,7 ^< ^^ j^ -u K \ ^ a I B RARY OF THE U N IVER.SITY or ILLINOIS Ha893 V. i The person charging this material is re- sponsible for its return to the library from which it was withdrawn on or before the Latest Date stamped below. Theft, mutilation, and underlining of books are reasons for disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from the University. To renew call Telephone Center, 333-8400 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN l\ ^: 1330 L161— O-1096 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. A SCOTTISH RECORD. Printed by J. Darling, Leadenhall-Street, London. ^ctvtU in rbcvg i^ansion: OR TUB ^uiqeon'd tyjiemoiandam^^Joon. «C c^ccitis;^ MccoiD, IN FIVE VOLUMES. By ANNE OF SWANSEA, AUTHOR OF C4.VB7?7^iV PICTURES, SICILIAN MYSTERIES, COXTICTION^ SECRET AVENGERS, CHRONICLES OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS HOUSE, GONZALO DE BALDIVIA, e^c. Our '. irtues would be pToi'.d, if our \ices whipped them not ; aad qui vicos would despair, if not cherishetl by our virtues." flottlrott: Prifited at the Minerva Presi far A. K. NEWMAN AND CO. LEADENHALL-STREET. INTRODUCTION. TO " In, ferrum pro libertate ruehanf." IjEHOLD, my fiiend, yon limpid stream, Bright gUtt'ring in the solar beam ; Genrly it glides through dell and glade. And murmuis 'aiidst tlie wood's dark shade. Of little worth it seems to fame, Unaiark'd its source — unknown its name ; Yet fresh the turf lav'd by its tide, And fair the flow'rs that spring beside, And ssveet to thirsty pilgrim still Is the pure water of its rill. Oh! such to thcs is my wild song, That winds the mountain-steeps along; %*OL. I. a VI INTRODUCTION. Yet if, when springing from my soul, In simple strain the numbers roll. If haply th?y excite a smile — If from thy heart its cares beguile, Blest be ray lays ! though ling'riug still. They only sound on echoing hill — Though none, save thee, shall e'er inquire, ' Whose untaught hand has swept the lyre. Yes, though conderon'd through weary years. To hail each rising morn with tears. To feel neglect with chilling breath. Decree me still a living death — To see the buds that twme my brow Condemn'd to wither ere they blow — Yet still I bless the happy hour That led thee to my lonely bow'r. And dearer yet I prize the strain, Tlwt could thy valued friendship gain — Thine, who canst pour the warbled song With grace and elegance along. Whose verse can boast the mingl'd store Of sparkling wit and classic lore ; Tliyself a muse, whose liberal mind, Could leave cold prejudice behind ; INTRODUCTION. VU Above the narrow critic's plan. Who only wishes faults to scan, Couldst warmly praise the measure wild, On which nor wealth nor learning smil'd. Star of the North ! thy splendid ray Has brightly cheer'd ray lonely day; And fain for thee my soul would raise The song of tributary praise — Would paint for thee thy native isles, W^here tow'ring genius awful smiles. Hail, Scotland ! from whose Alpine heights, The muse has wing'd her boldest flights ! Soil of the warrior and the bard ! 3-and of the harp and of the sword ! Roughly the winds o'er Scotia blow, Bleak, wild, and bare, her mountains shew; Not hers the vineyard's sunny breast — Not hers the orclmrd's ruddy crest — Not hers the hopyards spreading wide, Nor tawny cornfield's burnish'd pride — ■ Nor hers the dwindled puny race. That seem to shrink from winter's face; In hardy clans her sons arise. To brave the storms of Scotia's skies. a2 Till INTRODUCTION. Hardy her chieftains were of old. Like her own refore dinner,' without believing that she had taken a few cordial drops to raise her spirits, which, in her case, might perhaps be necessary, as Mr. Ferment was not considered a very faithful husband, it being whispered among his intimate friends, that his infi- delities were notorious among females far more juvenile than his lady. Mrs. Ferment, during the law^yer's dis- closure, expressed many symptoms of sur- prise, and at its conclusion, exclaimed — " Nothing can be more true, than that every mansion 'has its secrets ; but this certainly is the most extraordinary cir- cumstance I ever heard, for no one ever suspected that Mrs. Duncan had the smallest reason for complaint, though every body thinks her a peevish discon- tented woman." ** All women," returned the attorney, ** are peevish and discontented, whether they have reason or not." Mrs. Ferment was too much occupied ^ SECHETS IN EVERY MANSION. 31 by the secret her husband had just im- parted, to reply to his witty remark. But to have been told such a history without being at liberty to detail it to her acquain- tances, would have been terrible to a per- son of her busy tattling disposition ; she therefore inquired whether she was to consider his relation a secret, or whether she was at liberty to speak of it to her friends ? " You may tell it when, w^here, and to whom you please," replied Mr. Ferment: •* if the affair is not known, why it rests as it is — Mrs. Duncan frets, Duncan and his daughter laugh, and I gain nothing by having patiently listened to the old woman's history of her injuries and her husband's amours ; but the circumstance being known, some of the Hexham gen- - try will have pride enough to turn up their noses at Mr. Duncan's illegitimate daughter — Miss will be mortified, and complain to her father — hev/ill resent any coldness shewn to his darling — explanations will ensue — quairels at home and abroad 32 SECRETS IN EVEIIY MANSION^ will be the consequence, from which, without doubt, will spring lawsuits in- numerable, deeds of separation, alimony, kc, &c. all which must be profitable to me, on whose opinion and judgment ail Hexham will rely." Mrs. Ferment lamented the lateness^ of the hour, as it prevented her from com- municating Mrs. Duncan's secret to her friends that night; but an hour before'her usual time the next morning, she drew aside her bedcurtains, rejoicing to find that the day was likely to be fine. Break- fast was hurried over with unusual dis- patch ; and the ceremonies of the toilet being duly performed, Mrs.* Ferment sal- lied forth to indulge her own mischievous talent of tale-bearing, and promote her husband'-s desire of involving the whole town in litigation ; but wherever she told the tale, though it excited surprise and pity for Mrs. Duncan, it failed to create contempt or dislike of Alexina : no one blamed Mr. Duncan's excessive fondness of so lovely, so amiable, and so accom- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 33 plished a daughter ; the young men called her the Rose of Hexham, and all con- curred in the resolve of burying the secret in their own bosoms, unanimously de- claring, they thought it would be cruel and indelicate to hint their information to the innocent Alexina, and extremely indecorous and impolite to interfere at all in a matter that only concerned Mr. and Mrs. Duncan. It was, therefore, in spite of the sophistry of Mrs. Ferment, resolved, nein, con. to visit and be visited by the Duncans as usual, without expressing any knowledge of the family secret. This decision was by no means agreeable to IMr. or Mi-s. Ferment : they had done their utmost to irritate the minds of the people, and had failed ; and in this solitary instance they agreed in opinion, that the inhabitants of Hexham were blockheads and fools, and such miserable cowards, tliat they were afraid to involve themselves in a lawsuit. The young party, who had gone to the G 3 34 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. town-liall to witness the mechanical abi- lities of monsieur Descartes, had followed Miss Duncan to a part of the hall, which one of the young ladies, not a little vain of her pretty person, considered as very ill calculated to display those charms, which she was desirous should attract uni- versal admiration. — " Bless me !" said she, in a tone of evident discontent, turning to Alexina, " I declare we are behind every body — Do, Miss Duncan, if you have no particular objection, let us move a little forwarder." Now this was a request her brother, captain Walsingham, altogether disap- proved. In their present situation, Alex- ina, who sat next the wall, was inacces- sible to the young men, whom his admira- tion of her made him consider rivals ; he was therefore much pleased to liear her reply — " Our present situation is a very good one for observing the movements of the automatons." ** Pshaw ! hang the automatons !" said SECRETS IN EVEHY MANSION. 35 Aliss Walsingbam ; " I would not give a straw for the exhibition." " No !" returned Alexina, with a look of surprise; " I thought you were ex- tremely anxious to get here in time, that you might lose no part of it." Captain Walsingham laughed. — " Sure- ly, Miss Duncan," rejoined he, " you must be an exception to most young ladies, or, like Maria, you would be actuated by the general sentiment when you visit public places." " I really do not comprehend you, ' said Alexina. " And yet," observed Miss Claymoor,. '^captain Walsingham's meaning is ohvi* ous enough." " Have the gx)odness thenj" replied Alexina, " to pardon my stupidity, for I confess I am at a loss to comprehend." " Permit me then to explain," resumed Miss Claymoor. " Captain Walsingham means to infer, that we young ladies have seldom any other intention, in coming to 36 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. public places, than to display our persons, and attract admiration." " Very true, Charlotte — you have said the exact truth," rejoined JN'Iiss Walsing- ham ; " for my part, I am quite miserable to be cooped up in this corner, when all the beaux of Hexham are at the other end of the room." Miss Duncan rose, and with a sweet smile, said — " Believe me, I should be sorry to deprive you of any portion of the even- ing's pleasure — ^let us move to the seat you prefer." " Ah, sly one!" returned Miss Clay moor, " that air of indifference is admirably as- sumed — we feel double pleasure in accom- modating a friend, when it promotes our own wishes." Miss Duncan blushed, and said — •* Really I am quite unconscious '' '^ Oh, certainly," interrupted IMiss Wal- singham, sarcastically — " You are so in- 4it. nocent, so unconscious, and so totally un- observant, as not to have discovered the SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION". 3T rector and his son sitting under the first chandelier." " I certainly did not observe them till this moment," returned Alexina; " but having seen them, I feel an additional pleasure in removing from our present si- tuation, as 1 have not yet congratulated our good rector on his safe return from London." " Nor his son on his emancipation from college," said captain Walsingham, witli a tone and look that expressed a jealous envy of the manly person and superior attain- ments of the elegant Horace Winterthorn, and of that particular interest he fancied she felt in liis favour. " My father and myself met Mr. Ho- race Winterthorn this morning," said Alexina ; " he is, I think, handsomer than ever." The captain bit his lip, and his sister^ with a toss of her head, replied — ** I sup- pose he returns you the compliment." Miss Walsingham, though generally thought pretty, was too conscious of her 38 SECRETS IX EVERY MANSION. charms to be attentive to the conduct and manner that renders beauty more beauti- ful; She was extremely partial to Horace Wmterthorn ; she preferred him to any man she had ever seen, but had failed to inspire him with any other sentiment than disgust. She w^as pert and silly, vain and arrogant; and the delicate sensitive mind of Horace Winterthorn refused the homage she appeared too anxious to receive. For Miss Duncan he felt respect and esteem — he acknowledged her lovely and amiable ; yet neither felt for the other more than' a sincere friendship, the result of an inti- macy begun in childhood, and founded oi> similarity of taste and disposition. The rector having received the compli- ments of Miss Duncan, and those of her party who had not seen him since his re- turn, made room for her next himself, while his son took his station immediately behind her, not more to the annoyance of captain Walsingham than his sister, who, without being able to hear a word that passed betw^een them, had the vexation to SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. S9 see that all his conversation was directed to Miss Duncan. Having mentioned the accident which had happened to tlie carl of Dorrington at St. Hildeberfs that evening, the rector, in reply to Miss Duncan's observing that none of the party could conceive wdiat had frightened the earl's horse, said, with a smile — " Perhaps the animal saw one of the spectres with which they say the old abbey abounds." " The horse, then,"^ returned HoiTice, ** has been infinitely more fortunate tlian I, for I have wandered over the ruins for hours together without being so grati- fied." ** Gratified !" repeated Miss Claymoor; ** how you talk, Mr. Winterthom ! I vvould iK>t stay a moment in those ruins by myself, to be crowned queen of Eng- land. For my part, I have often wondered how JMiss Duncan could bear to sit in the chapel, so much at her ease as to be able to sketch the old broken pillars and arches." 40 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION'. " I am not afraid of ghosts," returned Alexina, " and could not possibly have any other apprehension, when my father and our faithful Colin was with me." ** You mi\st shew me your drawings," said the rector ; " Mr. Duncan tells me they are finely executed." Alexina blushed, and replied — " My dear sir, you must make allowance for the partiality of a parent — my father thinks too highly of my pencil." " Of that I will judge for myself," re- sumed the rector, " and Horace shall shew you a moonlight sketch of his taking in the chapel." " I should not be very fond of visiting that chapel by moonlight, without a file of men," said captain Walsingham ; " for in returning from Ellesmere Castle a few nights since, myself and a brother-officer saw a light through the loopholes of the tower, and having stopped our horses op- posite the abbey, we plainly saw the sha- dow of a tall man on the wall." " Doubtless some person or persons ex- SECHETS IN EVERY MANSION. 41 amining the niins by torchlight," returned the rector ; " and seen by the red glare of torches, the ruins, magnificent in them- selves, must have a grand and awful effect." " So awful," rejoined the captain, " that I have not the remotest desire to see them, particularly since the evidence of my own eyes con\^nces me, that a report I had be- fore heard i? not without foundation, that some person, whp wishes concealment, has taken up his residence at St. Hildebert's." ** You are greatly deceived," said Miss Duncan ; " I have been over the abbey frequently, have explored every nook and passage, and can, from my own actual ac- quaintanc? with St. Hildebert's, assure you, captain Walsingham, that the ruin, from its dilapidated state, is incapable of afford- ing concealment, or a place of residence, to any human creature." The attention of the party w^as now called to the exhibition. An elegant figure of a youth first advanced, playing on a flnte; he performed, with much taste, a popular tune. He then took the flute to 42 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. pieces, and placed it in his pocket, and, with infinite grace and agility, danced a liornpipe. The approbation of the compa- ny burst forth in loud plaudits, wliich the figure acknowledged its grateful sense of by many profound bows. A female figure next danced the rope, to the admiration of all present. A boy then drew landscapes : and a juggler performed so many clever tricks, that many of the spectators would not be convinced that the figure was a piece of mechanism, until they had ex- amined the wheels and springs with which it was set in motion. Monsieur Descartes next drew aside a silk curtain, and displayed two figures, re- presenting female children of about six years old, who were seated on a crimson velvet stool before a superb piano-forte. IMonsieur Descartes named several popu- lar duets, and requested the ladies present to fix on the particular one they wished to have played. This was no sooner done, than the figures performed their parts, to the surprise and delight of the audience,. SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 43 arul afterwards played together several dif- ficult concertoes. The figures then rose lip, curtsied to the company, and v> ith- drew some paces from the instrument, and remained stationarv on each side of it. The plaudits having subsided, monsieur Descartes expressed his great satisfaction at having, by the labour of his whole life, been able to produce an exhibition, which proved to v/hat extent the human inven- tion might be carried ; but astonishing as the powers of mechanism had already ap- peared, he had still a more astonishing proof to produce for their entertainment, in what he should call his magical, or self- performing instrument. He then retired to the back of the piano-forte, and appear- ed to turn a wheel, the horribly harsh and dissonant tones of which made every one rejoice when it ceased to turn. Monsieur Descartes then requested that some gentle- man would command the instrument to play any tune he washed. Captain \^^al- singham commanded a march ; but not a note souiided from the instrument. Moa- 44 SECRETS IN EVEHY' MANSION. sieur Descartes apologized, but said a lady might probably have more influence. Miss Duncan then named a favourite Scotch air, and it was instantly performed in a style of excellence that created no less delight than astonishment. To the command of other ladies, the instrument was equally obedient; but how this wonderful melody was produced, no one of the delighted auditors could ima- gine ; and as weak minds are always ready to impute every natural operation that surpasses their limited comprehension to supernatural agency, there were, among the spectators, many who believed mon- sieur Descartes v/as assisted by the devil. At the conclusion of the entertainment, monsieur Descartes announced his inten- tion of displaying for three successive nights curious experiments in chemistry and alchymy, and promised on the last night of his performance to explain, to the com- prehension of the meanest capacity, the principles on which his magical piano-forte .^ was constructed, and enabled to produce SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 45 the sounds "which had afforded so much satisfaction. With this promise the company depart- ed, the enhghtened part pronouncing hint an extremely cle^^er man, and expecting from his disclosure a further confirmation of his mechanical abilities, already consi- dered wonderful ; the rest persisting in the opinion that he was a conjuror, and would again delude them with tricks, produced by his skill in the black art - The rector and his son beino- oblicyed to pass Mr. Ekmcan's door m their way home^ Alexina positively refused the at- tendance of captain Walsingham, who, v.-ith his sister and jNIiss Claymoor, wished them good-night. Miss Claymoor was not insensible to the charms of a red coat, particularly when the wearer, besides his commission, possessed a genteel fortune; and this being the ex«tct situation of cap- tain Walsingham, the attentions he be- stowed on Miss Duncan were beheld by ^^iss Claymoor with an envious eye. " I am astonished, Charlotte," said IMiss 46 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. Walsingham, taking the arm of Miss Clay- moor as they crossed the street, " what all the men see in Alexina Duncan — a tall gawkey thing, witli lead-coloured eyes; though, to be sure, her Scotch father says she is a prodigy in learning and accom- plishments." " How should she be other than a pro- digy?" replied ]Miss Claymoor. " Did not he instruct her himself? I have heard him say a thousand times, that his dear Alexina never had a tutor but liimself ; so you see, Maria, w^hile he compliments her, he does not forget to sound his own praise.'* " You and I, Charlotte, can play the piano-forte, and draw landscapes. I am sure sir William Belford praised our draw- ing-room screens very much", and you know I painted them without any instruc- tion ; yet people never make a fuss about my finger, or my pencil. For my part, I think Miss Duncan has turned the brains of the young merr with her reading, and her singing, and her drawing, and her end- less string of accomplishments; and ever SECRETS IN EVEPwY MANSION. 47 since Henry was so foolish as to toast her at the mess, she has been called the Rose ' of Ilea: ha mr " Rose as she is/' replied Miss Clay- moor, " I have a notion she will wither in * single blessedness,' for few men willchuse to marry such an extraordinary assemblage of wit and learning. No, no, Maria, the men wall prefer w hat comes nearer their own level." " \Vell, ladies," said captain Walsing- hani, " after all is said that envy and spleen can suggest against Miss Duncan, she will still remain the Rose of Hexham, and happy w ill he be w ho sliall wear her in Ins bosom; but though Miss Duncan's beauty and accomplishments are universally allow- ed, I am really at a loss to know what gTaces and perfections the ladies discover in Horace Winterthorn, that he should be so extolled and admired." " Men," returned ]Miss Walsingham, *' are by no means competent to judge each other. Horace Winterthorn is de- servedly admired: such fine eyes — such 48 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. white teeth — such liandsome legs ! Horace Winterthorn has, beyond dispute, the most elegant figure, as well as the handsomest face, of any man in Hexham." " There I differ in opinion," replied Miss Claymoor, casting a languishing look on captain Walsingham, who, at that mo- ment, was rankling with jealousy, and re- flecting with no little envy that Alexina Duncan had refused his attendance, and suffered Horace Winterthorn to place her :arm under his without evincing the least reluctance. On reaching home, they found that sir William Belford had arrived during their absence, and thijs intelligence restored, in some degree, the good-humour of IMiss Walsingham, who, surveying her person in an opposite mirror, observed, that slie was quite contented with tlie portion of beauty Nature had bestowed on her, for though not distinguished by the romantic appellation of the Rose of Hexham, she had sufficient attractions to , secure a hus- band, whenever she chose to marry, and iSECTlETS IN EVERY MAKSIOX. 4^ that husband a person of quality — a man of fashion. Captain Wabingham, though ambitious of the alliance of sir William Belford, was not in a temper to listen to his sister's non- sensical boast and idle vanity ; he there- fore, feeling unable to bear a part in their conversation, wished the fair friends a ejood-nirfit. " Though I hate the little fright," re- sumed Miss Walsingham, *\ I will marry him, if it is only to mortify tiie pride of Miss Duncan — to let her see that at every ball and assembly, lady Belford must be allowed place and precedence ; and as to lier marrying; Horace Winterthorn- " ^ C5 " It would be a very proper match, I think," interrupted ^liss Ciaymoor ; " for they appear to me to be a pair exactly suit- ed to each other." " Indeed !" said ISIiss Vralsingham. " To be sure your notions are in general perfectly correct ; but in this instance your infallible judgment may be mistaken, child. VOL. I. D 50 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. Horace Winterthorn and Alexina Duncan will never be man and wife, take my word for it." ** I am sure," replied Miss Claymoor, taking up a candle, and moving towards the door, " it is a matter of perfect indif- ference to me who is the husband of Alex- ina Duncan, or the wife of Horace Win- terthorn ; but of this I am absolutely cer- tain, I would never give my hand to any man, if I had not before made him a pre- sent of my heart." As she spoke she unclosed the door, and was departing, when INliss Walsingham exclaiiiied — "' La ! Charlotte, how pettish you are ! You might be polite enough to wish me good-night." " Really," replied JNIiss Claymoor, " I supposed you so deeply engaged in the contemplation of your future dignities, that the compliment of good-night, from so insignificant a person as myself, would pass disreirarded.' '& " How you delight to teazej" returned SECRETS IN EVEUY MAN310K. ' 51 Miss Walsingham, " You know very well that I detest sir William Beiford." " Yes," said JMiss Clay moor, " and any person, with half an eye, may see your partiality for Horace Wintertliorn ; but if you have spirit, you will cease to think of a man who so evidently prefers another ; and if you are prudent, you will accept the offered liand of sir William Belford, \\ ho is, you know, rich, powerful, and far voured by all your relations," " Yes," returned T^Iiss Walsingham, " I am no stranger to the selfish motives of my relations, v/ho, in favouring sir Wil- liam's addre^jses, do not at all consider my happiness, but their own interest. I also see that v;itch, Alexina Duncan, has infa- tuated Horace Winteithorn " " And if this was not the case, and he was attached to you," interrupted Miss Claymoor, " I do not perceive that your v/ishes would be any nearer attainment Horace Winterthorn is poor, and your fa- mily would never consent to your marry- LIBRARY 7- :JlViV£RSITY OF lim 52 SKCRETS IN EVERY MANSION. ing a man with no better prospect before you than poverty." " Very true, Cliarlotte," replied Miss Walsingham; " and tliey say, * when po- . verty comes in at the door, love flies out at the window.' So adieu to all thouglits of the rect(H*^s son. You are a prudent girl, Charlotte, and give good advice — sir William Belford w^ill be indebted to you for a gracious reception to-morrow." The ladies now retired to bed ; but per- haps three more restless persons were not to be found in Hexham, than captain Wal- singham, his sister, and Miss Claymoor, their situations being exactly similar to the old song — *' Tom loves Mary passing well, But Mary she love> liairy, And IJuiTy he loves bonny Beil," &c. 6ic. Yet, though they w^ere perfectly aware of the obstacles that lay in their path, they had each of them a scheme to accomplish, in which the separating two persons who never designed to come together was ihe chief object. SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 53 Sir William Belford, the little fright, as Miss Walsingham called him, had been left under the guardianship of her father by his grandmother, both his parents having died in his infancy. He had^^t a very youthful period, conceived a Ipaiilality for Maria Walsingham, who, beir^K«^ears young- er tlian himself, he alw^M caled his little wife. His fortune was then but mode- rate, and his fondness for Maria was taken no notice of by the family, till, by the death of the next heir, it became evident that he would succeed to^ the title and estates of Belford, should he survive the present possessor, an old sickly man. The person of William Leveridge had nothing to boast which could at all recom- mend it to female favour : it was diminu- tive in size, and his face v/as deeply in- dented by the small-pox; but v/ith all these disadvantages, he vvas likely to be a baronet, and jNIaria was instructed in a part, which she performed so well as to deceive young Leveridge into the belief 54 SECRETS IN FAERY MANSKfl^. that she loved him better than all her re- lations put together. Major Wulsingham had assisted the grandmother of young I^everidge in tlie recovery of that small fortune to which he became entijl^d at her decease, and a romantic gei|||omy strengthening his par- tiality, ma^ hiiJi resolve to evince his gratitude to the major by marrying Ma- ria, whose poilion of worldly wealth he knev/ w^ould be very inconsiderable. Asl soon as he became of age, he made known his intentions to the family, and Maria was instructed to look upon young Leve- ridge as her intended husband, who, though she disliked his person, was charmed with the idea of being called my lady Belford. Vanity overcame every objection, and slie gave the young man such encouragement as led him to suppose his generous offer met the warm approba- tion of her heart. Maria Walsingham was rather below, the middle height : she was very fair, l)ad languishing blue eyes and white teeth; SECRE1S IN EVEHY 3fANSION. 55 yet, though by most people called pretty, her countenance was insipid, and betrayed a deficiency of intellect ; but she dressed herself with taste, and her affectation passed for extreme delicacy on those w hom she chose to deceive, among whom v/as William Leveridge, who having seen his old relation laid in the family vault, and taken possession of the title and estates, had returned to Hexham with ali possible expedition, to make Miss Walsing- ham lady Belford. Miss Clay moor w^as the daughter of a West-India planter, and had been con- signed to a merchant at North Shields, with some puncheons of rum and hogs- heads of sugar. At this merchant's house the family of the Walsinghams occasion- ally visited, and an intimacy was formed between the young ladies, who frequently passed months together at each other's houses. In her present visit to Hexham, Miss Claymoor had become sensible of the at- tractions of her friend's brothei*, whose 56 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSi6n. openly avowed admiration of Miss Dun- can left her little to hope, though she had used all the eloquence of a pair of large black eyes to convince captain Walsing- ham that she had a heart to surrender ; but her Creolian complexion, and rather mas- culine figure, had no charms for the heart of the captain, though his mother and sister continually ren:iinded him, that if her brother, a puny sickly youth of nine- teen, died, which was in the chapter of probabilities, ^liss Claymoor v/ould be sole heiress to all her father's property ; but captain Walsingham, neglecting their advice, treated j^liss Claymoor with, the utmost politeness, but carefully avoided every thing that might be construed into a more particular attention than might be demanded by his sister's friend and visitor. Horace Winterthorn had been sent to Oxford to complete his education, and fit him for holy orders, but the mind of the young man had taken a different bias — he wished to be a soldier ; but as he knew SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION, 57 the heart of his father was set on seeing him in orders, he felt the utmost repug- nance to disappoint his wishes. He also knew that the worthy rector considered Alexina Duncan the only female worthy to be his wife ; yet, while his reason ac- knowledfj-ed all her merits, his affections were bestowed on another, and that other in a rank so superior to his own, that it seemed madness to encourage a hope of success, though the lady had confessed a mutual passion. " There are Secrets in every mansion,'' said Horace, sigliing, as he left the apartment of the rector ; " and while my father expatiated so warmly on the beauty and worth of Miss Duncan, he doubtless thought me cold and insen- sible : long may he remain ignorant of my unhappy situation — in love with and beloved by an amiable girl, whose pa- rents, even in infancy, contracted her to a person she can never approve ! Oh, why did her brother so incautiously introduce me to her ? He ought to have known 5S sT^cnr.Ts in etehy mansio?