Chapter XII.

"Stevenson has returned, and I certainly must hear from Harriet,"

exclaimed the sister of Pendennyss, with great animation, as she stood at a window, watching the return of a servant, from the neighbouring post-office.

"I am afraid," rejoined the Earl, who was seated by the breakfast table, waiting the leisure of the lady to give him his dish of tea--- "You find Wales very dull, sister. I sincerely hope both Derwent and Harriet will not forget their promise of visiting us this month."

The lady slowly took her seat at the table, engrossed in her own reflections, as the man entered with his budget of news; and having deposited sundry papers and letters, respectfully withdrew. The Earl glanced his eyes over the directions of the epistles, and turning to his servants, said, "answer the bell, when called." Three or four liveried footmen deposited their silver salvers, and different implements of servitude, and the peer and his sister were left by themselves.

"Here is one from the Duke to me, and one for your ladyship from his sister," said the brother smiling; "I propose they be read aloud for our mutual advantage;" to which the lady, whose curiosity to hear the contents of Derwent's letter, greatly exceeded his interest in that of the sister, cheerfully acquiesced, and her brother first broke the seal of his, and read aloud its contents as follows:

"Notwithstanding my promise of seeing you this month in Caernarvonshire, I remain here yet--my dear Pendennyss--unable to tear myself from the attractions I have found in this city; although the pleasure of their contemplation, has been purchased at the expense of mortified feelings, and unrequited affections. It is a truth, (though possibly difficult to be believed,) this mercenary age has produced a female, disengaged, young, and by no means very rich, who has refused a jointure of six thousand a year, with the privilege of walking at a coronation, within a dozen of royalty itself."

Here, the accidental falling of a cup from the hands of the fair listener, caused some little interruption to the reading of the brother; but as the lady, with a good deal of trepidation, and many blushes, apologised hastily for

the confusion her awkwardness had made, the Earl continued to read---"I could almost worship her independence; for I know the wishes of both her parents were for my success. I confess to you freely, that my vanity has been a good deal hurt, as I really thought myself agreeable to her; she certainly listened to my conversation, and admitted my approaches, with more satisfaction, than those of any of the other men around her; and when I ventured to hint to her this circumstance, assome justification for my presumption, she frankly acknowledged the truth of my impression, and without explaining the reasons for her conduct, deeply regretted the construction I had been led to place upon the circumstance. Yes, my lord, I felt it necessary to apologise to Emily Moseley, for presuming to aspire to the honour of possessing so much loveliness and virtue. The accidental advantages of rank and wealth, lose all their importance, when opposed to her delicacy, ingenuousness, and unaffected principles.

"I have heard it intimated lately, that George Denbigh was, in some way or other, instrumental in saving her life once, and that to her gratitude, and my resemblance to the colonel, am I indebted to a consideration with Miss Moseley, which, although it has been the means of buoying me up with false hopes, I can never regret, from the pleasure her society has afforded me. I have remarked, on my mentioning his name to her, she showed unusual emotion; and as Denbigh is already a husband, and myself rejected, the field is now fairly open to your lordship. You will enter on your enterprise with great advantage, as you have the same flattering resemblance; and, if any thing, the voice, which I am told is our greatest recommendation with the ladies, in greater perfection than either George or your humble servant."

Here the reader stopped of his own accord, and was so intently absorbed in his meditations, that the almost breathless curiosity of his sister, was obliged to find relief by desiring him to proceed: roused by the sound of her voice, the earl changed colour sensibly, and continued:

"But to be serious on a subject of great importance to my future life, (for I sometimes think, her negative has made Denbigh a duke,) the lovely girl did not appear happy at the time of our interview, nor do I think enjoys at any time, the spirits nature has evidently given her. Harriet is nearly as great an admirer of Miss Moseley, and takes her refusal at heart as much as myself---she even attempted to intercede with her, on my behalf. But the charming girl, though mild, grateful, and delicate, was firm and

unequivocal, and left no grounds for the remotest expectation of success, from perseverance on my part.

