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L THE Canadian G i r i It OR, THE riKATI': 01- Till' LAKES. i 1 (0 X By IMARY BENNETT, AUIHOR oi- "itiK ((>nA(;i'; (;ii5 3O8 375 384 39' 397 4*-'r ;"««» Tin: CANADIAN Glkl '/ (TrvT!)" CIIAl'TICK iiii: wii^i', woKr.n. Till, TANAhfAN <;IUI« ii u 1>y side. Thoy wrrc Canadian oaks, of innrr^ tljan tln' usual siz(M)f that sj)('< its. As the i*\i\ advanciMl toward tJH's*! oaks, slw; pcuciviMl that th<' hl)rt'S of their roots niar«' tomorrow's dawn!" A frw words passrd hotwrcn t'uj Indians, and tin y prcssrd sidr hy sidf into the lhi« Kct, wlwri' tin* (,Mil liad appeared to tlie t.dler hunter l)nt she was not to he seen. '•What did I say to you?" said the hnhan who had espied her. •* I )id I not see a whiti? spirit tliat had come from tlu; Indian's liappy hunting ^'roinids whithtr «>ur f.itljers are gone ?" " We will search further," said the nther: "there may hv. sonic Pale-faces here, from the fatni of the gootl old white man, the I'astor, as they -all ititn — hu that t»'a« hes tiiem out of the (Ireat Hook; they come m.iny tiays journey to hear him; they may l»e l>ing in tiie gi.iss now, from fi-ar, thiid walked onwards with the steadiness of one who had from her birth been inured to danger, hardship, and fatigue, and who was supported by a resolution based on no conuuon motives, which buoyed up her spirits to a pitch above that usual with woman. About noon she rested in a shaded sjiot, where slie found a piece of bison-meat and some scraj^s of venison, which had been cooked and left by hunters ; there were other remnants scattered around, which she collected in the skirt of her frock, as she acknowledged with tears, the kindness of Him who feeds the young ravens when they cry. Thus replenished, she i)ressed on once more, having bound around her feet some leaves which defended them from the ground. When the leaves wore off she replaced them with fresh ones, but by this time the way had grown softer and easier, lying on a descent, and covered with a layer of tender grass ; a breeze, grateful and refreshing, abated the heat ; and cascades, and sm.all water courses, varied the plain on which she was entering, and replied to the murmurings of the breeze with a soothing sound. The recollections of the young girl just introduced, went as far back as her fourth birthday. On that day she was in one of those violent storms which are so frequent on Lake Superior. During that storm she remembered lying in her father's cabin, while he sat by her, endeavouring to keep dowi. the terror which caused her to scream aluiid, and to cling OUT ON THE WIDF, WORLD. I I round his neck in convulsions. I'rcfiuciitly lie was called on deck, by the title of " Mate!" ami then an old sailor, called 'l\jl)y Haverstraw, took her father's place, and administered brandy to her. The storm beinj; over, she was led by her father to the* forepart of the vessel, and shown the boiling waves, which appeared like iviountains of white foam, intersected by valleys and gulps of fright- ful depth. The clouds seemed to iiang so low as to touch the crests of theyond them was the residence of a magistrate of the district, named Wilson. He was the resident pastor also, and engaged himself in this profession. A grandson and grand-daughter, Arthur Lee, and Lucy, his sister, were his endeared companions amid the wilderness ; the one adorned his interesting establishment, over which she presided — the other shared his study and toil, and over- looked the cultivation of his grounds. The wandering daughter of the Pirate of the Lakes, sat employed in making nets at one corner of the apartment of that farm which lay nearest to the pool on which she had seen the fishers. In this apartment a dozen persons were assembled, to whom Pastor Wilson was exclaiming, •' Good people — peace ! No sense, nor reason, is to be heard in such confusion. Will you be silent — that those may speak who know something of the matter!" His cane was frequently rapped on the floor to assist the effect of his words ; and at length the hubbub began to subside. " Now, Pastor Wilson," cried the master of the farm, *' please you, let us know your mind ?" Nr,\V SCKMS AND ASSOCIATIONS. T5 oriiictl licads iiccour jaclicd linulcs I need lit her ccping ut part le had isliers ; aloud, other. of the >r also, m and ere his one she over- e 1 :es, sat lent of le had s were .iming, to be those His st the gan to farm, 11 \(m will hear nu jo^l ma, sail 1 tl u; I- -Inf Wll IJiiiig the young man hilhei, and pi. ice your lanuly around my chair, farmer. I must first hear the statements of you rse with the accused ; and I hope d your' tl ana your s; men converse wun uui to give such a judgment as shall satisfy all of ycMi." "Judgment!" muttered tlu; farmer, casting his eye toward a young man of prepossessing exterior, vvIkj advanced to the arm-chair in which the pastor sat. "Judgment! were I (jn the Statc^s-frontier, out (;f reach ()( the law — a stout cord siiould soon give the rogue judg- ment ! There he stanils, i)ast()r!" continued thu settler j)()iiiling to the youth, who, with a smile of contempt seemed to defy his threats: — "there he stands — thu knave! with that care-for-nothing look of his — which 1 guess has stolen away the wits of all the foolish girls in the two farms !" — " Softly, my good Joshua," interrupted the pastor; "we will sec justice done to you. V/hat is your name, young man ?" •' Nicholas Clinton," replied the person addressed. " And your country ?" demanded the pastor. " Germany." " Germany — "' repeated the interrogator — " your name is not German. Your appearance is English." At these words Nicholas Clinton avoided the pastor's eye, and appeared embarrassed. " How long have you been from Germany ?" said Pastor Wilson. " Nearly four years," replied Clinton. " And what were your intentions in emigrating hither ?" " 1 came to see my mother, who lived in Lower Canada," was the reply ; " but the ship in which I sailed was foundered ; its commander. Captain JJarry, and all his crew sank with it. I got to land by iloating on a piece ot the wreck, until a vessel picked me up. I made my way with difficulty to this part of the country, and then—" " He imposed on me, so that I took him into my farm !" exclaimed the backwoodsman ; " and here he has been treated like one of my own sons — let him deny it if he can !" " I never will deny it !" said Clinton. " I have found you hospitable and generous — and I have done all in my power to repay you. I could not toil as you and your sons I6 Tin; CANADIAN (JlkL ► : 4 ■ have toiled : my ft aiiu'," ho said, surveying his slight ligiirc with a smile, '* is of a difTerent (quality from yours, — ■ 1 was never made to wield the hatchet ; — but 1 have kept your reckonings — penned your letters — contracted your bargains — and seen your timber floated down the Ottawa, for sale — besides — " " Corrupting the household !" cried farmer Joshua. '• Whom have I corrupted ?" asked Clinton. " Whom !" repeated the backwoodsman. ** Here, Dan, tell your tale !" With an air of authority he beckoned to one of his sons, whom the females of the household were endeavouring to kec[' back. " Come hither, Dan — or it will be worsen for you 1" exclaimed the father. " Put aside the babbling women, and tell Pastor Wilson the truth !" These words were answered by the approach of Dan to the head of the room, whither he was followed by his mother and sisters. "If you speak one word more than is true — may your tongue be blistered for a twelvemonth ;" said the settler's wife. " Go ! — you were always a mischief-maker, and a trouble-sower, you were, Dan ! Could nothing serve your turn, but you must set this fire raging ?" cried his eldest sister. " I guess," said Dan, '♦ I have made more stir here than 1 meant to make." '* Why I am glad to hear you say so !" said t 5e pastor, " Well, then after all it is some offence — nothing of any consequence, which Nicholas Clinton has committed." " He tells you a lie, if he says it is no more 1" cried the settler. " There was a time when no son of mine durst speak a lie in my hearing ; and as it is, I warn him !" " Father," said Dan, *' I will tell the pastor every word I told you — only do not let mother and the girls rail on me. — Bid them not look at me as if I had invented the story to drive Clinton from our house. As sure as I am standing on our own 'arth, mother," he continued, " I meant Clinton no harm ! You know no one in the farm had the liking for him I had. Havn't I taken his part often when my brothers complained against him ? — Havn't I been his friend to this present time ?" " It's true !" cried the settler : " 1 have noticed it." " His friend !" reiterated the mistress of the farm. — NEW SCKNI'S AM) ASS(U tATIONS. «7 '* You havn't man enough in you, Dan, to be any man's friend, you know you havn't." '• Go — go !" exclaimed tlie three younger women. " You take his part ! — 111 would betide Clinton's cause — if only Dan were to defend it !" '•There now, father!" cried Dan; "they mock me and upbraid me, as if I — " " Go on !" exclaimed the settler ; and his son hastened to give a clear account of Clinton's offence. The apartment in which this scene occurred, was the principal room of the farm. The industry of the settler's wife and daughters, had kept this in a state of cleanliness. The opposite end of the room led into the sleeping apart- ments, and it was at this end the pastor sat in an easy chair, to decide upon the case before him. He. was nearly seventy years of age, but his cheek was ruddy, and his frame bore no vestige of decay. His countenance ex- pressed the mildness of his disposition ; his manners were kindly, and his speech was persuasive, affectionate, and instructive. At his left hand stood the young man who was known in the farm as Nicholas Clinton, "the scholar." His figure was below the middle height, slenderly formed, but of accurate proportions. His manners were such as might have been formed by superior education and society. On the surface he was all that was pleasing; and no one knew better how to adapt himself to different characters to accomplish an object — than Nicholas Clinton. Farmer Joshua, the Canadian settler, from the States, who was standing opposite Clinton was a specimen of his class. He stood more than six feet in height — of great strength and unrefined manners. His face had been exposed until it had become nearly as dark as that of an Indian, and bushy black hair added to the uncivilised character of his aspect. All the sons of the settler resembled him. The eldest, who bore his father's name, had married the daughter of a States frontier-man, and had built a farm and cleared some acres of land around it. At this time he had joined his brothers and sisters in his father's house, to hear the charge which Dan, the settler's second son, had brought against the favourite — Clinton. The wife of old farmer Joshua, was a partner suitable for him. Robust, active, and cleanly, though violent in B i8 Tin: ( ANADIAN f'.IKI,. !;- r I'l '" 'I I ' ? r ; IFcr (lati;:;litcrs hrr tnmpor, rmd rough in her m-mncrs. inlicritccl her virtues and inlirinitits. The forlorn Jane (Iroppecl licr netting as Dan spoke his charge against young Chnton. She saw that ail parties were expectant, and as Clinton had behaved to her kindly, her sensibility was awakened for him, and she hoped he would i)e cleared from the threatened dishonour. When her eye turned toward the accusc^r, and from him t(j the accused, the contrast between them increased her pre- possession for the latter; and she entertained no doubt of his innocence. Her acriuaintance with misfortune, the sense of her solitary situation, with her inexperience, induced her to yield to the first impressions in favour of Clinton. lie had thrilled her heart, when he told the pastor his story, and tears of pity and sympathy filled her eyes. Her attention was fastened on the speech of Dan, which was to this purport : — Clinton had liinted to him how easy it might be to advance themselves in one of tin; cities of the States, 'nad they a few hundred dollars. Dan began to think there was more in this than met the eye : antl, to try the other, pretended to encourage the suggestion, and invited him to speak with freedom how the sum might be obtained. Clinton proposed to Dan to bovrow from the settler, without his knowledge, a bag of dollars, which he had concealed in the farm. " There ! Pastor Wilson !" cried the settler : " do you hear that ? Hanging is too good for him ! He has come in and out under my roof as free and welcome as I who built it ! He has been idle when it pleased him — and yet he has had as much of my store as any child of my own flesh and blood : and there has not been one of them who would not have done a week's work, where he has done a day's!" " I acknowledge it, — and I regret it," said Clinton. '* Perhaps to yon, pastor, I scarcely need say, that habits of contemplation and study, and the indulgence of reveries, for which my temper was always fitted, are not easily overcome, especially amid scenes such as this wilderness supplies. Farmer Joshua has been unable to comprehend my character, and has had so often to accuse me of inattention to the rougher parts of his occupation, that I have feared for some tim.., an open dismission from his house." i 11 Nr,\v srr.NKs and associ \tio\s. »9 til c 'You were formerly accustoiuctl tu a stdciiuuy lite?" said the pastor. " I was," re,)li(Hl Clinton. " You have been aceuslotned to writinf^', to Ixioks, an»l to accounts ?" asked tlu> pastor. C'linton replied in the allirinative. " Hut f l>i' knew not whither. Thi; pastor held out his hand, Clinton took it, and hade him farewell. •* No," was the rejoinder, "you nuist walk with mc ; and while we improvf our acijuaiiUance, 1 may persuade you ut>i Id foisakr the wilderness just yet, because one unpleasant affair has troubli d )()U in it." Clinton hesitated, but pnsently accepted the proposal, and after e.\chan;;inf; adieus with the femah.'S of the farm, set forward with the pastor to the house which tiie latter occui)ied. In front of the settlement (;f farmer Joshua, they passed the fishin^-vvater, called the 'rrout-j)ool, on the bank of wliicli Clinton had discovered Jane. The bark in which lie was, when he saw her, had been in advance of the others, and as he was raisiiij; the spear Ui strike one of the lish, the appearance.' of a female figure sittinj^ by the water, startled lum. He rowed to the bank, and her entreaties for succour became audible to him. In the other boats were the settler and his sons, and these a^'reed to take her to the nearest house, wliich was that of farmer Joshua. It was done; and after Jane had recovered from the ellects of her trying' jnurni'y, she was permitted to remain in the farm, on eondilion tiiat she would assist the females in their labours. Clinton pointed out the spot where he had first seen her, and described these particu- lars to tlie pastor, who was interested in the recital, and wished that he had spoken to her on his visit. They struck into a pine-wood, where trees lay cmbedcd in the soil, and formed a road a quarter of a mile in k;nf;th. The way narrcnved beyond this, and became dim and uneven — it had been left so by the taste of Arthur Lee, who had permitted the everjjfreens to grow without ])rumnf;. A spring; of water murnmred by the feet of the tra\ellers. The {^^round rose steeper and the sweet scent of a orchard mingled on the air. " I can smell," said I 1 . c.