^. that she was beautiful, and that I had a heart ; yet honour, and a sense of my own inferiorit3% ought to have restrained my feelings — but, alas! when was love pru- dent? My respected father! you little think of the misery that hovers over your devoted son, who may, and Heaven knows how shortly, be doomed to see the w^oman he adores separated from his hopes for ever. Oh ! if such wretchedness must be my fate, let me bury my afflictions deep in my bosom ! Oh, never let my father learn the secret of my unhappy love!" But tranquil as Horace had endea- voured to appear in the presence of the wortliy rector, it had not escaped his ob- servant eye, that his son was unusually thoughtful, and that a shade of melan- choly hung upon his handsome features. Horace Winterthorn was an only child, the last precious gift of a tenderly-beloved wife,' who had expired in the act of pla- cing her infant in the arms of her husband. liow much lie was prized by his father SECRETS IN EVERY 3fAXSI0N. 5^ appeared in the attention he had paid ta the forming of his mind, and giving to his understanding all the aids his own learning and -extensive knowledge could bestow. The income of the rector was small, but a strict attention to economy had enabled him to gratify the wish of his heart, in sending his son to complete his studies at Oxford, without incurring pecuniary obligation with either relative or friend. A person high in power, to whom the rector in his youth had rendered much service, had offered him a considerable living ; but content with his present situ- ation, he had preferred the interest of his son, and the living was waiting the ac- ceptance of Horace. But previous to his en- tering on his sacred functions, the rector wished that he should maiTy — and w^ho, in his idea, w^s so worthy the honour of being wife to Horace Winteithorn as Alexina Duncan? But when he fourid that hia praises of his lovely favourite drew from his son only an unimpassioned assent, and that he evaded, rather than eneoui'aged^ 60 SECRETS IN EVEllY MANSION". the wish he had expressed to see them united, the good rector began to suspect that his son had some secret attachment, which -would defeat the phui of happiness his parental affection had drawn for him. — " Horace," said the rector, '' is evidently unhappy, though he does his best to be cheerful in my presence, and for this vmeasiness there must be a more serious cause than w^hat w^ould arise from quitting his gay associates at Oxford. Tncre is a secret labouring in his bosom, but of what nature I cannot divine. Perhaps, in some hour of imprudence, he has involved him- self in debt. If this is the case, how happy shall I be to convince him that lie has no rigid censure to apprehend from me, who have not yet forgotten, that, like him, I was once young, thoughtless, and improvident 1 how gladly shall I place my purse in his hand, desire him to remove the cloud from his countenance, and re- sume that cheerfulness of look tL.it indi- cates a soul at peace with itself! Or per- haps he has seen some female with whom SECRETS IX EVEUV MANSION. Ql he fancies be can be happy — some humble maid, ^vhose poverty he fears I shall de- spise. Hoi-ace AYinterthorn could not love an unworthy object, and his happi- ness will ever be \^'ith me of more conse- quence than wealth. It is true, I wished hhn to select Alexina Duncan for his wife — but love is not to be compelled, neither is the fate of man under mortal guidance. Gracious Keaven ! thou who knowest I had rather see my son virtuous than great, into thy protection I commit him, satisfied that all thy decrees are full of justice and wisdom. *' To-morrow, Horace," continued the rector, as he laid his head on his pillow, ** to-morrow I will, if possible, learn thy secret ; I will try if the tender counsel of a father, Vv'ho has ever taught thee to look en him as a friend, cannot draw from thee thy cause of sorrow, and restore thee to content — to that hilarity which used to illuminate thy countenance, and diffuse its animating spirit to my heart To- morrow, Horace, I will ask of thee an ex- 621 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSIOK. planation ; till when, all good angels have thee in their holy keeping T With this prayer the rector composed himself to rest, and in his dreams he saw his son attain the highest dignity in the church, an eminence for which the young man felt no desire, particularly since the lady to whom he had resigned his heart had expressed a desire to see hhn in the army, where she fancied his fine person would be seen to much greater advantage than in the pulpit. Xor was this her only reason — born in high rank, and educated at a fashionable seminary, the young lady supposed that the w^ife of a parson, obliged to reside in the country, must of necessity lead a humdrum sort of life, to which, much as she loved Hwace Winterthorn^ she felt she could never conform. She therefore laboured to give him a distaste to the pulpit, flattering herself,^ that she had interest sufhcient to procure him a commission and promotion in the army. Horace had been taught to expect this commission would arrive almost as soon sr.criETs IX eveiiy mansion". 63 as himself at Hexham, and its delay con- tributed to increase his uneasiness. — " I am forgotten," said Horace — " friendship and love are alike fickle; the warm pro- fessions of regard, so lately lavished on me, are now repeated to another. Why cannot I also forget? — why cannot I re- sign mj^self to the wishes of my father ? — why am I regardful of the vows slie no longer remembers, or remembers only to despise?" But in this idea Horace did the lady injustice — he was not forgotten, for the next day gave him a convincing proof that he was yet beloved v/ith una- bating fervor ; yet this conviction failed to restore peace to his bosom or cheerfulness to his countenance, for he was yet com- pelled to conceal his engagement from the worthy rector, who saw the expected inorrow pass v/ithout being able to pene- trate the secret of his son 6* SECEETS IN EVERY MANSION. CHAPTER II. ** IJis countenance was the index of a pertuibed mind, in which an obscrviuit eye mi^ht read ihe sad ienicinl)Tanc« of an evil act." " She sat like patience on a uionuoaent, Smiling; at grief." Thi\t scar can never bo forgotten. . Had 1 met thy face iu the wild deserts Of Africa, that mark, iiidclil'ly Printed on my mind, would have roas'd up niy Sleeping r<;collectioa. II. The baroness Waldeck had been com- pelled to quit Vienna soon after the death of her husband, to evscape the rapacious cruelty of Francis, his brother, who, suc- ceeding to the ancient title, was deter- mined to possess the domains winch de- scended to the infant Constance, the only child of the deceased Osric, baron Wal- deck, who was born five months after the death of her father, MsLuy conspiring SECKETS IN EVERY MANSION. G5 circumstances proving to the unliappy baroness that the ferocious Francis de- signed to deprive her of her infant, per- haps to murder it, she made her escape from Germany, with such precipitation that she Iiad only time to collect her jew- els, and specie to the amount of three thousand pounds, with which, after en- countering many difficulties, she at length arrived at the house of a German in Lon- don, who had formerly been a domestic in her father's family, but some years be- fore had emigrated to England, and there married a Scotch widow. The fliglit of the baroness gave the crafty Francis all the advantages he wisli- ed : he lost no time in representing to the emperor such calumnies against the un- happy widow of his brother, as placed her character in a light so infamous, as to per- suade to the belief, that the infant Constance w^as not the offspring of the late baron, but the fruit of his wife's guilty amours with a vassal, whom she had prevailed on the unsuspicious Waldeck to admit 66 SIECRETS IN r.VES Y MANSION. into his service. Under this injurious im- pression, the innocent Constance was de- clared illegitimate, and deprived of her he- reditary rights, of which the base usurper Francis, by a decree of the emperor, took immediate possession. The intelligence of her disgrace, and the dreadful wrong done to her child, soon reached the ears of the baroness, who re- mained for some weeks in a state that threatened to leave the little Constance an orphan; but time, religion, and mater- nal affection, taught the baroness resig- nation to the afflictive trials with which she was visited, and reason pointed out the necessity of finding some other place of residence, where her circumscribed fi- nances would enable her to live and bring- up her child, with those accomplishments, though not with the splendour, befitting the daughter of the baron Waldeck. The wife of her host mentioned Scot- land, as a country where cheap living was to be met, and sj)oke in such raptures of Aberdeenshire, that the baroness imme- SECRKTS IN EVJKKY MANSION. 67 diately converted the chief of her jewels into cash, and, repairing to Scotland, bought a small elegant estate on the verge of the extensive forest of Mar. Here, with the assistance of books, her pencil, and music, the baroness, yet in the bloom of youth, led a life of seclusion, making but few acquaintance, and devoting her- self to the education of her daughter, whose expanding beauty, while it charmed her eye, kept alive the sorrow of her heart, by presenting to her view the sof* tened image of her buried husband. Tlie residence of the baroness was situ- ated in the bosom of a luxuriant valley, rendered fertile by a stream of \vater, clear as crystal, which gushed from a lofty emi- nence, on w^hose bold summit rose the an- cient and magnificent castle of Deveron. Far to the left stretched the romantic forest of Mar ; and skirting the eastern ho- rizon, was dimly seen the German ocean. In this seclusion tiie early years of Con- stance had passed in happy security, and here, under the tuition of her amiable mo- 68 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. then, she attained perfection in every graceful and feminine accomplishment. With exquisite taste, she had sketched the wild scenery of the Wangle, gnd with a melody like inspiration, drew from her harp the popular airs of the country. Though acquainted with the rank in which she was born, and informed of the wealth of v/hich she had been deprived, the heart of Constance felt no regrets ; and while she exerted herself to dispel the melancholy that would at times assail the baroness, she wondered how it was possi- ble to be unhappy in a spot which nature had adorned with such various beauties. Constance had just completed her fif- teenth year, when accident introduced to the acquaintance of the baroness the son and nephew of the earl of Deveron, v/ho both at one fatal moment became sensible of the charms of Constance, whose young lieart gave the preference to lord Roslyn, though she acknowledged, that the ho- nourable Mr. Bruce had infinite merits SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION'. 69 and appeared in some points even to excel his cousin. The earl of Deveron was a melancholy- man, who having experienced much do- mestic calamity, no longer felt a relish for the gaieties of life, and spent the chief of his time on his hereditary domains. De- veron Castle was endeared to him from its having been the favourite residence of his deceased wife, v/ho died a martyr to her affection for lady Marian Bruce, who lost her senses on liearing that her hus- band, a naval officer, had perished at sea. The marriage of lady JMarian with cap- tain Bruce had extremely displeased her family, and her brother, the earl of Deve- ron, had never seen her since she eloped from his protection, to unite herself to a man far beneath her in rank ; and it was only to the pathetic pleadings of his ami- able countess, that he yielded to have her brought a maniac, with her son, a boy of three } ears old, to the castle, where, en- tirely resigning the pleasures of fashion-^ able life, the young and amiable countess 70 SECRETS IN EVEllY MANSION. devoted all her hours to lady Marian Bruce, whose deranged intellects might, she hoped, be restored by tenderness and attention. '^ Archibald Bruce, as yet too young to be sensible of the dreadful calamity that had fallen on his mother, was consigned to the nursery with his cousin Leolin, one year younger than himself, where he ex- j>erienced, in every particular, the same attention that was paid to the heir of De- veron. But the hopes and wishes of the amiable countess w^ere not strengthened by time, for many weeks wore away, and the reason of lady Marian seemed simk in the darkest abyss of despair. To prevent her committing the dreadful act of suicide, it became necessary to watch her night and day ; but with that cunning peculiar to madness, she contrived to elude her at- tendants, and wandered unperceived to the battlements of the castle, from whence, shrieking out the name of Bruce, she precipitated herself. The horror-struck countess arrived a moment too late to pre- vent her fall — she beheld her borne into SECRET3 IN EVIlIlY MANSION. 71 tlie hall a shattered mangled corpse ; but the shock was too much for her delicate con- stitution — ^she fainted, and was carried to her bed ; and after a few months of painful suffering, Scotland was deprived of one of its fairest brightest ornaments, the earl of a wife on whom he doted, and the infant Leo] in of a mother, whose superior under- standing would have given to his mind those energies, v/hich failing to possess, his very virtues rendered him the constant dupe of the designing and mercenary. At a proper age, the heir of Deveron and his cousin, the honourable Archibald Bruce, were provided with proper tutors, and under their conduct made excursions over Scotland and England, stil], at stated periods, returning to the Castle of Deveron, to impart their knowledge acquired by an acquaintance with the world. Ten thousand pounds was all the wealth that descended to Archibald Bruce at the death of his mother, but the generosity of the earl suffered him to feel no deficiencies of fortune, and the purse of the open- hearted Leolin constantly replenished his. 72 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. when unthinking extravagance, or melting compassion for the distress of others, made him forgetful, that though he had the ge- nero:*lty of Alexander, he was not quite as rich as Croesus. In the excursions of these young men round the environs of the castle, Leolin had the misfortune to sprain his foot, which in a few moments became so pain- ful, and so much swelled, as to prevent his walking. In this situation he sunk at the foot of a tree, and as they w^ere with- out attendance, Archibald hesitated what course he should pursue to procure him relief In this unpleasant dilemma, the young men were found by the baroness and her daughter, who, allured by the beauty of the day,, had strolled to the forest. On the white arm of Constance hung a small basket filled with heath-bells and other fragrant flowers, the future subjects of her pencil. She was simply habited in a jacket of pale green silk, and a straw hat, placed gracefully on the side of her head, SECRETS IX KVEllY MAXSIOX. 7S displayed her bright brown tresses, con- fined with the satin snood. The baroness had no sooner learned the accident that had befallen lord Roslyn, than she insisted on having him conveyed to her residence, Wangle Villa, which was only at a short distance from the place where the accident had happened to Leolin. The fair Constance, with the light step of a wood-nymph, flew to execute the com- mand of her mother, and presently return- ed with tvro servants, bearing a large chair, in which lord Roslyn was conveniently carried to the villa, where the baroness, as- sisted by the blushing Constance, applied such emollients as allayed the pain, and promised to reduce the swelling ; but being unable to bear the foot on the ground, Leolin having expressed liis grateful thanks to the baroness and the lovely Constance, hastened Archibald to the castle, to inform the earl of Deveron of his accident, and to dispatch a carriage to convey him home. Having partaken of some refreshment, Bruce departed, leaving the baroness and VOL. I, E 7i SECllETS IN EVEllY MANSION. Constance to entertain lord Roslyn, whose heart had ah'eady become sensible of love. He gazed npon Constance, who^ " thought- less of beauty, was beauty's self," till his romantic mind believed her his fate, and that from the moment of their meeting he was to date the happiness or misery of his fiiture life. Leolin was passionately fond of music, and his eye had several times rested oh an elegant harp that stood beneath an oppo- site window, when the baroness, anxious to amuse her interesting guest, requested Constance to play. Leolin expressed his thanks, and the hope that her compliance would not be repugnant to her own wishes. Constance blushed — stammered 'her readi- ness to comply — struck a few notes, and washing to excel, played and sung, but in a style so inferior to her usual excellence, that the baroness looked suqmsed; but re- collecting lord lloslyn was an absolute stranger, she attributed the spiritless per- formance of Constance to bashful timidity. But the praises of Leolin restored her to confidence. She read, in the expressive SECRETS IN EVERY MANSIOX. 75 features of her mother, disappointment — she again swept the strings of her harp, resolved to prove that her instruction had not been given in vain, and to convince the attentive Leohn, that, the enchanting music of Scotland lost nothing of its ac- knowledged beauty from her execution. The baroness was delighted, and raptu- rous praise burst from the lips of lord Ros- lyn. At this moment the carriage of the earl of Deveron appeared on the lawn, and the baroness left the apartment to receive her illustrious visitor. Constance placed her harp beneath the \^indow, and Leolin re- gretted the arrival of the carriage, which was to convey him from the presence of her w^liose form was loveliness, and w^hose voice was harmony. The earl of Deveron and the baroness Waldeck w^ere mutually pleased with each other. They Vvcre both of them too sin- cerely attached to the remembrance of those dear ones consigned to the narrow bed, to entertain an idea of again Altering F 2 76 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. the connubial state ; but they were each so sensible of the worth and talents of each other, that their acquaintance soon ripened into perfect esteem and friendship. The health of the baroness was extremely deli- cate; and being impressed with a belief that she had not many years to live, she consi- dered the accident that introduced her to the earl of Deveron as the immediate in- terposition of Providence, who, in his per- son, had provided a friend for her beloved Constance when she should be no more. With all the frankness of innocence, the baroness communicated her history to the family of Deveron, who lamented the hasty decree of the emperor, and execrated tlie villany and avarice of the baron Waldeck. With the earl of Deveron, the lovely Constance became every day a greater fa- vourite; while her beauty, her grace, her gentleness, rivetted the affections of Leo- lin. The education of the young men being now completed, Archibald Bruce left Scot- land, to spend a few months with a rela- tion of his father's, newly arrived from In- (*•]*» SECRETS IN EYERY ]\IANSI0N. 77 dia. At the house of this relation he met the countess of Ellesmere, who having been at an early age disappointed in an affair of the heart, had remained single to the age of thirty-seven. The countess in her youth had been very handsome; but owing to her perfect indifference towards the other sex, she paid so little regard to her person, that she was in general thought a very plain woman. It was v;ell known that she possessed great wealth, but was consi- dered so eccentric a character, that no one had courage to address her on the subject of matrimony. The manly figiu'e of the honourable Mr. Bruce caught her fancy at his first intro- duction to her, and she was not lonoc in hinting to his relation, that if he was a few years older, she did not know whether he might not persuade her to alter her condi- tion. The relation of Archibald took an early opportunity of making him acquaint- ed with the favourable manner in which the countess had spoken of Ins person and abilities — pointed out tlie various advan- tages that would result from liis being 78 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. master of her immense possessions, and advised him to make her at once an offer of his hand. • The mind of Archibald Bruce was na- turally ambitious — rank and wealth were his idols. It was true, he had a secret pre- ference for an object, lovely, amiable, and virtuous ; but she was poor, and with his present scanty fortune, it was impossible to offer her his hand. He pondered the counsel of his relation, till he thought it wisdom to stifle an imprudent passion, and to improve the golden opportunity fortune seemed disposed to allow him. At first he felt inclined to consult lord Ros- lyn ; but recollecting how differently he was situated in life, he rejected the inten- tion. " Leolin," said he, " heir to an ancient title and the wealth of two illustrious houses, cannot feel on this subject as I do, who am already but too sensible of the pri- vations that must ever attend the poor man. Eesides, his romantic spirit will op- pose a union in which the heart takes no interest; the earl too will argue against SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 79 the disparity of our ages — he will say it is impossible I can love the countess, and that it will be dishonourable to many merely to enrich myself. It is better there- fore that I marry witliout consulting them : I shall spare myself the pain of reading sentiments, the justice of which my reason will confess, while my poverty urges me to reject them." Thus resolved, Archibald lost no occa- sion of recommending himself to the coun- tess, w^hp accepted his attentions, and list- ened to his compliments with a compla- cency that led him one day, when chance had left them alone, to wonder that, with a person and mind so su])erior to the gene- mlity of her sex, she had preferred a life of celibacv. " Perhaps I do not prefer a life of celi- bacy," replied the countess, " but have continued single, because I have not met a man with whom I tliink I could be happy?" " I woidd to Heaven," said Bruce, with an affected sigh, **' your happiness were placed in my keeping I" so SECRETS IX EVEllY MANSION. " You !" returned the countess, echoing his sigh — " you are too young." " I am sorry you think so," replied Archibald ; " for I confess it was my wish, my hope, to prevail on you to maiTy." ** Mr. Eruce, you amaze me !" said the countess, the folly of her heart flaming on her cheek; **' you wish to marry me! im- possible — you cannot be serious !" " How amiable,." returned Bruce, " is this insensibility to your own powers of fascination ! But believe me, on my sacred honour, I am serious in the determination of going abroad immediately, if I am so unfortunate as to be rejected by you." The countess was astonished and de- lighted. Near twenty years had elapsed since she had listened to the flattery of jnan — her vanity fancied it the language of love. Archibald Bruce w^as the grand- son of an earl; of course, an alliance with him would not be disgraceful to her rank, and in his person and talents she found sufficient excuse for her folly. But lest he might think her too easily won, she pro- tested his unexpected declaration had quite- SECRETS IN EVEP.Y MANSION. 81 confused her reasoning faculties ; and lest she should be led into rash engagements, which she might hereafter repent, she re- solved to take a week's consideration be- fore she either accepted or rejected his ad- dresses — But the purpose of Bruce was not to be so evaded. If it was necessary to consider, it was plain he was not an ob- ject of indifference ; h^ therefore pursued the advantage he perceived he had gained with all the vehemence of protestation, till subdued by his energetic pleadings, the infatuate^d countess consented to marry him as soon as affairs could be properly arranged for the ceremony. The friends of Bruce congratulated him on his 20od fortune; for in the notions of the Vv^orld, to marry richly is to marry happily. Not so thought the earl of Deveron and lord Roslyn, v\^ho had been kept in igno- rance of [lis intention till it v/as too late to dissuade him from what they considered an act of rashness, which cool reflection would cause him to lament. The heart of Leolin was much wounded by the want 82 SECRETS IN EVEKV MAXSJON. of confidence evinced by his cousin, who had never in one of his letters mentioned the countess, or hinted an intention to marry ; but this did not prevent his join- ing the earl's congratulations on his nup- tials, though, while writing sincere wishes for his felicity, he wondered how it was possible to love a woman so many years older than himself^ Not such was the ob- ject of Roslyn's affection ; the fair Con- stance was three years younger than him- self. During the long absence of Bruce, they had spent the best part of every day together; and tliough the tender senti- timents that each had awakened in the bosom of the other liad never been ex- pressed in words, it appeared so evident in their looks and actions, that the neigh- bouriniT jjfentrv, and the vassals on the carl's domain, all spoke of the attachment subsisting between lord Iloslyn and the young baroness, <« Were I the son of a peasant, compel- led to labour for my daily bread," said Leo- lin, sj>eaking of the maiTiage of his cousin, ** I vv^ould never make a sacrifice of my SECEETS IN EVERT MANSION. 83 Iiappiness at the shrine of wealth. No," continued he, fixing his dark eyes on the deeply-blushing Constance, whose hand he was pressing between both his — " no, X win never marry but where my affections are devoted." The impressive manner in which these w^ords were uttered, and the crimson blusli that dyed the cheek and bosom of Con-^ stance, filled the lieart of tlie baroness with consternation ; the truth flashed hke light- ning on her senses — the look and tone of lloslyn, the blush of Constance, declared their mutual love, and for the lirst time the baroness lamented her introduction- to the house of Deveron ; for remember- ing with agony that Constance Avas by- birth a foreigner, and little gifted by fortune, it was highly improbable that the earl would consent to the heir of all his ancient dignities makhio; her his wife. That they loved each otiier ^vas too cer- tairL What was to be done ? To apprize the earl of the state qf his son's affections appeared, in the judgment of tlie baroness,, the most prudent step she could take, and; 84) SECllETS II? EVERY MANSION. trust to his wisdom to sufffjcest the means (Do of restoring tranquilUty to the bosoms of the young people. Satisfied of the pro- priety of an immediate communication, the baroness obtained a private interview with the earl, who heard her disclosure without evincing either surprise or dis- pleasure. Having listened to all the baroness had to say on the subject, he replied — " Had my son been insensible to the beauty and virtues of the amiable Constance, I should indeed have been surprised; but that he should admire and love her innocence and beauty, I not only expected, but approve." The baroness burst into tears of joy, and it was some time before she was sufficiently recovered to attend to the carl, who at length resuming his discourse, said — " In selecting a bride for lord Roslyn, it is suf- ficient that she is high-born, lovely, and virtuous. The house of Deveron is in a flourishing state; its heir will have no reason to execrate the prodigahty of his ancestors — he will not be necessitated to seek a wealthy wife to prop the falling SECIIETS IN EVERY MANSION. 85 grandeur of bis house. To promote the liappiness of my son is the first wish of my heart, and with whom can his felicity be so secure, as with her who has been bred far from the contagion of vice, whose principles have been formed by simplicity and truth ? From this hour, my dear baroness, I consider Constance my daugh- ter; but, as yet, I think them too young to marry, and 1 trust you will acquiesce in my opinion. It is necessary that Leo- lin should be acquainted with the w^orld, and in order that he may obtain a know- ledge of his fellow-men, he shall travel for tAvo years. He will then be of age, and from observing the characters and conduct of other females, he will doubly value tlie virtues of Constance." This prudent arrangement met the en- tire approbation of the baroness ; but when the travelling scheme was proposed to lord Roslyn, he threw himself at the earl's feet, confessed Iiis passion for Constance, and declared it was impossible to leave her. The earl at once expressed his approba- tion of his love, but absolutely refused 8^ SECIIKTS IN EVEHY MANSION. his consent to an immediate marriage. The earl was sensible of the romantic en- thusiasm of his son's mind — he also knew its virtues ; but he perceived that he want- ed fortitude, and this he believed was only to be acquired in commerce with mankind, where circumstances would continually arise to call the energies of liis nature into action, and by unfolding to him the cha- racters of men, cure him of that weak cre- dulity, which rendered him continually the dupe of imposition.. Thus thinking, he continued inflexible to the entreaties of lord Roslyn, w^ho was commanded to prepare for a fwo years' tour. No longer restricted by the fear of parental displeasure, he declared his love to Constance, who, authorized by her mo- ther and the earl, confessed a mutual aifec- tion. "An engagement to alovely amiable girl,;' said the earl, " will be the best preserva- tive of Leolin's morals, while a constant correspondence with this beloved object wdll render less tedious the period, and soften the regrets of absence." SECEETS IX EVERY MANSION. 