CHAP. VII. DARLISTON. "Well, dear, what became of the storm?" Why, we have had none at all. Grandfather AN OLD MAN'S REAL AND IDEAL-A SECRET has been so kind, you don't know! He told DOUBLED. I had promised Helen, while she was staying at Fairclough, that I would go to the Hall at the end of the week, to give some advice respecting her summer dress, Accordingly I walked over on Saturday. At the gate I was met by Mrs. Cargill, who, with rather a grave face and a lowered voice, said, "Oh ma'am, I'm sorry to tell you, Master was took ill yesterday after he came home from Marsham. He'd tired himself may-be over-much, and then he and Mr. Grant had words, and Master was took quite giddy, in a sort of fit, we think; but you'll please not say so to Miss Helen-only that he was tired and worried." "I will be careful. But how is he now, Mrs. Cargill ?" "Better: but he don't seem himself. rather unnatural quiet." He's "He has not seen a doctor ?" "No, ma'am. I wanted to send, but he said there was no occasion; he knew what ailed him. He's took some physic, and indeed, ma'am, I hope he's better; but you'll see what you think. Miss Helen is with him in the parlour.' There was certainly no appearance of stormy weather between Helen and her grandfather now. He was looking pale and calm; Helen, gentle enough. She received me with a smile; and the old man raised his eyes from the fireside, and gave me a kindly greeting. "You must stay, now you have come," he said; "I'm not so well as I might be; and we shall be having Helen out of sorts again, if she has no other company than her old grandfather." I tried to excuse myself, but he would take no denial. "There, go and have your chat together," he said; "and when you have done talking over muslins and fal-lals, I should like to speak with you myself, Mrs. Gainsborough." Of course we did not begin with the muslins. Helen's face had a pleased look upon it when she closed her bedroom door, and came to help me to take off my cloak. Of me that Grant had been in grand tantrums with him because I had said him nay, and questioned me whether I were really in earnest. course I left him no doubt of that. I told him how hard I had tried to like Grant, because I thought it was his wish. And then he said he only wished me to be safe and happy; that perhaps I was right. He doubted much if I should be one or the other, with that puppy,' so he called him. He said Grant thought a deal too much of himself, and that I could get a better husband than him any day. I tell you just what he said, Mrs. Gainsborough, because it shows his mind is not so set on Grant; and that is a great relief." Thereupon we proceeded to the dress question. Helen revealed her stores: I passed my opinions. I heard Mr. Wainwright seldom gave her money to spend, but was often kind in bringing home things he saw, and fancied looked handsome. There were indeed some very good articles among a great many worthless ones. We decided on what improvements could be effected, agreed as to what purchases were indispensable, and I repaired to the parlour under the idea that I was to talk over these indispensable matters with Mr. Wainwright. I found him prepared to begin on another subject. He watched me enter and close the door, then pointed to a chair near his own, and said "I thought that foolish little wench would keep you all day over her ribbons and frippery ; and I want to talk to you about matters that concern her more. Mrs. Gainsborough, you have heard from Helen, I know, for she told me so, that that young nephew of mine is wanting her to marry. Now, Mrs. Gainsborough, I look upon you as a woman of the world (I felt alarmed, but tried not to look it): what do you think of Grant Wainwright? sort of position do you think he will take in the county?" What I was scarcely prepared for such a question; but I thought for a few minutes, and tried to look judicious. S "I am scarcely sufficiently acquainted with the character of the gentlemen of this county to be enabled to form an opinion. Among ladies, although your nephew's handsome person is a recommendation, he is too careless of what are considered essentials, to be valued in good society." "But he's young, Mrs. Gainsborough. Young men are often careless through want of experience?" I shook my head. "If love has failed to soften his manners, I fear there must be some great intractability about him. I fear he despises the opinion of gentlewomen, and perhaps has some little world of his own, with whose code he is satisfied." "There you have it, ma'am! You are a shrewd woman; I felt sure you were! Aye, that's the point; and he's as obstinate as a mule upon it. But Helen's not to be looked down upon. Helen shall have a husband that will place her in as good a position as she deserves. She's a good girl; and it shows her sense that she did not take to Grant, seeing the company he keeps. Now, Mrs. Gainsborough, you're discreet I know. What I am going to tell you is a bit of a secret, and they say women can't keep