^lli NEW sci:ni:s and associations. »3 Clinton, •• some of the fruits of ICriKl.ind, and couM fancy tlial I NV.is now appro. ichinj,' tmr. of lur happy cottaj;cs." llic past(jr looked surprised: "iCn^^lund! have you [)nn in Ijigland ?" Clinton would liavc corrected hitnsdf, but tlic pastor added, '• I now htou you are a countryman of mine ~I feel convinced of it 1" •• I am," said Clinton: "but — as my friends there— nujve rather in an (.Icvalcd circle — I hatl not wisluil— " •* Say not a wonl more," said the; pastor: "when you arc disposed to give me your cotilnlcncc freely, I will receive it ; 1 bid you welcome to my douiain, for wc arc on tlu.' borders of it." A turn led tlutn to the outskirts of the orchard, which abounded with the fruits of liurope. Clinton expressed his admiration of the scenery, and the pastor's eye ranged around with blameless pride and pleasure. The house stood surrou'uleil by a garden at the bottom of a dell, its white wails contrasted with the dark groves. On the right a descent of water fell into a circular basin, and at a little distance was employed to turn a mill. An irregular path conducted from the spot, wlicrc now stood the pastor and Clinton, to the door of the house, passing a slope of the dcU, through the orchard and the garden. '•This is a very wililerness of sweets," observed Clinton. ** Stop !" exclaimed the pastor; *• my grandchildren are near. Hark, that is Lucy. Tlicy are happy you hear, Mr. Clinton." The clear laugh of a female came on Clinton's ear; it sounded from within the orchard on his right, and while he looked that way the pastor called the names of Arthur and Lucy. He was joined by the brother and sister, who welcomed him home in the most afTectionate manner. The stranger was introduced, and in a few minutes the party moved to the house. 15ut the uncorru|ited bliss of these relatives, had the efTect of saddening Clinton. Arthur noticing his being behind, turned back to him, and the pastor and young lady stood in the garden until both came up with them again. A scat within a summer-house, was approached, and the four sat down on it, while the pastor related the occurrences which had been the means of separating Clinton from farmer Joshua, on hearing which, they expressed indignation and sympathy. Clin- I N 24 TI[F, CANADIAN CIRL. ton employed })iinself in iiicnta)ly painting tlic characters of the persons among whom his lot was cast. Tiie young lady was eighteen, her l)rother, a few years older; their English dress was neat, their countenance beamed with intelligence, health and ha]ipiness ; and if wc would draw the summary of Clinton's conclusions concerning them, it would be this — that they knew little or nothing of the actual world, but inhabited a hemisphere of their own creation — a pure, a bright one — teeming with truth and joy. CHAPTER III. .!; r ACQUAINTANCE RIPENS INTO LOVE. CLINTON was not the only stranger introduced about this time into the Pastor's abode. Jane Anderson, the Pirate's daughter, was taken from the farm of the settler by Lucy, to assist in the household affairs of the lodge ; and as Arthur Lee became attached to Clinton, so did Lucy to Jane. Often was the Pirate's daughter reminded here of her former residence with Madame Barry, and she loved to talk of her to her young mistress. But her father she never would si.eak of. Clinton, also, if interrogated on his early life, looked as if suffering hidden pangc, the nature of which were not explained. Thus a mystery hung over them both. The employments of Clinton confined him to the pastor's study, where he transcribed sermons, letters, and law papers : kept the book of expenses and receipts ; and assisted his pa':ron to turn over the tomes which burdened the shelves, in search of choice passages on religion, philosophy, or judicature. In addition to this, he was a valuable assistant to Arthur. Clinton's earhest morning and late evening hours were devoted to Lucy. He had a fine mellow voice, and she was partial to singing, he practised this accomplishment. There was a guitar in the house, which had not been played upon for years, Clinton found that it was a superior instrument ; he had taken lessons from a professor in England, and he turned them to account, so that shortly many a tender air won the ear of Lucy. ACOUAINTANrK RIPENS INTO LoVF!. 25 aracters c younpj r ; their cd with lid draw them, it ; of the eir own uth and id about nderson, 1 of the s of the nton, so daughter Madame nistress. also, if hidden Thus a to the rs, and s ; and urdened religion, 2 was a rs were and she shment. Dt been uperior issor in shortly He was acquainted with botany, mineralogy, and other sciences, which he brought to the light. Lucy admired his classification of the plants and flowers he gathered in the walks ; and, he was never wearied of arranging them in her cabinet. Clinton endeavoured to make her sensible of the wonders which the microscope was able to .ovoal ; he narrated anecdotes of the habits, governments, and changes which insects assumed. He gave such names as Lucy approved to all the most beautiful parts of the scenery uround the house. The basin of the cascade, was called the Marble Fountain — its diverging channel, the Milky Way — the dell was called the Happy Valley. A bridge was thrown over the Milky Way by the mill, and behind, a path wound up the front of a bold rock, to a commanding situation, where Clinton con- structed a couch and table of branches and moss, and at ^he edge of the precipice, piled a low wall of stones covered with sod — this spot was designated Lucy's Observatory; and here the girl listened to the musical tongue of '■.he designing Clinton, when he pointed out the planets and the fixed stars — explained the changes in the heavens, — the moon's relation to the earth — and the nature of the planetary systems; and when, raising her imagination, he repeated the suppositions of astronomers regarding those tracts of the universe which seem un- peopled, and those tracts which are not only strewn with stars or suns. Arthur's Seat was a crag half way up a mountain, so named, because, when reached, it afforded a view of the land which Arthur Lee had cultivated. From this crag was seen on the right, rising ground, clothed with trees, that nodded their tops to every wind ; on the left, the gentle ascent was odoriferous with fruit-trees; and opposite to the spectator was reared a rugged elevation of granite, bearing Lucy's Observatory, raised on its front, at a small height above the level of the ground. This was the Happy Valley shut in by hills. The house was small but convenient, with an oven house, and sheds for the cattle. As the polished windows became yellowed with the sunbeams, geraniums, myrtles, musk, and lemon-plants, reared against the walls, were watered by Lucy, and rewarded her by a richer fragrance. 1 26 Till*: CANADIAN ClIKL :r ; (. I'V x and by more charming,' tints. Next, she fed her fowls, and after that arranj^cd tlic dotncstic operations of tlie day. Jane was serious, and always seemetl to be full of thought. The j)astor took an interest in her, and en- deavoured to lead her into religious conversation, but she was so humble that he could scarcely draw anything from her. He observed that at family prayers she seemed much affected, and sometimes he found her sitting by the marble fountain in tears, reading the Scriptures. In the affections she was devoted. Lukewarm feeling had no part in her ; and yet she was not of that sort of character to be termed enthusiastic ; she was meek, of simj)le manners, and impenetrable to provocation. She em- l)raced the doctrine that love, once /ixcd, should not be removed on account of any guilt in the object, but should be unchangeable, immortal ; " For," said she to Lucy, "otherwise love has no dignity, and is unworthy of the praises bestowed on it." " I think," said Arthur, " that when the object of affection ceases to be worthy, our love should cease." " If it does cease," said Jane, " call it not love — call it by some other name. Esteem may cease — respect may- cease : — but true love — never." " What would be the result of that principle upon the morals of communities ?" asked Arthur. " What would be the result!" she repeated: "happi- ness — peace — these would be the result at last. Did you ever know any thing but love, reform the bad ? Evil, if selfishness! — take away selfishness, all would be happy. And can indifference, dislike, contempt, and hard re- proaches, ever subdue selfishness? No: but love every day will soften it, and subdue it." Arthur meditated, gazing upon her countenance, her eyes were cast down, and she pressed the hand of Lucy, as if entreating pardon for her boldness. There was another person uj>on whom her words made much im- pression — Clinton--whose eye sparkled with pleasure as he persuaded himself her heart was inclined to him ; and rejoiced whatever she might discover to his prejudice, would not destroy his power over her. But he deceived himself; Jane thought only of her father, who was the sole object of her solicitude. The dangerous interest she had taken in Clinton had subsided : particularly as his atten- tions to Lucy appeared so unequivocal, and as she was I A ■it •^. A('(JUAINTAN('I-: KII'KNS INTO I-OVM, 27 fowls, and le day. be full of r, and cn- )n, hut she thing from he seemed ing by the 3. In the ng had no ; character of simple She em- [ild not l)e l)ut should : to Lucy, thy of the object of iase." ve — call it spect may upon the " happi- Did you Evil, if be happy, hard re- love every lance, her of Lucy, 'here was much im- leasure as him ; and prejudice, i deceived as the sole t she had his atten- 3 she was t awaff^' that the latter had hxed her attentions on him be- yond recall. Of Lucy's prepossession for him, Clinton was aware, for she was too heartless to conceal it. He continued his attentions to her, omitting no means for fixing her attachment, except that of a declaration, which he avoideil. On this day l:e reclined by her side, after having anuiscd her with some of her strains : the guitar on which he had played was on her knee, and every now and then he whis- pered to her, and touched the strings with gaiety. " Leave them to fmish their debates, Lucy," said he, bending his head towards Arthur and Jane, *' and let us go to the spice-wood thicket in search of some specimens of those plants I told you of yesterday." "O go, sister, go !" cried Arthur; " we can well spare you botli. — I have something particular to say to Jane." " No doubt," said Clinton, inwardly chafed. Lucy pressed the hand of Jane ; a basket of wild-flowers hung on her arm, which Clinton transferred to his own, taking the guitar, and agreed with Arthur and Jane to meet them at Arthur's Seat in a half an hour. Arthur watched them ascend to the top of the orchard, where they stopped, and waved their hands to him. As soon as they were out of sight, Jane would have returned to the house, but Arthur detained her. " Stay a few minutes," said he ; " I have for some time sought a private conversation with you, and I must not lose the present opportunity. How long have you and Clinton been here, Jane ?" " Two years this month," she answered. "Do I mistake the meaning of that sigh ?" said he; *' Are you not wearied of the Happy Valley ?" *' Wearied !" she repeated, " Oh no — not wearied ; if I could only hear something of my father I should not wish to leave it ; but — " " Go on," he said. " I have said too much," she cried. " Let me go, I beg of you !" '• You shall not go, Jane," said Arthur, " until I know whether you will be my wife or no." Jane turned away from him with surprise. He followed her, and said, " I have not the accomplishments of Clinton, or I would have wooed you differently : but if you ' III 28 THE CANADIAN fJIRL. Ill ' I :i ' 1 ,: (f ^^ will accept a plain offer from a plain man, Jane, as you arc a sensible girl, say so ? I have spoken to my grand- father, and you must not think that our engagement would want his favour. He only wishes for the true happiness of my sister and myself; and I have his authority for say- ing, that he believes you, dearest Jane, can, if you will, make me permanently happy for life." Jane seemed to wish to say something of moment, but checked herself. She was not indifferent to his suit, yet her demeanour forbade him to hope. After a brief silence Arthur resumed : — " Since the first time I saw you I have been attracted toward you ; I have watched your conduct, habits, sentiments, principles. You will not think me bold when I say you have improved in all these since you came here, during the last year. I am sure you will make such a wife as I can repose my heart on ; such an one, as I can cherish, because 1 can truly honour you." " I am poor," said Jane ; " I have nothing — not even any relatives, which the most wretched persons have." "What do you say, Jane?" — exclaimed Arthur. — " Have you not a father, and a brotlur ?" "Yes, I have," answered she; ** but all the time I have been here 1 have heard nothing of my father, and my brother I never saw. My mother took him to England with her, when he was young, and there left him at school, under the care of her father's friends. She returned to Canada, where she died, whilst I was an infant; her remains lie at Quebec; I have seen her grave and mourned over it." " And where is your father ?" asked Arthur. " I will see him, and ask his consent to our union. I love a filial spirit : I would not marry you, Jane, until I had paid him the honour, which is due to him." " I know your principles, sir," said Jane, " and 1 cannot tell you how much I respect them ; — but oh, my father is—" She broke off, and was agitated. Arthur was much affected, and he exclaimed, catching her hand to his heart, •' Dear Jane, end this mystery. Tell me what your father is. Tell me why you are always so disturbed when he is named ; and if to serve you, I am required to give up my fondest hopes, I will pledge myself to do it." " I do need a friend," sr' 1 Jane, *' and if this promise of yours is sincere, and sacred — " AroUAINTANCK kH'KNS INTO T.OVE. ic, as you iiy grand - lent would happiness ty for say- : you will, )ment, but s suit, yet rief silence ^ou I have ir conduct, ik me bold ; you came uake such e, as I can — not even have." Arthur. — me I have :r, and my England 1 at school, eturned to fant ; her grave and " I will )ve a filial d paid him d I cannot my father was much ) his heart, our father vhen he is ve up my promise of t- ^,* "Doth sincere and sacred, rely u[)()U it, Jane," cried Arthur; " and my word was never yet broken to man or woman." •' Remember," said Jane, " to what you pledge yourself. — You will serve me in regard to my father though even to the loss of — your hopes ?" " I will," he cried ; " not but I think you will recpiirc less for pity's sake." "Perhaps I may — perhaps I may not," said Jane; "however, I will tell you all, if you will keep my secret." "I promise you this, too?" cried Arthur. " I will not ask you, when you have heard my story, to pity the poor Canadian Girl," she said, " nor to refrain from visiting upon her head, her father's sins. I know you will pity me. 1 know you will not blame me." " IJIame you, Jane!" ejaculated Arthur. *' Hush, until I have told my story," said Jane, then sitting on the side of the bridge by the mill, she began thus : — " My mother was born in England, she was the daughter of a clergyman, and in opposition to her fatlier's entreaties had married the mate of a North American vessel, and came with him to Canada, where his parents and friends lived. After a few years she became un- happy, and determined to return to England to her father's house. " She fulfilled this design, taking my brother with her, but, when she arrived at the parsonage where her early years had been spent, what was her grief