87 The tutor of lord Roslyn had been fixed on by the earl, to attend him on his tour ; but this gentleman having accepted a situ- ation to V hich he had been recommended by the honourable ]Mr. Bruce, a consider- able delay took place before another per- son could be found with the requisites of character and abilities, such as the earl could approve. Durino; this time, a more reo;ular corre- spondence took ])lace between tlie cousins^ in which Mr. Bruce took occasion to hint to lord Roslyn the opportunity he would have, when at Vienna, of making an effort at least to undeceive the emperor, and ob- tain a repeal of the unjust decree that had deprived Constance of her rank and for- tune. This idea had not .before struck the earl of Deveron, but he now conceived the possibility of effecting a measure, which he knew would be restoring peace and happiness to the baroness, whose health had sunk under the misery occasioned by the loss of fame ; but while the earl ex- erted all his interest to procure letters of recomm.endation for lord Roslyn to tlie 88 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. most distinguished noblemen in Germany, the intention was kept a profound secret from the baroness and Constance, that no expectations might be raised, no disap- pointments be felt, should Leolin fail to convince the emperor, and obtain the re- storation of their rights. At length the gentleman arrived at De- veron Castle who was to accompany lord Roslyn in what he called his banishment* His name was Otterley — he was of acknow- ledged abilities — was bred to the church — had taken orders ; but having only a small curacy, gladly relinquished the fatigue of preaching for the more profitable situation of travelling tutor to lord Hoslyn. The very high character the earl of De- veron received with Mr. Otterley, joined with his own appearance and manners, were so perfectly satisfactory, tliat the earl ex- plained to him, without the smallest re- serve, all his plans and intentions. — *' I am aware," said the earl, ** that lord lloslyn considers my separating him from Con- stance harsh and unnecessary. As yet, he has but little knowledge of his fellow- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 89 men ; let him travel, and study human nature. The experience he will gain in two vears' absence will teach him the du> %/ ties of a husband, a father, and master. Constance will, no doubV, share his regret at tliis separation ; but hereafter she will acknowledge its wisdom — they are yet too young to marry." But lord Iloslyn was not to be con- vinced that Constance and himself, loving as they loved, were too young to marry ; and who could insure him that the beauty of Constance w^ould not procure her lovers of more merit than himself? and who could assure him that lier heart would not change, and that this cruel absence would not be their eternal separation ? It was in vain that Constance vowed everlasting truth, and called the saints to witness that she could never love any but Leolin. There was but one way to satisfy his doubts, to convhice his love, to make him obey the earl with any degree of tranquillity, and that was to marry him secretly before his departvu'e. 90 SECRETS IN EVERY MAXSIOK. Constance started at this proposal — She befjCijed to consult her mother. *' Cruel Constance!" said Leolin; " you know the baroness will be deaf to my pe- tition — you know, too well, that she will adhere to the earFs plan. I see you do not love me — if you did, you would not liesi- tate to give ease to a heart that agonizes with the dread of losj ng you." Constance wept, and Leohn entreated^ till at length he prevailed on her to meet him, at the dusk of the evening, at a cabin on the verge of the forest, where he would receive her vows, and plight his own. At the appointed hour they met, and were united ; but while rapture sparkled in the eyes of lord Iloslyn, those of Constance were filled with tears. Much as she loved, certain as she was of being beloved, she regretted the rash step slie liad taken— she dreaded the reproofs of the baroness, whose tenderness merited lier confidence. How had she repaid her maternal solicitude ? — with an act of dissimulation and ingrati- tude. . The baroness saw the grief of Constance, SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 91 but attributed her tears to that sorrow, so natural for a young- heart to feel while an- ticipating a separation from the object of its hopes and wishes. ThiC fata] morning came too" soon that parted the youthful pair. Constance fainted on the bosom of lord Tloslyn, who was witli difficulty forced into the carriage that bore him from his bride, from Deveron Castle, from his na- tive Scotland. Having passed a few VvTcks in London with Archibald Bruce, lord lloslyn passed into Germany. His. letters to Constance breathed unabated love — to the earl they expressed but little hope of succeeding in the affairs of the baroness, as her enemy, Francis baron Waldeck, was high in fa- vour with the emperor, and being conti- nually about his person, would effectually ])revent any application prejudicial to his own person and interest. The countess of Ellesmere did not find that happiness she had promised herself in a union with the honourable JMr. Bruce. Their tempers were far from being conge- nial ; and being possessed with the idea 92 SECRETS IN evehy mansion. that she should not survive her accouch- ment, being far advanced in pregnancy, she prevailed on her husband to promise, that her child, whether male or female, should be brought up by her sister, the countess of Eastbrook, who having at that time only one child of her own, wished to adopt hers. With this proposal, in all particulars advantageous, INIr. Bruce thought proper to comply. The countess then retired to Ellesmere Castle, that her heir miffht be born on her ancestral do- main ; and Mr. Bruce, little interested for her or the child, took that opportunity to visit his own paternal estate in the north of Scotland. The countess, as she predict- ed, did not survive the birth of her son, w^ho was immediately consigned to the care of his aunt ; and after a marriage of fourteen months, -Mr. Bruce found himself again at liberty, v/ith a very considerable increase of fortune. To him, when in London, lord E^oslyn confided the secret of his marriage, and besought him, by the tender friend.ship that had ever subsisted between them, to watch SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 93 over tlie happiness of his beloved Con- stance. Bruce promised to make a jour- ney to Deveron Castle, and, in all things, to prove himself what he had always pro- fessed to be, his true friend. Bruce was faitliful to his word. He re- paired to Scotbnd, vrhere he found the earl well, and happy in the accounts he continu- ally received from Mr. Otterley of the uni- form good conduct of lord Boslyn, and the distinguished respect with which he was received by the illustrious personages to whom he had taken introductions. But while the earl felicitated himself on the advantages he had secured to Leolin, by insisting on his travelling into foreign countries, the mind of the baroness suffered uneasiness, Avhich every new day increased ; for though lord Roslyn omitted no oppor- tunity of writing to Constance, and his letters breatlied the tenderest and most respectful solicitude, and pictured, with all a lover's glowing imagination, the happy future, when his banishment should end, and he be at liberty to claim the reward of his obedience to the wishes of the earl. 94 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. yet though Constance anxiously desired the arrival of these letters — though she pressed them repeatedly to her lips, and expressed the utmost joy when reading the assurance of his unabated love, and tender regret at their separation, still the pleasure they afforded was. but transient, for her smiles were constantly succeeded by tears, and such unequivocal anguish as could not fail to fill the maternal bosom with grief and alarm, for the appearance of Constance was much altered, and the mind of the baroness endured a presage of evil she had not courage to investigate. Archibald Bruce had blamed his cousin's clandestine marriage in very open terms, but he had faithfully adhered to his pro- mise of not betraying the secret confided to his keeping, though he w^ell knew the cause of the deep affliction of Constance. She also had confided to him the secret of her increasing sorrow : he was aware that she bore in her bosom the offspring of Le6- lin, and fearful of the displeasure of the earl and the baroness, he advised her to fly to her husband. But much as Con- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 95 Stance wished to escape the anger she dreaded — much as she required the sup- port of her husband on this trying occa- sion, she had not courage to adopt the ad- vice her fears taught her to approve — she thought of the affection of the baroness, and felt the impossibihty of adding to her afflictions by flying from her protection. Her situation she knew could not be long concealed, and she determined to acquaint the baroness, that, unable to resist the entreaties of lord Roslyn, she had been united to him some weeks previous to his departure on his travels. P>om this disclosure Eruce would have dissuaded her till she had written to con- sult lord Roslyn ; but unused to conceal- ments from her mother, Constance endur- ed an agony of mind that was no longer to be supported. — " Had you been in Scotland, Archibald," said she, weeping bitterly, " your prudent counsels might perliaps have prevented the error of your friends, but as we have unhappily fallen into it, I feel it is a duty I owe lord llos- lyn and his offspring, to declare our mar- 96 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. riage without delay. My mother will doubtless blame my imprudence, but she w^ill pity my sufferings — she will forgive me." In vain Bruce argued against what he represented as a premature discovery ; but the mind of Constance was made up to the belief that, by confessing her error, she should lessen the load of anguish that oppressed lier bosom; and regardless of the earnest pei-suasions of Bruce, she rush- ed, pale and trembling, into the closet where the baroness was performing her morning devotions, and sinking on the earth, exclaimed, in a voice nearly chok- ed by sobs — " Mother, dearest mother, forgive the erring Constance! I have rash- ly disobeyed your commands — I am the wife of Roslyn." A momentary frown clouded the mild countenance of the baroness, whose mind had presaged an evil be3^ond a clandestine marriage. She would have expressed her displeasure, but the situation of her child, so tenderly beloved, disarmed her resent- ment. Her eye glanced on the lovely in- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 97 tercsting creature who knelt at her feet, with eyes swimming, in tears, her hosom heaving with convulsive sobs, and her white hands raised in supplication ; na- ture throbbed at the heart of the baroness; she compassionated the error of love, and raising the Vv-eeping Constance from the earth, she folded her to her bosom, and in accents of strong emotion pronounced her pardon. Bruce was now consulted by the baro- ness on the propriety of acquainting the earl of Deveron with the confession of Constance ; but this measure he opposed, urging the irritable temper of the earl, and the expediency of first consulting lord Koslyn. Having learned his opinion on the subject, the baroness gave up her in- tention of requesting him to make the dis- closure to the earl, but resolved, that on his first visit to the villa he should be in- formed of the marriage and the situation of Constance, who had already written to her husband, informing him of the disclo- sure she had made, and the interestinLT cause that had prompted her confession. VOL.1, F ^ SECRETS IN EVEHY MANSION. Tlie earl of Deveron, who doted on his son, and was httle less attachourino: at concealment. — ** Leolin is alive !" resumed she. ** Answer me, Ar- chibald ! hast thou not been a false friend ? In thy dreams I have heard thee utter sen- tences that filled me with horror. What means the melancholy gloom that poisons all thy enjoyments? Answer me, Archi- bald ! are not these the workings and ef- fects of some mysterious guilt? Leolin lives, and assuredly the hour of retribution is at hand! Archibald, if thou hast prac- tised against thy friend — if thou hast de- ceived me, the horrible mystery will soon be disclosed !" But to this prediction the earl was in- sensible ; he had been seized with convul- sions, and the countess was borne from his SECRETS IX EVERY MANSION. 157 presence in a state that confined her for many weeks to her bed. During her ill- ness, the amiable character of lady Hono- ria displayed itself in the tender and unre- mitting attention she paid to the suffering Constance, who, when able to reflect, be- came every hour more confirmed in the belief that Leolin lived ; and while she remembered the dark sayings of the weird woman in the forest of Mar, her mind im- bibed the painful conviction that Archi- bald Bruce was the villanous contriver and ruler of the mystery that had deprived Leolin of his rightful honours and posses- sions, and divided her from the only object of her love ; for though obedience to the wishes of the late earl of Deveron, and the solicitation of her dying mother, had pre- vailed on her to give her hand to Arcliibald Bruce, he never possessed her affections, nor did she ever cease to lament the loss of Leolin and her infant. The dangerous state of the earl and countess of Deveron suspended the diver- sions of Poplar Grove, and dispersed the gay visitors, who fled from the contagious 138 sechets in every mansion. melancholy inspired by tales of ghosts, and the doleful reports of physicians, who spoke doubtfully of the recovery of the earl and countess of Deveron. The countess of Eastbrook now consi- dered it proper to command the return of lord Ellesmere ; but her letters not hap- pening to follow his route, he happily re- mained uninformed of the dangerous ill- ness of his father and the countess, till he received accovmts of their amended health. Eut while the unhappy Constance conti- nued steadfast in the belief that she had seen the real living Leolin, the eai'l was as firmly persuaded that the appearance she had witnessed was the disembodied spirit of the man whose titles and ample posses- sions h^d devolved to him ; and this idea had so fixed itself on his brain, that it pro- duced a lamentable w^cakness of nerves; he every moment expected that the same awful vision would appal his eyes ; and, possessed wdth this fearful apprehension, he dreaded to be a moment alone, and sunk into a darker melancholy than before. As the couatess slowly recovered, slie SECRETS IK EVERY MAKwSION. 139 beheld the gentle Honoria constantly era- ployed in preventing her wishes, or with de- licate attention introducing some amusive subject, to draw her from the deep medita- tion in which the recent event had pluni^ed iier thoughts. It was at this period the suffering Con- stance made her amiable young friend the confidant of her early sorrovv^s. She said, after the death of lord Roslyn, she had re- solved to pass her life in widowhood; but when she related that, in compliance wdth the wishes of her dying mother, and the particular request of the late earl of Deve- ron, she had given her hand to Archibald Bruce, she did not add, *' but my heart did not accompany the gift;" nor did she declare that in all the wearv years of her marriaae, her conduct towards her husband had been one continued act of self control; for that, spite of his unceasing love for her, he v*^as the object of her strong aversion. This feeling towards a man with whom she ap- peared to live not only in content but happi- ness, the countess prudently concealed, nor did she express her distressing belief that 140 SECBETS IN EVERY MANSION. Leolin still existed, and that Archibald Bruce was a villain, whose crimes were drawing towards a discovery. She re- membered, with compassion, the noble qualities of lord Ellesmere, and she wished, if possible, to spare him the misery of sus- pecting the principles of his father. She knew also that the countess of Eastbrook w^ished for nothing so much as the mar- riage of her daughter with this young no- bleman ; she therefore observed particular caution, that no prejudice should, through her means, arise to prevent this every-w^ay* desirable union; and to this end, when questioned by Honoria on the subject of the alarm that had occasioned her illness, she suffered her to believe that a dream had terrified her. — " The course of true love never did run smooth," said the coun- tess, with a deep sigh. " Which, translated into plain prose," replied lady Honoria, ** means that people never marry, or are never happy with their first love." " Alas! my sweet girl," returned the SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 141 countess, " it is a melancholy fact, tliat ever}" day's experience confirms." " Well," resumed lady Honoria, " I shall be an exception to this doleful fact — I will die a virgin, if I do not marry my nrst love ; and I will take care to be certain I shall be happy before I venture upon matrimony." " Lord Ellesmere is a very amiable cha- racter," said the countess. ** Yes," replied lady Honoria, eagerly interrupting her, '* my cousin is very hand- some, very good, very every thing that is excellent; but I do not love him well enough to take him for better for worse for all this: besides " Here the secret of her passion for Horace Winter thorn was on her lips ; but recollecting the so- lemn promise she had made dear Mrs. Euston not to admit any other person to her confidence, she blushed, and stopped suddenly. " Besides what?" asked the countess, observing her embarrassment. " Why, to confess the truth," resumed lady^ Honoria, " it appeal's to me that 142 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. lord Ellesmere is as little inclined to accept my fair hand, as I am to bestow it. He lias very often called* me a giddy little thing, and, with a very grave face, pointed out my faults; but he never, at any time, praised my beauty, or seemed in raptures at my accomplishments; and once in par- ticular I recollect, when lord Shenstone, sir Luttrell INIilford, and colonel Strath- way, had been in absolute raptures at hear- ing me imitate Mr. Kean, lord Ellesmere begged me very seriously never to expose myself in that way again, nor to accept for truth the idle flatteries of n}en, who were in reality laughing at my folly. Notlung very lover-like in this, I think." " And yet," said the countess, 'i had he not regarded you, he would not have been 66 sincere." "As a sister, lord Ellesmere regards me," replied lady Honoria, " and, as a brother, I esteem him ; but we sliall never go be- yond this lukewarm feeling. I love my mother too, and wish, with all my soul, «he would marry somebody herself, and SliCRETS IN EVERY MANSION, 145 cease to persuade me, who am in no huriy to change my state.*' " The return of lord Ellesmere will oc- casion a change of sentiment," said the countess ; " you will behold him with more favourable eyes." " No," returned lady Honoria; " he thinks me giddy, but he shall have no reason to believe me capricious. Having taken the liberty to point out my faults, even at the time when our mutual friends "were endeavouring to engage us together, he has given me a specimen of what I might expect, when a certain ceremony had given him some degree of power to control me. The man w'ho presumes to object when a lover, will, of course, com- mand when he is a husband." A retttrn to London did not dissipate the melancholy of the countess, whose pri- vate conversations with the earl of Deve- ron neither restored tranquillity to her own bosom, nor that of her husband ; but w^hile, impelled by the extravagant hope of again beholding Leolin, she frequented every public place, and mixed in every 144 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. gay assembly, with a heart torn with an- guish, and fated to daily disappointment, the earl admitted few visitors, and sel- dom went abroad ; his bodily complaints increased, and his mind seemed incapable of pleasure or enjoyment — every hour he swallowed opium, and every day required the presence of the reverend Mr. Otterley, who, though raised to fame and fortune by his means, invented perpetual excuses to avoid the irksome task of administering to the earl's diseased mind. The return of lord Ellesmere, though W'ished by his father and the countess of Eastbrook, gave no little inquietude to lady Honoria, w^ho foresaw that her mo- ther's darling project would now be re- newed with increased perseverance. The earl, her brother, had promised to give a commission to Horace Winterthorn, and she had hoped to be his wife before the return of Algernon ; but her brother was so forgetful, that, though intending to keep his word, he had let the commission ^lip his memory; and Horace Winter- thorn, though an adoring lover, was too de- SECllETS IN EVERY MANSION. 143 licate and timid to propose marriage to her, whose rank in life was so superior to his own. " 1 must exert myself," said lady Plono- ria, to Mrs. Euston : " I will this moment write a note to Adolphus, and remind him of the commission. And you, my dear Mrs. Euston, you shall hint to Mr. Win- terthorn the danger of delays, and the ex- pediency of our marriage before the arri- val of lord Ellesmere." The note of lady Honoria filled the earl of Eastbrook with shame ; he felt that he owed much to the friendship of Horace Winterthorn, and he immediately set about the affair of the commission ; but some unavoidable delays prevented its beipg presented before the young man returned to Hexham, Neither was Mrs Euston more successful in her endeavour to persuade Horace to carry off lady Ho- noria; his honourable mind, much as he was in love, revolted at the idea of repay- ing the confidence of the earl of Eastbrook with such ingratitude — neither could he VOE. I. H 146 SECRKTS IN EVERY MANSION. bring himself to deceive his father. He knew that lady Hon or i a was to accom- pany the countess of Deveron to Ellesmere Castle, which w^as only two short miles from his native home — he w^as certain they should shortly meet again, and he tore himself from the weeping lady Honoria, resolved to receive her from the hand of her brother, or to relinquish her for ever. Lord Ellesmere had returned to Eng- land with a heart perfectly free from ten- der impressions. He beheld liis cousin Honoria improved in person and manner, and his father and the countess of East- brook still anxious for their marriage. She w^as invited to accompany the countess of Deveron into Northumberland, whither he w^as going to take possession of his ma- ternal property. " In the country," said Algernon, " I shall have an opportunity of reading her . character — of endeavouring to win her heart; she is sufficiently lovely, and I will tiy to love her." While this resolution passed in the mind of Algernon, a project far more wild SECRETS IX EVEKV MANSION. 147 and romantic had filled that of lady Ho- iioria, which she determined to put in practice, without even consulting dear Mrs. Euston. The congratulations of friends wlio crovv^ded round lord EUesmere on his return from abroad, and the prepa- rations for his journey into Korthumber- land, had prevented his discovering the change that had taken place in his father; and during their journey, the lively sallies of the sprightly Honoria, and the eccen- tric manners of the earl of Eastbrook, had contributed to the amusement of the coun- tess ; and by keeping the earl of Deveron in conversation, had prevented his betray- ing the perturbed state of his mind. After passing through Hexham, the earl expressed a desire to mount his horse. Lord EUesmere quitted the carriage to at- tend his father, when, just as they reached the venerable ruin that had once been the magnificent abbey of St. Hildebert, the horse the earl rode, hitherto gentle, and easy of command, started, reared, and threw his rider on a heap of stones. H 2 148 SECKETS IN EVERY MANSION. I^ord EUesmere had already raised his father, pale, bleeding, and insensible, froiu the earth, when the shrieks of the ladies drew, from the interior of the abbey, JNIr. Duncan, his daughter, and their servant Colin. Mr. Duncan instantly discovered that the arm of the earl was fractured, and he hastened CoUn home with Alexina, that he might instantly return to him with medicines and instruments necessary for the immediate relief of the earl, who scarcely appeared sensible of his own ex- istence, when the carriage stopped before the entrance of EUesmere Castle, where the domestics and tenantry liad assembled to receive their young lord. Their shouts of joy sunk into silence, \vhen they beheld the earl of Deveron, pale, and covered with his blood, borne in the arms of lord EUesmere and Mm. Duncan. Being conveyed to the apartment prepared for his reception, the earl was undressed, and the torture this necessary act occa- sioned recalled him to a recollection of the past; but so wild were his looks, and so strange the words he uttered, that aU " SECEETS IN EVERY MANSION. 149= who attended liim, the countess alone ex- cepted, believed his brain had suffered ma- terially from the fall. Shuddering fear- fully, he said^ — " Constance, I too have seen him. Believe you it was aught mor- tal that terrified the horse ? No, no — it v/as a vision of terror — it was the pale spec- tre of Leolin ! he stood beneath the ruined arch of St. Hildebert's — But he is dead, Constance — he cannot claim you now; death, you know, dissolves all ties — you are niine, Constance, the wife of the living earl of Deveron." Lord Ellesmere and Mr, Duncan sup- posed the earl seized with delirium ; but the countess, a breathing statue of woe, pale, and nearly fainting, understood too well the cause of his alarm, and the pur- port of his speech; she was convinced that the earl had seen his cousin Leolin — ► But wherefore, if alive, he declined to as- sert his claims, why continued a mystery so horrible to her feelings, was past her comprehension. The situation of the coun- tess was apparent to ]Mr. Duncan, who prevailed on her to swallow a few drops. 150 SJJCUETS IN EVEllY MANSION. and, at liis suggestion, lord Ellesmero led her to her apartments, where she pass- ed the long hours of night in a state of agony little inferior to that endured hy her husband, who, already seized with a fever, had rendered, by his struggles and opposition, the reducing his arm an opera- tion of extreme difficulty. All being at length properly completed, and a strong opiate administered to the patient, Mr. Duncan, as he sat by his bed- side, had leisure to examine the counte- nance of the earl, which was rendered re- markable by a triangular scar on his left cheek, near the mouth. — " I liave seen that face before,'' said Mr. Duncan, mentally ; " that scar is familiar w ith my memory ; but Avhen? — where?" For a few mo- ments he considered ; then striding across the room in much agitation, he caught up a taper, and held it over the face of the earl, who, buried in profound though rest- less sleep, was unconscious of the exami- nation his features underwent. Mr. Dun- can replaced the taper on the table, and re- turned to the bedside. — " Merciful Provi- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 151 dt?nce!" said he, " I now remember clearly : tiiis is the very man I have so often pray- ed to meet ; though I never saw his face but once, and that by the glare of lights ning, that scar identifies him to my me- moiy. But liow shall I proceed? The rank of the earl of Deveron forbids all question — sets accusation at defiance — Yet sure he would not deny though when I consider the strange circumstance, it is evi- dent that secrecy was his object, and he will not at this distant period acknowledge his reasons." Alexander Duncan, one of the best and woilhiest of human beings, had become in some sort the repository of a secret, to which he was firmly persuaded no inconsiderable degree of Adliany was attached. He was now convinced that he had seen and con- versed with the earl, many years before the present period, on a very tempestuous night, in the forest of Mar. What had been confided to him then he liad never divulged to mortal ear. It was possible tliat the grand revolutions, effected by time, might render secrecy no longer ne- 152 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. cessary ; but then why had no inquiry been made after him ? The mind of Alexan- der Duncan was " perplexed in the ex- treme," to know how he should make their former acquaintance know^n to the earl, and in what way he should introduce a subject, in which he, with great reason, supposed the earl was even more deeply interested than himself The next day Mr. Duncan returned home, to the great delight of Alexina, who knew his presence would restrain the ill temper of Mrs. Duncan. She learned, with much pleasure, that the earl was likely to do well, and that the countess had so far remembered her, as to promise to call and pay her thanks, in person, for her kind attention, as soon as the earl's health would permit her riding over to Hexham. Huving answered a thousand frivolous questions put to him by his wife, he drew out his watch. — " You have no more ques- tions to ask, I hope, my "dear?" said he, laughing, "for I am. unfortunately restricted to time — I must hasten to visit my patients. SirCRETS IX EVERY MANSION. 153 — While I am gone, Alexina," continued he, " assist Colin to prepare the things set down on this card, for I must return, as. soon as possible, to the castle." " To the castle again !" said Mrs. Dun- can; " why, I thought you said the earl was h^kely to do well ?" " And that he may do well," replied iVIr. Duncan/" it is necessary I should be near him for a few days." " A few days !" repeated his wife, in a tone of discontent — " a few days ! Why, I think you had better take up your resi- dence at the castle — But I dare say I can guess " ** I have not the least doubt of you? sa=. gacity, my dear," returned Mr. Duncan, placing his hat on his head ; " but as m\r' presence does not seem to increase- your good-humour, I leave 'you, in the hope that Alexina will benefit by my absence." Alexina had retired to get ready the? package Mr. Duncan was to take with him to the castle ; and Mrs. Duncan beat the carpet with her foot, and uttered hei H 3. 