secrets, but that I think depends on what the secrets are." things have been. Have you taken any steps thereupon?" "I have told Hawkins to make particular enquiries about him, and to come over and tell me his opinion. If he thinks Will Harper may be right, I suppose I must give the hint to the police.' "I think it would be advisable on public grounds, even if the robbery has not been considerable enough to justify your taking trouble about it." "Why, Mrs. Gainsborough, the confounded rascals have got hold of my will. Between ourselves, I'm not one of those fools always bragging of their riches; but Helen will have such a fortune as will set all the scamps in the country looking after her; and who knows what use they may make of it? There's Grant has his faults, but he don't know one-fifth of what she'll bring her husband, and he's willing to take her any day. But-hang the fellow! to lower himself by associating with house-breakers! I know, of course he did not know the man was a house-breaker, but the greater fool he! Am I going to give the Darliston estate, and what not of property besides, into the hands of a booby who don't know a gentleman from a cracksman ?-a' dolt who chooses his company in the betting ring, and can't say Bo! to a goose when he's in good company? would be bringing my pigs to a pretty market! No, Mrs. Gainsborough; I've not cared for society myself this long while, I've done with it these many years; but when I was in my prime, there was not a door in the county that was closed against Philip Wainwright; and if I had not set my heart on- Well, well! anyhow I had pretty well the pick of the county for a wife, and Helen shall have a husband from the best in the land. She could buy them all out, I tell you! Helen's as good as any of them, and shall ride yet in as fine a carriage! (Here Helen came into the room, and went to the corner cupboard for the tea-caddy). Helen shall go in her diamonds and laces, and be presented at Court; I say she shall!" and his fist came down on the table. That "I think I can keep a bit of a secret," " I said; "don't give me anything too heavy to carry, Mr. Wainwright." Well-see here, Mrs. Gainsborough, it's no great matter after all, only it would be a disgrace to Grant to have it known, if it prove as is thought; and though he deserves punishment, I would rather not have it talked about. You must know, about Christmas I heard Grant had some visitors at the Rood Farm; and Mr. Hawkins, an old acquaintance of mine, came and told me they were an ill set my nephew had about him, and I'd better look to it, or he'd be Helen, caddy in hand, made a profound ruined. So I just bade Grant bring some of curtsey and said, "And Helen will say May it them to the Hall, thinking if they were ques- please your Majesty, next time you come our tionable characters they would be off and not way I shall be most happy to see you at Darlisventure to show themselves. They came how-ton; for we have most beautiful new spoons, ever, and certainly behaved respectably. Now there was a little man named Witham among them very pleasant sort of company, and he got poking about the place with my granddaughter. I thought he meant to make love to her, but she said-nothing of the sort; that he just wanted her to show him the carvings over the mantel-pieces. Well; I've not said a word to Helen, because she's had fright enough about the rascals. Why, Will Harper says to me that for the life of him he cannot get out of his head that one of the three who held him down and gagged him was this Mr. Witham!" "Indeed! That is strange; but stranger and oh! such a teapot!'" I dare say it is wise of her to make a joke of these brilliant promises. Indeed I was more amused than surprised to find their realisation at present go no further than a five-pound note. Helen observed afterwards, "Grandfather always talks like a fairy godmother, when he is in a good humour; and I suppose you must have charmed him into one, for we were dull when you came." For all, I am persuaded he has made her his heiress, and his property must be considerable. Doubtless he looks forward to her being a person of high consideration in the county, as the crown of his labours; thus he allows his imagination to deck her in jewels and splendour, while, on the other hand, the habit of holding fast his money is too strong to allow him to bring his ideal to reality. I think his anxiety at the probability of her being the object of fortunehunters very justifiable. Poor girl, what sort of a preparation has her life at Darliston been for so dangerous a position? Still the idea of his selecting her a husband is to me quite as alarming. Helen has perhaps as much practical sense as most girls of her age; but in regard to experience, there lies her danger! Her imaginative nature and keen feelings might readily be worked upon by the designing. Yet, all considered, I cannot but think her better chance of happiness is in choosing for herself; and I hope habit, the habit of having Helen