"As Harriet had received an intimation, that both Miss Moseley and her aunt, entertained extremely rigid notions on the score of religion, she took occasion to introduce the subject in her conference with the former, and was told in reply, 'that other considerations would have determined her to decline the honour I intended her; but, that under any circumstances, a more intimate knowledge of my principles would be necessary, before she could entertain a thought of accepting my hand, or indeed that of any other man.' Think of that---Pendennyss. The principles of a Duke!--now a dukedom and forty thousand a year, would furnish a character with most people, for a Nero.

"I trust the important object I have kept in view here, is a sufficient excuse for my breach of promise to you; and I am serious when I wish you, (unless the pretty Spaniard has, as I sometimes suspect, made a captive of you) to see, and endeavour to bring me in some degree, connected with the charming family of Sir Edward Moseley.

"The aunt, Mrs. Wilson, often speaks of you with the greatest interest, and from some cause or other, is strongly enlisted in your favour, and Miss Moseley hears your name mentioned with evident pleasure. Your religion or principles, cannot be doubted. You can offer larger settlements---as honourable, it not as elevated a title---a far more illustrious name, purchased by your own services--and personal merit, greatly exceeding the pretensions of your assured friend and relative,

-- DERWENT."

Both brother and sister were occupied with their own reflections, for several minutes after the letter was ended; and the silence was broken first, by the latter saying, with a low tone to her brother---

"You must endeavour to become acquainted with Mrs. Wilson; she is, I know, very anxious to see you, and your friendship for the General requires it of you."

"I owe Gen. Wilson much," replied the brother in a melancholy voice;

"and when we go to Annerdale House, I wish you to make the acquaintance with the ladies of the Moseley family, should they be in town this winter---

but you have the letter of Harriet to read yet." After first hastily running over its contents, the lady commenced the fulfilment of her part of the agreement.

"Frederic has been so much engrossed of late with his own affairs, that he has forgotten there is such a creature in existence as his sister, or indeed, any one else, but a Miss Emily Moseley, and consequently I have been unable to fulfil my promise of a visit, for want of a proper escort to see me into Wales, and---and---perhaps some other considerations, not worth mentioning in a letter, I know you will read to the earl.

"Yes, my dear cousin, Frederic Denbigh, has supplicated the daughter of a country baronet, to become a dutchess; and hear it, ye marriage-seeking nymphs and marriage-making dames! has supplicated in vain!

"I confess to you, when the thing was first in agitation, my aristocratic blood roused itself a little at the anticipated connexion; but finding, on examination, Sir Edward was of no doubtful lineage, and the blood of the Chattertons runs in his veins, and finding the young lady every thing that I could wish in a sister, my proud scruples soon disappeared with the folly that engendered them.

"There was no necessity for any alarm, for the lady very decidedly refused the honour offered her by Derwent, and what makes the matter worse, refused the solicitations of his sister also.

"I have fifty times been surprised at myself, for my condescension, and to this moment am at a loss to know, whether it was to the lady's worth--my brother's happiness--or the Chatterton blood--that I finally yielded. Heigho!

this Chatterton is certainly much too handsome for a man; but I forget, you have never seen him." (Here an arch smile stole over the features of the listener, as his sister continued)---"to return to my narration--I had half a mind to send for a Miss Harris there is here, to learn the most approved fashion of a lady's preferring a suit, but as fame said she was just now practising on a certain hero, yclep'd Captain Jarvis, heir to Sir Timo---of of that name, it struck me her system might be rather too abrupt, so I was fain to adopt the best plan, that of trusting to nature and my own feelings for words.

"Nobility is certainly a very pretty thing, (for those who have it,) but I would defy the old Margravine of --, to keep up the semblance of superiority with Emily Moseley. She is so very natural---so very beautiful---

and and withal at times a little arch, that one is afraid to set up any other distinctions, than such as can be fairly supported.