1 54 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. complaints without a witness. — " Some handsome hussey up at the castle, I sup- pose, attracts Mr. Duncan's fancy," said she. " He is at his old tricks, and I should not be surprised if, a few months hence, I have an- other brat forced on my adoption. It can never be interest that makes him so very attentive, for I know Alexander Duncan would have been a beggar, if fortune had not been kind to him, in spite of his teeth. No, Heaven knows Alexander Duncan ne- ver had a proper regard for money." Ajid in this particular Mrs. Duncan was right — money made no part of her hus- band*s consideration ; but he v/ished to en- gage the gratitude of the earl of Deveron — he wished an elucidation of a circum- stance which he only could unfold; for the scar indented on the earl's cheek left him no doubt that he was the person by whom he had been entnisted with an im- portant secret in the forest of Mai\ SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 155 CHAPTER III. I'll wed for love, the silly fair one cries; I'll wed tor gold, the wiser one replies; For when my liusbiind is no more my joy, IVloney will purchase me some other toy. II. Deterinfined to fill Alexina Duncan with envy, and prove to Horace Winterthorn that his insensibility' was not likely to break her heart, jNIiss Walsingham yielded to the solicitations of sir William Belmont, and allowed him to appoint a day for the celebration of their nuptials, to which she was further induced, by learning that a particular intimacy subsisted between vsir William Belmont and the earl of Eastbrook, through whose influence she looked for- ward to an introduction to the ladies at the castle, an honour from which she sup- posed Alexina Duncan, a surgeon's daugh- ter, would certainly be excluded. Already an invitation had been issued 1 56 SECRETS IN feVERY MANSION*^ to Miss Duncan, to officiate, with ]\Iiss Claymoor, as her bridemaid ; after which, having dazzled her eyes with her diamonds and fine clothes, and made her ready to expire with envy, she resolved to drop her acquaintance, and never honour her with any future notice, beyond a distant bend of the head, when they met in public. Yet even this arrangement, which was made with no other intention than to mor- tify Miss Duncan, became the source of much vexation to Miss Walsingham, who hearing sir William say that he had in- vited his friend Eastbrook to be present at his nuptials, felt an extreme of uneasiness, from the idea that the earl would perhaps fancy Alexina Duncan handsomer thao herself; and it was no small satisfaction to her to see the evening of her wedding-day approach, without the earl having attended to his engagement. She was also delight- ed tQ observe the melancholy looks of Ho- riice Winterthorn, which her vanity led her to believe could proceed only Jrom en- vy of sir William Belmont, and the painful conviction that he had Ipst her for ever. SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 157 The title of lady Belmont was music to her ears, and the remembrance of the ele- gant carriage that liad conveyed her from church, and the anticipation of the superb mansion in Portland-square, and the plea- sures of the ensuing winter in London, had made her so apparently good-humoured, that sir William was more than ever en- amoured of his pretty bride, and thought he had never seen her to such advantage. Alexina Duncan had been prevailed on to sing; and on concluding a beautiful Scotch ballad, was astonished to hear a strange voice at her elbow exclaim — " Very foine, 'pon my honour ! I never heard such a shake in my loife." Alexina, covered witli blushes, turned towards the speaker, and was introduced, by sir William Belmont, to the earl of Eastbrook, who immediately recognized the beautiful sylph, as he had called her, who glided from under the ruined archway of St. Hildebert's, to hold sal volatile to th^ nostrils of the fainting earl of Deveron. The admiration of the earl of Eastbrook, who loudly declared IMiss Duncan was in- 158 SECnETS IN EVERY MANSION. deed the Bose of Hexham, so much dis- concerted lady Behnont, that she could scarcely command her temper so far, as to behave with politeness to her guests. She looked with an eye of disdain on the man she had only a few hours before vowed to love and honour; and while she compared his person with that of the earl of East- brook, she more than ever thought him a little odious friglit, and condemned her own folly in having so hastily married him, when perliaps, had she waited a little longer, she might have captivated a peer. With envious eyes she beheld the atten- tion the earl paid to Miss Duncan, and thought it quite impossible to survive the mortification of seeing her move in a rank superior to herself. In reply to some inquiries made after the health of the ladies at Eliesmere Cas- tle, the earl of Eastbrook informed Alex- ina that the countess of Deveron and lady Honoria Egerton frequently spoke of her, and intended, in the course of a few days, to have the pleasure of calling on Mrs. Duncan, to solicit her to spare her fair SECRETS IN EVERY MANTSION. 159 daughter to spend a few weeks at the cas- tle. This was too mucli for lady Belmont; she pretended sudden indisposition, and takincj the arm of Miss Clavmoor, left the room. " Was ever the like heard, Charlotte ?" said ladv Belmont — " Alexina Duncan to be invited to Ellesmere Castle I" Miss Claymoor cared not where she was invited, as captain Walsingham and herself were of the party who in a few days were to attend the bride to London ; and as this arrantj:ement would remove him from the sphere of Alexina's attractions, she was by no means disconcerted at what lilled lady Belmont with so much rage and spleen. ** Why, la! Charlotte," resumed her ladyship, " if that girl once gets footing at tlie castle, who can tell who she may mar- ry, with her singing, and her playing, and iter painting, and her poetry, and her read- ing. \Vell, for my part, I really think she is fit for nothing hi the world but a governess." ** I never trouble myself to think what 160 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. slie is fit for," replied Miss Claymoor, not much pleased to find lady Belmont's indis- position was only a fit of envy, and that she had left captain Walsingham sitting close by Alexina. " And would it not vex you," asked lady Belmont, " if she was to marry an. earl?" " Vex me !" repeated Miss Claymoor ; ** no, certainly : what difference can it pos« sibly make to me, who or what she mar- ries?" " I am very unfortunate," said lady Bel- mont, in a tone almost crying, " in having; no person who foels for my unhappiness." " Are you mad, Maria?" returned IMiss Claymoor; " it was only this mornings when clasping that diamond necklace on your bosom, you told me you were the happiest creature living: at present you have a fair prospect before you — take care you do not create your own unhappiness." ** Bless me !" said lady Belmont, " what ad^al of sense you have ! Why, you preach as well as the rector — it is a great pity you are not a man " SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 161 •'* I am quite satisfied with being a wo- man," returned Miss Claymoor. ** But come, we had better return to the draw- ing-room; the company will think your absence strange, and sir William will, no doubt, be uneasy." " Sir William ! the little fright !" said lady Belmont ; " I wish I had never seen him." " That wish comes rather out of season," rejoined Miss Claymoor ; " besides, it would be as well to recollect, if you had not seen him you would not have been lady Bel- mont, with all the splendid advantages thereunto belonging." " Very true, Charlotte," said her lady- ship, quitting her seat ; " and though I hate the man, I dote upon liis fortune, and when I get to London, I will take care, like other women of fashion, to give my husband as little of my company as possi- ble." ^^^itll this determination, she again joined the party in the drawing-room, where the earl of Eastbrook was remarking on the doleful looks of Horace Winter- thoni, and protesting that he only knew 162 sechets in every mansion. two causes for melancholy in a young man. Being asked what those two causes were, he replied — " The being in debt or the be- ing in love." ** Horace Winterthorn has too much pride to be in debt," said captain W^alsing- ham. ** Too much pride !" repeated the earl ; •' that is very foine, 'pon my nobility ! Surely, captain "Walsingham, you know but little of tlie fashionable world, where people of rank study to get deep into tradesmen's books, and never feel their pride debased by having their doors every morning surrounded by duns ? Why, two fashionable friends of moine have at this moment a large bet depending on the extent of their debts. Too much pride to be in debt ! That may be a foine idea here at Hexham, but in London would be voted at the fashionable clubs vulgar and obsolete." " If it is fashionable and elegant to be in debt," asked Alexina, " why should it produce melancholy ?" ** Because, my belle novicey' replied the SECRETS IX EVERY MANSION. l63 peer, " having occupied a certain number of leaves in a tradesman's book, he not unfrequently refuses farther credit ; tlien ways and means make a man melancholy, particularly if he does not happen to be in parliament." " And if he is in parliament," asked Miss Claymoor, " what has that to do with the payment of his debts ?" " Nothing at all, madam, with the pay- ment of his debts," replied the earl, '' but a vast deal with the non-payment. It is not uncommon, I assure you, to get into parliament to evade the demands of credi- tors." " How shameful !" said lady Belmont ; "* I declare it appears to me quite disgrace- ful to be in debt." *• So it does here, in Northumberland," replied the peer ; '* but consider how dis- tant you are from the metropolis, where the same words have a different meaning, and manners are so very unlike. Plere, you are plain matter-of-fact people, and know nothing of the polite sophistications of fashionable loife." 164 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. •* Admitting this," said captain Wal- singham, " perhaps our bosoms are lighter, and our sleep more tranquil." •* No doubt, then," observed lady Bel- mont, " JMr. Winterthorn is in love." Horace blushed. " There is no sin in being in love, I hope," said sir William, leaning on the shoulder of Horace. " He pleads guilty by his blushing," re- sumed lady Belmont. " If he is in love with a woman of weight," rejoined the peer, " he has no oc- casion to blush." " Of weight !" said lady Belmont—" I never heard the like! Perhaps, though, Mr. Winterthorn may have taken a fancy to the fat widow JM'Farley, over the way ; she is weighty enough, I should suppose, by her size." This silly speech occasioned a general laugh, when the peer thus explained his meaning — " Weight, lady Belmont, is in town only another word for fortune, and such, I trust, is the object of his love. I should lament most sincerely to see a foiue SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 165 fellow, like Horace Winterthorn, sighing and whining after a pretty beggar. I know a woman of rank and fortune who admires him prodigiously." " I am ^ware," said Horace, " of your lordship's talent for raillery, but as I do not remember that I ever evinced vanity that deserved " " Xo grave speeches, my friend," resum- ed the peer; *' for, with all due respect to your extreme modesty, I have selected a wife for you, young, lively, and amiable." " And pretty ?" asked lady Belmont. *•' Yes, very pretty," replied the earl, " and, what is of more consequence, very rich." Horace sighed, and thought of lady Ho- noiia. " Why, such a description ought to obtain your smiles, instead of sighs," said the peer. " This it is to be a man of foine sentiment ! But I have made up a de- termination that you shall marry a woman of rank and fortune ; so prithee lose no toime in forgetting theblue-eyedbedmaker, for I have no doubt but your heart was 166 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. lost in Oriel college. But take courrge my foine fellow! you will recover it again, r. behold him poisoning his fellow-creatures at Apothecaries'-Hall?" The rector could not forbear a smile. He was no friend himself to law or physic, for by the chicanery of the former he had lost a large sum of money, and through the ignorance of the latter, a very dear friend ; he therefore took the hand of his son, and pressing it affectionately, said — ** Plorace, it is my wish to see you hap- py. If it is your choice to enter the army, pursue your inclination ; and may you main- tain the cause of your country with the same unshaken valour that has ever cha- racterized a Ih'itish soldier !" Horace kissed the hand of his father, and repeated his thanks to the earl of East- brook, who, when the emotions of the rec- tor and his son had a little subsided, de- clared himself extremely hungry. The rector politely apologized for his remissness and great inattention. The earl laughed heartily, and declared he would revenge himself amply \ipon his new-laid eggs and bread and butter. Daring their repast, the rector observed, SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 173 witii secret satisfaction, that he had much to approve in tlie conversation of his noble guest, though he had frequent occasion to smile at his eccentric manners, and his i>igli-bred expressions, to him nearly unin- teUinrible. The earl of Eastbrook declared the rec- tory was another Eden — the most roman- tic little spot he had ever seen — *•' Ton my nobility," said he, " the repast before us is a banquet for the gods, whose vaunted am- brosia is not half so delicious as this honev ; the bees that make it deserve to be immor- talized ; and were I a poet, I would write in praise of honey." The breakfast- things being removed, the rector invited the earl to see his garden, at the bottom of which were his colonies of bees. The earl admired the neatness and fertility of the garden, and the beauty of the flowers and shrubs; but his warmest praise was given to the humanity of the rector, whose hives were so judiciously and ingeniously contrived, as to procure the honey without destroying the bees. On their return to the parlour, they 174 SFXRETS IN EVERY MANSION. found a trunk and letter addressed to cap- tain Winterthorn. Having obtained per- mission, Horace unclosed the letter, the writing of which he was well acquainted with. It was from lady Honoria, and merely contained a request tliat he would* accept the contents of the trunk, as a tri- fling testimony of an aifectionate sister's gratitude to the preserver of a beloved brother's life. — " Charming, generous lady Honoria," exclaimed Horace, " you are all angelic goodness!" '* Yes," said the earl, " Noria is a very good little girl, and I am not proud of her without reason ; for though giddy and child- ish, her heart is what it ought to be, and ^oes honour to her rank. And you, Ho- race, are very deservedly a prodigious fa- vourite of little Noria's ; and as a proof of my great regard," continued he, shaking him by the hand, " I request you will ac- cept the horse my groom led hither — he is a noble spirited bit of blood, and exactly suited to a foine fellow like you. I un- derstand all you wish to say, but you know, Horace, I detest thanks, so not a single syl- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 175 lable of that nonsense, unless you design to offend me. — You, my good sir," bowing to the rector, " will, I fear, have reason to re- gret my introduction to you, for I shall often visit you ; and as soon as the earl of Deveron is able to quit his chamber, I am certain he wdll be proud to seek, and cul- tivate your acquaintance." The rector expressed his sense of the ho- nour conferred on his humble roof, and the pleasure it would afford him to see his lord- ship as frequently as more important and agreeable engagements would admit. Having taken his leave of the rector, the earl informed Horace, that the countess of Deveron and his sister had desired him to say they expected him at the castle to dinner. The face of Horace w^as bright with smiles of satisfaction, as he attended his generous friend to the door, who no sopner rode off, than he returned to the parlour to examine the contents of the trunk. The first article was an expensive richly-mount- ed sword, which lay upon a full suit of elegant regimentals. At the bottom of 176 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. the trunk was placed a small pocket-book ; on opening tlie gold clasps^ he found it contained bank-notes to the amount of a thousand pounds, and another letter. The eyes of the rector were rivetted on the com- mission that lay on the table before him. His mind, full of anguish, was revolving " the various turns of fate below," and considering that the youth, whose heart now panted after glory and renown, might, before another year elapsed, lie pale and disfigured with wounds on the field of bat- tle; " and all," said the rector, ** that will remain to console the breaking heart of his father, will be the thought that he died on the bed of honour." The silent meditations of the rector gave Horace an opportunity to place the pocket- book in his bosom, which he resolved to return to the generous lady Honoria, con-^ sidering the gift too profuse, and blushing and revolting at the idea of accepting pe- cuniary favours from a female. He sur- veyed the sword and regimentals; these he knew had been ordered by the earl of Eastbrook, and these were gifts he could SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 177 not refuse, without offending his patron ; but the money he was determined lady Honoria should receive again. Whatever were the feelings of the v*X'r- thy rector, or his reflections on the dangers to which the duties of his profession would expose his son, he never after gave them utterance, but suffered Horace to believe he was quite satisfied with the line of life he had chosen. To the friend who h id promised a lucrative benefice to Hoiac3, the rector wrote immediately, endeavour- ing, while he expressed his grateful thanks, to conceal the regret occasioned by the dis- appointment of his wishes. The meeting of Horace and lady Hono- ria was joyful on both sides ; and as she contrived to be walking with IMrs. Eustou about the time she fancied he vrould ar- rive, she met him about half v/ay to the castle, and had the pleasure to learn that his father had not expressed so much dis- approbation, or evinced such dislike to the profession of arms, as they liad mutually apprehended. Lady Honoria was almost I 3 178 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION-. wild with joy ; and as she hung on the arm of Horace, gaily declared she would ** marry a soldier, and carry his knapsack." Horace shook his head despondingly. — " I believe," said lady Honoria, '•' you do not love me, or you would anticipate, as I doj the happiness of our union.'* " Alas !" replied Horace, " it is because I do most truly love you — that I fear I shall never have the happiness to call you mine; you seem more distant from my hopes than ever. Is not lord Ellesmere returned ? and will not he " ** No," mterrupted lady Honoria, pet- tishly, " no, sir — he will not, shall not be tny husband ; but tliough I declare I will never marry my cousin Algernon, I do not wish to liold you to any engagements you may feel it disagreeable to fulfil — Go, sir," continued she, withdrawing her arm from under his, ** go, y(ni are perfectly free." '' You cannot, lady Honoria," said ITo- jrace, *' give me freedom; while life informs the pulses of my heart, they vv'ill beat for you. Does it aiii;ue want of aiflection, ta SjECRETS in EVEPxr MANSION. 179 see and mourn the thousand obstacles that fate has thrown in tlie way of our love?'' ** Take courage, my noble soldier !" re- turned lady Honoria, smiling, " and we shall surmount them all. Aheady one part of my plan is happily accomplished ; and re- member how you distressed me with your doubts and your fears. My brother loA'es me dearly, and declares I shall choose my own husband ; he is also very much )'our friend." ** But wdien he hears of my presumptu- ous love," said Horace, " will he not with- draw his friendship ?" "Again desponding?" rejoined htdy Ho- noria. " Trust to my management, and rely upon it, I shall bring my broth.cr to t-bink as I do ; and as to tlie countess my mother, I shall recommend her. bv wav of consolation for her disappointment in not marrying me to her nephew, to accept the hand of the old duke of Selkirk, wlio has been her admirer ever since I can reuieiii- ber; and it will be b;.it justice to reward so persevering and faithful a lover." " But lord Eilesmere ?" said Horace. 180 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. " Lord Ellesmere/' continued lady Ho- noria, *' is a man of sense and feeling, and when he finds that I have no heart to be- stow, will have too much delicacy to perse-* vere." Horace now remembered the pocket- book, and would have returned it; but lady Honoria declared so vile a thing as money should not come between them ; she assured him, again and again, that part-» ing with that sum did not at all in con vet nience her, and insisted, in so peremptory a way, that he should retain it, that he was obliged to return it to his pocket. Mrs. Euston, the dear convenient Mrs. li^uston, had all this time wandered at a considerable distance, gathering flowers; but conceiving they might now be seen from the windows of the castle, sh^ joined the lovers ; and in tlie avenue, before tlie grand entrance, they were met by the countess of Deveron and lord Ellesmere. The pensive countenance of the countess brightened as they approached, and with a grace and dignity all her own, she intro- duced Horace to lord Eilcsmere, who ex- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. IQl pressedliimself happy in being made known to a gentleman whom his friends had pre- pared him to respect and admire. The countess of Eastbrook and her son shortly after joined them, and a general conversa- tion took place, which gave Horace V\^in- terthorn an opportunity to discover tlie graces, personal and mental, of liis rival, both which his unprejudiced judgment ac- knowledged so great, tliat in spite of the self-love predominant in every bosom, he was astonished how ladv lionoria could be insensible to such various attractions. At dinner they were joined by Mr. Duncan, who appeared to be a prodigious favourite witli the whole party, but parti- cularly so witli the countCvSs of Deveron, who declared her intention of calling the next day on 31iss Duncan, and inviting Iier to pass some time at the castle. Lord Kastbrook liad then only seen Alexina on the evening of the accident, but he had heard nnicli of her beauty ; and filling a bumper of wine, he called upon all the gentlemen to honour his toast. Lady Ho- noria hearing liim give the Rose of IIc^- 182 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. ham^ inquired wliat lady he distinguished by that appellation ? I^ord Eastbrook immediately replied— " JMiss Duncan, who is said to sui7)ass all the fair ones of Hexham, not only in per- sonal charms, but accomplishments, natural iand acquired.'* Mr. J)uncan bowed to the compliment iof the young earl, and said — " The choicest gift that nature has bestowed on Alexina Duncan is a heart full of all the virtues that adorn humanit}^ If it should please Heaven to place her in an exalted sphere, she will move in it, as her proper station, with grace and dignity; but if fate ordains that she shall walk the middle path of life, her virtues will adorn it, and happy will that man be who wears my Hose within his bosom. You will doubtless smile at this praise of a fond father; but w^hen you know my Alexina, you will confess Lhave not overrated her merits ; she is a daugli- ter that a monarch might be proud to own, >yet is content to consider Alexander Dun- can her father." The day passed happily with lady Ha- SECUETS IN EVEUY ^lANSION. 183 horia, for, regardless of the admonition and instruction slie had received in the morn- ing from the countess her motlier, relative to her conduct towards her cousin lord Ei- lesmere, she contrived to sit next Horace at liable, and bestowed so little notice on Al- gernon, tliat Horace, finding she had nei- ther eyes nor ears but for him, felt uneasy, and to prevent observation, inquired of lord Eastbrook, if he had yet seen sir AVil- liam Belmont? *• Oil, ay ! Sir William Eelmont is a very good creature," replied the peer. " We were at Eton together. He is going to many a very pretty girl, I foind. I shall drop in upon him, as he has sent me an invitation, to salute the broide and wish them happiness, or else I hate nuptial feasts and the parade of marriage ceremonies." *' Is sir William going to marry a wo- man of rank ?" asked the countess of East- brook. *' No, madam," answered Mr. Duncan ; " the intended bride of sir ^MUiam Bel- mont is the daughter of a major ^^''alsing- liam, whose family boasts only of its bra- 184 SECKETS IN EVERY MAKSIO^T. very, for the father and grandfatlier of ma- jor Walsingham died of honourable wounds received in fighting the battles of their country." The countess of Eastbrook replied — " Sir William Belmont's ancient title and splendid fortune should have looked higher than the daughter of a poor major." " It is a match," said Mr. Duncan, " in which love has alone been consulted." " I am sorry sir William is about to act so silly," returned the countess ; " I had really a better opinion of his understand- ing than to suppose he would marry for love— What folly !" " In my opinion," said lady Honoria, ** he acts wisely and honourably. AVhat happiness can possibly be expected in a mariiage conducted by ambition, and ce- mented by interest ?" " Honoria, you really astonish me !" re- turned the countess her mother. " How is it possible a mere child like you, just en- tering into life, can have weighed causes and effects, so as to know what will pro- duce or destroy felicity in the nuptial state?" SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 185 " Young as I am, madai-n," replied lady Honoria, ** I feel certain that rank and wealth m a married state, without love, can be only splendid misery ; and to avoid wearing a sorrowing lieart beneath my robes of state, I will take care to marry where I love." " I admire your sentiments, my fair cousin," said lord EUesmere, '* and think a marriage of interest detestable." The countess of Eastbrook frowned. Her son kissed the little white hand of his sister, and declared he adored her spirit. — " We, Noria," said he, " having enough of the vile trash called money, may be allow- ed to please ourselves. You will marry some foine fellow, and make his fortune ; for rely on the Vv'ord of your brother, you shall have a husband of your own choosing." Lady Honoria was on the point of saying, **' I have already made my choice," when a summons to Mr. Duncan, from the earl of Deveron, made a general move from the table, and relieved Horace Winter- thorn, who was in agonies, from the ap- prehension that lady Honoria would at 186 FKCRETS ly EVERY MANSION. that moment point him out as the object of her choice ; but lord Ellesmere having withdrawn v/ith Mr. Duncan to visit his fiither, the earl of Eastbrook invited him to see his hoimds, they having arrived that morning, and in fine condition. The gentlemen having -withdrawn, the countess of Eastbrook, greatly offended at perceiving the total disregard of lady Ho* noria to her wishes, took occasion, in no very gentle terms, to reprobate her free- dom of speech, and the indelicacy of a mere child like her pretending to have an opinion on a love subject. — " Happy are they," said the countess, " who have no children." . " Alas !" replied the countess of Deve- ron, with a deep sigh — " alas ! I think dif- ferently ; for had it pleased Heaven to spare my boy, that single blessing would have enabled me to su})port every otlier sorrow'." " Children," returned tlie countess of Eastbrook, *' are very uncertain blessings. You see how my maternal care and solici- tude is rewarded : my son turns my advice into ridicule, and my daughter, hardly nine- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. IST teen years old, pretends to have opirlions of l)er own, and sets parental authority at defiance. But I see my error too late ; this refractory disposition is entirely ovang to a wrong system of education ; the per- nicious books you liaye been permitted to read have mculcated the disobedience of which I complain, and which you will one day deplore. Oh, Avhat an enormous load of sin tliese vile romance-writers haye to answer for !" " Blessed be the writers of romances !'* Said lady Honoria, with heif^htened co- lour and in an animated tojie, ''- for they haye pointed out the reciprocal duties of parents and children — they haye restored the rifi^hts of nature — thev haye tauoht that slavish obedience is a crime, when the tyranny of a parent would lead a child to profane the altar of her God, by vowing to love and honour the person for vrhoni she feels only indifference." " So then, my nephew is an object of indifference," returned the countess of Eastbrook, '• and I am a tyrant ? I find I have been greatly deceived in Mrs. 188 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSIOX. Euston — I little suspcctetl, while slic wan instructing you in fashionable accomplish- ments, that she was perverting your prin* ciples." " Do not accuse Mrs. Euston unjustly," replied lady Honoria ; " she has too much worldly wisdom to preach a doctrine ini- mical to interest. Mrs. Euston worships Vv^ealtli and grandeur with idolatrous devo- tion, and considers the sacrifice of feeling and affection a mere nothing, when avarice and ambition are to be gratified." The countess of Deveron was astonish- ed at the spirit of lady Honoria. She sus- pected w^here her young heart had fixed its affections, for it was evident that attach- ment to another w^as the cause of her re- fusing lord Ellesmere, to whom nature and education had been profuse of their gifts, and who, from his elegant manners end animated conversation, was so likely to make an impression on a young female who had no previous engagement. • " I perceive," said the countess of East- brook, " I am to be disappointed in every wish I have so anxiously cherished for the SECRETS IX EVERY MxVNSION. 189 advantage of my children. Lord Elles- mere, too, who has from childhood been taught to expect the hand of Honoria — how cruel will be his disappointment !" Lady Honoria almost laughed. — " Have no fears, my dear madam, for my cousin Algernon," returned slie ; " he will survive my rejection ; and since you appear to feel so much on your nephew's account, I won- der you have so little compassion for the duke of Selkirk, who has been your hum- ble adorer for as many years as I can re- member." " It would be quite as decorous," replied the countess, " if your memory was not so tenacious."' " Well, I beg pardon for the observa- tion," resumed lady Honoria ; *' but I really think his patience and perseverance de- scYve reward." ** I may nrnvry to your sorrow;" said the countess, angrily. <• Xo — I protest," returned lady Hono- ria, " it would give me much pleasure to see you duchess of Selkirk ; and as to the duke, I have liked him ever since he gave 190 SFXT.ETS IN EVERY MANSION. me a wax doll, and h?ive not the least ob- jection to call him papa. Shall we not see him in Northumberland?" This raillery did not please the countess of Eastbrook, who had no intention of mar- rying the old duke of Selkirk ; but before she could reply, the countess of Deveroii w:as sent for to the apartment of the earl ; and lady Honoria having no desire to be left tete-a'tete with her mother, retired to practise some duets, winch she intended to sing in the evening with Horace. The following day the countess of De- veron was indisposed, and the ride to Hexham was put off, till amended health enabled her to call on Miss Duncan. The marriage of sir William Belmont in the meantime took place, and the earl of Eastbi'ook returned to Ellesmere Castle, deeply enamoured of the beauty and graces -of the Rose of Ilccoham, The countess of Deveron and lady Honoria lent a will- ing ear to his description of her person, and his praises of her graceful manners and melodious voice; but the pride of the' counters of Eaf3tbrook trembled, lest this SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 19X "Rose, so extravagantly extolled, should, by her eccentric son, be grafted on the fa- mily tree, and the arms of a surgeon be quartered with the noble bearings of the illustrious house of Eastbrook. Lord EUesmere said he had not ob- served the particular beauty of ^Nliss Dun- can on the evening the earl his father met his accident ; but he remembered, with gratitude, the amiable solicitude with which she had lent her assistance. He also ex- pressed much pleasure at hearing the countess of Deveron's intention to invite her to the castle, remarking, at the same time, that the illness of his father having set aside the proposed festivities, and pre- vented his wish of inviting the neighbour- ing gentry to the castle, he rejoiced to think lady Honor ia was likely to have the company of a young lady, whose virtues and graces had procured her universal ap- probation, and were the theme of every tongue. " She is the foinest girl I ever saw in my loife," said lord Eastbrook, " without seeming in the least conscious of her beauty ; 192 SECREXg IN EVERY MANSION. and then she sings hke mi angel. Ton my nobility, she excels all our Italian war- blers;' " If I was not so accustomed to your extravaganza, A dolphus," replied the coun- tess of Eastbrook, " I should suppose your heart had received a scratch from this Hose, as you call her; but as I am perfectly ac- quainted with your high colouring, I am quite satisfied as to the state of your feel- ings." " It is more than I am myself, my ho- noured mother," returned lord Eastbrook ; " but after I have again seen and conversed with the lovely Alexina, I shall then be more competent to decide, whether the preference I feel be love or not." Lord Ellesmere laughed, the countess of Eastbrook looked grave, and lady Honoria said — " I should like, of all things, to see Adolphus in love." ** I hope, lady Honoria," replied her mother, drawing herself up, " you would like to see lord I^^^astbrook in love, with a proper regard to the situation he fills in life, with a person in his own sphere; other- S^ECHETS IX EVEllY MANSION. 