to find a stranger filling her father's place ; and what was her astonishment to learn, that having had an annuity of four hundred pounds a year bequeathed to him, he had sold his houses and furniture, and was gone out with the money to the country from which she had returned, to settle there. My poor mother sought out the residence of her only sister, who was her senior in years, and who had married a worthy gentleman of small fortune, with her father's con- sent, but my aunt was dead ; and this fresh sorrow almost overwhelmed my mother. " Her sister's husband was dead, and some distant [relations only were left. These persons, being in excellent circurnstances, treated her kindly, and undertook to edu- cate and provide for my brother if she would leave him ; she acquiesced, and being almost penniless was com- (i» 3^ tin: CANADIAN CIKL. 11 :, 1 }l liiii i 1 iA ilL pcllcd to accept the means by wliich to pay for her voyaj^e back to llanada, wliitlier she returned, with decaying; health, and with no more money than would maintain her a montli. Jane stopped, and lier eyes flowed with tears for her mother's sorrows ; while Artliur listened with attention and pity. She proceeded : ** I cannot remember my mother : but I know tliat I have inherited her ^'rief, which was this — that she was devoted by affection to an erring man, her husband, and my father. I have inlierited her grief, but with this differ- ence — lie deserted her, and I have been compelled to desert him. For several years I was with him on board the Antelope, that vessel in which Clinton tells us he was wrecked, and in which ho lost his property. During its last voyage only, I was on shore, and when I again found my father, he was captain of a pirate cruiser." Here she sobbed vehemently. Arthur was startled, and his heart misgave him at the thouglit of uniting liimself to the daughter of a proscribed ruffian. Walking over the bridge, he was at first incapable of consoling her, but after the first shock was over, made amends by the feeling manner with which he pressed her to unburden her mind without reserve, and to rely on his secrecy and counsel. *' My father was always kind to me," she resumed, and took care of me, although he would not allow me to leave him. In all weathers 1 was retained in his ship, so long as he was in it." "What!" exclaimed Arthur, "in a pirate's ship! — among a lawless band ! He must have taken great care of you. To retain a young girl in such a situation, under such circumstances, for years — that was an evidence of his care of you, was it not ?" Jane was silent ! and he paced the bridge disquieted, then said — " And this is true, Jane, that you were kept in a piratical vessel by your father, for — how long ?" *' About three years," said Jane, Arthur was transported with indignation. "He must have been a villain indeed!" cried he. " Bless me, to what has he exposed you ! An innocent being like you, three years among a pirate horde ! — Good heavens! I could not imagine that a man could have existed so insensible to the proper feelings of a father ACnUAINTANCK KII'KNS FNT<> I.«»\|; 31 icr voyaf^e decaying intain her rs for her :ntioii and ow tliat I t she was band, and this (hllcr- ipcllcd to on hoard lis lie was )uring its ;ain found Merc she his heart ;elf to the over the •, but after :]ie feehng lier mind ounseh jmed, and e to leave 1, so long ; ship ! — great care on, under :nce of his isquieted, e kept in ansported cried he. innocent 2 ! — Good uld have a father liowcver, in (ilh«T respects, he iniglit !>;■ dt.'praVKl. I'or my part this is wliat I never could pardon." "Go on Jane — tell me all!" said Arthur. '• 1 low did you get from this father who took so nuich care of you ?" '* My father at one time had," she said, "a ca!)in lilted up f(jr me within his own, there I had every tiling neces- sary for my use, and not a week passeil without his bring- ing me some present ; — pieces of cotton or muslin, silk or velvet ; beads, handkerchiefs, shawls, or trinkets." ** Plundered, 1 suppose," interrupted Arthur, Jane was Inuubled to the dust -pang w.is succeeding pang — • hut she went on: — "An old sailor, old Toby, constantly kej)t guard, as it were, so that my cabin could not be approached by any but themselves. A negro woman was brought on board to attend on me, and I only went on deck when my father was with me, and there were seldom more than one or two men about. I knew little more of what was going forward in the vessel than if 1 had been on shore, and it was many months before I discovered the true character of the cruiser. When I did, 1 was much frightened and not without reason, for jiresently afti-r, occurred more than one fight betwiien the crew of the \'ulture, my father's vessel, and the crew of a ship he had attacked." "The Vulture?" cried Arthur. "I have heard of a l)irate-vesscl by thrt name — but I interrupt }ou." " Tile noise of the guns," she continued, "of the shrill wintls in the sails and cordage — of the giving and receiving of orders for firing — and of the loud tramp of my father's feet on the planks — I can think I hear now. It was after the second of these conflicts, that an old missionary, who had travelled thousands of miles to spread the know- ledge of his belief, and had undergone great hardships, and passed through a succession of dangers, was brought from the conquered ship, in which he liad been sailing across Lake Superior, and with several persons confined in the cruiser. This old man, during a gale, heard my screams, and in the confusion of the time, was allowed to pass into my cabin, where I sat on the ground beside m}self with fear. I never can forget that old man ! — his composed manner, the solemnity of his remarks, and the hope, which at such a moment, when an expected death aj^pallcd the stoutest-hearted, beamed in his eye. He begged me to be resigned to my Maker's will, and I' It I ' ' 'I I, ' ' II ' Jl (lil II ^:i Ij ! 32 TIIK CANADIAN CIRL. repeated verses from the liibJc he carried, addressing me in the name of (lod. The Scriptures 1 had never before thought of, and his quotations alfected me as 1 cannot describe; it was as if I had seen a glorious angel, who, lifting me from the horrors of the deep, gave me assur- ance of safety, and bade me be in peace. The storm over, the old man obtained access to me occasionally, and every time he came lie taught me more of myself, the world and eternity. *' One day he was standing on the deck, looking over the vessel, and speaking to a fellow captive, when, by some false movement, as he turned his head, he was pre- cepitated into the lake ; his last words were " Friend — go hence ;" and the sailor to whom he had been addressing himself when he was drowned, never forgot them ; he left ofT his bad habits, and went on shore, parted from the Vulture, and all belonging to it, and settled at the bay, which lies forty miles from this valley. " The pirate's crew, some time after, mutinied against him, and against three men next in command, and set the holds on fire, after securing the boats, filled with the riches of the vessel; but my father, who had been aware of the stratagem, had been taking measures to prevent its success, secured the principal offenders, whereupon the rest yielded without any opposition. When the flames ascended he was horror-struck, but manned the boats with those seamen who adhered to him. These were for pushing ofT in haste, when I flew on deck shrieking. There I saw the most horrible spectacle you could imagine. The mutineers were left to perish in the fire they had kindled. They prayed, they cursed. Some, struggling in desperation, got loose. One of these jumped into the lake : one ran up the rope ladders and fell head- long from the mast ; one darted up and down the deck amidst the smoke ; two others grovelled on their knees, shouting to the men in the boats for mercy, but they would not listen to them ; and the rest of the mutineers, still bound, with shocking oaths defied God and man. " I can see the rising flames, and hear the clamour, then around me ; I can see the boats sinking on the waves a few yards off; and can distinguish my father standing in the centre of one, holding two pistols, and threatening to shoot the seamen with him if they would not return to the edge of the sinking Vulture to save me — but what 1 ill al()Uaintanc:k kii'KNs into i.ovk. 33 smpj mc r before cannot (j1, who, c assur- rm over, ul every 3rld aiitl ing over rhen, by was pre- iend — go [dressing ; he left from the the bay, 1 against d set the with the en aware } prevent upon the 16 flames le boats were for irieking. Du could the fire Some, 3 jumped ell head- the deck ir knees, but they utineers, an. clamour, e waves standing eatening Ireturn to ut what occurred after that is a blank — 1 felt dizzy, ami became insensible. "Next day I found m' self in a bed in a cottage, tended by the wife of the fisherman who had sailed among the pirates of the Vulture. He had been hshing at a distance from the Ottawa, having crossed Lake Nipissing, and the French Kiver, to Lake Huron, when a blaze, in the dis- tant horizon of Huron, informed him of a ship on fire. Jacques, the fisherman, went out to the assistance of the vessel, anrl had nearly reached it when it went down stern-foremost, and the waters closed above it. •' Jaccjucs was going to return to the shore when he saw a drowning sailor clinging to a plank, supporting the body of a girl. From Jactpies' description this sailor must have l)een Toby, the old mariner whom 1 have remembered since my infancy. How he had taken me from the burning sliip I cannot tell; when I last saw him he was in one of the boats. A billow bore away the plank, and the sailor with it, a wave sweeping the figure he had held close by the fishing-boat. Jaccjues rescueil me, sailed back to the shore, and gave me in charge of his wife. I was conveyed to the bay where they dwelt. I remained with them several weeks, until my father found out my place of refuge, and would have induced me to trust myself again with him in another pirate vessel, which he had obtained, but I could not — dismay seized meat the thought. He said he must compel mc; but still his manner was kind." " Very kind I" muttered Arthur. " I consulted with the wife of Jacques. She advised nie to hire myself in some farm. The idea pleased me, but I had no fit clothing in which to present myself for hire. The fisherman's wife offered to divide her ward- robe with me. I became then hopeful of my future pros- pects. Jacques undertook to guide me through the woods to the most likely settlement, accompanied by his wife's father, who had some knowledge of the persons by whom 1 hoped to be hired. " Next morning early, as I was thinking of my journey, and preparing for, the questions that might be put to me when I should reach the farm, I overheard my father and his second mate speaking beneath the window. A serious alarm obliged them to prepare for flight from this part of America : one of the mutineers had been saved, and had C < 34 Tin-: CANADIAN assing out by a door, ran along a road which led to the interior country, leaving behind me all my stock of apparel which had been given me, with my bonnet and shoes. 1 lingered near the bay for an hour in hopes of seeing Jac(iues, his wife, or some of her relatives, but as this expectation died off, I became resolute to fear nothing, and to go on my journc}- as I was, alone. Seeing a bareioot Irish girl singing under the trees, I was inspirited by her example, and having sh^pt through the night, concealed in a heap of hay, S(;t off by daylight, my heart being so hxed on the end I had in view, that the difficulties in the way seemed light." " You surprise me, my dear Jane," said Artluir; "you must have great strength of character hid under that seeming passiveness we see in your manners. Yon may comfort yourself now, Jane, with the thought that they aye passed. And so," he added, taking her hand, " banish these clouds from your face — smile as 1 have never yet seen you smile — cast your eye round on your own lla])i)y Valley — and toward yon house, which is to be your rigiit- ful home. See, Jane, how beautiful everything is about us ; and you behold nothing that shall not belong to you. It has been my own resources — my own hands — which have cultivated tli«jse slopes, which have built the lodge, the mill, and this bridge ; I can say to you — they are your own. IJut I hope you will not object to my grandfather and my sister Lucy remaining with us in the same lodge, until I have time to construct another." "Arthur," said Jane, "I came hither a desolate girl, and yet you would give me your affection ; 1 have told you I am the daughter of a man to whom laws have affixed infamy — and still you will not take away your 1 \"\ Ar«HJAINTANrF, KIPKNS IN'Vn T/)Vi:. .^5 l»at the a price s is the L'n com- J.'l((|UCS, 11 board Uvichials icr Rave )ttaKL' to ill ^;rcat loor, ran , leaving en given the bay or some I became ney as I ng under id having jf liay, set nd 1 had ir; "y'Hi idcr lliat IYou may llhat lliey " banish u'ver yet |n Happy lur riglit- is about |g to you. j^ — which Ihe lodge, ire your jidfather lie lodge, )late girl, have told iws have ray your rrgnnl for me. I am ntillu r bt auliful, Icarnul, \vitt\', tior rich' but you make up your mind to press upoti me the acceptance of your liand. You have asked me for a plain answer. 1 will give it to you. 1 lU'ver yet did love any one, not even yourself, so well as I have loved my father." She wept viok'Utl), then eoMtinued, ••that is the sincere truth, and I hope 1 do not pain you when I say it." •* Not pain me I" exclaimed Arthur. *' Love a father like that !" •• No," she cried, " not pain you — for you shoidd not suffer yourself to be pained by it. I think I shall -one (lay-perhaps — regard you blotter than all the world beside -but that cannot be while my father livis, unless he should Ih; brought out of his present way of life, and be seen living virtuously before the world ami heaven." •'This is enthusiasm, Jane; you cannot mean what you say. You will not so sacrifice me to imaginary dreams that may never be realized? For you know little of the true ehnracter of mankind — how almost impossible it is to bring aboi't any reformation in men who have bi'cn long habituated 10 vice. IJeside, you have no means to put in operation for Si'ch a jnirpose." " 1 know 1 have not," said Jane. •• I kncnv I nuist wait, perhaps long, before I can — " •'I will tell you what I think is the case, now, Jane; you tliink you never shall esteem me, and you are anxious to rid yourself of my suit — perhai)s you may have loved some other person — perhaps may love him still." Jane walked forward beyond the bridge. Arthur fol- lowed her. •• You arc my superior," said she : •• but you should think that though I am lowly, I am not capable of deceiving you by false hopes. To set the matter at rest, Arthur, hear me say, I never will unite myself to any but you." •' Thanks, dear Jane ! — unmeasured thanks !" •'Ihit though I will keep this engagement, I will also keep the other. My father is first — Arthur second ; — never forget that. A time will come when you will be first, and all the world beside, secondary." " Hasten that time, for pity's sake, Jane !" They ascended to Arthur's Seat, and finding that Clin- I ton and his charge were not arrived, sat down to wait for ■ i «!l 36 Till'. TANAHIAN <;IKI,. 