with him, will be too strong to admit of action to the contrary. Meanwhile I must try to induce him to let Helen see a little of the world, as far as it can be seen from under the wing of that "shrewd woman," Mrs. Gainsborough. We had some conversation about my newfound relatives. Mr. Wainwright spoke highly of them, and assured me I should find them very valuable connections. Helen avowed that she liked Mr. Littington, but was rather afraid of him. "He seems," she said, "as if he were reading everybody; and I am sure he can see lots of faults in me. It's unpleasant, because I cannot quarrel with him and have it out. If I could do that, I think we should like each other much better." Helen's merry mood kept up all the evening. We adjourned after tea to the drawing-room, Mr. Wainwright having retired early to bed; and played and sang for an hour, to each other's great contentment. It was indeed very delightful to me to listen to Helen's fresh young voice, especially as she sung with a spirit and gaiety which showed the relief of her heart. My office of keeper of secrets gave my mind some trouble at intervals. Suspicions from two different quarters having settled on the same person as implicated in the burglary, more than doubled the case against him, and gave me a feeling of responsibility in possessing such knowledge. When I rose to depart, I questioned Helen what course she thought it likely her grandfather would pursue, were she to acquaint him with her suspicions; adding, "I almost think you should tell him." "I have thought about it a good deal," she replied, "but for the present would rather not. Matters have gone so well as yet, so much better than I feared; and if I were to tell this, there would be another scene with Grant." This I knew was more to be deprecated than even Helen was aware of; so I said no more. But I feel still puzzled about it, and am wishing Richard were here to decide for me what course I should take. Helen walked with me as far as the bridge. On the way we talked of Grant Wainwright. He had sent in the course of the evening to Mrs. Cargill, to inquire after her master's health; which attention, Helen thinking the occasion less serious than it was, rated too highly, and, as I was silent, seemed to think I did not give credit to Grant's possessing any genuine feeling on the subject. "Poor Grant," she observed; "indeed his heart is not bad." · swears, out of the abundance of the heart the "Then you do not think that when he raves and mouth speaketh?"" have not a word to say for him there. Only, "Oh, that swearing is a horrible habit! I dear Mrs. Gainsborough, now that I am free from fear of being urged to marry him, I wish to do him justice; and as I have told you all bad of him, I would not have you suppose that he is always and altogether bad. He has some good qualities :-for instance, he never drinks Neither to excess, let him go where he will. would he tell a lie, I am sure; and Grant has feeling." "Well, Helen, some hearing you, would say you were relenting; but I am well aware it is possible to see good in a man whom one would not for the whole world be united with. I shall only caution you not to let any feeling of generosity mislead you in your conduct towards him; you had better still seem a determined adversary." "Oh, never fear, dear Mrs. Gainsborough, I know I ought not. If I were in his place, inclined towards a person who was positively determined not to marry me, I should find any would get up a little earnest hatred of me, it show of amiability a cruelty. Indeed if he would rather relieve my mind; for, though I do not accuse myself of having encouraged his attachment, I am sorry to think I have not been more active in preventing it." On Sunday we again met, for I had suggested to Helen that she should sit with me in church, and she gladly consented, the pew being less exposed to observation than that belonging to Darliston Hall. Grant Wainwright came into church before the sermon, and followed at a little distance as we left the churchyard. I suggested her coming with me to Fairclough, if she disliked the idea of his escort to Darliston. She declined, saying that she could not delay, and have her grandfather kept waiting for his dinner on Grant's account. "Besides," she added; "I have come to the resolution of telling him my suspicions about his friend Mr. Witham. Don't you think that is the most straightforward course?" I believe she is right, and I told her so; but as I looked over my bedroom blind at the two walking up-hill together, I shook my head, and breathed a sigh of anxiety. 