193 wise liis passion would be degrading to himself, and disgraceful to his family. I should have no objection, I promise you, to see the earl of Eastbrock attach himself to a female of rank; but Heaven forbid that I should see him form a plebeian al- liance !" . " Can love be controll'd by advice? Will Cupid our mothers obey?" warbled lady Honoria. " Certainly not, Noria," said lord East- brook. " Love is a despot, against whose power neither argument nor reason can prevail ; he allows no time to his victim to consult the approbation of interest or am- bition, on the propriety of tlie passion he designs to inspire ; twang goes his bow-— the unerring arrow pierces your heart be- fore you are even aware of the mischief you have sustained; and, seriously, Noria, I •suspect that Alexina, the Rose of Hexham^ is destined to be the bride of Adolphus earl of Eastbrook." " I should be better pleased to see the title extinct," replied his mother. VOL. I. K 194 SECRETS IX EVERY MANSION. " I am infinitely obliged to your ten- derness, madam," said lord Eastbrook, bow- ing very low ; " but, thanks to Heaven ! I have as foine a constitution as a man need wish for, and, barring chances and acci- dents, am likely enough to continue the noble line of Eastbrook. I should be sorry to appear disrespectful, or to offend your ladyship, 'pon my nobility I should, but I can by no means enter into or approve your ambitious projects ; and as I am now of age, I think it proper to inform you, that whenever I marry, I shall be guided in my choice of a wife, not by interest, but affec- tion ; and if that affection should fix on your ladyship's waiting-woman, I shall have no sort of hesitation to exalt her to the rank of countess of Eastbrook." " Monstrous!" exclaimed his mother. " These are pretty sentiments to infuse in- to your sister's mind, who, by-and-by, I suppose, will think it proper to fall in love with an apothecary, or a poor parson, or an ensign in a marching regiment, whose whole fortune is contained in his knapsack." " And if her choice," said lord Eastbrook, SECItETSf IN EVERY MANSION. 195 " falls on a foine spirited fellow, with an honourable moind, she has wealth enough for both, and I would rather see her happy with a man whose only deficiency is not having been born heir to a title, than a duchess, if her elevation is to be obtained by the sacrifice of her peace." " No wonder," returned the countess, " that I meet from Honor ia so much op- position to my will, when her disobedience is approved and encouraged by your lord- ship ; but she has yet near two years for consideration, and I trust, in that period, she will be sensible of the degradation that must attend your equaUzing system, for she may rest assured her fortune will re- main beyond her reach, till she is of age, unless she marries with my approbation." " Your foine plan of marrying her to Algernon will never take place, I can tell you," said lord Eastbrook ; " he has no preference for Noria, andshe is quite indif- ferent about him. Harkee, Noria ! there is no sort of occasion for your looking so doleful ; if your fortune is toied up, mine is at your service." K 2 196 SECRETS IN evehy mansion. Lady Honoria saw the rage of her mo- ther, and dreading her violence, she opened the door that led to the library, and left the scene of altercation, which did not seem likely to come to a conclusion soon. The countess of Deveron and lord EUesmere, disliking to witness the disputes of the Eastbrook party, had stolen away unper- ceived, when after taking a few turns on the lawn, the countess had retired to write ktters, and lord EUesmere had seated him- self quietly, v^ith a volume of Seneca, by the library fire. Honoria had long wished for an oppor- tunity of disclosing her sentiments to her cousin, yet now, when she found him alone, she doubted her own courage to begin the subject nearest her heart. As she opened the door, he turned his head, and perceiv- ing who the intruder was, laid down his book, and drew a chair for her near the fire, saying — " This is very kind indeed, Ho- noria ; but tell me truly, is it to chance or design I am indebted for the favour of this visit?" « Why, to tell the honest truth, Alger- SECRETS IN EVEKY MANSION. 197 non," replied she, smiling, *' to chance. My mother and Adolphus having got into a dispute, I thought it was better they should settle it without a witness, and I came hither by mere accident." " I ought to bless the occasion," said lord Ellesmere, " be it what it may, that gives me an opportunity of speaking to you alone." " Why, have you any thing particular to say to me?" asked lady Honoria. " Surely my fair cousin is not nov/ to learn the wishes of our parents," said lord Ellesmere, " nor can she be ignorant that a lover '* " Hold there !" interrupted lady Hono^ ria. " I cannot pretend to deny that I knov*' the \\nshes of my mother — she has made no secret of her plans, Heaven knows; but how far they coalesce with yours 1 am yet to learn, for certainly it never entered into my head to suspect you were my lover." ** You do your charms injustice," re- turned lord Ellesmere ; " you are fair, and I have a heail sensible of your attractions." 198 SECRETS IN EVERY J^IANSION. Lady Honoria laughed immoderately* At length restraining herself, she said — " I beg you ten thousand pardons, Algernon, for my rudeness, but to hear a man talk of love with so cold a look, so unimpas- ;sioned a manner, is really quite whimsical: that I am fair, my vanity bids me believe, and I also give you credit for having a heart capable of love, though I am certain I shall never inspire it." " You cannot be serious, Honoria," re- plied lord EUesmere — " you cannot doubt my love?" " I do not doubt your esteem," resumed lady Honoria, " but love and esteem, Al- gernon, differ widely; esteem confines it- self to respect and good wishes, but love is composed of '' She paused. Lord EUesmere took her hand. She blushed deeply as he said — . " Go on, my lovely cousin — What is love composed of?" " Doubts, and fears, and hopes, and jealousies," continued lady Honoria ; " it flushes on the cheek — it sparkles in the eyes — it trembles in the hands ; but your SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 199 cheek, Algernon, is not flushed — your eyes do not sparkle when you behold me — your hand does not tremble when it clasps mine —No, no, Algernon, you are not a lover — you have none of the symptoms." A suspicion for the first time darted on lord Ellesmere's mind, that his little cousin knew more than he did of the ten- der passion. — " We are apt," said he, " to mistake our own feelings ; but tell me sin- cerely, Honoria, are you offended at dis- covering that I do not betray the emotions of a lover?" " So far from it," replied she, " I am pleased to think I am not likely to give uneasiness to a relation whom I sincerely regard, whose friendship I am anxious to secure. Here is my hand, Algernon — promise to be my friend, and I forgive your not being my lover." Algernon pressed the little white hand she offered to his lips. — " This treaty being ratified," said he, " will Honoria be inge- nuous, and confess that she has bestowed the treasure of her heart on another, who has successfully taught her a lesson of love?" ^00 SECKETS IN EVERY MANSION. Lady Ilonoria blushed and hesitated, but at length acknowledged that her affec- tions were besto^ved. " And worthily, I trust, my dear Hono- ria?" resumed lord Ellesmere. " Your youth, your beauty, and your fortune, are strong allurements — I wish not to pry into your secret, but be wary, sweet girl — take heed how you enter into engagements which you may hereafter repent — beware of the needy adventurer, who, having made himself master of your wealth, will think it no longer necessary to keep up even a shew of love." " I thank you for the warning," said lady Honoria, with a smile; " but the man who has engaged my affections is no needy adventurer, nor am I so wild and giddy as to bestow my love on an unwor- thy object. It was not his person only that charmed my youthful fancy — I heard his worth, his sense, his noble spirit, ex- tolled by those to whose opinions I was accustomed to pay deference ; their praise taught me to admire him. He became my tutor, and under his instructions I SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 201 made rapid improvements in music and Italian. I was not long in discovering that he loved me — lie is sensible that my heart is his, but were I inclined to a clan- destine marriage, he would revolt at the idea. No, no, fear not for the happiness of Honoria; her choice has fallen on an ho- nourable mind, on one who will wed her with the approbation of her friends, or re- main for ever in celibacy. And nov.% Algernon, having come to this explana- tion with you, may I rely on your friend- ship to inform the countess my mother, that it is as little your wish as mine to unite the houses of EUesmere and East- brook?" Lord Ellesm.ere promised to put an end to the plan without loss of time; he also promised to guard the secret she had con- fided to him respecting her love for an- other. Lady Honoria, infinitely happier in mind, retired to dress for dinner. Lord Ellesmerewas also pleased at the explana- tion that had taken place ; he was certain he did not love the httle fairy his cousin. 202 SECRETS IN EVEUY MANSION. at least not according to her description of the passion, and he was not certain but hereafter he should meet a female for whom he might feel all the emotions she had de- clared symptomatic of love. In revolving the confidence she had placed in him, he was not long in fixing on Horace Winterthorn as the object of her affection ; yet while he confessed him worthy of his cousin's love, he foresaw the opposition their union would meet from the pride of the countess of Eastbrook, who traced her genealogy as far back as William the Conqueror. There remaining yet half-an-hour be- fore dinner, he sought the countess of Deveron, and at once disclosed to her his intention of withdrawing from the pro- jected alUance, as he found there was no prospect of that reciprocal affection tbit could alone make the wedded state happy, but on the contrary, an indifference on both sides, so discouraging, that it appeared po- litic to him to leave each party at liberty to make a more congenial clioice. " The choice of Honoria, my dear Al- gernon," said Constance, " is already made. SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 203 happily I trust, though storms and tem- pests hover over it.'* " You are not surprised then at my de- cHning to urge a suit, which, however the perfect freedom of my own heart might authorize," said lord Eilesmere, " the pre- ference lady Honoria feels for another should at once decide me to decline. But have you, my dear madam," continued he, " any suspicion of the gentleman whom she honours with her partiality ?" " It has long been my opinion," replied the countess, " that captain Winterthorn is the selected of your cousin's choice; but high as the character of this young man stands, gracefid as he is in person, and ele- gant in manners, the countess of Sastbrook will only remember that he is the son of the rector of St. Hildebert's; her exces- sive pride will revolt at the idea of her daughter bestowing herself on an untitled lover. Poor Honoria has, I fear, much sor- row to undergo — many conflicts to sustain; for though lord Eastbrook, in mere con- tradiction to the haughty spirit of his mo- ther, appeal's to advocate fi'eedom of choice. ftOi! SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. I fear he will alter his opinion, when he finds his sister has fallen in love with a inan in whose veins no illustrious blood circulates — one who has little more than his ' good spirits to feed and clothe him." " Lady Ilonoria," said Algernon, " is very young, and tliough at present capti- vated by this young gentleman, who found an easy piissage to her heart from the warm commendation of her brother, yet it is likely ambition, vanity, and the absence of her lover, whose regiment is, I under- stand, ordered abroad, will effect a change of opinion and sentiment : the presence of a beloved object keeps passion alive, but when captain Winterthorn is no longer near, she will forget him — * absence,' it is said, * is the tomb of love." " Not always," replied the countess, with a mournful sigh. " Men, who are conti- liually engaged in the busy scenes of life, may perhaps forget; but women, having no pursuits to occupy their minds, cherish in silence and inactivity the passion, till it becomes entwined in the fibres of the heart, and so deeply engraven on the brain, thatt SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 205 only death can loosen the clasp, or destroy the record." Lady Belmont having displayed all her finery in receiving and paying her bridal visits, began to teaze sir William to quit Hexham, for Alexina Duncan \vas still an obstacle to her happiness ; her brother, captain Walsingham, took no pains to dis- guise his passion for her — ^ir William Bel- mont spoke of her beauty and accomplish- ments in term.s of unqualified praise — and the earl of Eastbrook, who was a constant visitor, declared, 'pon his nobility, she was the foinest woman in the vvorld, and he, who had seen the Greek and Italian beauties, declared them all eclipsed by the superior charms of the Rose of Heocfunn. Though married far beyond what her situation in life gave a right to expect, still, in her eyes, sir William Belmont conti- nued a little fright, and his rank and for- tune did not so entirely satisfy her vanity but she believed, had she waited a little longer, she might have done better. The tender attentions of her husband were dis- pleasing, and she secretly arraigned the 206 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. earl of Eastbrook of want of taste, for he had been most pi'ovokingly silent on the subject of her charms, though she had ogled and languished, and thrown herself into attitudes, on purpose to attract his notice, and engage him in a flirtation, which she understood was quite fashion- able in higli life. Failing to excite either the envy of Miss Duncan, or the admira- tion of lord Eastbrook, she became urgent with sir William to go to town. ^liss Claymoor, who secretly liated Miss Duncan, on account of captain V\^a]sing- ham\s attachment to her, was also anxious to quit Hexhaiu, hoping that absence would efface the remembrance of Alex- ina's charms, and that he might yet be sensible of her value. Sir William Belmont having received information that his town-house was ready for his reception, to the great delight of his lady and Miss Claymoor, who was to take up her residence with them till the arrival of her father and brother from the West-Indies, fixed the day for their de- parture from Northumberland, an(i her SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 207 ladyship issued cards of invitation to all her friends, intending to give a splendid entertainment by way of farewell, as she resolved, whenever she returned to Hex- liam, to lionour but very few of her pre- sent ac(piaintance with her notice. At this entertainment, the merits of monsieur Descartes and his automatons were discussed, and lady Belmont was in- formed by one of her guests that the self- performing forte-piano had been explained to the great satisfaction of a crovrded au- dience, whose curiosity had been greatly excited by what appeared so wonderful a piece of mechanism. — " Weil, I supposed it had wheels and springs concealed in the inside," said lady Belmont, " for none bat tiie most ignorant could believe the man produced such fine music by magic." " And yet," said captain Winterthorn, " had your ladyship heen present, you would liave allowed the discoveiy had a magical effect." " Indeed !" returned lady Belmont ; " well, really, I did not expect any thing more wonderful than what we saw in the 208 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION". winding up of bis other automatons, which certainly were extremely clever, and look- ed very natural ; and then the female figures were dressed with so much taste, it was quite delightful to see them : but pray, captain Winterthorn, tell me, for you have made m.e quite curious, by what means did he contrive to produce that en- chanting music?" " Suppose," replied captain Winterthorn, " I was to tell you he had a performer concealed in the instrument?" " A performer concealed ! nonsense !" said lady Belmont ; ** that is beyond be- lief!" " And yet it is a fact," replied Horace, *^ that many of your guests can confirm, they, as well as myself, being present at the discovery." " Yes," said Mrs. Fennent, " it is truth, I assure your ladyship ; wlien the instru- ment was opened, we beheld a little ur- chin of about three years old, who, at that age, is capable of performing the most difficult pieces of music." " Surprising !" exclaimed lady Belmont. SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 209 " Every person present said * surpris- ing !" continued Mrs. Ferment ; " neither Mr. Ferment or myself, who go every year to London, ever saw any thing like it : the child is quite a prodigy, and will no doubt make the fortune of his father, who is a very clever ingenious man." Having exhausted this subject, and the music striking up, the gentlemen began to select their partners for the dance, much to the mortification of lady Belmont, who had anxiously expected the earl of East- brook, with whom she hoped to open the ball, but as he had not amved, she w^as obliged to give her hand to Horace Win- terthorn. Sir William Belmont took out Miss Duncan. Mrs. Ferment declared her head unequal to the volant motion of dancing. Mr. Ferment also thought he should make a better figure at the whist- table, where he generally contrived to unite profit with amusement. The dancing set being formed, and the card-players seated to contend for the odd trick, all seemed mirtli and hilari- ty ; but while the countenance of lady 210 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. Belmont expressed pleasure, she under- went all the torments of chagrin, envy, and disappointment. The gentlemen spoke in raptures of Miss Duncan's dancing, and not a single compliment was addressed to lier, though dancing was the accomplish- ment she fancied she most excelled in. Having reached the bottom of the second dance, she complained of fatigue, and was on the point of sitting down, when she be- held the earl of Eastbrook, who had just arrived. Eager to secure him to herself, she flew towards him, saying — " I hope your lordship is not a card-player ?" " No," replied he ; " I was once foinely taken in at Almack's, and since then I have never touched a card, though it has required all my fortitude to resist the temptation." " You can resist temptation then ?" said lady Belmont, with what she designed to be a seducing smile. " Yes, 'pon my nobihty," replied the peer, " all but the temptation a foine wo- man may throv/ in my way, and there, I fear, I should not be able to resist." SECRETS IN I:TERY MANSION. 21 1 *' Well, I am glad to hear you are not a card-player," said lady Belmont ; " you will of course dance?" " I think not," replied he. " Not dance !" exclaimed lady Belmont; *' you are jesting." " Never was more serious in all my loife," said the peer. " Why, do you not like dancing ?" asked her ladyship. " Ye — es — no — sometoimes," said the peer ; " but I seldom know my own moind sufficiently to decoide upon any thing foive minutes before I do it." " How provoking !" thought her ladyship, but her mortification was not yet com- plete : in the next instant, she saw him go up to Miss Duncan, whose hand sir Wil- liam Belmont had just resigned. — " He surely will not dance after what he said to me," thought her ladyship ; but here she was again mistaken, for she saw him lead Alexina to the top of the room. A Mr. Frasier now solicited the honour of her hand, which she refused, with the pretence of having hurt her foot. Where she sat, 212 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. she could observe the dancers, and the lovely countenance of Alexina Duncan appeared even more animated than usual, as her noble partner, with easy elegance, led her through the mazes of the dance. The mind of lady Belmont, rankling with envy, revolved the possibility of Alexina Duncan being, at no very dis- tant period, countess of Eastbrook.— " Oh, if that should happen," said she, mentally, ^* I shall never survive it — to see her in a rank above myself! I shall certainly ex- pire at once with vexation." At the supper- table, the earl of East- Brook seated himself next to Miss Dun- can, and during the whole of the evening he contrived that sh? should have neither eye nor ear for any one but himself At a late hour the party broke up, and wdth her farewell good wishes to her guests, lady Belmont made the resolve, at their next meeting to treat many of them as strangers. For Alexina Duncan, it was her sincere wish that they might never meet again. In getting into the carriage that was to take her home, Alexina drop^ SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 21^ ped her glove, which, after she was seated, lord Eastbrook gave her, saying — " Oh that I were a glove upon thac hand, That I might touch that cheek !'' As the carriage drove off, Alexina at-, tempted to draw on her glove, and per- ceived a folded paper in the hand. This she was certain must have been placed there by lord Eastbrook ; but being free from the idle vanity that derives pleasure from boasting of the number of slaves her beauty had made, she silently returned the mysterious paper till she reached her own apartment, when, having dismissed the maid, who waited to help to undress her, she read the following lines : — " oil, fiiir and fragrant! on my breast, Wouldst thou thy blushing beauties rest. To thee my freedom I'd i'ebign, And proudly joy to call thee mine — Gladly would plight the solemn vow, Which none but Heaven can disallow, That I would cherish, during life. Thee, beauteous Rose ! my love and wife ! ** Eastbrook." Alexina smiled, laid the verses on the 214 SECHETS IN EVERY MANSION. table, threw lierself into bed, and in a few minutes forgot, in the embrace of sleep, the writer, together with eveiy other oc- currence of the evening. It was late when she left her chamber the next day, and on entering the breakfast-parloifr, she found her father poring over the leaves of an old memorandum-book. At her entrance, a cloud seemed to hang on his brow, but as she kissed his hand, he regained his usual cheerful look, and having answered her inquiries respecting the noble family at Ellesmere Castle, he, in his turn, demand- ed an account of her last evening's enter- tainment. Alexina described faithfully all that had occurred in the ball-room and at the sup- per-table. — " Sir William Belmont appears a very amiable man," said Alexina, " and, in my opinion, Maria Walsingham has been extremely fortunate in securing such a husband." " Much more fortunate than she de- serves," replied Mr. Duncan-—" I pity sir William Belmont. But, Alexina, my love, you did not tell me who you danced with," SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 215 " Part of the evening," replied she, *^ with sir William, but most of the time with lord Eastbrook." " I like him much," said Mr. Duucan ; " his manners are foppish and his language affected, but he has an excellent heart, and his manners, though whimsical, never degenerate into vulgarity or rudeness, which, in this enlightened age, is, I am told, the very criterion of fashion." " His manners are indeed very strange,'* returned Alexina ; " his behaviour to me last night was very particular too, for, as I got into the carriage, his lordship slyly contrived to slip this note into my glove." Alexina, covered wdth blushes, placed the note in her father's hand, who laugh- ed as he read. — " Love, I fancy, has made his lordship poetical," said Mr. Duncan ; " for this, I should believe, is the first ef- fort he has made at versification. But what says miy Alexina ? supposing the earl seri- ous, do you feel disposed to accept the title of countess of Eastbrook ?" " Being always accustomed to speak my sentiments undisguised to you, my Sl6 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. dear father, I can have no hesitation in saying ■ no •/ the earl of Eastbrook is not the sort of man with whom I could be happy, and therefore I have no ambition to be a countess ; and if I read your coun- tenance aright," continued Alexina, " you, my dear sir, approve my declaration." Mr. Duncan kissed the glowing cheek of the lovely girl, and replied — " You are right, my Alexina : the earl of Eastbrook has many good qualities attached to his title and fortune, but he is not the charac- ter I should choose for your husband. I know the value of my Rose," added he, pressing her hand affectionately, " and wish to see it transplanted to a soil that w ill prove congenial to its worth." . The entrance of Mrs. Duncan put an end to the conversation, and Mr. Duncan, taking up the memorandum-book from the table, carefully locked it in his writing- desk. — " The earl of Deveron is so much recovered that my residence at the castle is no longer necessary," said Mr. Duncan. " To-moiTow the ladies propose to call on you, Mrs. Duncan." SECRETS IX EVERY MANSION. 217 *•' I am by no means ambitious of the honour," replied she. " But I am," resumed ^Ir. Duncan, *' and I request, ^Irs. Duncan, that you will be prepared to receive them as becomes my wife." " Oh, certainly, Mr. Duncan, certainly," replied she, '•' though I am not desirous of the honour of their visit. I hate morn- ing calls — they derange me for the whole day." ?Jr. Duncan smiled, and turning to Alexina, said — " The countess of Deve- ron, my love, designs you the honour of taking you back w^ith her to the castle, and if you can make it convenient, I should be pleased that you accept her in- vitation." Before Alexina could reply, ISlrs. Dun- can said — *•' So then, the visit is to Miss Duncan, not to me ; but it does not sig- nify — I am nobody. Miss Duncan can receive them without me. I do not un- derstand v*hy I am to be put out of mv way " VOL. I, L ^18 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSIOX. *' Thus it is for ever," interrupted Mr. Duncan ; " that captious discontented temper of yours, Margaret, has been the torment of my life and your own for many a weary year. Any body but you would perceive that a compliment paid to your daughter is an honour conferred on your- self." " My daughter !" repeated Mrs. Dun- can, in a tone of spite and sneer, that made her husband start, and caused him to frown terribly. — " I want patience," said he, " to bear with this perpetual cavilling about nothing. Go, my love," addressing the trembling Alexina, *" go, and prepare for attending the ladies to-morrow to EUes- niere Castle." Alexina withdrew, and Mr. Duncan then turned to his wife, who sat weeping on a seat near the window, and said — "I know not, Margaret, whether you are weeping from contrition or ungratified malice : I trust, the former. I perceived the secret that has been preserved between us for full eighteen years was just now near escaping your lips. When Alexina SECRETS IK EVERY MANSIOK, 21fl h of age, it is my intention to inform her of the little I know respecting her infancy, and the manner in which she was com- mitted to my care. You will in three years more be released from the burthen of a secret, which I am sensible has been extremely troublesome ; but, before that period, if you suffer it to escape you, either to the amiable girl herself or any other person, you incur my everlasting displea- sure, and make a division between us that no repentance on your part will ever ce- ment." "Oh dear! oh dear!" sobbed Mrs. Dun- can ; " I am the most unhappy woman in the world !'' " And what but your own temper ren- ders you so?" demanded her husband. " Dismiss the fiends suspicion, jealousy, and envy, from your bosom, and you may be one of the happiest. Reform your tem- per, Margaret, for depend upon it, our joys and miseries are chieffy of our own making." JNIrs. Duncan being left alone, sat for 1.2 220 SECHETS IN EVEKY MANSION. «ome moments weeping bitterly, and wish- ing herself in Perthshire, though she re- collected that her mother and her sisters had often complained of her temper. — " If I did not love Alexander Duncan," said she, " he would not treat me with such indifference, but I suppose it is all owing to my bad temper. Heaven help me! every dispute that arises in the family is imputed to my fractious temper. Mr. Duncan, his daughter, and all of them, servants and all, are heavenly tempers, ' except poor me. Well, it does not signify. I wonder which of these fine ladies at the i castle is Mr. Duncan's favourite. Very pretty, truly, that I must dress to receive his mafdam ! But when women marry, they promise to obey, and their husbands gene- rally contrive to let them know that they must not pretend to any will of their own." Even wlule the perverseness of Mrs. : Duncan's disposition made her affect dis- pleasure at the intended visit of the ladies 'from Ellesmere Castle, she felt her pride fiattered, and her vanity gratified, that SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 221 their first call in Hexham should be upon her; and though she did it with an ill grace, her maid was ordered to air her new brown satin, and look out her Brus- sels mob, that she might convince them Mr. Duncan's wife had some pretensions to beauty as well as his daughter. Alexina, shocked at the dispute of her parents, had retired to weep, and reproach herself for being the unhappy cause of so much dissension between them. — " Alas ! I am hated by my mother," said she, " and I envy the meanest beggar, whose po- verty is cheered by the sunshine of ma- ternal love. Yet let me not blame my mo- ther ; we cannot command our affections, for I experience not for her the same warm feelings of filial love and duty as towards my father. Alas ! I fear the fault is all my own ; my mother hates me for the imnatural coldness with which 1 have per- formed my duties. I will endeavour to repair this fault — I will yet win the love of my mother." During his attendance on the earl of Deveron, Mr. Duncan had frequently been !3*i2 SECRETS IN ITCERY MAKSIOX. ttiade sensible that some secret guilt lay heavy on his conscience, and as he was very ceitain that he had many years before met him, when the hour, the place, and other corroborating circumstances, render- ed it more than probable he had been en- gaged in a criminal action, he could not help connecting the secret reposed with himself with the tortures of mind endured by the earl, and he lost no opportunity that offered in which he thought he might draw him on to speak of the occurrence, which Mr. Duncan w^ould freely have sa- crificed his whole possessions to have had elucidated. One day, the earl being able to sit up, he expressed his thanks to Mr. Duncan for the unremitting attention he had paid him, and his good fortune in faUing into such skilful hands. Mr. Duncan bowed to the compliments of the earl, and said he considered all he had done as merely his duty. The earl requested Mr. Duncan to assist him to the window, which took in an ex- tensive prospect of wood and mountain. &ECKETS IN EATERY MANSION. 