"I commenced with hoping her determination, to reject the hand of Frederic wasnot an unalterable one. (Yes, I called him Frederic, what I

never did out of my own family before in my life.) There was a considerable tremor in the voice of Miss Moseley, as she replied, 'I now perceive, when too late, that my indiscretion has given reason to my friends to think, that I have entertained opinions of his Grace and thoughts for the future. I entreat you to believe me, Lady Harriet, I am innocent of---indeed-

--indeed as any thing more than an agreeable acquaintance, I have never allowed myself to think of your brother'--and from my soul I believe her--

we continued our conversation for half an hour longer---and such was the ingenuousness--delicacy--and high religious feeling displayed by the charming girl, that if I entered the room with a spark of regret, I was compelled to solicit another to favour my brother's love---I left it with a stronger feeling that my efforts had been unsuccessful---Yes! thou peerless sister of the more peerless Pendennyss! I once thought of your ladyship for a wife to Derwent--"

A glass of water was necessary, to enable the reader to clear her voice, which grew husky from speaking so long.

"But I now openly avow--neither your birth---your hundred thousand pounds---or your merit---would put you on a footing, in my estimation, with my Emily---you may form some idea of her power to captivate, and indifference to her conquests--when I mention that she once refused---but, I forget,you don't know him, and therefore cannot be a judge--the thing is finally decided, and we shortly go into Westmoreland, and next week, the Moseleys return to Northamptonshire---I don't know when I shall be able to visit you, and think I may now safely invite you to Denbigh Castle, although a month ago I might have hesitated--love to the Earl, and kind assurances to yourself, of unalterable regard.

-- "Harriet Denbigh."

"P.S. I believe I forgot to mention, that Mrs. Moseley, a sister of Lord Chatterton, has gone to Portugal, and that the Baron himself, is to go into the country, with us-- there is, I suppose, a fellow-feeling between them just now--though I do not think Chatterton looks so very miserable as he might.

---Adieu."

On the ending this second epistle, the same silence, which had succeeded the reading of the first, prevailed, until the lady, with an arch expression, interrupted it by saying,

"Harriet will, I think, soon grace the peerage."

"And happily, I trust," replied the brother.

"Do you know Lord Chatterton?"

"I do; he is very amiable, and admirably calculated to contrast with the lively gayety of Harriet Denbigh."

"You believe in loving our opposites, Isee," rejoined the Lady; and then affectionately stretching out her hand to him, she added, "but Pendennyss, you must give me for a sister, one as nearly like yourself as possible."

"That might please your affections," answered the Earl with a smile,

"but how would it comport with my tastes---will you suffer me to describe the kind of man you are to select for your future lord---unless you have decided the point already."

The lady coloured violently, and appearing anxious to change the subject, tumbled over two or three unopened letters on the table, as she cried eagerly,

"Here is one from the Donna Julia." The Earl instantly broke the seal, and read aloud--no secrets existing between them in relation to their mutual friend.

"My Lord,

"I hasten to write to you, what I know will give you pleasure to hear, concerning my future prospects in life. My uncle, General M'Carthy, has written me the cheerful tidings, that my father has consented to receive his only child, without any other sacrifice, than a condition, of attending the public service of the Catholic Church--without any professions on my side, or even an understanding, that I am conforming to its peculiar tenets---this may be, in some measure, irksome at times, and, possibly, distressing--but the worship of God, with a proper humiliation of spirit, I have learnt to consider as a privilege to us here---and I owe a duty to my earthly father, of penitence and care, in his later years, that will justify the measure in the eyes of my heavenly one.---I have, therefore, acquainted my uncle in reply, that I am willing to attend the Condé's summons, at any moment he will choose to make them, and thought it a debt due your care and friendship, to apprise your lordship of my approaching departure from this country; indeed, I have great reasons for believing, that your kind and unremitted efforts to attain this object, have already prepared you to expect this result.