8 2 CHAP. VIII. MRS. GAINSBOROUGH ACTS THE PART OF A Scarcely more than half-a-mile across the fields to St. Bride's. This I had heard from Helen; and the morning being propitious, I took sketch-book in hand, resolved to reach the ruin I had so great interest in, from its having been the scene of frequent meetings between my father and mother in their days of courtship. Now I have seen the beautiful little ruin, I am not surprised it should be so chosen, and it seems it still is a favourite resort on such occasions, for I witnessed a lover's meeting there myself. My desire was to make a sketch from a certain ivied-window recess, which, from oft-told description, I knew to have been my father's favourite post of observation. With much selfgratulation I discovered it, and, not without difficulty, for it was at some height, made my way towards it, and settled myself for a sketch. The ruined gate-way a little to the left was the chief object I had wished to trace, for there my mother had sat when she made the drawing I possess; and I thought to introduce her figure so employed, or approaching from the Marsham road, which lies beyond. The scene, beautiful in itself, was yet more interesting to me from association; I was soon deeply intent on my occupation, hearing nothing but the rustle of the breeze in the ivy about me, conscious of no company save that of the few sheep feeding about the ruin. Suddenly a voice almost at my feet, spoke thus"You do me cruel wrong, Arden. A woman's first love is always her best." And then, before I had made up my mind whether to cough or not, another voice-Mr. Arden's, of course-responded in these treasonable words: "Women do not know what love is;" and then proceeded, "would that I could be sure you knew your own heart. Listen to me, for this may be the last time I can speak freely to you. You tell me you will not change, that I shall still be dear to you, and you bid me depart without a hope. Say still that you love me, and what difficulties can forbid my hoping! Something may yet be done, something shall be done to retrieve my affairs. Who can say what a few years may bring? Trust me, Althea ; with your love to sustain me there is nothing I do not feel strength to meet and over come. Again the lady's voice: of debt hanging over you? Even if you were delivered from that, am I fit to be a poor man's wife? What if, as you propose, I were to suffer you to continue tangled in an engagement, how many years must that continue before you are in a position to take a portionless bride " "Althea, I know not how long you could wait for a home with me; but for myself the hope of winning you, did I serve as Jacob served for Rachael, would be sweeter than the possession of any dowered bride, even though she were lovely as yourself." "Not so, Arden. You love as men love; nay, I do not question in the least the force and sincerity of your attachment. But I know, when you have left the country, have mingled in gay scenes, have tasted the cup of pleasure, and the joys of successful ambition, how different will then appear the engagement you now would fetter yourself with." There was a touch of pride, I thought, as well as of sadness, in the tones of the gentleman, especially when he spoke next : 16 You cannot or will not believe me. The years already gone by should have proved that you are more precious to me than anything else the world can offer." "I do believe you, Arden; but I tell you it should not be so. Duty commands us both to put away from our affection anything that can militate against the success of your career. Think how your mother's very life is bound up in it!" The lover's mind did not seem disposed to dwell on this point; it held tenacious hold of another. "I asked but for one year's grace, because I am conscious that I have no right to make my affection the means of dragging you down from the station you are so qualified to adorn and enjoy. You have said you are not fit to be a poor man's wife: perhaps you are right. Once more then, will you suffer me still to think you are mine in heart for twelve months longer? Althea, can you, will you, quench the hope that has been my brightest happiness since childhood?" His tones were very earnest. There was a pause. She relents, I thought. No. Arden, I came here resolved to do my duty. I bid you go forth to success, to renown. Let the past rest as a sweet dream of youth; think of me as of one who loves you as a friend and kinswoman, one whose spirit will ever be near yours, watching your progress, rejoicing in your honours; but dream no more of a marriage which destiny has evidently denied. Ere many years are over, perhaps months, I may "Arden, I feel beyond expression grateful for hear that you are wedded to some fair girl whose the devotion of your heart. The love I bear for delight it will be to rain gold upon you. She you is no less strong-nay, I fear, more strong will love you, Arden. She cannot fail to love than that which now sways you; but it is my you; and I-fear not for me. The sense of destiny to prove that love not in weakly acced-duty performed, the belief that your happiness ing to blind feeling, but in aiding you to con- is secured, will make that which now may seem quer that which stands in the way of a noble a sacrifice, a sacred memory." career. Oh! Arden, marriage with me would be your ruin! Can I free you from the burden "And you will be happier, Althea, than