2^ He shook his head . mournfully. — " I was a young man, gay, full of health and spi- rits, when I was last an inhabitant of this castle. Gracious Heaven, be merciful to me!" continued he, an expression of hor- ror clouding his countenance : " what changes have taken place since then ! There are few men so perfect, I believe, as not to have reason to wish some periods of their hfe could be recalled." *•' None, my lord, depend upon it," re- plied Mr. Duncan ; " man is the creature of error, and there lives not one who has not some imperfection to lament — some action to repent." ]Mr. Duncan fancied he was now touch- ing the secret malady of his mind, but the earl only sighed to his remark. Unwilling to lose the present opportunity, Mr. Dun- can, pointing with his finger, said — " Over that mountain, to the west, lies the coast of Scotland." The earl turned of a more deadly pale. — " You are a native of Scotland?" said he, faintly ; " but I need not ask that — your S24 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. Wartie and accent bear evidence to your country." " I am proud of being a Caledonian, my lord," returned Mr. Duncan ; " I have been many years an exile, but I look for- ward with pleasure to the period when I shall again return to my native land." " From what part of Scotland do you eome ?" asked the earl. " From Aberdeenshire, my lord," repli- ed he, " and, if I am not mistaken, I have had the honour of meeting you when you were the honourable Mr. Bruce." It is very possible," returned the earl ; I was frequently at Aberdeen." " It was not at Aberdeen," said Mr. Duncan, " nor yet at Deveron Castle; it was in the forest of JNIar, on a night when ^" The earl turned his eyes on him with a look of the wildest insanity. — " Have you a son?" demanded he, with fearful eagerness. " No, my lord," returned Mr. Duncan, *' I have no son, but I have a lovely girl, deserving " SECRETS IN EVEUY MANSION. 225 " Tell me not of daughters," resumed the earl ; " if you have a youth under your care, why, bring him hither, and 1 < Daughters !" continued he, wildly, •' what have I to do with daughters ? If you can restore Constance her son, you will make her happy, and me 1 shall be happy too. 6appy, did I say ? Ko, no — Constance will never know happiness in this world ; and for me happiness is not for me." The earl now became so much agitated that iMr. Duncan was obhged to adminis- ter a composing draught, and to recline him on his bed. To question him further at that time he found was impossible, and tliough he had gathered nothing from him to confirm the belief that he was the per- son with whom he had conversed in the forest of JMar, yet he could not be deceiv- ed in the voice and well-remembered scar, and he determined not to give up a point of such importance, but as soon as tlie health of the earl would permit, to probe his conscience deeply. 226 SECRETS ly ETEUY MANSIOK. In a few days after this conversation, the earl's health was so much amended tliat he left his chamber, and joined the family in the drawing-room. His conva- lescent state enabled Mr. Duncan to quit the castle, much to his own satisfaction, who, though treated with the utmost re- spect and attention, yet wished for the comforts of his own little study, where, seated by the side of Alexina, he read to lier, from the most approved authors, an- cient and modern — directed her pencil, or im.proved her taste in the sweet plaintive snusic of their own country. Mr. Duncan had made himself a favou- rite with all the inhabitants of the castle. Tliey acknowledged him a gentleman and a scholar, and justly appreciating his ta- lents, feared that the conversation at table would be dull, when he was no longer there to enliven it with witty anecdotes and facetious remarks. On the mornhig of his departure, lord Ellesmere, having expressed his grateful sense of his particu- lar kindness in remaining at the castle during the illness of his father, presented SECRETS IN EVEUY MANSION. 227 him with a pocket-book, containing a bank-note for a thousand pounds, not, he said, as a remuneration for his services, but as a testimony of the high respect himself and the earl and countess of Deveron had for his character and abilities. Mr. Duncan would gladly have declined this splendid gift, but he saw he should mortify the liberal spirit of the donor, for whom he felt a particular esteem ; he therefore, though unw^illingly, accepted what he considered a present, and left the castle with a pressing and w^arm invitation to return as frequently as his inclination and avocations would admit. Mrs. Duncan having hurried her break- fast over, to the great danger of scalding her throat, retired to dress, being, as she said, terribly apprehensive of being caught a figure not fit to be seen. " Four me out another cup of coffee, Alexina," said 3Ir. Duncan : " two hours, I suppose, will be time sufficient for you to dress ?" " I should be sorry to waste half the time in the adornmeiit of my person," re- t2S SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION". plied she ; " but my motliei% you know, sir, is nervous, and cannot bear to be hur- ried." " Let her take her own time," returned he ; " and now, my love, let me give you -«ome little insight into the characters you are going to visit. The countess of De- veron is still a beautiful woman, and I have little knowledge of physiognomy if her heart is not as good as her form is lovely : I have often thought that you re- semble her, Alexina, but of this I am cer- tain, you will love her. — The earl of De- veron is a melancholy man, nervous and hypochondriac : him you will pity, and perhaps be inclined to shun ; but I beseech you, Alexina, if he should appear to hke your conversation or your singing, do all you can to sooth his wounded spirit, and endeavour to draw from him the secret cause of his dejection. — His son, lord EUes- mere, is, in my eyes, a model of human excellence : beware, my Alexina, of suf- fering his attractions to make an impres- sion on your heart; and remember, my beloved girl, that I, who am ever anxious SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 229 for your happiness, tell you, were be to offer you his hand, you must decline it : I have reasons of the most weighty and serious nature, that will for ever forbid a union with him." '\ My heart, my dear sir," replied Alex- ins, " is in no danger, be assured ; and thus admonished, it is impossible I 'should act in opposition to your wishes." " The countess of Eastbrook is still a fine woman," resumed Mr. Duncan, " but her intolerable pride destroys the respect one might feel inclined to pay, were it not so an'OQ-antlv demanded. — Her daun;hter, lady Honoria Egcrton, is a pretty lively little romp, good-tempered, and, I think, good-hearted, without pride or affectation : her you will like, and, if I mistake not, she will like you. — Her governess, Mrs. Euston, is a fawning interested creature, who has persuaded lady Honoria that it would break lier heart to leave her ; she is therefore retained, to flatter and applaud her erroneous opinions, to strengthen her in the belief that all parents are more or less tyrants, and that children have a right 230 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION". to tliink and act for themselves, whether they have sense and judgment to decide properly or not. — Of the earl of Eastbrook I shall say nothing; you have seen him, and need no description of mine, which, to say truth, must fail to do his whimsical character j ustice/' Mr. Duncan now rose from the table, and Alexina retired to her toilet, where in a few moments she aiTanged her glossy raven tresses, and arrayed her lovely form in a simple cambric robe. She then de- scended to the best drawing-room, where tlie blue silk damask window-curtains, chairs, and sofas, were all unpapered, and the best Turkey carpet laid down. Alexina took up a book, and was deep in a Siberian mine, when Mrs. Duncan, in all the elegance of brown satin, sailed into the room. As soon as she saw Alexina, slie exclaimed — " Why, bless me. Miss Duncan, are you not dressed yet?" " Yes, madam," replied Alexina, " I have been dressed some time." " Why, I supposed you w^ould have thought something more than plain white SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 231 necessary," said Mrs. Duncan ; " but just as you please — you know best, certainly." — -Mrs. Duncan's ears and neck were adorned with pearls ; her gold w^atcli hung at her side, and her fingers were each of them decorated v/ith a ring. — " For my part," contmued she, *• I thought it pro- per, as well out of respect for ourselves, as in compliment to our visitors, to dress ; but, certainly, ^Miss Duncan, you know best.*' At this moment Mr. Duncan entered ibe drav/ing-room, and after some compli- ments to his wife, and good-humoured re- marks on her magnificent appearance, he drew Alexina to the window. — " There," said he, " is a talisman, Alexina." He placed an amethyst ring set witli brilliants on her finger — " Wear it constantly, and let it remind you of the advice I gave you respecting tlie disposal of your lieart. Look on itj and i*eincmber !" 233 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. CHAPTER IV. ** Why, she is fair, and fairer than that word Of wondrous virtues.'' " Yet not the smoothness of her iv'ry skin, Not the cahiaiion of her do-.- ny cheek, Nor the rich histre beaming from her eye ; No, nor the tempting ripeness of her lips, That like a rnby casket open to display Her pearly teeth — 'Tis not her outward bri^fhtness claims n'.y love. But the rich treaj-ures of her angel-mind ; Her virtues do enthral my heart, and make Me love her." Alexina had wondered much at the cau- tion given her respecting lord Ellesmere. She wished to ask her father why he ha^ so soJeiniily warned her against entertain- ing a partiahty for this young nobleman ; but as he had not explained his reasons, she felt averse to inqujre, remembering the confidence with which he had ever treated her, and supposing that some cause existed which occasioned his unusual re- serve ; but when he placed the ring on her SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 23^ finger, and bade her remember his injunc- tions, she unwarily said — " I wish I knew your motive, my dear sir, for thus putting me on my guard." " I wish that I could gratify your curi- osity, my love," replied he, " but that is not in my power. Half what I have said,'* continued he, " has been merely instigated by parental affection, anxious to preserve you from future sorrow." " You do not, I liope, doubt my dis* eretion ?" said Alexina. " No," replied Mr. Duncan; " no, my Alexina, I am convinced I may rely on your discretion, but I confess I have fears for your sensibility, and to guard against that danger, I give you this talisman, and again repeat the necromantic word — ' Be^ rneniber /" Mrs. Duncan had never in her life evin- ced so much self-command as on the pre- sent occasion ; for though full of curiosity to know what IMr. Duncan meant by his talismanic ring and his necromantic word, she refraiiied from asking a single ques- tion, much to the astonishment of her hus- HS^ SECRETS IN EVERY MANS10;>e. band, who expected to be pestered with inquiries which he did not feel disposed to answer ; but in a few moments after- wards, Mrs. Duncan forgot the ring and her curiosity to know what injunction Mr. Duncan had laid on his daughter, in the excessive dehght of beholding the magnificent barouche of the countess of Deveron stop at her door. The politeness of the ladies from EUes- mere Castle gave Mrs. Duncan no reason to suppose that their visit was intend- ed to Alexina iu particular, for the great esteem and respect they felt for ISIr. Dun- can made them desirous of shewing atten- tion to every part of his family, and she was so pressingly invited, that she accepted a seat in the countess of Deveron's elegant barouche, and accompanied Alexina to Ellesmere Castle, where she was introdu- ced to the earl of Deveron, the earl of Eastbrook, and lord Ellesmere, who with much entreaty prevailed on her to stay and dine, declaring they could on no acr count part with her and Mr. Duncan that day. SECRETS IN evehy mansion. 2S5 The attention Mrs. Duncan received from the elegant party at Ellesmere Castle, and the magnificence with which she was treated, put her into such perfect good- humour, that Mr. Duncan thought he had never seen her to more advantage, and Alexina regretted that her powers of pleas- ing were never displayed at home. At the close of the evening they quitted the castle, and after having received her father's kiss, Alexina was sui-prised by her mother putting her lips to her cheek, a favour she scarcely ever remembered to have had bestowed on her before. During their ride back to Hexham, Mr. Duncan had the pleasure to find his lady's good- humour continue, for Mrs. Duncan never once expressed dissatisfaction, or let drop a hint that was indicative of jealousy or dis- approbation. The next morning, contrary to her for- mer declaration of hating morning calls, she dressed and went abroad ; for having had the honour of a visit from two coun- tesses, and afterwards dining with them off a service of gilt plate and foreign china. BS6 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. would have been no gratification at all, if she could not have had the pleasure to boast of her honours to every soul of her acquaintance. Her first call was upon little Mrs. Fer- ment, who, after having commented in her way upon the marriage of Miss Walsing- ham, observed that she had drawn a fa- mous rich prize in the lottery of life, and that it was wonderful what luck some people met in the world. This speech was not entirely meant at lady Belmont, but was provoked by the envy she felt at finding the Duncans had been honoured by a call from the ladies of EUesmere Castle. — "And so, Mrs. Dun- can," said she, " your daughter remains at the castle with lady Honoria Egerton, does she ? — and you spent a very pleasant day, did you ?" " Oh, extremely pleasant," returned Mrs. Duncan. " We were most magnifi- cently entertained : the dinner was served upon gilt plate, and the dessert upon fo- reign china. I iiever passed a more plea- sant and agreeable day in my life." SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION.'. 237 " Really," resumed Mrs. Ferment, nod- dling her head with spleen, " I rejoice to hear it, I am sure. I wonder if these great folks intend coming to the Hexham balls, or calling upon any of us ? I think some of us may expect that honour now ; though, to be sure, Mr. Duncan having sedulously attended the earl of Deveron since his accident, the countess and lord Ellesmere can do no less than shew you and Miss Duncan some civility." jNIrs. Duncan was not exactly pleased "vvith these observations, and she proudly replied — " Alexander Duncan, ma'am, was born a gentleman, and has received a clas- sical education, which, independent of his professional eminence, entitles him to place and respect in the iirst societies." Mrs. Ferment replied coolly — " Oh dear yes, certainly — no person disputes that ; and then Miss Duncan's music and paint- ing will be extremely improving to lady Honoria Egerton, whose education is not yet finished, I hear." '* 3Iiss Duncan is not gone to the castle, ma'am, to be lady Honoria's governess, I 288 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. assure you," said Mrs. Duncan, in a tone of asperity. " Oh no, certainly not," returned Mrs. Ferment ; " you mistake me quite, ma'am. — Miss Duncan a governess ! that is quite out of the question, when I myself have heard Mr. Duncan say, that whatever mis- fortune might befall himself, his Alexina was handsomely provided for." This was touching a string which pro- duced only discord in Mrs. Duncan's mind, who soon concluded her visit, convinced that she had greatly mortified Mrs. Fer- ment, who, it was very perceptible, en- vied her the honour of being known to, and noticed by, the noble family at EUes- mere Castle. Her next call was upon Miss Frasier, a virgin of about fifty-three, who having given up all thoughts of the wicked men, devoted all her hours to cards and scan- dal. Mrs. Duncan had the pleasure to find the old maid evinced no little chagrin that no one had been honoured with a call from the great folks but herself, though SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 239 Miss Frasier was not sparing in condem- nation of the arrogance and insolence of the little ugly painted doll, JNIrs. Ferment, who, she declared, was the most mischief- making body she ever knew, always busy- ing herself with other people's concerns, and stirring up disturbances among her ac- quaintance, " for no other purpose," said IVliss Frasier, ^* than to create lawsuits, and to employ her pompous dogmatic husband, who, between ourselves, though he brays like an ass, knows as little of the law as my pug dog does ; for my part, I would not give a straw for Mr. Ferment's opinion in any case." " I agree w4th you in opinion exactly, my dear Miss Frasier," said Mrs. Duncan ; *' but I consider the Ferments valuable ac- quaintance for all that; for their preten- sion to superior taste and knowledge is truly diverting ; and then, if you wish to have a story circulated, Mrs. Ferment will have no sort of delicacy in relating it, not only to her intimate friends, but even to the persons w hom it most concerns ; while her husband standing by, with his pockets loaded like an ass's paniers with law-books. 240 SECllETS IN EVERY MANSIOK. uses all his rhetoric to promote a lawsuit. But bless me ! I have many more calls to make, and therefore must wish you good* morning." *' You know that sir William and lady Belmont set off for London this morning, I suppose ?" said Miss Frasier, waiting ori Mrs. Duncan out. " Gone !" exclaimed Mrs, Duncan, "you astonish me ! Gone without returning my visit! very rude indeed! Lady Belmont is giving herself airs already, but I can as- sure her I think myself equal to her any day. She has spared me the trouble of re- ceiving her, which T shall not break my heart about, for she never was a favourite of mine." Wlierever Mrs. Duncan called, she found the indefatigable Mrs. Ferment had saved her the trouble of relating her intro- duction at Eliesmere Ca§tle; and having fatigued herself with walking from one end of Hexham to the other, she returned home, convinced that she had obtained .a triumph over all; her acquaintance, and that many of them were absolutely sick with envy and jealousy. SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 241 The countess of Eastbrook, spite of her pride, and the prejudice she had conceived against Alexina, could not deny to lierself that she well merited the praise her son had lavished on her ; and while she view- ed her expressive face and lovely form, owned that the Bose of Heochavi had in- deed beauty sufficient to excuse a young man's folly, and to create an interest in every heart, save that of a mother whose master-passion was ambition. The countess of Deveron, of a different temper, and gentler manners, had already attached herself to Alexina, with an affec-" tion nothing short of maternal tenderness ; she had discovered in the smile, in the voice, and the expression of Alexina's eyes, a likeness to Leolin, the beloved of her youth ; and this fancied resemblance every hour gaining strength, rendered her an ob- ject of the tenderest interest to her feelings. When introduced to lord EUesmere, Alexina remembered the injunctions of her father, and a blush, excited by sensations ^he could not define, heightened her natu- ral beauty. VOL. I. U 242 SECHETS IX EVERY MANSION. Lord EUesniere, as he gazed on the Rose of Hexham, and listened to the music of her voice, thought her tl>e exact coun- terpart of his model of female excellence, the countess of Deveron. — " If ever I love," said he, mentally, ** the enslaver of my heart must resemble Alexina Duncan." I^ord Eastbrook, more volatile than ever, committed a thousand pleasant extrava- gances, which afforded entertainment to every one present, his lady-mother except- ed, who dreaded the attractions of Alexina, perceiving that her presence actuated the behaviour of her son, wdth whom she was conscious her opinions had long ceased to have weight. The earl of Eastbrook being placed next to Miss Duncan at dinner, had an oppor- tunity of shewing her particular attention ; and, united with the pleasure his situation afforded him, he had a chance, he thought, of discovering how his poetic declaration of love had been received ; but Alexina having neither interest nor vanity to gra- tify, had actually forgotten the earl's effii- »ion, and behaved to him in a manner so «ECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 24^ anembaiTassed, that lie was puzzled to know what conclusion to draw : but he was young, and in love, and tlie flatterer hope persuaded him to beUeve, that his offers would not be rejected when made in per- son; and this he determined should be done tlie first moment he could meet her alone. The regiment of which lord Eastbrook w^as colonel was ordered abroad, and lady Honoria suffered no little apprehension on account of Horace Winterthom, and now began to regret that it was her wishes and persuasions that had made him a soldier, and exposed his person to the chances of war. But while lady Honoria wept the dangers her love had driven him to encounter, Ho- race secretly rejoiced : the fate of battle might annihilate or promote him ; if the fortaer, his father and his love would em- balm his memory with their tears ; but in the latter case, having gained distinction, he could boldly aspire to the favour of the lovely maid whose affection had inspired him with the flame of glory, and led him to covet renown. m2 244 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION* But while Horace panted for fame, and gave a loose to the feelings of youthful ar- dour, the worthy rector felt it difficult to restrain his affection. His buried Amelia was ever present to his imagination, and the dreadful idea that her son was about to rush on death, seemed to render the loss of her more painful and bitter. Lady Honoria was much pleased to have a companion of lier own age at the castle, and she had welcomed the arrival of Alex- ina w ith a warmth and sincerity that, while it called a frown on the face of lady East- brook, won the heart of Alexina. A few days* acquaintance served to convince lady Honoria that Miss Duncan actually pos- sessed, in a high degree, all the accomplish- ments for which she had been extolled, and of which report in general says too much or too little ; and so greatly was lady Ho- noria charmed by the good sense and ele- gant manners of Miss Duncan, that Mrs. Euston began to tremble for her situation; she dreaded the influence Alexina was gaining over the mind of her pupil, an in- fluence which she foresaw would be de- -SECEETS IN EVERY MANSION. 245 structive to her interest. To prevent this, slie artfully warned lady Honoria against confiding too much in a stranger, however insinuating and plausible their conversation and behaviour ; she also pathetically repre- sented the utter ruin that must fall upon her, if lady Honoria entrusted to Miss Dun- can the secret of her attac4iment to cap- tain Winterthorn, and her being privy \o their meetings. Again and again lady Honoria repeated the promise of silence and secrecy ; but these assurances, though most solemnly- given, by no means appeased the appre- hensions of Mrs. Euston, who found it ne- cessary to her own credit and future well- doing, to sow dissension, if possible, be- tween her pupil and this new favourite, who might in her wisdom think proper to disapprove her conduct respecting the love- affair between lady Honoria and captain Winterthorn ; and if her influence was not checked, might even convince lady Hono- ria that her acquiescence and connivance was a breach, not only of propriety, but of duty and honour ; and if once persuaded ^46 SECStTS IN EVEKY MANSION. to think tims, lady Koiioria might considey it right to abandon her ; and then farewell to the provision she liad proniiscd to make for her as soon as she came of age — fare- well to the situation of dear friend, which she looked forward to holding in her fami- ly v/hen she was married to captain Win- terthorn, and all the enjoyments of indo- L*nce and high living. — " Self-preservatioi^ is the first law of nature," said Mrs. Eus- ton ; " I must cast about to dislodge thi^ Miss Duncan, or I foresee my own inte- rest will suffer." Many days had not elapsed before lord Ellesmere began to feel the sensations lady Hciioria had described as symptomatic of .love, and he blest the Providence that had fixed her choice on another, and left him. ■free, since he found that Alexina Duncan had avv^akened the passion wdiich he had hitherto believed existed only in imagina- tion. But though convinced that she alone could make him happy, he resolved to conceal from every eye the partial re- gard with which he beheld her, and to this concealment he was prompted by the ani- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSiaN. 247 mated praise and warm admiration of his friend Eastbrook, whose particular atten- tions, always received with smiles and affa- bility, induced him to believe, and envy him the happiness of being, an accepted lover. The apartment of Ak'xina was next to that of the countess of Deveron, and ex- actly opposite to that of lady Honoria. It was the custom of Alexin a to retire always with the countess of Deveron, in whose chamber she generally staid an hour or two, as the countess felt inclined to re- tire to repose. One night, having left the countess ra- ther later than usual, and the night being uncommonly fine, she stood at the win- dow, watching the moon silvering the clouds, as, driven by the wind, they passed over her full orb, assuming a thousand fan- tastic forms. Every light in the opposite ^'ing was extinguished, and Alexina was about to withdraw to bed, when she saw a man, mufiled in a great-coat, walk hastily across the lawn, and having reached the opposite wing, throw something, which, by 248 SFXRETI!! IN EVERY MANSION; the sound, appeared gravel, against lady Hcnoria's window. In the next moment she beheld the window opened, and a rope- ladder tin-own out, by which the man in- stantly ascended; the ladder was then drawn up, and the window closed. Alexina could scarcely believe the evi- dence of her senses. At first she thought she w^ould return to the countess of Deve- ron's apartment, and inform her of this strange occurrence, but recollecting the weak nerves of the countess, she feared to disturb, and perhaps alarm, her : besides, this could be no robber; his signal had been immediately attended to, which prov- ed he had been expected ; the ladder too had been drawn up, and the window closed, precautions a robber would not have taken, for the whidow and the ladder would have been left ready for his retreat. What then remained for her to believe, but that it must be some lover of lady Honoria's, thus clandestinely and imprudently admitted — » some person disapproved by her family, to whose secret addresses, Mrs. Euston, who slept in lady Honoria's apartment, must be SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 249 priv}'- ? Miss Duncan knew that the for- tune of lady Honoria was veiy large, and she feared that some artful, and perhaps needy man, having brought Mrs. Euston to favour his designs, was imposing on the innocence and simplicity of lady Honoria, who might be inveigled into engagements that might prove ruinous to her fortune and her happiness. Full of perplexity, Alexina drew a chair to the window, deter- mined to watch the return of this noctur- nal lover. The castle clock struck four, and, cold and weary, Alexina was on the point of giv- ing up her watch, when she saw the ladder again thrown out, and the man descend ; but what was lier regret, as well as surprise, when his hat having fallen off, she recog- nized the features of Horace Winterthorn! for as he looked up at the window,, the bnght moonbeams fell on his face, and she was no longer at a loss to know tlie secret lover of lady Honoria. Alexina now retired to bed ; butvthough she was weary, and the hour invited to re^ pese, bbe felt no inclinatioii to sleep. 