of that letter! How has she endured my apparent neglect? I thought her last letter unlikethose that had preceded it; there was something in its tone I could not understand; and it was very brief. Has her faith stood firm, or has she credited evil of me?" "Her heart has been more closely besieged than you can well conceive. I never could have believed that Grant Wainwright could suit himself so well to the character of a devoted lover; could so subdue his roughness and turn courtier." "You have not told me how she has stood all this, I mean of late?" "Helen has a woman's pity for the love borne towards her. I will leave her to tell you how she has stood it; she will tell you truly. Doubtless it might have been better if the mischance of the lost letter had not occurred; it was so much confirmation of all that an adversary could suggest of your indifference towards her: but there is no ground for apprehension that her heart is turning aside from duty. She has loved you throughout, and you must not blame her if, in so difficult a case, she has not every moment been equal to the emergency." "Do not fear that I can judge her harshly, I dare not. Have I afforded her the protection which she ought to have had ?" A sound at the gate made me start up and turn towards the door. "I pray, Mrs. Gainsborough," he said; "you will let no sign betray that I am here. I feel that I shall read in her face if I am welcome; if I have much to forgive." It was an anxious moment to me when her step drew near. How could I be certain that the suddenness of the encounter might not bring up semblance of fear? she might shrink from him as from an apparition. I told him so, but he only said "Hush, I entreat! she is coming." She entered. Her light step crossed the room quickly, her hand was extended. When look your husband in the face after four long months of absence?" She raised her head. I saw his face, not hers. Seriously, searchingly he looked upon but I judged by the returning glow on his cheek, by the smile and the kiss that followed, he was not ill-satisfied. "I come to look after my interests, Helen," he said. "I have heard of one making fierce love to my little wife and that he is no mean rival. I have been told you may think me careless, indifferent; worse, may-be; and I come to deny it. To tell you with my own lips that you are the hope of my life, my only happiness. Helen, speak to me; are you glad I have come ?" He drew her to a seat on the sofa and placed himself beside her. Helen was striving for composure, and it was good to me to see the gentle grace with which he soothed her, knowing the deep feelings stirred within him and how precious he held the time to be. She found voice presently to say: 66 You have come-for how long ?" "Too short a while. I would not be denied but am fain to be restricted. O Helen, would that this cruel promise to your grandfather could be cancelled; that I could take you to myself and shield you from all assailants! Helen, have I much to forgive?" Helen raised her head with a momentary flash of spirit, but he was looking so earnestly in her face that her eyes sunk, and she half hid them on his shoulder. "Mrs. Gainsborough knows all," she said. "She does not think you ought to blame memuch." "Yet, tell it all to me, Helen; tell me fearlessly; for you and I may be the happier. It is right that I should know." "It "He loves me," she said in low tones. has seemed wonderful to me that I could be so loved. Could I help but pity him, knowingknowing that to love so strongly without return and without hope is so sad a thing?" She trembled with agitation, but she went on : "There was a moment when temptation came to think it was sweeter to be so loved than to love the absent and-indeed, I feared it was so, the unloving. But I cast the thought from me; I did not harbour it. It was wicked. I hated myself that I could have let it come." Helen's colour went and came as she spoke, but her eyes were raised and pleaded with her tones for the merciful consideration of her confessor. Probably she read in his countenance much to encourage her to proceed. His arm caressed her and he held her hand pressed close to his heart. |