as a poor man's wife. Be it so." "Friends? Althea, I have had two friends in my life; they have been men." In a low caressing tone I heard her say, "Poor boy!" I think she placed her hand upon him, for it seemed that he started or shrank from her. Doing so, he came within my view among the thick twining ivy. It was a face, an expression not to be forgotten; that expression changed under the influence of a strong effort at self-possession, and the face was no longer remarkable; only that of a rather handsome young English gentleman, fair and somewhat pale. His voice was altered when he spoke again : "Lady Althea, your servant is seeking you. Is it your pleasure to go alone to the roadside, or may I have the honour of accompanying you?" "Not for the world," she spoke hurriedly; and then more composedly added: "You are angry now, Arden; but the time will come when you will thank me for this. Farewell, good cousin." I saw a small gloved hand tendered. He took it somewhat coldly, saying, "Farewell, Althea; and farewell to the dream of our youth. May the joys of successful ambition compensate to us both." I did not hear her go. The grass amid the ruins was soft; the sheep cropping it made more sound than the lady's footstep. Presently I saw her pass under the gateway-a tall and graceful figure clad in a riding habit, and wearing a long black plume in her hat. How I dreaded she would turn back for a parting look, and see me ! While listening perforce to their voices, interest had almost overcome the sense of my own situation. After the first words spoken, I doubted if it might not cause less harm to hear on than to disclose myself. This difference, however, I soon felt: to have done it at once would have put them in an awkward plight; afterwards, if discovery took place, even greater awkwardness would fall on me. Had the gentleman moved a step or two he must have seen me; but my fears were needless. While sitting listening for some assurance of his departure, I heard one sigh that was almost more than a sigh; soon after I plainly discerned his footfall on the path outside. My sketch of course was unfinished. I speedily gathered my materials together, not even stopping to look for my penknife, which I fear is lost, and, before quitting the abbey walls, saw the gentleman proceeding down-hill on the side opposite to Fairclough. Half-way towards home I encountered Will Barncliffe mending a gate; and he gave me information that a carriage with ladies had been drawn up before Fairclough. It proved to have been Mrs. Ainslie's, the sister of Mr. Littington, Susan told me there were three very nice young ladies with their mamma, and they seemed disappointed on finding I was from home. I must endeavour to make my way to them from Tudfield before the week is over. Indeed it is time I bestir myself in the matter of visits, for Mr. Grey the vicar called with his sister yesterday, and I have also to see Mrs. Merrivale. If the weather is as fair to-morrow, I will begin by riding over to Leyton farm. CHAP. IX. GAINSBOROUGH, LEYTON FARM. -MRS. "Launcelot, what do you think of the weather this morning?" "It looks fairish, ma'am." "Will it hold up till evening? I want to ride over to Leyton Farm this afternoon." Launcelot resumed his occupation of digging up a bed for mignonette, with a wrinkle on his brow: presently he raised himself, and spoke again. "You will be going by the seashore, ma'am, no doubt, and it would be bad to be caught. There's no shelter, once you are out from the rocks, all the way to Mr. Merrivale's. Still, ma'am, if you would not mind returning through General Wetheral's, or would go round by Cardington-which is a longish way, indeed-I think as you might trust the weather." Launcelot is accounted somewhat weatherwise: I bade him saddle Paddy by two o'clock, dined early, and was ready accordingly, Launce's description of my route a little bewildered me. "You'll turn by the garden-wall as if you was going to church, ma'am; but keep to your left instead, along an old road—'least it was a road, but that was long ago, when there was a house, or a something of the sort, among the rocks. There's a kind of chimney standing, which you'll please to look out for; and mind and turn to your right directly you see it, or you're certain to get wrong. When you come out from the rocks you will have the sands all the way to Leyton Farm. It's a matter of two miles, but you may see the house at once, for it's a white 'un; and, when the sun shines as it does now, you may see it as plain as Cardington Castle." I engaged Lance to pilot me through the rocks, discharging him, however, before I had actually emerged from their shelter, for the way to the sands was open before me. My spirits raised by the pleasure of my ride, and the near approach to the sea, I may have been a little careless of my duties as horsewoman; at all events, I had not left the rocks six feet behind me, when Paddy performed an odd sort of backmovement, and to my astonishment I found |