1^1 3 250 SECRETS IN EVEHY MANSION. Well aware of the haughty character of the countess of Eastbrook, she pitied the situation of lady Honoria as much as she condemned the conduct of Mrs. Euston ; she was convinced that the honourable prin- ciples of Horace Winterthorn would pre- vent his taking any improper advantage of ladv Honoria's affection ; but his noctur- nal visits she considered extremely impro- per — they were injurious to the reputation of lady Honoria, and were an instance of weakness and enor on his part, inconsist- ent with the gratitude he owed lord East- brook, and the respect due to his own cha- racter. Before the sun rose, Alexina had settled it in her own mind to keep silence on the subject of what she had seen. — " If I offer advice to lady Honoria," said she, " I must declare my reasons for considering her in want of counsel, and she will accuse me of » prying inquisitive disposition ; the proud countess her mother, too, will give me no thanks for having discovered an act of im- prudence in her daughter. I shall, by di- vulging this secret, only create myself ene- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 251 mies, without being of any service to lady Honoria ; it is far better, therefore, that I keep a seal upon my lips." On this day, for the first time, lord East- brook found himself alone with Miss Dun- can. Alexina, unwilling to incur the dis- pleasure of lady Eastbrook, by appearing to encourage the attentions of her son, would have retired, but eager to avail him- self of the moment for Vv hich he had so anxiously waited and watched, he request- ed her to favour him with her company for a few moments. Alexina guessed to what intent she was detained, but as lord East- brook had created no interest in her heart, she considered it best to hear what he had to say, and put an end at once to any hopes he might entertain of her accepting his ad- dresses ; she therefore resumed her seat. " How obliging is tliis compliance !" said the earl, dra vv ing a ch air close to hers ; " and after obtaining this indulgence, will you allow me to ask, whether you took the trouble to read tlia little note I had the te- merity to place in your glove the night 1 i5^ SECEETS IN EVERY MANSION. had the felicity of dancing with you at la- dy Belmont's?" Alexina blushed as she replied in tlie affirmative. The earl took her hand — "And will the Rose of Hexham,'' said he, " favour me with her candid opinion ?" " Of your verses?" asked Alexina. " Nay, my lord, you cannot expect sinceri- ty," continued she, "for if I condemn them, you will think me illiberal, and if I praise them, you will accuse me of flattery." " Oh, as to the poetry," replied he, " I know it was wretched stuff. But I have no moind to be called a foine poet ; I do not ask your opinion of my rhymes, but of the declaration they contained." " Of that," returned Alexina, " I have never thought at all, considering it a mere jest." " In sober sadness, it is no jest, sweet fose," said he; "I am seriously in love with you ; so much so, that I am ready ta proclaim it in the face of the world, and to take you for my wife any hour that yoa will name." SECKETS IN EVERY MAXSIOX. 253 "Your lordship honours me," replied Alexina, " by considering me worthy of your distinction." " And you will accept my hand ?" inter- cepted lord Eastbrook. " I did not say that," returned Alexina : ** the countess your mother has an invinci- ble dislike to unequal alliances." " I am of age, and entirely independent of my mother," said the earl. " But I am not of age," resumed Alex- ina, " nor independent of my father." " Your fortune is no consideration with ttie," said lord Eastbrook ; " let Mr. Dun- can dispose of his property among his re- lations, I only ask the fair hand of his Alexina. I will," continued he, " ride over to Hexham this evening, and consult him." "Do not take the trouble," replied Alex- ina ; " my father is to the full as averse to tmequal marriages as the countess of East- brook." " But if I have the happiness to inte- rest your affection, divine Alexina," said 254 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. the carl, " we will marry, and leave it to time to reconcile us to our parents." " Your lordship will now suffer me to depart," said Alexina, rising, " and per- mit me to thank you for the partiahty you express in my favour, which being utterly out of my power to return " "Cruel girl!" interrupted the earl, "you do not mean to dechne my addresses ?" ** Most assuredly, my lord," said Alex- ina ; " I should indeed be cruel, were I to delude you witli false hopes ; but at once candidly refusing the honour you design me, I leave you at liberty to make another choice ; in the which, wishing you all hap- piness, I respectfully request our confer- ence may end." Alexina gracefully withdrew. Lord Eastbrook, after raj^ping his knuc- kles and biting his nails, exclaimed — *' A foine fool I have made of myself, 'pon my nobility ! A surgeon's daughter rei'uses to be countess of Eastbrook; but whether from pride or humility, I am at a loss to guess — a little of both, perhaps." Seeing lord Ellesmere pass the window. SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. Q55 he flew out upon the lawn, and catching him by the arm, in no small agitation re- lated the disappointment of his love. Lord Ellesmere, though secretly pleased, consoled his mortified friend, and employ- ed all his rhetoric to convince him that jNIiss Duncan's rejection of his suit was ra- ther to be considered fortunate than other- wise, for had she, seduced by ambition, consented to marry him, his mother would never have been reconciled to the match. Lord Eastbrook declared he should noAV rejoice to go abroad with his regiment, for Alexina's refusal had rendered life of no sort of value. . His friend smiled, and bade him remem- ber, that there were many beautiful fe- males besides Miss Duncan, the major part of whom would rejoice to make life agree- able to him. Lord Eastbrook shook his head, protest- ed that JMiss Duncan was the foinest girl in the world, and the only one he knew whom he thought he could be happy with as a woife. Lord Ellesmere knew his Volatile friend ft56 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. too well to suppose that he would die for love, or even suffer uneasiness for a single , week. He knew that lord Eastbrook had many estimable qualities, but yet he did not consider him the person calculated to make Miss Duncan happy in the wedded life ; and his admiration of her increased from the knowledge that ambition made no part of her character, and that she was superior to the depravity of forming a mer- cenary marriage. ''She will love some time, no doubt," said he, musing; "and blest beyond the common lot of mortals will he be who gains the favour of the Bose of Heochamr Alexina, when she parted from lord Eastbrook, met the countess of Deveron, who invited her to walk; having hastily equipped himself, she attended her to a plantation, through which mazy walks had been cut, which led to rustic seats and temples. During their walk, Alexina related to the countess the scene she had just gone through with lord Eastbrook, who pro- fessed herself greatly pleased at her re- SECKETS IN EVEHY MANSION. 257 jection of his suit ; " for be assured, my sweet girl," said the countess, " had you, from any motive, either of affection or am- bition, been induced to accept his hand, lady East brook would never have forgiven her son ; for with her, no combination of virtue, beauty, and accomplishments, how- ever rare and exquisite, would be an equi- valent for rank and high birth ; and know- ing your amiable disposition, 1 am certain the empty title of countess of Eastbrook would have failed to console your mind for having separated a son from the affection of his mother." They had now reached a little rustic bench, placed beneath the spreading bran- ches of an evergreen oak ; and tlie countess complaining of fatigue, they sat down, Alexina said she fancied she had nothing further to expect in the way of solicitation on the part of the earl, as she had decidedly and peremptorily declined his offers; "and in acting up to her system of propriety, I trust I shall obtain the approbation of the countess of Eastbrook." ** But here," replied lady Deveron, toS SECRETS ly EVERY MANSION. •* comes an instance of contradiction to her will, which, I fear, will occasion many a fruitless contest, and much mortification to the illustrious house of Eastbrook, and prove a mortal wound to the pride of the countess." Alexina looked round, and beheld lady Ilonoria leaning familiarly on the arm of Horace V/interthorn, while Mrs. Euston lingered behind, botanizing, " Behold the error of fashionable educa- tion !" said the countess. Alexina perceived that lady Deveron was no stranger to the attachment of lady Honoria ; but the extent to which it was carried she believed was known only to herself. The youthful pair had now advanced so near, that they could not avoid seeing the countess and Miss Duncan. "We have had a delightful ramble," said lady Konoria, seating herself beside Miss Duncan ; " I should have asked your company," addressing Alexina, " but I heard you were playing over thenew music." Mrs. Euston had now reache4 the party, SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. S59 and it was evident that captain Winter- thorn and herself wislied themselves a thousand miles off, for there was, in the eye and manner of the countess, so much of re- proof, that they both felt confused. Mrs.Euston tiiedtosay something about the beauty of a plant to Miss Duncan, while Horace made some stammering in- quiries after the health of the earl of De- veron, to which having replied, the cown- tess took the arm of Alexina, and they re- turned to the castle together. It being time to dress for dinner, the ladies were proceeding to their dressing-rooms, when the countess requested lady Honoria to al- low her a few moments of her company. ^Irs. Euston cast a malicious glance at the countess, as lady Honoria followed to her apartment, guessing that she was invited thither to receive a lecture on imprudence. Lady Honoria determined on making a confession at once ; therefore, without al- lowing the countess time to censure her conduct, she declared her engagements to captain Winterthorn, and her determina- tion to many him as soon as shecanieof age. 260 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. "And the countess your mother?" said Constance. ** I am perfectly aware," replied lady Honoria, " of all that will be alleged in favour of parental authority, and against filial disobedience; but my mind is made up to this. Captain Winterthorn has used no arts to induce me to love him — my affec- tion is a tribute to his merit ; and as I am c^gain that with him alone I can be happy, the^ countess my mother will, I trust, for- give me, if I prefer content to splendour." The countess of Deveron was less sur- prised at the confession of lady Honoria than at the firmness of her manner. She made no comments on what the little fra- gile creature had said, but merely asked whether she did not think it would be pro- per to acquaint her family at once with her determination ? " It was once my intention to be silent till I came to the possession of my fortune," replied lady Honoria ; " but as my attach- ment is known to my friends, and they may be implicated through what will be considered my imprudence, I wiU this day SECRETS IX EVERY MANSION. 261 inform my brother of my intention, and request him to disclose it to tiie countesa of Eastbrook.'* " You will act properly, my love," re- turned Constance ; " avoid, as you value your peace, all clandestine proceedings. I foresee much opposition to your wishes, but I trust you Vv ill ultimately be happy." Lady Honoria kept her word. She that very evening sent for her brother to her own apartment, and confessed to %im the " v/hole course of her wooing," in which she did justice to the honourable principles and delicate objections of Horace Winterthorn, who, while this disclosure was making, stood turning the leaves of some new music for Miss Duncan, who w^as seated at the pianoforte, endeavour- ing, agreeable to the advice of her father, to charm the evil spirit from the breast of the earl of Deveron, who reclined, pale and dejected, on a sofa, appearing to listen to the " melody of sweet sounds," but with a mind entirely engrossed in a retrospec- tion tof past days, when Constance, the t62 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. counterpart to his fancy of Alexina Dun- can, *'so lovely looked, so sweetly smiled." The earl of Eastbrook, having given his sister a patient hearing, burst into a loud laugh — "Famous, 'pon my nobility !" said he ; ** we shall have a fumous riot ! Our la- dy-mother will denounce you, little Noria — ay, and renounce you too ; she will de- clare you an alien to her blood. But ne- ve^moind — ^}^our choice has fallen on a fome fellow, a man of sense and genius ; and though perhaps he may not know who his great-grandfather was, I shall make HO scruple to call him brother; and you may rely upon it, Noria, I will not only open the business to lady Eastbrook, but will stand your friend, heart and purse, if you have a moind to marry directly — not but what I offer it as my advice, that you postpone the ceremony till the campaign is over, and we return, crowned with lau- rels, to claim the reward of valour from the hand of beauty." Lady Honoria clasped the neck of her brother, and promised to be guided by his advice. SECRETS IN EVEHY MANSION. 263 " And now, my little Noria, keep up your spirits," said he, " and let us return to the music-room, where, with a heart cold as ice, Alexina is pouring forth melo- dy that might warm an anchorite, and ' cre- ate a soul under the ribs of death." "Bless me, Adolphus!" exclaimed lady Ilonoria, " you are quite poetic in your prose ! I v\ ish the Rose of Ileocham may not have given you the scratch predicted by lady Eastbrook." " You are right, Noria — the rose has thorns ; but never moind, I shall recover the wound," said the earl ; " and indeed I am not quoite certain whether my pride is not more offended than my love. I made her an offer of my hand." " You did !" interrupted lady Honoria, *' and she rejected it ?" " Yes, 'po^ ^y nobility, she did," re- phed the earl, '* and wdth the cool indiffe- rence of a duchess." " And what," asked -lady Honoria, '* were her objections ?" " I really have not even a guess," repli- ed the earl : " attachment elsewhere, per- t64i SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION". haps, or very loikely female caprice, though such caprice could scarcely be expected in a surgeon's daughter." " I perceive," said lady Honoria, *' you are not likely to die for love." . " No, no, Noria," said the earl, " not quoite so far gone in the tender passion : I shall survoive this." " Ay, and many other similar disasters^ no doubt," said lady Honoria. . " Alexina Duncan," continued lord East- brook, " is a very foine girl, and 'pon my nobility, I wish her all sort of happiness : she talked very prudently on the subject of unequal alliances, all which is certainly moighty foine in theory, but what few, with an advantageous offer, put them^ selves to the pain of practising, and I must confess I did not suspect she would have sacrificed a substantial good to the vapour of sentiment. But come, Noria, our ab- sence will be wondered at : let me conduct you to the music-room, where I will seize an opportunity to inform your lover that you have admitted me to your confidence, and that I approve and will second your SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 265 wishes. This, and one of your bewitching smoiles, when he repeats good-noight, will strew his pillow with roses." " Bat my mother?" said lady Honoria; " while anticipating her rage, I feel an ab- solute coward," " Courage, my little Noria, courage !'* replied the earl ; " I have promised to be your friend. Only keep up your spirits, and no doubt all will be well ; and for this noight you may remain perfectly easy, for I have really too much respect and filial regard for our lady-mother to keep her awake all noight, which I am certain would be the case if I were now to inform her of your resolution to debase your rank, and mix the puddle of plebeian blood with the rich stream that flows in the veins of the noble Egertons. Sweet dreams hover round her pillow !" " And may love," said lady Honoria, ** in the form of that little wrinkled good- natured soul, old Selkirk, persuade her to accept the elevation sh« wishes to force on her children!" VOL. I. N 266 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. *' To-morrow morning," resumed lord Eastbrook, " I will demand a private au- dience ; to-noight all shall be peace." When they entered the music-room. Miss Duncan had taken her harp, and was singing a pathetic air, the words of which ran thus : — " What are pold aitd diamonds bright To the heait that throbs with, sorrow ? What is wealth, when, dark rs night. Rises each succeeding morrow ? Sandy, thou art cold in earth, Lost to me, dear love, for ever ! My bosom feels nor joy nor mirth, Since that we were doom'd to sever. Yet sure, ere long, this beating heart, By love and sorrow riven, J"i.>m ev^•y earthly care will part, And find it» last repose in heaven." The music of this little canzonet was sweetly pathetic, and to its melancholy- expression Alexina added all the charms and graces of taste and feeling. The eyes of Constance, full of tears, were raised towards heaven, where religion taught her to hope that felicity she had been denied on earth : but no such eon- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 267 soling hope was displayed in the counte- nance of the earl of Deveron — it displayed the horror of despair; with the agitation of frenzy, he started from the sofa on which he had hitherto reclined, silent and mo- tionless, and, uttering a harwwing groan, he darted from the room. Lord Ellesmere immediately followed his father. The countess of Deveron made an attempt to apologize for the strange conduct of her lord, by appearing to think that he yet suffered much pain from his late accident. The young people were easily satisfied, but the countess of East- brook, v/ho remembered the spirited con- vivial Archibald Bniee, whose insinuating address and fascinating manners had ren- dered him an universal favourite, viewed the transformation which time had effect- ed in his person and behaviour with no favourable conclusions ; she believed he had a mind oppressed with guilt, though she coidd give no shape to her suspicions. The earl continued so unwell, that lord Ellesmere sent an apology for not attend - N 2 26s SKCRETS IN EVERY MANSION. ihg the supper-table. The countess of Deveron was also absent, having gone to the apartment of her lord, w^hose mental depression had betrayed him into uttering sentences that astonished and alarmed lord Ellesmere, and filled the wretched Con- stance with horror. A composing draught being adminis- tered to the earl, he was left in the charge of his Swiss valet, whose fidelity had been proved by many years service, during part of which he had constantly slept in the ^earl's chamber. The countess, seeing a light in Alexina's •chamber, as she passed along the corridor, ta-pped gently at the door. Being admit- ted, she attempted to apologize for her absence from supper; but unable to con- ceal the anguish of her feelingvS, she burst into tears. Having at length gained com- posure, she took the hand of iVlexina, who perceiving that the countess suffered un- der au hysterical affection, had, with ami- able solicitude, tenderly bathed her tem- ples and nostrils with a volatile essence. " My sweet young fi'iend," said the SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 269 countess, " beliold in me a melancholy ex- ample of the inability of wealth to pur- chase happiness— of rank to bestow con- tent, and rejoice that the glitter of a coro- net did not seduce you into misery ; for, alas! Alexina, the adulation of a gazing multitude, who ignorantly worship the idol grandeur, follov/s not to the domestic circle — there the heart of sensibility la- ments having listened to the seductions of •vanity, and finds too late that love is ne- cessary to the felicity of a wedded life," The countess paused, and Alexina, pressing her hand respectfully to her hps, said, she considered herself most happy in obtaining her approbation of her conduct, though, at the same time, she modestly declined the merit of having resisted any ambitious wishes, or sacrificed, any vanity, in rejecting the offer of lord Eastbrook; for, blest in the most indulgent of parents, she had not a wish ungratified, and so far from desiring to change her situation, she should consider it a heavy misfortune to be separated from her father, who had not only brought her up with tender affection, 270 SECRETS IN ETERY MANSION. but had himself superintended her edu- cation, and to the character of instructor had joined that of friend. — " I have not, thank Heaven! a conceahnent from this kindest, best of fathers," said Alexina, " and whatever I possess of just and ho- nourable principles I owe to his example, M^ho in himself unites all that is admirable in virtue, and brilliant in knowledge." " Happy is the parent," retui-ned the countess, " who merits the eulogium of such a daughter ! But having pointed out to you, my love, the miseries of an am- bitious and mercenary mamage, do not let me injure my own principles in your estimation, by suffering you to believe that I am the victim of venality or giddy vani- ty. No, dearest Alexina, my first marriage was the union of hearts — I loved lord Ros- lyn, Heaven knows how true, how well. It was the wish of his father that I should, after his decease, possess the title which would have been the right of his son, had he. lived. In liis last moments he conjur- ed my mother to favour the addresses of his nephew, Archibald Bruce. The heart SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 271 of the baroness, my mother, was broken by unmerited calamity ; she saw the hour of her dissolution fast approaching, and dreaded to leave me a friendless unpro- tected orphan. My affections were buried in the grave of lord Roslyn — my heart was cold as the marble that enclosed his dust ; but to sooth the agonies of a dying parent, I gave my hand to Archibald Bruce, who, by the decease of his uncle and cousin, became earl of Oeveron. Fa- tal obedience! I have frequented the crowded theatre — I have danced at balls, and mingled with gay parties at routs and masquerades — I have been considered by the unthinking multitude as the happiest of the happy — I have been flattered and admired, but I have never yet discovered in wealth or grandeur an antidote to sor- row, or a charm to cure an aching heart.—r- I have wearied you, sweet Alexina," said the countess ; " good-night ; may your sleep be refreshing, and your dreams hap- py !" She pressed her lips on the forehead of Alexina, and withdrew. When retired to bed, Alexina revolved 272 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. the conversation of the countess, and sighed to think so lovely, so amiable a woman, should be fated to a life of wretchedness. More than once in the course of the day, Alexina had found it necessary to look on the talismanic ring presented by her father. She now thought of lord Elles- mere, and a deeper sigh heaved her bosom, — " He is hnndsome, manly, sensible, and elegant," said Alexina, " and the advice of my father was wisely given — but have I obeyed his counsel ? Alas ! no — I have not sufficiently guarded my heart — I am but too sensible of his graces ; but the for- titude demanded by my father will not be put to trial — lord Ellesmere thinks not of the humble Alexina — he will not put her to the pain of saying she never can be his* And wherefore, why this mystery ? Yet it is easily explained : my father disap- proves unequal alliance ; his advice was dictated by affection : yet it was a needless caution — lord Ellesmere will seek a wife in his own rank — he will not put my obe- dience to the trial; and thou, weak and thoughtless Alexina! why thus suffer ima- SECRETS IN ETERY MANSION. 273 gination to dw^H on an object interdicted by a parent ? — why not exert thy reason, and oppose, with all thy powers, the soft- ness stealing on thy heart ? Remember, constantly, the words pronounced by him, whose advice has ever been dictated by wisdom — whose commands have been the result of anxiety for thy peace and wel- fare — ' Should lord EIlesmcrQ make you an offer of his hand, you must reject him.' Hard as this command appears, I would endeavour to obey it. * Rve me, blest Provid pre ! And square n\y trial to my propoit oa'd strcnutL !" Commending herself to the protection of Heaven, and submitting herself to its will, Alexina sunk into that sweet forget- fulness, that oblivion of care, unknown to the guilty and vicious, whose feverish dreams are a continuation of the remorse that liaunts their wakin^rthoua'lits. The countess of Eastbrook made a cus- tom of breakfasting in her dressing-room, where her meditations were seldom inter- rupted by any part of her own family, and riie wa* not ar little surprised at receiving N 3 274 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION^ a message from her son, requesting per- mission to attend her breakfast-table. The temper of the countess had not re- covered placidity since lord EUesmere had decisively informed her that he perceived there were so many objections in the way of an alliance with his cousin Honoria, that he was convinced it would be for the happiness of both to decline the honour she had been good enough to intend him ; and suspecting that lord Eastbrook was coming to announce his intended marriage with Miss Duncan, she could scarcely re- ply to his complimentary salutation, or re- turn his ^'Ood-morninoj. Having handed him a cup of coffee, she dismissed the ser* vant, sayhig they would wait upon them- selves. — " And now we are alone, sir,*' said she, "permit me to ask to what cause am I to set down this very extraordinary visit?" Lord Eastbrook replied, he had not had the pleasure of a icte-a-tcte i^reakfast with her for many months — hoped he did not intrude, but having a matter of some im- portance to communicate, 'he had seized SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 275 the opportunity when he supposed her ladyship would be perfectly at leisure to attend to him, and when he considered himself least loiable to interruption. " You are prodigiously considerate," said the countess ; " and I fancy I can guess the important matter you are desi- rous of communicating." " I fancy not," returned lord Eastbrook, " and it may not be amiss if we finish breakfast before we enter upon the affair. I will thank your ladyship for another cup of coffee. This window commands a foine prospect, 'pon my nobility; I almost envy Algernon this estate. What does your ladyship think of the improvements ?" ** I wish, sir," returned the countess, " you would be at the pains to improve your manners." " You really surproise me !" said lord Eastbrook ; " but your ladyship is inclined to jest this morning, for as to my manners, they are admoired and copied." " Copied ! admired !" repeated the coun- tess. " Most assuredly, madam," resumed the Its SECkEtS IN EVERV MAKSION: earl, " my manners are allowed to be tlid Very perfection of finished breeding ; and then my dress, my carriages, my liveries, are uni'\^ersally allowed to be in the first style of fashionable '* " Absurdity !" interrupted the countes:?. " Witness your dress last July, ^hen you were parading about in a complete suit of flaming scarlet." " Yes," said lord Eastbfook, " I was then trying to reform the British costume — I was endeavouring to dress the men a la rgonochromatic. Ha, ha, ha!" laughing, " I remember," continued his lordship, " lady INIonkton admired my scarlet boots extremely." ** Yes," replied the countess, '''and I re- member her sister, lady Susan Crawley; called you a salamander and the scarlet fever." " Witty creature !" said loi*d Eastbrook. " I could have returned the compliment^ by calling her the yellow fever, for bile and ill nature have made her the colour of a lemon ; but being a female, she is en- titled to my forbearance. And now, with SECRETS 1^ ETERY MANSION. S77 yonr ladyship's permission, I will ring the bell." The breakfast-things being removed, the countess said — " Well, sir, I am ready to hear your important communication ; but if it relates to that girl, that Miss Duncan, I advise you to spare yourself the trouble of announcing to me your intentions re- j&pecting her. You, sir, may make her your wife as soon as you please, but I will ne- ver receive her as my daughter; and now, having made known to you my unalter- able determination, our conference may end, I suppose ?" " As to Miss Duncan," replied lord East- brook, " she has refused the title and dig- nities to which your ladyship attaches such importance." " Refused !" repeated the countess, " re- fused ! Why surely you have not been guilty of the folly ? — you could not have so little pride, so little consideration for your family, as to subject yourself to a re- fusal from a girl in her humble sphere — a surgeon's daughter ?" •* It is a melancholy fact," said the earl, 278 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. sighing; " the Rose of Ilexhavi has posi- tively refused to be the countess of East- brook." " And what, pray, might be her reason for such uncommon conduct?" asked the countess. " Pride, I have a notion," answered the earl. " Why, surely," said the countess, " her pride would have been sufficiently grati- fied in an alliance with our house? or does the vanity of the girl lead her to suppose she shall be a duchess ?" " You mistake the species of pride that governs the conduct of this extraordinary girl," returned lord Eastbrook. " She ob- jects to unequal alliances — she fancies such marriages can never be happy." *' She is perfectly right," said the coun- tess ; " I am glad to find she has so much good sense ; her very proper consideration of her own inferiority greatly pleases me— her humility has won my respect — she has decided very properly — indeed such un- equal marriages never are, never can be^ productive of any thing but repentaace on SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 279 one side, and certain mortification on the other." " I am extremely sorry," replied lord Eastbrook, '* to discover this rooted pre- judice in your ladyship's mind." " Why, you have not already forgot- ten this peerless rose?" said the countess. " Surely you have not selected some other low-born beauty to torment me, and dis- grace yourself?" " No, 'pon my nobility ! No," replied the earl, ** I shall not be in love again for six months to come. After Alexina Dun- can, few females will have a chance to touch my heart. No, I have not a single word to say respecting myself; it is in be- half of little Noria 1 would solicit your ladyship's attention." ** If she presumes to contemplate a mar- riage beneath lier rank, I disclaim her,^ said the countess, " I cast her off for ever !" " You are too rash, madam," returned the earl. ** Noria has placed her affections on a foine spirited noble-minded fellow-— yes, captain Winterthorn is deserving of a princess." i 2S0 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. " Captain Winterthorn !" screamed the countess, " the son of a poor country par- son ! a fit husband truly for the d^lughter of an earl ! I shall go mad !" " That poor country parson, madam,** said lord Eastbrook, '* possesses Christiani- ty, benevolence, meekness, and charity- virtues that outweigh, in sterling goodness, all the empty vanities and dross of worldly titles. His son, Horace Winterthorn, is hiy friend — I know his worth and honour — I wear him * in my heart of hearts.' No- na has had discernment enough to see and love his merits, and slie has thought it her duty to inform your ladyship of her choice." ^ I admire her duty," replied the coun- tess, burning with rage, " w^iich no doubt will instruct her, in defiance of my disap- probation, to^ marry this designing, insi- nuating, fortune-hunting— — " " Hold, madam !' interrupted lord East- brock ; " these invective appellations only degrade yourself Noria would do much to obtain your approbation, but she will n6t sacrifice herself to misery, to satisfy unfeeling ambition." SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 281 " Begone, sir!'' said the countess, furi- ously; " quit my presence ! and since you are a stranger to the respect due to a pa- rent, no matter if we never meet again. But for your sister, I shall take measures to prevent her thro\\ang herself away on a beggar, at least till she is of age. Yon may tell her to prepare for a journey to town immediately." " She is prepared to take a ride with me," replied lord Eastbrook; " and I trust, on our return, to find your ladyship cooler, and disposed to listen to the voice of affec- tion." The countess again bade him quit her presence. He bowed and obeyed. She then sent for JNlrs. Euston, on whom she poured all the rage of offended pride, and betrayed confidence. Mrs. Euston at first attempted to plead ignorance, and talked of the character she had ever main- tained for integrity and strict propriety of morals ; but finding this unavailing to ap- pease the wrath of the countess, she art- fully fell into fits, in which the countess left her, to relate the disgraceful passion of 282 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. lady Honoria to lord Ellesmere. Mrs. Eustoii, after a convenient time, recovered sufficiently to be led to her chamber, where, being appreliensive of a disgraceful dis- missal, she thought it most politic to have a few more fits, and to take to her bed, begging at the same time that her dear lady Honoria might not be alarmed with the account of her sudden indisposition. Lady Honoria had prepared herself to accompany her brother, who had promised to introduce her that morning to the reve- rend Mr.Winterthorn,and she waited with no little impatience the termination of his conference with her mother. She had been some time chatting with Miss Dun- can, who was that morning going with the countess of Deveron and lord Ellesmer*^ to St. Hildeberf s, when a message was brought by her mother's footman, request- ing the presence of lady Deveron. — " I tremble," said lady Honoria ; " no doubt it is concerning me that the countess wishes to speak with you." " And if it should," returned Constance, " what shall I say ? ' SECBETS IN EVEHY MANSION. 