"I feel it will be impossible to quit England without seeing yourself and sister---to thank you for the many--very many favours, of both a temporal and eternal nature, you have been the agents of confering on me;

the cruel suggestions, which I dreaded, and which it appears, had reached the ears of my friends in Spain, have prevented my troubling your lordship, of late, with my concerns unnecessarily.---The consideration, of a friend to your character, (Mrs. Wilson,) has removed the necessity of my inexperience applying for your advice ---She, and her charming niece, Miss Emily Moseley, have been, next to yourselves, the greatest solace I have had in my exile--and united, you will be remembered in myprayers--I will merely mention here, defering the explanation until I see you in London, that I have been visited by the wretch, from whom you delivered me in Portugal, and the means of ascertaining his name have fallen into my hands-

--you will be the best judge of the proper steps to be taken--- but I wish, by all means, something may be done, to prevent his attempting to see me in Spain---should it be discovered to my relations there, it would certainly terminate in his death, and, possibly, my disgrace.---Wishing you, and your kind sister, all possible happiness, I remain your Lordship's obliged friend,

"Julia Fitzgerald."

"Oh!" cried the sister as concluding the letter, "we must certainly see her before she goes--what a wretch that persecutor of her must be--how persevering in his villainy."

"He does exceed my ideas of effrontery," said the Earl, in great warmth--"but he may offend too far; the laws shall interpose their power to defeat his schemes, should he ever repeat them."

"He attempted to take your life, brother," said the lady, shuddering--"if I remember the tale aright."

"Why, I have endeavoured to free him from that imputation," rejoined the brother musing--"he certainly fired a pistol, but it hit my horse at such a distance from myself, that I believe his object was to disable me from pursuit, and not murder;--his escape has astonished me;--he must have fled by himself into the woods, as Harmer was but at a short distance behind me, admirably mounted, on one of my chargers, and the escort was up, and in full pursuit, within ten minutes; after all, it may be for the best he was not taken, for I am persuaded the dragoons would have sabred him on the spot--

and he may have parents of respectability, or a wife to kill, by the knowledge of his misconduct."

"This Emily Moseley must be a faultless being," cried his sister, as she run over the contents of Julia's letter to herself. "Three different letters, and each one containing her praises."

The Earl made no reply, but opening the Duke's letter again, appeared to be closely studying its contents. His colour slightly changed as he dwelt on the sense of its passages, and turning to his sister, he inquired with a smile, "if she had a mind to try the air of Westmoreland, for a couple of weeks or a month."

"As you say, my Lord"--replied the lady with cheeks of scarlet.

"Then I say, we will go. I wish much to see Derwent, and I somewhat think, there will be a wedding during our visit." He rang the bell, and the almost untasted breakfast was removed in a few minutes. A servant announced his horse in readiness. The Earlwished his sister a friendly good morning, and proceeded to the door, where was standing one of the noble black horses before mentioned, held by a groom, and the military looking attendant, ready mounted, on the other.

Throwing himself into the saddle, the young peer rode gracefully from the door, followed by no one but his attendant horseman. During this ride, the master suffered his steed to take whatever course most pleased himself, and his follower looked up in surprise more than once, to see the careless manner the Earl of Pendennyss, confessedly one of the best horsemen in Spain, managed the noble animal he rode. Having, however, got without the gates of his own park, and into the vicinity of numberless cottages and farm houses, the master recovered his recollection, and the man ceased to wonder.

For three hours the equestrians pursued their course through the beautiful vale, which opened gracefully opposite one of the fronts of the castle; and if faces of smiling welcome-- inquiries after his own and his sisters welfare, which evidently sprung from the heart-- or the most familiar but respectful representations of their own prosperity or misfortunes, gave any testimony of the feelings entertained by the tenantry of this noble estate for their landlord, the situation of the young nobleman might be justly considered one to be envied.

As the hour for dinner approached, theyturned the heads of their horses towards home; and on entering the park, removed from the scene of industry and activity, without, the Earl relapsed into his fit of musing. But a short distance from the house he suddenly called, "Harmer;" the man threw his spurs into the loins of his horse, and in an instant was by the side of his master, which he signified by raising his hand to his cap with the palm

opening outward. "You must prepare to go to Spain, when required, in attendance on Mrs. Fitzgerald."

The man received his order, with the indifference of one used to adventures and movements, and having laconically signified his assent, drew his horse back again, into his station in the rear.