'It tin 111. TIkv spoke with coHlKlriicc to rich Other, niul Arthur iiiciittoMid the .itliiitioii ol C.hitton to Iiis sister, i,oM' ri iiiiij^ whii.h he (h«l not Icrl at ras(!, •• lit; is a stran^^cr," said Atthur, "as rcf^ards liis (on* ncctions atul birth, for Iw. krcps tlicst; coiu'caKt! ; and I have not Ixrii s.itishcd that he was iiiiiocnit in tliat ail.iir with the Settler's son. I).in is a simple fellow, am! it is hardly likely th.it he ronid have invented the char^;e, so as to produce all the c ircnnistaiucs he now narrates with such accuracy. You wrcra present .it tlu; lime when the accusation was made lu.'lori? my j^randfather — and you felt satisfied of Clinton's innocence ?" "Yes," replied jane; "but 1 think little of what was my opinion on thai o( ( asion, for I was guided by fj-elinj;. I felt much for Clinton but I know not why. 1 can sec no reason why I should not have felt as much for Dan. Two years has made a dillerence, Arthur, in my mind. I snsju'ct now, where .it that time 1 should never h.ive sus- p('cte(l-- ;ind distrust ai)pear.'inces, th.it 1 could then have laitl down my life for. 'rhoup;h my father was a I'irate, and I knew he was so, yet my (^arly years were markc.'d by a clislx'lief of evil. I low could 1 think Clinton could harbour one base thouf^ht when, even in a man liki; my father, I have found noble feelinj^s, and the recollection of former principles, that ho iiad entertained in the days of Captain Harry, lie was rendered unhap[)y by the turbu- lent life he led. 1 have seen him weep sadly when lie has been talking to me alone ; and he has said he would give the world to live over again the last ten years of his life. When I Invc entreated .';im to forsake his men, and to hire himself on some fou H;n ship, or to cruise for himself in a lawful trade, he would say, " No, Jenny Anderson, it is too late now," or, " Go to your book, my child — think of your poor mother — wc will talk of this at a future day." And so, Arthur, having seen good in ///;//, who was setting law at defiance, could I think one like Clinton was depraved ?" "My dear Jane," said Arthur, "when I have heard Clinton speak of the occurrence with Dan, I would have staked all 1 had on his guiltlessness. His plausible state- ment of what had passed between him and the Settler's son at difTerent times satisfied me ; and yet, on examina- tion, I cannot tell why I should feel so satisfied. Impres- sions in a person's favour are not evidences — neither are If ~Xfi .i cr, and i Kistcr, US ( on* ami I at allair !»(l it is ar^c, so Ics willi ihv.w tin: you Iclt 'liat was y feeling;, can sec ff)r l^an. iiiind. I iav(^ sus- \\r\\ liavi; a I'iratc, l; marked :(>n could \ like my Icclion f)t" (lays of IIh; turbu- cn lu' has lould ^'ivc f his life. |n, and to )i himself (Icrson, it Id— think ure day." as setting Inton was Lvc heard )uld have liblc state- Settler's cxamina- Impres- jither are 1 I AO^UAINTANi i: KII'DNS INTO LOVD. 37 his own representations. We may have !)ren dcjccivcd. In i>rivate talk with him i have heart i such thin^js as I never lieard before, that liave niaik: me siispii ious. 11(5 has mixeil with metropolitan society in ICuKland. lie has described to me the j;aminj; saloons, a»\d many otlur infamous places, with thi; circumstantiality of one who has been familiar with them, and partaken of their spirit; his acf|uaintante with pkuis lirst set me on drawiiu; oiU mor<; of his recollections, ann which his arm pomted out, at the same time, sharing in his forebodings. ** No — heaven forbid!" " The ]\Iaj(!sty which created these scenes knows with what sad reluctance I do say it !" exclaimed Arthur. " IVIy sister I love tenderly. Ilcr sensibility has knit our hearts in one — yet the excess of that quality will, 1 fear, destroy her. Had she passed through your trials, she would long ago have been a sleeper in the ground. Ha\'c you not seen the hectic Hush on her alabaster cheek ? You have admired it, and so has Clinton ; but I and grandfather have trembled to look on it. We recognise the sign ; we feel that she who displays it, is marked for an early grave. — I grieve to see such brilliancy j ' — *' Hush," cried Jane, ** ^hey are near." Lucy's laugh rang from a hc'ght near ; and Arthur and Jane saw the girl of whom they had been speaking, advancing down a path botwecn two elevations. Clinton was by her side. Two long ringlets were blown over her face ; her oiack hair was knotted up ; a plain white frock, and a white silk scarf, composed her dress. " See !" whispered Arthur, briefly to Jane, "she Is much wasted." It was so, indeed — Lucy was much wasted. His fore- bodings had been too correct — she 'was sinking under ihe exciten.ent and watchfulness, wliich had of late possessed her. " See, my dear brother," said Lucy, taking the basket from Clinton, ** we have found man}' varieties of flowers since we left you. Here is a large wild peach, Clinton ACOUAINTANrF RirKNS INTO LOVE. 39 an afiec- licre can- apablc of nton was luir,;'but )st distant makes no fore long, li which I y yonder, ^es in the inic time, .1!" lows with \ Arthur. ; knit our 11, 1 fear, :rials, she d. Have ir cheek ? nit 1 and recognise is marked :y:'- rthur and speaking, Chnton her black white silk le iS much His fore- under i:he possessed the basket of flowers h, Clinton plucked it for Jane, he said, but I shall give it to my brother, and if he will he shall give it to Jane." Jane raised her eyes to Clinton, and saw him gazing at lier with a peculiar expression of the eye. He looked at the peach, and at her, giving her to understand by his glance, that he wished her to take it. But Jane, when the fruit was offered to her by Arthur, refused it, with such a manner as she hoped would convey to Clinton her sense of dislike at his conduct. The Pastor was seen walking up to the elevation. Lucy went to meet him, but Clinton remained, leaning against the rock at the back of Jane. " Well, children," said the Pastor, when he had reached the crag, " You are enjoying this fine weather in a grand situation. Well. Do not let me disturb you. Nay, Jane, sit still. I see Arthur has been entertaining you' with the beautiful. He has been pointing out to your notice every object uf the surj ising prospect before you, and has instructed you by profound homilies on them. — Very well." Arthur laughed, while Jane looked down, and when the former tc^k her hand and drew her to the seat of sod on vliich she had been sitting, not altering his position by her side. " I came home," said the Pastor, '* a half an hour ago, and inquiring for my children, heard that they were all out on a ramble ; ind, said Irish Deborah, who was stirring a pot of preserves in the kitchen, 'they have got the kitar with 'em, your worship, and the rush basket, so I don't cxpict 'em afore dark.' Hearing this, I turned about, and bidding her prepare tea, came to look after my runaways." He then talked of a farm he had been visiting. " Have you had no refreshments, grandfather, since j^ou came back ?" inquired Arthur. On being answered in the negative, he called to Lucy, who was standing at the farthest end of the platform, barkening to Clinton, and asked her if she was willing to go to the lodge. Lucy sent Clinton to desire Jane to go first, and see that the prepara- tions for the afternoon meal were made in the garden, janev/as rising in obedience to the request, but Arthur held her back. "Grandfather," said he, "Jane Anderson must not be ¥ h; I looked u pon in the character of a servant after this ■i' i,u ' K , 'I I I'ilji flii ¥ 'il: ^li '( ;'^ ' u •ill! 40 THE CANADIAN GIRL. moment." The Pastor looked neither surprised nor dis- pleased. " As you will, my son," said he. ** I hope you will behave to each other with honour and affection ;" and added, " that all your lives henceforth may be as briglit as this, Jane," he laid his hand on her head, ** I give you my blessing ; and, if a mutual love exists between you and my son, there is no inequality of circumstances should sever you. My son, I hope as this maiden appears so destitute of friends and fortune, you will supply to her the place of both." "That I will," said Arthur, calmly. " Dear sir," said Jane to the Pastor, " I wish to speak to you alone, when you will give me leave." *' Come to my study this evening," said the Pastor, " there I should like to meet you both together." " You can have nothing to say, I may not hear,' . i' .] Arthur, •' if you have confidence in me, and have opened vour heart to ms without reserve." "I have done so," said Jane, *' yet I must speak with the Pastor alone." " So you shall, my child," said the Pastor. " Come to me after tea." " Thank you, sir," said Jane. Lucy and Clinton had heard nothing of this conversa- tion, he had rejoined her as soon as his message was delivered, and she was turning over the specir.iens in her basket. Clinton was speaking of Jane. He asked Lucy if she was aware of her brother's attachment to the latter. Lucy answered Yes. Clinton wished to know if the Pastor approved his choice. This Lucy could not tell, but thought Arthur had made him acquainted with it. " Has he indeed !" exclaimed Clinton. " He was bold to take such a step — I should not have had 'le same hardihood, had I been situated as he is. Jane is fortu- nate. I fear. Miss Lee, I should not have met the same favour, had my ambition lei me to seek the hand of the sister of Arthur." This was said in a passionate manner, and Lucy rejoined — " You cannot tell — you think too hardly of my grand- father," and there stopped. Clinton took no notice of the encouragement she had given him, but struck ofT into another subject while her ^'- n ACOUAINTANrr, RIPENS INTO LOVr. 41 nor dis- you will )n;" and bright as give you L you and is should :)pears so her the to speak e Pastor, car/' ;' ' ^e opened leak with < Come to conversa- ssage was ns in her ,ked Lucy he latter. Dw if the 1 not tell, ith it. was bold 'le same 2 is fortu- the same nd of the manner, ■ny grand- 4 f ,t she had while her face assumed a paleness, as the shock of wounded pride agitated her. "Jane, I thought you were gone to the lodge," said Lucy, addressing the former, as a relief from the oppres- sive sensations she felt. "No — no," said the Pastor, "I could not I't her go witliout us, Arthur looking at Lucy witli affection, said to her — " Tic on 3'our bonnet, sister, and draw tlie scarf over your breast, the breeze is stronger, and though it is warm, yet you had better not meet it without a covering." *' You are tender to me," said Lucy. The Pastor led the way, and the younger persons fol- lowed. Their steps were slow, and they spoke to one another as they went with freedom. Few would have surmised that the heart of either had ever felt a wound. Yet even now, what doubts — what apprehensions — what jealousies — what anguish — what poignant regret rankled beneath those five seemingly happy countenances. The Pastor and the young persons crossed the bridge, and passed a pool, studded vv'ith verdure, and surrounded with beautiful willows. The man who performed the office of a miller at the corn mill, was shutting the door on the outside ; he touched his hat to the Pastor and Arthur as they passed him, and walked to his house by a bye path. The gate was opened by the Pastor, and he held it back until his friends had passed through, stood leaning against it, with Clinton and his grandson, while Lucy and Jane went to see the table spread fu. the last meal of the day, vhich included tea and supper. The garden covered a large space of ground, and, tijough arranged with regularity, was useful and orna- mental. In front of the kitchen door of the lodge many tubs and pans might be seen, filled with fruit whicli Deborah, the woman-servant, was about to preserve for winter use. Deborah was singing to herself one of the old ballads of her country. " What are you thinking Debby ?" said the Pastor. "Have you not forgot Ireland, yet ?" " No, your worship," said Debby. " How should I ever forget the bonnie land where the bones of my father and mother lie ? The mud walls of their cabin, are they not still seen upright by the bogs of Kilfenora ? I'll never see the place again, I know, v here the cabin is. r I i i,'. 42 TIIK CANADIAN CIRL. ii I' ti- I ' I I I T t i i! it «!;■ i i 1: ■ 5 if 1 1 ' i I'll never kneel to the priest of the parish to say my con- fessions a,qain — I'll never kiss tlu; cross at the head of my parents f^rave — as 1 have come over sea so far from Ireland, 1 nuist never go hack again — that I know, but it is not asy to forget her, and I never shall forget her." " But you arc happy here, Oebhy, are you not ?" " Yes, your worship, happier than I could be anywhere else out of Ireland." "And how, since you loved your country so sincerely, came you to leave it ?" Deborah's face was all on fire at the (juestion ; a chord was touched that vibrated painfully : — " Ah, your wor- ship !" said she, " 1 came out to be married, your wor- ship; but n. ' I'band th.at was to be, united himself to a Canadian-Frc. peasant, instead of to the girl he had sworn faith to n. Ireland, and that was me. I broke a piece of silver with him, twelve years ago next autumn, and here it is ;" so saying she drew forth the token she named, which was suspended from her neck by a black ribbon. " He was a playmate of mine, your worship, and went to America to seek a situation. And O'J^eilly did send for me, I have his letter in my pocket now. But he deceived me," said Deborah, " and 1 have never seen the face of him since the first week I landed, when he told me he was wedded to another." " He behaved ill to you, Debby," said the Pastor. " But why not accept the miller, who is so sincere in his regard for you ?'