283 " Plead for me, dear madam !" said iady Plonoria, kissing her hand. " And say," returned Constance, " that though hitherto you have been a Uttle re- bel, you will in future be all submissiori and obedience ?" " No, not for the world," said lady Ho- noria; ** do not, for Heaven's sake, make pro- mises in my name that I can never per- form ; tell my inother that I lament the impossibility of reconciling duty and affec- tion : but " " But what?" asked the countess. Lady Honoria blushed, and a tear start- ed to her eye. Alexina remembered the midnight scene she had witnessed, and cast a look of ap- prehension on lady Honoria, to whom the countess of Deveron said — " Finish, my love, what you were going to say — but what ?" " I love my mother," resumed lady Ho- noria, " Heaven knows I do ; but I will marry Horace Winterthorn." '* 1 would recommend you to take time," said Constance, " and consider well before 284; SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION^ you resolve on a step so repugnant to the wishes of your TnotliCr. You are yet very young ; the regiment captain Winterthorn belongs -to is, I find, ordered abroad; he will, of course, go with it ; during his ab- sence you know not what may happen — what a revolution may take place in your own mind; you may rejoice at the opposi-^ tion made by the countess of Eastbrook to your present inclination." ** Never," returned lady Honoria: "Ho- race Winterthorn is my first — will, I am certain, be my only love." Constance sighed, and thought of lord Roslyn, and again requesting lady Hono- ria to avoid precipitate determinations, she repaired to the countess of Eastbrook, whom she found giving orders to her maid to prepare for their return to London. Lady Deveron, gentle and persuasive, endeavoured to calm the boiling resent- ment of the countess, who declared she would immediately dismiss that serpent, ]\!rs. Euston, wlio had infused into lady Honoria the diabolical spirit of disobedi- ence, and turned her brain with romance- SECRETS IN EYEIIY MANSION. 2S5 reading — " Only see," said lady Eastbrook, " the effect of these detestable books, of which I never read one in my life : tliey have taught lady Honoria to think, and to fall in love with an obscure man, the son of a parson. Pretty thinking for a young woman of her rank ! But I will take her to town directly — no more romantic walks — no more singing of love- songs together; I will separate her from this Adonis — I will teach her obedience to my will— I will in- struct her in the respect due to a family as old as William the Conqueror, or I will shut her up from books and society, and then she will have leisure in solitude to think of the uneasiness and mortification she has occasioned me !" Having raved herself out of breath, Constance pointed out the little prospect of success that appeared from pursuing harsh measures, and how much more was to be gained by persuasion than violence. She also spoke of the improbability of their marrying before the return of captain Winterthorn from abroad, and the many circumstances that might arise before that 286 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. period to break off the attachment between him and lady Honoria. " Why, he may be killed," said lady Eastbrook; ^ certainly that is possible, and notliing, I am sure, woidd give me greater pleasure than to hear of his death." " You do not mean what you say?" re- plied the countess of Deveron ; " you surely do not wish his death?" *• I surely do not wish him to marry my daughter," said lady Eastbrook ; " and if this degradation is only to be prevented by his deatli, I think I am justified in rather wishing that he should die, than my family, illustrious for so many centuries, should be disgi-aced." Constance felt shocked, but saw how vain it was to attempt to remove a preju- dice rooted in the pride of high birth. She however succeeded in prevaihng on lady Eastbrook to remain at Ellesmere Castle, 4ind to forbear any severe measures with lady Honoria, who, she believed, might far easier be convinced than compelled, and also to give up the idea of dismissing Mrs. Euston, which would only be the SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 287 means of giving publicity to the affair she considered disgraceful, and afford matter of scandal to the writers for newspapers, v/ho would, from such a circumstance, invent a thousand unpleasant anecdotes. Lady Eastbrook promised to be guided by the advice of Constance, the propriety of which she could not help seeing, though her rage against Horace Winterthorn entirely blind- ed her to his merits. In order to change the current of her thoughts, the countess of Deveron men- tioned her intention of visiting the abbey of St. Hildebert. — ** The morning," said she, " is mild and fine — you had better go with us — the ride will be of service to you." T^ady Eastbrook asked who v/ere the purty ? Being informed, she consented to go, observing, that Miss Duncan was an extraordinary instance of humility, and a proper way of thinking, and since she had evinced so much good sense as to reject •the offer made her by her unthinking son, she had quite won her regard, and she should feel happy to cultivate an intimacy between her and lady Honoria, who might 288 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. reap much benefit from having so prudent a companion. Lady Honoria no sooner beheld her brother, than she eagerly inquired what news, and how he had succeeded ? " To horse and away !" said lord East- brook ; " . I have roused all tlie illustrious blood of Eastbrook — But why do you look so doleful, Noria ? You did not expect our lady-mother would consent to your mar- rying Horace, did you ?" " No," replied lady Honoria; " no, Adol- phus, I did not suppose slie would so far renounce her love of rank — ^but is she very angry ?" " Angry!" repeated lord Eastbrook, " the grow 1 of bears, the roar of lions, 'pon my nobility, is nothing to be compared with her ladyship's rage. Why, she or- dered me from her presence with as little ceremony as if I had been one of her chair- men." " I am very sorry," said lady Honoria, " that I should have exposed you to our mother's anger." " Are you willing to resign Horace, wd SECRETS IS EVERY MANSION. 289 promise to obey her ladyship in marrying as she pleases ?" asked lord Eastbrook. " What a cruel question !" replied lady Ilonoria. " Is it possible that you can be in earnest ?" " That is not a reply," said lord East- brook. '• Are you content to give up Ho- race Winterthorn ?" " No !" returned lady Honoria, firmly ; " I will never make a promise which I am certain I cannot perform ; I will either be the wife of Horace Winterthorn, or I will remain single to the hour of my death, and this I will instantly tell my mother." " Stay," said lord Eastbrook, gently de- taining her, " stay, my little spirited No- na, you may spare yourself the trouble of repeating what lady Eastbrook has been toid already. Give me your hand — it is my intention to convey you to Horace to see you married, and when the knot is ac- tually toied, lady Eastbrook will no doubt extend the olive branch." Horace Winterthorn was reading in the lioneysuckle-covered porch of the rectory VOL. u o S90 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSIOI^. when lord Eastbrook hailed him. He threw aside the book, and hastened to as- sist lady Honoria to dismount. Before Horace had time to offer thera the com- pliments of the morning, lord Eastbrook said — " Here, my foine fellow, here is lit- tle Noria come to visit — not you — It is not him you came to see, is it, Noria ?" " Certainly not, brother," replied she, smiling, as Horace pressed her little white hand to his lips. " No, my foine fellow, not you," resumed lord Eastbrook, " but the worthy rector — where is he ?" Horace replied, that his father would consider himself much honoured by lady Honoria's condescension. " I fear to see him," said lady Honoria, '* though I wish it; he will perhaps dis- like me — he will possibly condemn "* " Dislike you !" repeated Horace ; " can he dislike an angel?" " Vastly foine, 'pon my nobility !" said lord Eastbrook ; " but as these sort of com- pliments are insipid and uninteresting to a third person, I will leave you, Horace, to SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 291 the delight of uttering, and little Nona to the pleasure of hearing your raptures, while I seek the rector, with whom I wish to have a little private conversation. — Where is he to be found?" Horace replied — " In his study — shall I conduct your lordship to him ?" « No — I will announce mvself," said lord Eastbrook ; " no ceremony — remain where you are." Horace conducted lady Honoria to the garden, where, late as it was in the season, but a few flowers yet remained ; but while hanging on his arm, and listening to his voice, lady Honoria would have thought a desert Eden — she would have " forgot all seasons and their change." The worthy rector was busied in theo- logical study, when lord Eastbrook inter- rupted his meditations, by tapping at the door. — " Come in," said the rector, and lord Eastbrook stood before him. The rector would have apologized for not opening the door ; but lord Eastbrook, drawing a chair, begged the rector to resume his seat, o 2 §92 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. < " It was quoite impossible you could giress at the intruder," said he ; ** but as you have bade me come in, why, I shall take the liberty to seat myself." f The rector replied — " Your lordship does me honour." " I am come," said lord Eastbrook, " to speak to you, my good sir, on a very seri- ous subject. I perceive you smoile; but I can be serious when it is necessary, I as» sure you. I am noted for a queer sort of a being, I know I am ; but though my man- ners' are odd, 1 trust you will give me cre- dit " - " For a thousand noble qualities," inter- rupted the rector; " but I hope nothing unpleasant has occurred to make your, lordship serious ?" " I come to speak to you on a matrimo. nial subject," replied the peer. " Is not that a serious matter?" ** Certainly it is," said the rector, " though not generally considered so; for young people marry without reflecting on the important vows they plight to each other,: or the reciprocal duties they engage to per- ^ SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 1293 form; but from what your lordship lias said, I am happy to find you have consi- dered matrimony seriously, and are about to enter into that honourable state." • " Not me, my good sir," returned lord Eastbrook. " I will certainly marry when- ever I can foind a beautiful creature whom I can love, and who will love me ; for no other consideration but that of mutual af- fection woiild make me a husband." " I admire your lordship's sentiments," said the rector; " they meet my warm approval, for v/ithout mutual affection, there can be no liappincss in wedlock." " Then you -would not countenance a match of interest or ambition ?" said the peer. " Assuredly not," replied the rector. " 111 wedlock there should be one heart — • one mind-— one taste." " It is respecting the marriage of a pair, between whom this congeniality subsists, that I am about to speak. Feeling this mutual affection for each other, do you not think they ought to marry?" 294 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. " Of whom is your lordship speaking?' ^| asked the rector. " Of your son and my sister," said lord Eastbrook. " You look astonished; but the fact stands thus — your son is a re- markably foine young man, and my sister is a very sensible little girl; they love each other. I love my sister, and will do all in my power to contribute to her happiness; I approve of their marrying, and I trust you w ill immediately perform the ceremony." The rector was so surprised, that he was for some time unable to reply. He at length asked if the young lady was of age, and if the countess of Eastbrook had been consulted ? " No," replied the peer, " Noria is not of age." " And the countess your mother ?" said the rector. " Why, to tell the truth," resumed lord Eastbrook, " she wishes Noria to marry lord Ellesmere; but they are neither of them disposed to the match." " Nor do I suppose," s^id the rector. SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 295 *•' that lady Eastbrook will be disposed to receive my son into her family. That Ho- race loves lady Honoria Egerton, I can be- lieve ; but that he should intend to marry her, amazes me." Horace and lady Honoria were now op- posite the window of the rector's study. ** Look at them," said lord Eastbrook; " would it not be a pity to separate them ? But, with your permission, I will introduce my sister, and if you can resist little No- ria's fascinations, I shall say you are a stoic indeed." Lord Eastbrook flew out of the room, and the rector paced the floor in extreme agitation. — " The melancholy of Horace, which has so much puzzled me," said he, ** is now explained ; love and honour have been struggling in his bosom. Every hour I am more convinced of the impo- tence of man. We devise and lav down schemes for future happiness and prospe- rity, not one of which arrives at accom- plishment. Heaven, thou hast given me but this one only son — it has pleased thee to defeat all my purposes— to crush every 'i 696 SECRETS IN EVERY MaKSIOX. plan I laid down for his advancement in life: into thy hands I commit him — do with him what seemeth good unto thy wisdom and mercy !" This prayer had scarcely quitted the lips of the pious rector, when lord East- brook returned to the study, leading lady Honoria, and followed by captain Winter- thorn. *• At length, my father," said Horace, " 5^ou know the cause of that melancholy which has preyed upon my spirits — look on this lovely creature ; she is mine by the most sacred promises, by the sanction of her brother's approval. Will you refuse to give us tlie nuptial benediction ?" . '* I will see the countess of Eastbrook," replied the rector. " My conduct in this affair shall be regulated by her concur- rence, or disapproval." ' " My mother," said lord Eastbrook, ** listens only to the voice of ambition." "Alas! Horace," murmured lady Ho- . noria, sinking on his shoulder, " alas! I read in the stern countenance of your fa- ther our eternal separation." SECRETS IN EVEUY MANSION. 297 The rector took the hand of lady Hono* ria; it trembled in his. — "Sweet lady," said he, " I feel compassion for the errors of youth, but my principles will not allow me to give them countenance ; being un- der age, you have no right to dispose of your hand ; the acquiescence of the coun- tess your mother is assuredly necessary, and pardon me if I say, I hope no son of mine will urge you to an act of disobedi- ence." ' " Oh ! why did you bring me hither?" exclaimed lady Honoria. " Take me, Adolphus, take me hence ! The father of Horace despises the weakness of my heart — he condemns my imprudence." Again lady Honoria w^ept an the shoul- der of her lover, who endeavoured to re- stoi'e her to confidence, and to console her by saying—" Not so, my adored \ My fa- ther is sensible of the honour you do his son; but he forbids me availing myself of your partiality, lest it should draw upon vou the I'esentment of the countess of East- *> brook, and give your maturer judgment rause foi' repentance." o3 298 SECUETS IN EVERY MANSION. "My mother," said lord Eastbrook, "I blush to say, has no passion but pride ; thfe happiness or misery of her children makes no part of her anxiety ; their splendid es- tablishment in life — to see them greatly married, is the extent of lier maternal care and wish. I know the mutual love of Ho- race and my sister ; they are a jxiir so ex- actly suited to each other, that, in my idea,, it "would be absolute cruelty to separate them." " I thank your lordship," returned the rector, " for the high opinion you entertain, of this imprudent young man. — ^Ycs, Ho- race, I repeat, imprud.?nt, for knowing the humble stock from which you sprung, you ought not to have yielded your affection to this young lady — you ought not to have {6ouo;ht the regard of one whose rank in life placed her beyond your hopes." " Oh spare him ! spare my beloved Ho- race !" said lady Honoria ; " mine is the imprudence — I alone am to blame. Had you seen his struggles between love' and honour — had you heard the advice 4ie ha3 given m^e, you would exonerate hiin. Yes — I, only I, am to blame.'* SECRETS IX EVERY IvIAXSIOX. 299 The rector was strongly affected, but liis virtue overcame his feelings. — '' Let him now," said hie, " evince his sense of honour — let him now release you from engagements, which will ever, on his part, be considered by the world as selfish." I^ady Honoria cast an implonng look on the rector. — " Do not," said &he, " do not bid him to renounce me." Horace clasped her to liis heart, and ex- claimed — " Xever ! so help me. Heaven !" The rector would have spoke, but lord Eastbrook prevented him, by observing — " My regiment, you know, sir, is partly embarked ; there are only a very few days for Horace and myself to devote to love and friendship; v/e must hasten where * the noise of battle hurtles in the wind.' During our absence, I wish not to leave my sister in the power of lady Eastbrook,. who may, by menace or persuasion, urge her into a marriage that may render her for ever miserable." " Fear not that," replied lady Honoria ;. '' my heart, my faith, are pledged to Ho-. race ; and be assured, neither resentment 500 SECllETS IN^ EVERY MANSION. nor persuasion will prevail on mo to give jny hand to auotlier. But did I under^ stand you ? — A few days only did you say, my brother? Oh, gracious Heaven ! you must be gone, and to battle, Horace, dear- est Horace, remember my life is bound in yours ! Eut thougli our parents are inex- orable, though they refuse to unite us, they cannot prevent our loving each other." *' As it is so much the wish of my sister and Horace," said lord Eastbrook, " I wish you would suffer parental affection to re- lax the severity of your opinions. When she is of age, they will undoubtedly n^ar- ry ; and as I, her brother, approve her choice '' " I cannot listeii to you," inierru}>ted the rector; **' I, my lord, am acquainted with my duty ; and though it makes my own heart bleed to inflict pain on theirs, I will not offend against my conscience.'* *• Your father doubts the stability of my mind,*' said lady Honoria — "* Yes, Ho- race, Mr. Winterthorn believes that I am light, vain, and fickle; but here, in the SECRETS IN EVERY :MAXSI0X. 301 presence of Heaven and him, I solemnly vow never to marry unless I am your wife!" " Beloved of my soul ! I accept your vow/' replied Horace, " and call Heaven and uiy lather to witness, that I swear to be yours, and only yours !" The rector warmly condemned, as rash and unavailing, these vows, which had been uttered too rapidly to be prevented. i\gain lord Eastbrook urged the worthy old man to marry them, offering to stand between liim and the resentment of lady Eastbrook. *• Could I pei'form this act," said the rec- tor, " with the approval of my own con- science, I should not, my lord, fear any earthly resentment : but eveiy law, divine and human, places a cliild under paren- tal authority till a certain age ; I respect the laws, and will not suffer any temporal advantage to urge me to their violation. Sweet young lady," tenderly addressing- lady Honoria, " you think me rigid and inflexible — it grieves me that you should so think of me, while my heart admires 302 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSIOX, and loves you ; but liereaftcr you will ap- prove what ydu now consider severity." " I already approve it," returned lady Honoria, smiling through lier tears. " As yet Horace knows me only as a fond weak girl , his absence will prove the sincerity of my attachment to him." " Horace," said the rector, '^ my son, I entreat you, by all the affection I have shewn you-— I command you, as you va- lue my blessing, do not urge this amiable creature to a clandestine marriage. — My lord, I beseech you, strengthen your sister in her prudent resolve. — Horace, you are silent: imitate the example of this lovely girl ; subdue your inclinations — gain a vic- tory over yourself, and let me glory in my son." Horace and lady Honoria knelt at the feet of the rector ; they promised not to think of marriage till she was of age. '• At which toime," said lord Eastbrook, " you, my good sir, will consent to their union, if lady Honoria herself solicits your concurrence ?" " I will myself join their hands," repli- SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 303 ed the rector; "but remember, it is on condition that all respectful, means are used to win the approbation of the countess of Eastbrook ; I would fain have lier mater- nal sanction bless your marriage." *•' And I also, my dear sir," rejoined lady Honoria ; " tlie approbation of my mo-, ther would greatly increase my felicity ; but alas ! I fear it is not to be expected or hoped." " Her ladyship's consent would be a very desoirable circumstance, no doubt," saidlord Eastbrook ; " but if little Noria never mar- ries my friend Horace but with the appro- bation and consent of her mother, 'pon my nobility, she will die a virgin." The departure of Horace and lord East- brook was now spoken of: the former look- ed grave, as his eyes glanced from the ve- nerable figure of his father to the blooming Honoria, while lord Eastbrook gaily said— . *' I will revenge the scorn of my mistress on the foes of my country ; having gained the name of heroes, we shall return cover- ed with laurels." SOi SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. The rector raised his eyes to Heaven, and suppressed a sigh. Lady Honoria clasped her hands with energy, and exclaimed — " Gracious Hea- ven, grant it !" Their departure was now fixed for Thurs- day in the following week ; but while the rector had fortitude to conceal the anguish he felt at the idea of parting with an only son, lady Honoria clasped the hands of Ho- race and her brother, and wept bitterly. The worthy rector exerted himself to console her grief, and inspire her with re- signation ; but she only contemplated the misery of their separation, and almost re- pented the promise she had given the rector of not marrying Horate before she was of age ; for now it rushed upon her. mind, that had the ceremony tal^en place, she might have been allowed to accompany him to the hostile scene — she might have shared in all the dangers, alleviated the hardships, and softened the fatigues of the two beings she loved best in the world. Lord Eastbrook now reminded his sister SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. 205 that it was time they should return to the castle. The rector would have kissed the hand of lady Honoria, but throwing herself into liis arms, she said — "Pray forme, my dear father — pray that I may support as I ought a separation from these beloved ones." On their way to the castle, lady Konoria expressed her apprehension that she had much to encounter, from thiC displeasure and resentment of the countess her mother. *•' Never fear," said lord Eastbrook; "you will have me by your 'soide to support ^nd defend you ; besides, the presence of strangers will assuredly be a restraint on her violent temper, if she has not yet suf- fered her resentment to cool." " What strangers do you allude to ?" asked lady Honoria. " My mother will not consider the Deverons, Alexina Dun- can, or Algernon, as strangers." " What! did I not tell you," said lord Eastbrook — " plague on my forgetful head ! Algernon desired me to inform you tliat he had invited a party to dinner to-day — some of the Northumbrian gentry ; and in addi- 306 SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. tion to these, our lady-mother has a visitor, who arrived at Hexham last noight." " What! is the old duke of Selkirk ar- rived ?" asked lady Honoria. " Good-na- tured soul, I shall be very glad to see him" " No, not the duke, but his heir," said lord Eastbrook, " the honourable Erasmus Peregrine Norland — Apropos, Noria, I should not wonder if our lady-mother, who is always on the look-out for alliances, had invited Norland here to make a conquest of you : her ambition, you know, is to see you a duchess, and as the duke cannot live many years longer, I think, by-the-bye, you cannot do a wiser thing than oblige her, and marry his heir." " If I did not know that you are only jesting," said lady Honoria, " I should be very seriously displeased with you. But tell me, Adolphus," continued she, " what sort of a person is the honourable Mr. Nor- land?" " Tall, thhi, red-haired, and freckled loike a toad," replied lord Eastbrook ; " formal and ceremonious in lus manners — to the full as proud of his noble blood as the coun- SECRETS IN EVEKY MANSION. 307 tess our mother. But for all this, Noria, do not be discouraged, for no doubt he will make a very polite husband." " A very cold-hearted one," replied lady Honoria, ** if I may form a judgment from your description ; and really, if I was obliged to. marry either, I would sooner give my hand to the old duke." " Some policy in that, Noria," returned lord Eastbrook : " the hope of * laying old Robin in the earth,' and being a joyful wi- dow — no bad speculation." " Nonsense!" said lady Honoria; "you are certain I had no such meaning." " Well," resumed the peer, " perhaps you may take a fancy to the Northumbrian knight, sir Christopher Neltliorpe ?" " And what does he resemble ?" asked lady Honoria. *' Resemble !" repeated lord Eastbrook ; " wliy, in figure he resembles a huge barrel of blubber ; he is a whale, a leviathan." " Heaven defend me," said lady Hono- ria, *' from taking a fancy to him !" " Oh, sir Christopher possesses more cap- tivation than you are aware of," said lord 308 sechets in every maxsto^. Eastbrook. " His nose is loike a ficiy me- teor, at which his eyes keep constantly winking, as if dazzled by the splendid car- buncles w^ith which it is thickly studded." " What a description !" said lady Ho^ noria. " Not at all exaggerated, I promise you,** resumed lord Eastbrook ; " yet disgusting as is the person of this man, he fancies him- self a great favourite with the ladies ; and I am told there is not a pretty girl for miles round his estate, whose virtue h^ has not assailed." . " The horrid wretch !" said lady Hono- rla. "What could induce Algernon to invite him to the castle ?" " He is a person of consequence here in Northumberland," replied lord Eastbrook; '' and besides, I am told his sister i^ a very foine girl." - " And is she to dine Vvdth us?" asked lady Honoria. ■ " I hope so," said lord Eastbrook ; " I have heard so m.uch of the beauty of this Miss Nelthorpe, that I am quo'rte anxious to see her." -* • -■ SECRETS IN EVERY MAXSIOX. 309 " Why, surely you do not expect her to eclipse the Rose of Hexham, Adolphus?" Lord Eastbrook sighed, while lady Ho- noria continued — '•' Men are faithless crea- tures ; every new face has attractions for them." " Why surely, Noria, you w^ould not have me weave myself a garland cf willow, and act the despairing swain ?" said lord Eastbrook. " I could have loved Alexina Duncan, but she did not loike me *' " And so you are resolved," interrupted lady Honoria, " to like some one else. Well, I wish you better success with Miss IS^'elthorpe." They had now reached the castle, and separated to dress for dinner — the earl, full of curiosity to see Miss Xelthorpe, v/ho was just returned from France, where she had resided some years w^th a relation, by whose death she had acquired a handsome fortune. I^ady Honoria, on inquiring for dear Mrs. Euston, found her ill in bed. She would gladly have remained by her side, but she wished not to irritate her mother SIO SECRETS IN EVERY MANSION. by absenting herself at a time when guests were expected ; she thereforo hastened her toilet, and compelled herself, though re- luctant, to meet the countess at the dinner- table. BND OF VOL. I, Printed by J. Darling, Leadeo hall-Street, London. ^'^A ■^ K ^"• ry ■ .} '^nimii'fc'*''!! ';. / ' IJkHPIi^ ri -W^S.:.:: . ^ V 1 ^^1 ■#if-'-u,^ !'.a-^y ./