* " O'Reilly has broken his troth," said the girl, "but I have not broken mine ; and I'll wear this bit of a silver token till I lie down in my grave, your worship." " The beautiful flower of constancy can grow, you see, in rough soils," said the Pastor, to Clinton and Arthur as the three walked forward. The summer-house was large, and shaded with a maple tree, which was clothed with fohage, that drooped on the shingles. The long table was in the middle, chairs stood at the upper end, and stools at the lower. The Pastor occupied the chief place : Lucy on his right, an English tea-urn, and a silver tea-pot, being before her : from the latter she filled the cups with the far-celebrated Chinese decoction ; Arthur, on the Pastor's left, dispensed small cakes, which blended with the fumes of the tea, inviting the appetite with the most pleasing smell. Clinton sat u A((,)UAINTAN('K RII'FNS INTO lut can such souls as yours and mine, Jane, bear to be ininnired longer in regions of rocks and v/oods ? I am wearied of solitude and America. I intend to take my leave of the lodge shortly. What would be my transport if I could have a companion with me — such as Jane ! Will you go with me ? I will take you to England, to my relatives, who will welcome us to homes of splendour. There are no people in the world like the English nobility ; the society in which my friends move is full of spirit. They are rich, and you will have apartments of your own, decorated with enchanting furni- ture. You will have a fashionable servant, whose duty it will be to attend to you. And I — " " I thank you, I am quite contented here," said Jane. Clinton, emboldened by her mildness, went on urging her to leave America with him, omitting nothing that he supposed likely to inflame her imagination in favour of the journey. •* 1 reply at once — I cannot go from the valley with you — I have given my word to Mr. Lee, and I must keep it." " You speak coldly, as if love was a set of formal lawyer's deeds — a bundle of written promises. You should elevate your heart to love with more nobility — fervency — passion." ** So I shall love when that passion takes root — When we first came to this valley, Clinton, the Pastor's family were happy. — Is it so now ? Does not your heart upbraid you ?" " No," said Clinton. " I know to whom you allude — to Miss Lee. But think you," said he, " she is the only weak woman who has sighed for me ? Wherever I have gone Jane, I have found little trouble in persuading ladies to break their hearts for me. They construe a few compli- ments into confessions of love ; a few gallantries, into a positive offer : and when our fancies flit from one to another fair flower — there is a great bother made about nothing, and we get all the blame ; whereas the fault all lies with the sentimental sufferers, themselves. A man of spirit professes admiration for every young lady, that he AfOUAINTANrK KIPF-NS INTO LOVE. 45 lincl the lad been Clinton ; as yours Dgions of America. Wliat lion with will take mc us to ho world ly friends will have ,ng furni- e duty it I Jane, m urginp; y that he our of the llcy with lust keep Df formal :s. You nobility — >t— When r's family t upbraid dlude — to the only ir I have ng ladies w compli- es, into a n one to de about ; fault all \ man of that ho is i)loascd with ; hut how wiak those; lailios must lu' if ihcy suppose tlial the {^'cntii man is j)r([)ar{-(l to put himself in matrimonial bonds with theui all ! Miss Lee woulil have sccti me play a din'ercnt part had I iutended auytluuf^ serious. To prevent the valley becouiin^' dull to me, 1 anuisi'd myself with siugin^, talkititj, reading, and so on. Miss Leo was captivated with what she was pleased to call my genius ; and I could not he so barbarous as to refrain from rc^poating that which gave her delight. You, unlike Lucy, have been insensible to all my cllorts to entertain you; pure as ice, and as cold, you have been mi- kind to me; no kind glance from you has ever answered to mine; even my peacli Jane refused, though the favoured Mr. Lee presented it to her." A second feeble sound reached the ear of Jane, from the bushes, and she changed countenance, moved by a painhil roiijecture. The next instant she was at the sjiot whence the sound proceeded, and that conjecture received con- lirmation, for there lay Lucy at the foot of a tulip-tree. The girl had stepped aside to pluck some llowers, which now lay on the soil beside her, and had overheard the con- versation between Clinton and Jane. Burning with shame, she had remained standing unable to move, until a faintness came over her senses, and she fell. *' Mr. Clinton !" exclaimed Jane. "Heavens!" he cried; " liow came Miss Lee in this state ?" **I have no doubt, Mr. Clinton, she has heard all you have said I" exclaimed Jane. " I hope not," said he, stooping to raise Lucy. " By Jove ! I would not have had her hear me for a thousand pounds ! It would be the death of her !" " But even in that case, Mr. Clinton, it would be hard for you to have the blame of the event — it is all the fault of the sontimenta- sufferer herself." "Jane- Jane — a sight like this is sufficient punishment for me," he cried, kissing the hand of the insensible girl, pro- tested that he would remtvly the evil he had caused were it not too late. Jane said there was no remedy in his power now. She left him, with one knee on the ground, support- ing Lucy in a sitting posture, while she hastened to the house. Seeing Deborah, she beckoned her, and turned to the spot where Lucy lay. " O my young mistress !" exclaimed the Irish girl; " it's f\ 1 f ■ 46 TTTK CANADIAN fllKL. I will carry you to the house ; for I love you (or your tinder disposition !" and so sayinj,', slie took up the /"i^'ure, and conveyed it to the door of the lodge, where Arthur stood. lie could not sec Deborah until she turneil an angle of the wall near tiie doorway, but as soon as his eye fell upon her, he received his sister from her breast. He carried Lucy into the apartment, and laid her on a sofa. Tlie Pastor was called. Clinton remained in unpleasant suspense outside the house, walking under the windows of the room in which Lucy was. Jane assisted Deborah in restoring her, while Artluir sent off a man to the village for a physician. Lucy opened her eyes and gazed around on the faces collected near her. A sigh which she heaved brought the tears into her brother's eyes. *♦ Lucy 1 — sister !" he exclaimed, " do you know us ?" She placed his hand on her heart : — ** 1 am so oppressed, Arthur," she said. ** She has fainted again ;" said the Pastor. " I wish the doctor had arrived. Jane, you went into the garden after leaving me, and there found Lucy on the ground, did you not say so ?" " I was speaking with Clinton, sir, by the tulip-trees, when I heard a cry, and going inside the bushes I saw her lying as she is now." '* Well," said he, " it is little use perplexing ourselves to determine the cause of her illness, when she has recovered she will inform us of it, and we must have patience." The evening wore away, and midnight approached, none of the inmates of the lodge had retired to rest, but all awaited the arrival of the physician with anxiety. Doctor Batliurst arrived, and ordered his patient to be put to bed, which, havmg been done, he bled her in the arm. This experiment was attended with so little satisfactory result, that he was entreated to remain a day or two in the house, that he might be at hand in case of any serious symptoms occurring. To this he consented, and during the day, he had conversation with Arthur and the Pastor, when he gave it as his opinion that her constitution had been undermined with consumption, which had been hastened by mental agitation, and that she was in danger. The Pastor received the tidings with silence, but Arthur, impetuous and indignant against Clinton, after his AroUAINTANfi: UIPFNS INTO T.OVi:. 47 for your c li^Mirc, 2 Arthur irncd an 5 his eye ist. Ho 1 a sofa. :sidc tlic in wliicli icr, wliilc n. Lucy collected tears into I ilip-trces, saw her ourselves she has ust have •> first burst of distress was over, soufjht the man whoui, in his haste, he accused as the destroyer of his sister. I le was passing; Lucy's chamber and looked in, the curtains were looped up at the foot of the bed, so that he could sec her iialf raised on i)illows, h.er eyes closed ; blinds drawn down to the bottom of the windows, subdued the lif;ht, and combined with tin; hirniture of the bed, to exhibit the invalid in the most interesting point of view. Artiuir beheld her with melancholy admiration. No object had ever appeared more spotless ; but as he looked, the reflec- tion that her days were numbered, smote him with anguish. He went to her ; she o[)ened her eyes with a sad smile, and attempted to raise herself: — " Jirother, have you begun harvest yet ?" she infjuired. " Not yet in earnest," said lie, "but how do. you find yourself now ?" " Nearly well again," she answered. *' But tell Jane to make tea at five o'clock for the Doctor will not let me come d(Av;^ to-day." Artluir felt half choked with emotion, and kissed 1k^ forehead in silence. *' 1 feel strangely altered," she said, "since morning; it must be with having been bled, for I sec my arm is ban- daged." She added, " IJrother, look at the flowers when you go down stairs, for I am afraid tiiey have not been watered this morning. I am very cold, winter will not be unwelcome to me — 1 shall be glad to see it come back, and then Arthur, we shall have the great log burning in the broad kitchen chinmcy, and the heat, and the sparks, and the corn parching, under Deborah's ey , in the ashes — and the roasted hickory-nuts, and apples — and the mince-pies baking on the hearth — will not all this be deliglitful ? I am very cold ; I should be glad to get up before some bright blazing logs now." " ]\Iy dear sister," said Arthur, " I will tell Doctor inithurst that you are cold ; perhap^ you arc not wrapped up sul'iciently ;" and he began drawing the shawl more closely about her neck. " That will do, thank you ; you may tell the Doctor that I am cold, and please to say to him, that a good fire is all I want to make me well." " I will tell him so," said Arthur, and kissing her again, he withdrew. " That coldness — that unconsciousness of her danger }}■ 4fi Tin: CANADIAN (IIRI,. 1 = an: unfavoiirahlc symptoms," said tin: I )(K;tor to Arthur; •* I must not (lisj;iiiS(: from you the trutli of the case." " She says she lias felt strant;ely altered since tins niorniiif;." •• She has not altered for the better T am sorry to say/' rejoined the I )o( tor. •* These arc the prriods, sir, when the strength of our fortitude is tried to the utmost. I fiel for you. 1 have passed throu^ii the onleal njore tiian once or twite, iiavinj; lost a mother, a wife, and a son." The Doctor was a wealthy man, of much skill, and of delif^hthd manners. I lis kindness to the patient, and his sympatiiy for tiu: anxious frii luls of the jK'tient, pleasetl wherever he practised. Arthur would have souj^dit Clinton, thouj^h he knew not what he could say to him, but Doctor Jiatlnirst detained the formt:r without seemiuf,' to do so, and talked him into somethinf^ like serenity. Arthur proposed walking to meet the I'astor, and the Doctor consented, but said, as he looked around for iiis hat, " I will first look in upon my charge, and see how she is." ♦* Do so," said Arthur : " and if possible, give me some hopeful report of her." lie found her worse, but lonf;ing to ••< L up, which he promised she should do on the follow in;; morning. About midnight she fell into a trance-like sleej) — from which the Doctor hoped much ; but in an hour she started up with so much violence that she had thrown herself out of bed before she was awake. Jane was sitting on a chair, half asleep, the Doctor and the Pastor who had i.' rived, had gone to lie down; and Arthur and Clinton were up, below. "My dear Miss Lee! — my dear Lucy! were you dreaming, that you started so ?" asked Jane. '* Dreaming ? — yes," answered Lucy, walking across the floor to the looking-glass, " I think 1 have been dreaming — and such a dream. Let me see how I look." Here she drew a chair to tlie dressing-table, and sat down as though she had been in perfect health, taking off her cap, and shaking her hair about her, preparatory to setting it in order. " Lucy — dearest Lucy I — come back to bed !" entreated Jane, " Pray, Miss Lee, come back, or you will get cold !" Lucy smiled ; and said, " Don't be afraid of my health, 1 U] ,V«»irAINTAWrK KII'I'.Nn into I.mVK 10 Arthur ; sc. ncc this »f to say sir, wlu-a :. 1 \rv\ lori" tliiUi L son." 11, and of ;, antl l»is [, plcasi'cl 2 sought ,y to him, t seeming; : serenity. , and tlic nd for liis 1 sec liovv I rne some which he Ahout vhich the up with ut of bed chair, half rived, had were iip» were you ng across have been DW I look." d sat down ing off hci' :)aratory to entreated ■DU will get my health, \ 1 4 1 J :itlt 1 am V(;iy \vi thi II went (III In Its! nil! .UK Kt.iiiiiii^' h< r li.iir. At 1» ii^^lh Jam-, sU pprd «>iil «)ii tip ln(i to tin- door ol ilif room Nslurc the l)(K;tur and I'astur were eiijo\iiiK their repose, and knocked. •• i hnv is she ?" iiKpiind the I'astor. •• Miss Lee is up, sir, sitting; at the iooking-j^iass," f.iltcrfd Jane. "I'p! Ides:, me — how is that? before about- -rattlesnakes may have; irej>t from their tlens and those have no respect at all for young ladies, Miss Lee." " You think your daughter, Sophia, woukl not , ut now ?" said Lucy. " I am confident of it — 1 would not allow her to go out." Lucy sighed, looked at the window, and at Doctor Bathurst, then bursting into t{;ars, allowed herself to be controlled. The Doctor whispered to Arthur to send Deborah to assist Jane in taking of! Lucy's clothes. Lucy took the draught which was administered to her, and while the Doctor waited outside, was placed in bed. Leeches were applied to her temples : other remedies were resorted to, and the utmost stillness was maiiilained. The same morning it was known in the lodge that Clinton intended immediately, to take leave of the valley. Here, as at Farmer Joshua's, he had been a favourite of the members of the family, and they all were grieved by the intelligence. They had ex})ected he would have been the husband of Miss Lee, and the announcement that he was going to a distant part of America, would have cxcitetl disappointment at any period — how much more, then, at the present ! It was unnaccountable to them, that, attached to Lucy as he had appeared to be, lu; should choose sueh a time for quitting her, and for quitting her, as it seemed — for ever. fin dc \\\ ti)( foa of till, --% I cr cVis- ire w.'is v. liopi^il to rost lliis she iiuantily on Inr (lillcrciil atti:ini>l tiiii<; lur ^'liy lliinU sec 1h)W —No, no. avc crci>l for youn^ iOt ut her to go at Doctor self to be if to send Is clothes. Ul to her, led in bed. remedies [laintained. lod^^e tliat tl\e valley. Lvouritc ot ]grieved by have been ;nt that he rould have iuch more, to them, to be, he Ifor quitting Till ( ANAhlAN <.IKI, (11 M-n.K' IV. 5» niKKiri. Kf'FKCTS Ol' If NUI.ol' I I f l» I oVR. ON llic third evetiiii;,' of hrr IMncss, Lucy, w.indct inf,' in nund, ( (»ntri\cd to chide the \ i;;il.mi(' (»f lur Iriiiul.. , ^iic j)( isnadtil J.in«' to i^o into an adjiMnin^ r<»<>ni, luclcml- I iii-^ sin- wishc()l<(! to tlu! objects she saw. Clinton had been wandering over llu; valle}-, lakin*,' a final view of the beauties it contained, before his ilepartnre. He had reached the cast ade, on the top of Vliich he stood. Hardly less beautihil than this fall, were the vapours, which congregated above it, and tlie white 'foam l)elow. On the other side of the fall, thick woods r()se on ascending rocks close to tlie torrent. The contast f colours was truly fine. Mere, Clinton feasted his nagination and repeated in a loud voice, lines from tJyron's Childe Harold. i; M ■ 4 TF 5- TIIK fANAl)IAN (ilkL. I ( W'liilc lie stood listciiiiiL^, \ic;!(liti}jj to sensations viviti, an-.l {.•(Static-, a daikiicss came over the sUy, wliicli iiuliucd him to turn his eye upwards that he niij^ht tUscovcr the cause. Two clouds were roHing ovor the valley : the eye of Cdiaton was rivetted on them, filled with delijjjht. rrudencc! would have i'tg(;d him to seek the shelter of the lodge; with spe(;d, for the violence of the Canadian storms lie had Lefore exjx'rienced ; hut he stood luin, awaiting the shock of the thunder which he knew must follow the meeting of tlie two clouds. The lowing of the cattle could he heard from the sheine to you; and what I suffer now would be aggravated if you were to blame yourself. You are as blameless as our beloved Lucy was." DIRKFIIT, KI FrfTS OF UNRFnUITFI) r/>VF. 57 /ill be s and palm, which ifestcd /rittcn inning ri (t (linK hci, ardent Vrthur. omc to is arts n, may ; as he :o grief him to ror, my I saw, attain- his sad Aci has ion to f with y that )c two choice, luillity, leaven, ted his raised le, "if, hither, . My I ; and vere to leloved "No — I now see otherwise," said the Pastor. "I was • wrong to suffer 1113' grey hairs to be so imposed upon. Discrimination, caution, and a calm judgment, should attend old age — but I have shown neither: 1 !iave been partial to this young man with the imjMilse of youth —I liavc! my punishment! Ah, my son, I have; my punish- ment!" " (irandfather, I beseech you, add not to the sorrow of this morning by casting rellxtions on yourself," said Arthur. The Pastor put him .'side, and turned his face to tlie body. His a'iguish became so overpowering that Doetor Pathursl forced him from the room. Tlu; housecarjK'iiter constructed a beautiful coflin of black walnut wood, and Jane lined it with white satin. On the second day after Lucy's death, Arthur went to the spot he h id selected for a burial place. It was ele- vated above the level of the valley, and formed a square, shaded with high trees ; and was as retired a spot as any that was to be found throughout the vjdley. Arthur passed over the enclosure, sometimes with his eyes fixed on the earth, and then viewing the place with a sorrowful eye. At length he came near the centre, where four of those most melancholy looking trees called the cypress, grew in pairs, leaving room between their twin- roots for two roomy graves. *' Here," said he, " the ground looks as if no mortal foot had ever trodden on it since the world began. Here shall my sister lie." On Saturday next the grave was finished. The path, and the few steps leading up to the path, were made. The palisades were completed, and shrubs were planted close to it on the inside ; besides all this he had j)laced a seat around each pair of the cypress trees, by the grave, and iiad ])lanted the borders of the path, which conducted thither, with simple hardy flowering plants. On Saturday, the day before the funeral, the Pastor was shut up in his library, where he had remained unseen dur- ing the past week. Jane was compelled to receive all the frieiuis that came to the valley on this occasion, and they were not few. Among them were Miss Bathurst, Farmer Joshua and his wife and a son of the latter, who had once been an admirer of Miss Lee. It was usual for many per- sons to come from settlements around to the Sabbath WR' in . H - 58 Tlir; CANADIAN CIUI.. '8 ' I I • 'i ^t li ■ u * ! 1 ! 1 1 ' 1 I rt i i 1 I III ! services, conducted by tlie Pastor in a loj;-housc, on his j^'randson's estate. Those who came from places tlie most cHstant sometimes arrived on the Saturday evening;, at tlic lodf^e, where they always found a bed and a hospitable welcome. It was thou^^iit the preparations for the Sabbath, by public prayer, in the 'hapel, w(juld not be pcrfcjrmed on the present evening; but the place was li{j[hted as usual, and at the usual time the Pastor entired, leaninjTf on the arm of his j^randson. There was no puljMt ; a chair, a readinff-dcsk, and cushion, included all that was j^rovided for the minister, the assembly having for their seats, rude benches, chairs, stools, and blocks of wood. " My friends," said the Pastor, '* since last we met here to celebrate the praises of the Eternal, I have lost one who was dear to me." His voice trembled, but grew stronger. '* Shall I say lost ? You knew her ; she met with us here from week to week : she has sung with us of the joys of heaven. Tell me, is she not living yet ? May not the hearts of the bereaved fasten on the belief that she is happy, though we see her not ?" According to the simplicity of that assembly one did not hesitate to reply to the Pastor — it was the Indian, Sassa, whose brother sat by him, all the fire of his eyes quenched in tears of feeling. " My father asks," said Sassa, " if our white sister is living yonder," he pointed with his finger upwards, *' and if she be happy ?" He looked around, standing in a noble position. There was something elevated on his counte- nance, his eye was full of expression. " My father who taught us in the Great Book, asks this — and Sassa the brave tells his father — Yes. Has she not lived as the Great Spirit told her to live ? — therefore she must be gone to that happy country where the Great Spirit is. Has she not conversed with the Great Spirit here, and has he not called her away with his voice ? He will not deceive his children, look and see." Sassa pointed to the folio on the Pastor's reading desk ; the minister bowed his face, for the Indian had strengthened his heart, ^nd he thanked (iod for the words of the convert. " The Red Men know that the}' will not die," said Sassa. " Th;^y know they must go from their tribe, from their wives, and from the prairies in which they have hunted — but they will not die I Ask them — they will tell you they shall eat on his lie most , at the spitable for tlio not be ace was entered, sk, anil ninistcr, , cluiirs, net here one who stronger. ns here i joys of not the Lt she is e did r^ot 1, Sassa, incnched sister is Is, *' and [1 a noble connte- :her ^\•ho assa the d as the be gone Has she s he not ceive his io on the ;e, for the ked God now that ow th( y ^es, and but they shall eat I niRKFUr, ET'FKrTS OF lINRF<.>riTFI» I.oVF. 59 hurfalo-flesh, and corn, and fish, after the earth is laid on them. They will tell you the bad liulians will be puiiisheil, the good Indians will be very happ)-. And if the Krd men know all this, ilo not the White' men know more? Look in the (ireat r»ook, and see." Again he poinli'd, and the I'astor said to the assembly, "Ho has sp(jken well. Let there be no repiniiigs in Christian nunirners' hearts. Some are here, who have lost beings wlujse lives seemed as dear as their own. Shall we nnirmnr at Providence? The Indians teach us lessons, shall we not show them examples? Hilp me to say, (iod be thanked for our sorrows, as well as our joys, for we know that all things shall work together for good to them that love God." The usual form of devotion was gone through, and did not occupy a half an hour. The concluding prayer was offered up by Arthur, it was brief and affecting. On coming out ( f the chapel the Pastor '-Jaw his j^rinci- pal communicants collecting around ;.im; each condoled with him, speaking with the utmost good-will. Pie shook hands with each, and informed them that the burial would take place shortly after the next sunrise, that the services of the Sabbath might proceed without any inter- ruption. After this scene, he returned to his s^idy, and spent most part of the night in prayer. Arthur retired to his room, and remained secluded until the day dawned. The family apartment accommodated all the females of the house, including the visitors. The coflin had been removed to the chamber which Lucy had occupied. In the kitchen, beds accommodated the male servants and visitors. Upon Jane had fallen the mantle of Lucy's authority ; all the house had been placed under her superintendence. As it was growing dark she went with Deborah to the poultry-yard, where they fed the fowls. Jane was stoop- ing to caress one of the birds when she saw Clinton. lie seemed looking at the windows of the house. She raised herself and turning to Deborah, whispered — " Who is he standing near us there ?" " Hush, darling 1 its the villain who desarted dear Miss Lucy, as O'Reilly desarted me," said Deborah. " 111 luck light on him, for a desaiver as he is !" Clinton came near. His appearance was altered. He seeinci; to lia\ e joined himself to the hunters of the woods, .1: J liij ■ f Ni f 4 if^' Co Tin; CANADIAN (ilKL. ill ).H for ho carri(Ml ,1 (•:irl)iu(' and shot pouch, a knife, and a wahc-t ; u pack was shinj; at liis back ; a cap of fur covered liis head, and he wore le^'ginj^.s. "Miss Anderson," said he, •* will you tell me why it is that I see the windows of the lodge all curtainecl so closely ?" •'Oh! aj^aah ! Is it yourself that asks?" bo^an Deborah. *' Shame on yc for a dcsaiver ! and its I that wish you may never meet with any one to lovi? you as she wlio lies, poor youn^j latly ! in her coflin, in that chand)er which you may see over the kitchen, only the window- curtains hide it. You know that room well enonj^di, many's the lime I have heard you playing tlu; kitar under it, witching the heart out of her with your singing, hke a false gintleman as you were, and shame on ye !" Clinton placed his carbine on the ground, and seemed moved: — '* Miss Anderson," said he, ** can you not so far feel for me, as to permit me for a moment to view this being who loved me ? Deborah, dismiss your anger and contrive to bring me in sight of the body." ** Me, is it, that would bring you in sight of Miss Lucy, poor darling? — No, that I won't ! \Vc should have had a wedding in the house instead of a burying if you had not been a base dcsaiver ! I'll contrive i such thing at an}' rate ! Miss Jane may do as she will, but you won't per- suade me." She was walking away, but Clinton stopped her, saying, " O Deborah, you cannot mean all this bitterness against me! Do you forget telling me all about O'Reilly and Ireland ? Come, I know you will forgive me, Debby ! and if it will be any satisfaction to you to learn it, that I am far from happy." " Happy, is it ? Oh, then, ye'll never be happy again, I'll wager anything," said Deborah; but she relaxed her repulsive demeanour. Clinton perceiving this, urged his request to her with such persuasion that she yielded, and turning to Jane, said, " Its but a trifling matter he asks, Miss Jane, I'm in a mind just to step with him up the back-kitchen stairs. Maybe the sight of the corse '11 do his soul good." *' You may do as you think proper," said Jane ; " I can- not take upon me any of the blame."' " Lave that to me, darling," said Deborah ; and Clinton I-! P inurini, KIM •.CIS (>r unki <.»i'i 1 1 n i.ovi*. r,f lollowinl tlu: hitler, as sIjc led tlic way to tlic -v Miiinhn ot ilcatli. "(in ill, and make hasto to conic out," cvicd Dclxnali, and adinitlin;; liini into the looni. '* Maylx it was what ! had no ii^;ht to do, tlif l)rin;;in^' liini licrc," shi: said to herself, as siie stood listenitij.; on tin- lanthn;^'-(/!aee ; '• Imt lor tlio lite of me 1 couldn't deny liiin. c3li, niurther! there's Mr. Arthur coniin' ! \\'as ever anything' so unlncky ?" She; rapjKKl on the door, not oucv. oidy, hut sei^'cral times, and as the summons was not answered hy Clinton's ;i[)|)earancc;, put lu;r head into the room, and crieil, in as loiul a whisper as she could protluce, "Sir, Mr. Lee's I omin' 1 ' " l>y Jove, that's unfortunate?" exelainu'd ('linlon ; and the words had hardly left his lips when hv he.iid Arthur addressing' Di'lnnah thus:- - " Why are you standiii}; here, I )el)orah ? Is tluMc any one in the chamber?" The Irish <^'\v\ answered readily — "Yes, a f^intleman, there is, Mr. Arthur." ««\Vh() is he?" "ilush, sir," said the cunning' j;irl, "or you will disturb his honour, the I'astor, for he has complained afore now against talkin' in this passage, which he says, disturbs him at his prayers." *' My voice will not disturb him, Deborah. You have not .answered my question — who is the gentleman within ?" Deborah was seized with a cough, whicii afforded her an opportunity for preparing her next evasion. " If you plase to step down stairs with me, Mr. Arthur, 1 have something to tell you, which its my duty iu;t to concale." "Surely," thought Clinton, "she is not gc^ing to tell him I am here!" The next minute he hearcl them bolii go down stairs, and would have opei. d the door, and passed out, but it was fastened. "lihavc placed myself in an awkward position here," said he. His voice startled himself; it sounded like; an unhallowed discord, in such a scene as this in which he stood. A lamp burnt on a table by tlie bed on which the coffin was placed. Clinton took it up, and surveyed the room, wishing to fix every object there in his remembrance. A i '' I 63 Tin: ( ANADIAN (.\\<\.. Mil I ■» !i (li.iwn ill the Inokiii;; ;;|.iss CiHit^lit liis aUriilioii, aiieiined the verses; it was cold and fair as ice — he raised it to his lijJS, then dropped it with ch^spair; he spoke; the name of the deceased {;irl with anj^'uish, but there was no response on her lips. Mysterious chaiif^a- ! at his li^ditest whisper, a month aj^'o, her heart would have palpitated violently; her eyes woidtl ha\e betrayed a sweet confusion ; her cheeks would have been dyed with blushes; now, the heart was pulseless, the eye unmoved, and the cheeks had parted with colour for ever. His power over her could be exerted no more. A nii{^hticr ma<;ician had bound her in his spells. The door was unlocked, and Deborah stepped in on tiptoe, securing it behind her, and standing to listen. Arthur was heard retiring to his room. ** It's a nice predicament that I have got myself in for you, Mr. Clinton," said she. " 1 hope you have not told Mr. Lee that I am here," said Clinton. "Lave that to me," said Deborah; "I told him that I'd seen you about the house, and he's gone back to his chamber — no, he's a-comin' to this room, and sure enough lilKIIII I I IKiTS Ol' UNKi:iMMTi:i> I • i\ I C'i itld lir* K- li.id lllisclt. (• n«)t(i rcctioJi lly lie Icliciitc • cords In; li.'id ;y were ic note K'd ; lie ich had raised )k(; tljc ro was at l»is 1 liavc a}'cd a (1 Willi niDVC'd, r. His iiigliticr 1 in oil listen. f in for 1 here, liin that k to his ; enough llc'll (Olllc /// this time. (), wliclr'll I llidi' llisscll out nt his si;,'ht !" •' Katlur talk of hiding' me," said Clinlon, looking; to see if then; was any closet in the room. 'rinrc w.is not, and he had only time to throw himself on the Moor «)ii the o|)posite side oi' the l>ed, and to l)iou, and I forj^ot to tell )()U but if y(»u would plase to j;o to lier in the garden -nut on the pomi side, but on the other." •' i will go to her shortly, Deborah," said Arthur. Deborah's invention was now at a stand. She was oblig(!d to leave the room, and as she went out, she mut- tered : — '• He is sure to be seen by Mr. Lee, and he'll say who it was let him up to the chamber. I'd like to know liow I shall get out of the bog in which I have thrust myself. It's true, if I'm put out of this j)lace," she added, " I'd have little throuble to find another, where I'd get as much wages as 1 have here, and no bett( r, for there's no better to be had in the Canadas: and go wlu-rc; 1 might, I should be happier no where than I am here. So I'll listen, and if 1 hear them talkin' I'll run to the Pastor, and tell him how it hajipcMied that I let Mr. Clinton into tiic house, and if that doesn't get mc out of the scrape, 1 must seek another habitation." Arthur leaned in silence over the coffin of his sister, and Clinton heard his sobs growing louder, until the niourner's tears fell in a shower on the face of the dead. Arthur's nerves were unstrung by the indulgence of sor- row, and he could not avoid giving way to tlie conviction tliat it was a supernatural apjiearance which arose so I suddenly before him. He dropped upon a chair ; but the r blood rushed back to the centre of life with impetuosit}', when he recognised Clinton's voice from the gloom which enveloped tiiat part of the chamber in which the ligure stood. ''However extraordinary," said Clinton, "my appear- ''•■t Tiir cANAiiiAN i;ua.. Ill I J' I ' M atici.' Iic;rc may Sfciii tn \«ni, I In ;^ ynii tn lulicvr tliat I Ii.kI 1)11 ii|)|( ( ( ill riitciiiif; tills cliainlHr, lliati tliat of Inlioldiii^' fr)i tlu' last time, tin; fair \n'\\\\^ Ik lorr inc." Arthur arose from tli(; chair tri'mhim^^ with passion. '•Mr. ('.liiitoii," he said, " yonr audacity is cfiual to your falsehood. it would be iiicrcdihlc to mc, that you could Ik? so lost to true IVcliu;^, as to insult u>y sister's sacred remains i)y your presence iure, if I did not sec and Ijear you. 'it II uie, l)y what means you ^'ained admittance into this house. Who was presinuptuous cuou^^'ii to hrinj; \()U hither ? W'lioever that individual was, tliou;^'h it was Miss Anderson herseff, she should los « my friendship frtjin this hour, and notliing should recall it." ** i shall not say who it was admitted me," said Clinton. " i persuaded thi;iu with dilliculty, and they an- not to idanie." '* \'()ur refusal to tell luc will be of no avail," said Arthur, " I shall know after the intt:rinent, who it is. I ■h'ili discover — and wlien I have discovered, I shall not forj^'ivc. This concerns you but little. 1 shall not dispute what 3'ou assert, Mr. Clinton, that to see my sister as she is, -.i^ yon have made //<;', was tlu; object which broupjht you hither. Jiut now you have ^ralilied your curiosity. You have seen her breathless, colourless — diiad — stretclied in a coHiu pre[)ared for a grave — which grave you may sec near the cascade. I recommend you to look into it; and feed your vanity with the tli()u,i;ht that the wi-ak girl, who, to-morrow at tiiis time, will say to the worm ' Thou art my sister, and my brother,' died of a broken heart and that vou had broken it. And if you have the courage, look at your victim in the presence of her brother. Come near, sir ;" he took up tlie lamp and passed it over the coliin from the head to the foot. "She is here -view her.* lie put down the lani]), and walked to the door, and opened it, throwing it back to the full breadth of the doorway. " Mr. Clintoii," said he, ** your presence here, is an nn- cxamj^led impertinence. 1 recpiest that )'ou leave thii^ room, and this liouse innucdiaicly.'''' Instead of complying, Clinton sat on a chair and deliberately drew his belt tighter, saying — • " I obey no man's bidding. I am an adopted son of tiie woods. I now come and go as 1 list. 1 shall lodge in this I Ipiuiiiii. in-KCTs or iinuki.iiiitmi i.nvi;. C'i ision. \[\[.\\ to H;it y«)U sister's not st;c gained ll|>tU()US dividual idd ios • Id recall (Minion, u not to il," said it is. I ■^hall not t dispute r as she ipjht you ly. Vou lied in a may see it ; and jirl, who, riiou .'irl lit and coiir.'if^e, . C(jme over the; re -view tlie door, til of the iioiibe lo-ni^dit. It is the fashion for Aiiicricau f.irtnurs to he hos|)ilal)l«'. It is the fashion for American waiuli.Tcrs who hecoine iheir f^nests, lo remain in the ([iiarters pro- vided until they are tir( d of them. 1 shall stay tu-night in this house." " You refuse to j;o ?" said Arthur. " I will not hiidf^e a step, by Jove. Tak(! care Mr. Lcc !iow you lay hands on nie ; I w.nn you — you see 1 have a knife in my helt." " r.y heaven, yoii shall j^'o !" exclaimed Arthur, sei/iti^ iiini hy the collar to throw him out of the room, and (hsarm him. A fierce stru^'^jle ensued; and Arthur, beinj; Clin- ton's suptiior in strength succeeded in his aim. (Mintnn was sent reeling; out on the landing place, ami Arthur drew the door close ami locked it. ♦' I am not desirous to disturh the house," said he, '• and I shall not say anything' more tt) you, Mr. Clmton, to- iii;;lit. To-morrow is the day of my sisters hurial ; during its hours, you will he safe from me ; but if, on the day succeeding that you are about thesi- premises." •* 1 shall bi; in them," said C'linton, whose eye expressed a most dangerous sense of the indignity he hail received. "And 1 shall be in them with one intiiition, that of seek- ing from you the only satisfaction for this insult which it is in your power to give me. On Monday, either I must have your life — or }ou mine." " lie it so," said Arthur ; and at that time lie forgot that his principles were opposed to dui;lling. They parted. Arthur returned to his chamber ami therci remaineil, Clinton went to a back kitchen, where the miller ami Jacob, the field-labourer, were sitting at a table, 'riiey were speaking in under tones, and enjoying a jug of eider. Clinton approached them, and laying a hand on the shoulder of eacii exclaimed — " Well Jacob and Thomas ! arc you holding a private consultation on the qualities of loam and grass, and the grinding of Indian corn, oats, and barley ?" "You here again, Mr. Clinton?" said the miller, rising. " 1 cannot but say I am glad to sec you, in spite of all that IS said to your disparagement. Sit down — take a drink of i cider." ;'That I will, for 1 am thirsty, and a little tired," said I Clinton. E C < .( .1 m m THK CANADIAN Clia. 'l r\ .f • II !il; fI i' : P 1 ' ! '■ ! lii' Jacob filled for liiiii a goblet, which Clinton rested on Ills knee. " Yon do not drink," said the miller ; as lie spoke the gol/let fell from the hand which had held it, and, on look- inf( a^. Clinton's face, the two men perceived that he had fainted. His cyos were half closed, and his breathinj^^ became inaudible. " To my belief," said the miller, " he has not such shallow feelings as some suppose. I'd be sworn it is the death of Miss Lucy has made him ill. He loved her well enough." Jacob said, shaking his head, " Don't believe it, Thomas ; if I have any skill in reading signs, he was more partial to Miss Anderson, and 1 will tell you why — Miss Anderson cared nothing for him. Miss Lee could scarcely live out of his sight." '* A strange reason," said the miller ; '* the woman that loved me I should love." " But Mr. Clinton is another sort of character, I guess," said Jacob ; " he fancies he knows what the aflecticn of the heart is, but I don't think he docs. All he sought from Miss Lee, all he would seek from twenty other ladies, to whom he would talk soft nonsense, was, and would be, to be loved; but the deuce a grain of true love would he give to any one of them. Yet, Thomas, women always listen to such as him with more favour than to a plain, honest, man. Only to mention Mr. Lee, why before one lady would attach herself to him, a dozen would die for this gentleman here." " No — no ; you are too sharp in your discourse, Jacob," said the miller. " Who is too sharp ?" inquired Clinton, making an effort to recover himself. As he opened his eyes they fell upon a stranger who had just entered the kitchen. The stranger appeared iifty years of age, of majestic proportions, his dress was that of a French-Canadian mariner. As he came into the light his weather-beaten face exhibited a classic outline. When he drew off the fur cap from his head, his brows were seen adorned wit.li an abundance of black hair, which added to the stern effect of his countenance. In his eye slept all the fierce passions of which men are capable, but his mouth was not without softer traits. His voice could express every variation of passion. It was perfectly at his command. ^s I'Ij ■J. i I ot such it is the licr well licvc it, ;as more ly — Miss scarcely nan that 1 guess," icn of tlic ght from ladies, to lid be, to 1 he give lys listen , honest, one lady for this 3, Jacob," laking an they fell DlkKI'HL KI'IKCTS OF II N Ri:( HJIir,! ) LOVi:. ^'7 ♦* Your servant, friends," said tlie stranger. IK- sl.ulc d as lu! saw Clinton, over whose countenance an augry llush was spreading. The former was invited to sit down, which lie did without hesitation ; and when the cider was put toward liim, he said — " Tiiank you, friends ; I will drink witli you ; the weather is hot, and 1 have walked many miles during tlic last six hi/urs. Yes, this is capital cider," said he, after he had drank — *' very good indeed ; and 1 think 1 can let you taste some li(]nor of another kind, which is as good in lis own way." So saying, he drew out from a breast pocket a llask, anil asking for a goblet, poured out a little of a kind of strong wine, that each who tasted pronounced delicious. "Are you better, Mr. Clinton ?" inf[ulred thi- miller. "Oh, yes — I am well now, 1 thank you." And as he tlu's replied, Clinton pushed his chair back, and walked up and down the kitchen. " You have had a death in the liouse 1 have heard," said the mariner to Jacob. " Yes, we have," said Jacob; " and the house is so full of visitors, that I expect you will be obliged to sleep in this kitchen, for all the beds that could be made up in the kitchen and parlour are engaged. First come, hrst served, you have heard that saying in your travels, 1 dare say." " I shall sleep as soundly on the stones of this kitchen, as on the best feather bed in the world," said the mariner. " I have lodged hard and soft in my time. I have slept on the top of a rocking mast, and in all kinds of rough situations." Here Deborah entered the kitchen. " You have had a hard day of it, Debby," said the miller. " Are the folks all asleep in the parlour and great kitchen ?" " All in the fair way of going to sleep," answered she. "But what'll I do for Mr. Clinton and the sailor? There's no help but they must wait till daybreak, and then get a bit of slumber in the beds that will be emptied then." " This navigator shall have my place on the pillow," said Jacob. " The night is not so long now, and it's a queer affair if I cannot stay up a few hours at such a time as this." "And Mr. Chntbn shall have mine," said the miller; < 1 t:l 68 TIIR CANADIAN CIl'L. * ii! I'i ' It : 1 1' 1 1 1 ^ 1 f' I I h I I,; ;y I I " so give yourself no more urKjasincss nboiit accommoda- tions, but go and take rest yourself— you arc tired enough." " I'm vexed enough," said Deborah, in Clinton's hear- ing; then she muttered something to herself in the Irish language. •' Deborah," whispered Clinton, " 1 sliall not say who introduced me to the chaniber, and Mr. Lee cannot dis- cover if IVIiss Anderson plays her part well. You must impart to her your inimitable shrewdness and tact." •' I tiiink you was clane out of your senses," said she, •' to get uj) in the sight of Mr. Arthur without the laast necessity. I tliought I'd have dropped when 1 see you!" *' How came you to know that I did so ?" " I Wis peeping through the key-hole," answered Deborah. " Indeed !" said Clinton ; " and how long were you so engaged ?" " Oh, not long. As soon as I heard you spake I was oft fast enough to the Pastor." " What was your intention in going to the Pastor ?" he asked ; " to engage him as your friend in the trouble your kindness had brought on you, was that it ?" "Oh, you have hit it. 1 had no other intention. But little luck had I when I went. I might as well have saved my breath to say my prayers with." " But what passed between you and the old gentle- man ?" "Why," said Deborah, "this was what passed: — 1 rapped at the door, and heard him get off his knees, and shut his book. Come in, says he, and in I went. He seer^^d in no distress of mind, which v^as no wonder. I beg your pardon, says I, for intruding on you in this way. Never mind, Deborah, says he, is anything the matter ? Then I said my say, and tould him how I had seen you, and how you had persuaded me to let you have a peep at the bonny corpse of my young misthress, and how Mr. Arthur had seen you in the burial-roon., and how I was afraid I should be found fault with ; but he catches me up sharp, and, says he, Deborah, did you say my grandson has seen Mr. Clinton there ? O, sir, says I, they are both there this blessed minute. Then Deborah, says he, you have most likely done a mischief which you can never repair ; and so he goes away without a word ■X vi DIRKFUr. EFFKCTS OF UXRF()UITFD I.()\i:. G) to Mr. Lcc's room, and laves mo standin|:j in the middle of the floor without the laast relief for my mind.'' ** Well, you must make up your mind to the worst, Debby," said Clinton; "I am sorry I have led you into such an affair, but it is not to be helped now." " And that's thrue," said Deborah ; ** and so I sliall keep myself as asy as I ean, and the timpist may make as big a noise as it likes.— By St. Patrick, it shall be all the same to me ! I can only be bade to quit ; and though it would be a heart-sore to me, yet I would make no word about the same, but vquit, and quickly too. I should find a bit of bacon and a pratec somewhere, no fear of that." Clinton and the mariner retvisee' to avail themselves of the offers of the miller and Jacib, and it was understood that they were to remain up together. Before the latter left them, the sailor was asked to whai; ves-,el he belonged — when and where he had left it — what countries he had visited in it — and what articles it traded in. Clinton was standing with his back to the person interrogated, but he turned round and fastened upon him a look which the mariner seemed to avoid uneasily ; he spoke vvith freedom enough, and did not seem at a loss for a reply. "Why," said he, " mv schooner, that is, my captain's, is a tight vessel, and can bear a gale as well as any ship ; she runs fast when there is occasion, and her crew are a bold set ; as for her trade, she carries furs, tobacco, wood- ashes, and all sorts of things. She never stops long in one place, but goes about the lakes. I will show you with this bit of chalk her way on the waters." He drew, with accuracy, on the table, a map, on which Clinton looked with curious attention. " Now," said the mariner, *' you may suppose that to l>e the St. Lawrence, with the gulf at this end ! next me, opening to the Atlantic ocean. But at that end of the river, farthest from me, fancy my ship takes her start. There," his finger was placed at the end of a slanting line, and moved along a stroke diverging horizontally, " where the St. Lawrence ends, twelve miles wide, starts my schooner on the Lake of the Thousand Isles, Ontario, which is one hundred and eighty-five miles long. Here th(^ States are on one side, British Upper Canada on the other. Now as we go along, we may dip into Navy Bay, on the English side, or into Burhngtoji Bays, or into the M < '1i 7^ Till': CANADIAN OIRL. II I J ';:h n-.\ ' ;l • ;. i i u 1) 1 i '' ' yyi ti!' bays on tlic American shore, and rhangc our cargo as often as vvc can make good bargains." " Tliere are plenty of steamboais on Lake Ontario," said the miller. '* Ye5:, there are," said the mariner, "and canoes arc plentiful on all the lakes; some of them cany heavy burdens too; but they are of all sizes." "Well now," said Jacol), leaning his head between his hands, while his e3'es were settled on tlie chalk mark on which the seaman's finger rested, " when this schooner has got to the end of this Lake of a Thousand Isles — " " Then it takes a turn past Niagara P'alls," resumed the mariner, " and is in Lake iCrie, which is two hundred and fifty miles long. W'e may have rough treatment here ; navigation is no easy work among Erie's rocks, and waters run shallower in this lake than the others, and that circumstance, with the heavy north-west and south-west gales, makes it dangerous for sailors who are not expert. Mind, all the way we go, the States are on one side, and English-Canada on the other." Now with his finger he turned a corner of the square he had drawn, and moved downwards on a third line, which curved inwards. " The corner you see is Lake St. Clair, which is a sort of pas- sage for us to Lake Huron. This water is two hundred and fifty miles long, one hundred and ninety miles broad, and eight hundred and sixty feet deep — it covers five million acres." " And all fresh water — not salt !" exclaimed Deborah. " Not in the least salt," said the mariner; "as fresh as that milk you carry." " I have heard that it has many large bays and islands," said the miller. " A countless number," said the mariner ; " and by looking in on some of the Indians, and the half-breed hunters, to be found upon them, we may pick up articles worth seeking. The coasts are so set with islands and bays, that they are grand and singular ; and how many fine rivers flow into it is not known. However, suppose the vessel at the end of Huron, here she readies the bottom of my square, at this right hand corner, and gets througli river St. Mary into Lake Superior." There was now a movement of increased interest around the table, for this inland sea, and the most remote I TnUEFTIT- FFFFCTS OF UNREOUITFD LOVF. 71 irgo as itario," oes are heavy ccn bis lark on chooncr s— " mcd the red and t here ; ks, and ind that ith-west expert. ,idc, and inger he I moved «' The of pas- hundred s broad, vers live borah. fresh as islands," " and by alf- breed articles inds and 3W many suppose iches the and gets of all the lakes, had not been visited by any one whom the listeners had met before. •'If you arc not rocked in your hammocks here," said the mariner, " it is not for want of waves ; and there is a j;round-swell rolling you about so lustily, that if you had been at sea a hundred years 1 would defy you not to feel (]ualmish about the stomach. There are from two hun- dred to two hundred and fifty rivers running into this lake. The coast, on the Canada side, is twelve hundred miles long, and never eye of man saw sublimer shores than there are to be found here; but the mists and cold are terrible, and — " " (io on to your next place," said the miller. " Heyond here, I have taken a dip into the Mexican Gull, and Hudson's Bay, but my ordinary route confmes me to the four lakes I have spoken of, and their branching rivers." " And pray what rank do you hold in this schooner ?" intpiired Clinton. " I am a common sailor," was the answer. " Pray did you ever navigate a vessel from England to tlic Canadas ?" inquired Clinton. The keenest glance was shot on the mariner from the querist's eye, as the question was put, and the former slirank within himself, while his breath was caught back in a gasp ; then a gleam of ferocity was seen darkly light- ing his face, and he returned the glance of Clinton with one from which the young man recoiled. There was something unaccountable to the lookers on, in the manners of the two toward each other. It was apparent they had met before, and not under pleasant cir- cumstances. No one felt satisfied with the mariner. His bearing had something singular about it. Though a rVench-Canadian, he conversed in English, with correct- ness of pronunciation ; and though a common sailor, he could speak in a superior manner, without using nautical l^hrases; his gestures had a renu-^rkable dignity in them. All this awakened curiosity, and hib reply to Clinton was waited for eagerly. " Why, yes, I have crossed the Atlantic more than once," said the mariner, *'why do you ask?" " Because I suspect I have seen you before." '! Very likely — though I have no recollection of you." " You have no recollection of me !" repeated Clinton ; % I ^3 < I • tin; CANADIAN c;iRL. 'i ni '^ 1 ■ hii II ** were you never maic in a vessel that brouplit out emigrants from England ? I should think you might remember me." '• You will find more liquor in the flask," said the mariner to Jacob ; *' as you arc going to rest let me advise you to drink it ; it will make you sleep sound." "I sleep sound enough," said Jacob; "labour in the open air is better than all lif[uors to make one sleep." " Yet I have found it insufficient sometimes," said the mariner. " A burdened conscience is apt to prevent sleep," said Clinton, in a low voice. '* It is so," said the mariner ; " but my conscience is as free as any man's; and it is as clear as yours, young sir." '* What do you know of my conscience ?" said Clinton. '* What do you know of mine ?" retorted the mariner. ** Nothing, it may be," said Clinton. " But have you been a mate in an American vessel ?" inquired the miller. " If I had," said the mariner, " I should hardly be a common sailor now." Next morning was most beautiful. At four o'clock Clinton lifted the latch of the back- kitchen door of the lodge, and passed along the path which crossed the garden. A little rain had fallen in the night, and the flowers gave forth a delightful odour, and their colours were lovely. But Clinton heeded them not — he was wrapped in thv^ught. Beyond the garden he pursued a path which had been a sheep walk. On his right, streams were flowing over the broken rocks. A mild wind curled the pools on the ground, and awakened animation everywhere. The sky in the east was coloured with roseate blushes of Aurora. Clinton had walked nearly a quarter of a mile, when the way he was upon, began to ascend ; some fowl fluttered past him, as he came to a natural platform. *' This, then, is the place where Lucy's grave is made," said he, as he went up to the level of the enclosure, and walked along its borders. His mind agitated by many recollections. He reverted to his life in England. Scene after scene was revived before him ; his school hours, his vacations ; the aching of heart he had experienced when his fellow boys rejoiced, for he had no mother to welcome DIRKFUI. EFFECTS OF UNRF()UITKn LOVF. 71 lit out might id the advise in the aid tlie )," said :c IS as , young iinton. rincr. /esscl ?" lly be a o'clock of tho scd the and the colours le was irsued a right, Id wind imation cd with vhen the fluttered made," ure, and )y many , Scene Durs, his id when welcome him back to the mansion he called his home, no fatlirr to bless liim. I lis uncle and aunt were his nearest relatives, and these were not kind (Miough to satisfy the yearnings of liis affections. Then arose before his memory, pictures of another kind. Tear^ were in his eyes, as lie recalled his first dream of love; which hatl given a wrong bias to all his after life. A high-born lady, accomplishecl and beautiful, had visited at the house where he had found that he was dwelling by sufferance — a dependant, according to all the painhil meaning of the term. He was introduced to her as a relative, who had been educated and maintained by them, anil who was about to be placetl in a merchant's office?, with the hope that he might make his way in the world. The flush which rose on the youth's fair cheek, excited the synii)athy of the lady. She fouiul him the most agreeable individual in the house, and little dreaming of the fatal inroads she was making on Clinton's heart, did her utmost to chase from his countenance the pain she saw there. She played on the piano-forte to him ; she painted for him ; she walked with him ; and sentimentalised with him. The result had been his life had become bound up in her ; he would have lived for her — died for her. IJut his attach- ment was ridiculed. He was told that it was the height of folly for him to think of her. She was high-born, he was low-born ; she, when of age, would have a large fortune — he was penniless. The lady said nothing, but obeyed the mandate of her father, and returned to her home. Clinton went into a London merchant's office. To assuage the mortification of his feelings he plunged into every gaiety. His employers remonstrated with him ; his relatives wrote to him didactic letters, written in a severe strain. All was of no avail. To supply the expenses he was incurring, he resorted to fraud ; his career was ruinous ; he was in a delirium, whirled to destruction at headlong speed, in a vehicle of glitter, and intoxication. This could not last long. He was dismissed from the post in the firm to which he belonged, and bade to leave the houce. Now he saw himself without friends and means of subsistence, excepting only such as guilt might furnish. Before he delivered up the key of the desk, he took therefrom a sum of money, which \\: thought would not be missed for some days, and absconded with it. A few hours before his departure, a letter was put into his hand, which, had he i ! I. I, I '' I i 74 THK CANADIAN CIKL. Ill i !■ V jj ' '' i i i': ^ f.j. rcad before \\v. left, would have saved liiiii from tlio com- mission of the act. Ihit he had reached Liverpool, when he intended to embark for America with his booty, before he opened the pa^c. Ah ! the sweat-drops trickletl from Clinton's forehead now, as he recollected his perusal of the letter. It was from the lady whose li^ditest word had still the maf,Mc in it for him. And she had written to him a remonstrance against the course she had heard he was pursuinj:^, had begged him, for her sake, to quit it ; had cncloseil him a cliecpie for a Imndred pounds, and given him a hint, which it was madness to him to understand, that if his aflection for licr remained unchanged, she would liestow herself and fortune upon him as soon as she was of age, provided that in the intermediate time (a year) she should lu'ar, as a proof of his continued affection for her, that he had altered his way of life. I le took a post-chaise, and rode to the scat of the lady's father. Leaving it at the door of an inn, he walked over the lawn, and entered the shrubbery of the mansion. There he saw her alone, sitting with a book of poems in her liand, which Clinton had given her. Her beauty was tarnished by grief, her eyes were dim. She shrieked, as he stepped before her, wild, and haggard. ** Lady Hester," said he, "your letter came too late. I liad just given the death blow to i..> character. I am come to take a hasty but an eternal farewell of you — you, who, I swear by all that is holy and true, have been my only love, since the hour I saw you first. It has been my passion for you, which has ruined me. Ah ! Lady Hester, do not forget that, when you hear me branded in the public newspapers as a villain — as a thief. I had taken nearly a thousand pounds from the desk of my employers, just before your letter was put into my hands. Had it arrived a few hours before, I should have been here now, your penitent, devoted, and happy — too happy servant for life. As it is, I fly from justice. I go to a distant land. I shall see you no more. The chaise in which I came hither, is waiting near. Every moment I linger exposes me to a fearful risk. Adieu ; — your gift I return ; I have forfeited you, and your money I cannot take." The lady's agitation was extreme, she forcibly restrained the outward expression of it. Her face became wliite as marble. " CHnton," she said, " if you will restore the money, and lie. rei.'i wile IHUr.KlIL rJKKCTS OF ITNUinlJITKh r.oVF 75 remain in FCiij^Mand, I will undertake? you shall bo pro- vidtcl for ri.'Spcctably ; and then," she added, " 1 shall go to Italy, and reside there permanently. He dropped upon his kn(;es before her, and she ^'avc him her hand, which ho held between his. " It is in vain," said he, *' bright lady, my presence shall not pol- lute the air of the land in which you dwell; and y(;t you shall not be compelled to forsake your native clime to avoid me. Dwell here, innocent and blessed as you are. Ily this time, all London knows of the loss of the money. Another twenty-four hours must sec me on my way to a forcif^ni liemispherc." He produced a brown paper parcel, and laid it on a seat before her, with her cheijue upon it, " Here," said he, "arc two-thirds of the money. You would do mc a great service, if you could iind any :neans of restoring it to the owners." " I know one of the partners," said the lady ; " I will order my carriage this afternoon, and make up the amount they have lost from my purse." " My heart is unutterably grateful to you," said Clinton; " but now, all that I feel must be concentrated in one terrible word — adieu." " Adieu !" exclaimed Lady Hester ; '* heaven grant you may live more happily, than you have lived here, in the scenes to which you are going !" Her fortitude began to yield, she drew her hand away, and Clinton eight hours after was on board a North American ship. During this voyage, he lost all he had excepting the articles that he wore. The vessel was cast away by the mate, and part of the crew. The unfortunate Captain Barry perished, and Clinton, and three other passengers, narrowly escaped losing their lives. "Have I," said CHnton, ''fulfilled that part of Lady Hester's wish, which it was in my power to fulfd — have I lived wiser since I left England ?" The grave of Lucy answered him in the negative ; recollections of the lost peace of mind of the Settler's son, lost through his arti- iice, answered him in the negative. He sighed : con- science reproached him. " Some demon must be propelling me on to ruin," said he. He paused, and resumed, " I was once told bj^ those relations on whom -^ I depended, that my father had been wild, and my mother a woman of sorrow, so I suppose I I I 'i: 70 Tin; (.ANADIAN (ilUL. I I il •I ( > 1 ' $ 1 1 s! I. inliorit from him, my erratic disposition, and from lw;r, my sulUiiu^s. " I am now," lie proceeded, "in the country of which I was told my father was a native, and in wliicfi my mother died. Scanty has been tlie history I have received of them in ICn^'land, and wlio in ('aiiada can I find to fill up th(! outhncs? W'iicrc sh.ill I look for my mother's grave ? wIktc shall I K-arn wiuither my father be alive or dead. lie was a seaman— he may have been swal- lowed up in the ocean, or be sailing thousands of miles from the spot where his son now is. My iuKigination clings to him whate\ cr he may have been. Lik(! me, he may have made himself an alitm from all who valued him. Had we met, \\v. might have battled with reproach together. My mother left an abundant home to go with him on the world of waters. lie deserted her and iicr infant, my erring self, in a foreign land ; and she returned broken-hearted to her country, an' her friends. lUit an innocent sorrow is better to be ndurcd than a guilty one. He may have been the least to be envied of the two. My poor mother when she parted from me, with the presentiment, I have been led to understand, that she should never see me more — left with the relatives to whom she entrusted me, her endeared picture. Tlinf I lost on board the ship in which I was wrecked, and never did article more regretted pass from my possession. Had I a mine of gold, 1 would barter it to regain that picture; but I fear it is in the custody of the greedy waves. As yet, I have heard nothing of those two cousins of mine, that I used to be told dwelt in North America ; my mother's father, who had taken them out with him from ICngland, my uncle heard, had died shortly after the decease of my mother." His reveries were interrupted by Jacob, who said that he had come to see if the rain that had fallen in the night, had washed down any of the mould from the side of the grave. Clinton walked with him to the cypress trees ; some of the earth had fallen into the cavity which had been dug between them. The American threw his spade in, and rested one hand upon the ground and sprang in after the implement. While he was employed in throwing up the soil, Clinton observed the approaching funeral procession. The coffin had been placed before the house where a hymn was sung around it, and as soon as niRF.F'Ur. Ill ITTS OK llNRKtHtITI.I> f.r.Vl . 77 nr, my lich I iiotlicr vccl of to fill )th( r's I alive SNval- miles nation lu', lie valueil proach with nd her sturned r.nt an • guilty of the e, with lat she ivcs to Thai I 1 never . Had )icturc; ;s. As f mine, I ; my \w from ter the aid that in the the side cypress 1 which irew his ind and mployctl roachint; fore the soon as llie sun he^^.it) to ascend the cast, four men took il. on lln-ir siiouiders six ladies, attircil in while, horc up the pall, and the funeral advanced. The persons who pri( cded the coflhi, were \\\v pritu ipal incinhers of the I'astor's ( li.ipcl, and were in thrii ordin- ary sahbalh dressed. Tlu; I'.islor lianni^; on his grand- son's arm, followed next to the body. 'ihe former wore his clerical dress, as he had always worn it, and his coun- tenance looked resigned : the latter mat and manly, seemed to have strengtluncd himself for this nulaueholy hour. Jine and and Miss T.-ithurst were two of the pall he.'irers. l)(l)oi.ih followei.1, with her f( llowservants, niter the Doctor and Farmer Joshua, with a tr.iin of mourners. \\ hen the path the procession was upon began to des- (trid, the sobs of Jane, and l>eborah, broke the silence tli.it prev.iiled. ( )n each siile were slumps of trees. On two of thise stumps that were eovered with green moss, llie c(jHin was rested, while the men who bore it changed sides. Arthur covered his face until again the procession set forward. One (jf the persons who walked first, cnnimenci-d a ii\inn, which sounded soleuudy in that solitude. J5y the liin(; it was linished, the bur) ing ground was nigh. Clin- ton liad gone to that side of the enclosure where the inuuntain rose, and stood behind a iletached stone, to view the lowering of the body into its hnal abode. No sooner had the I'astor entered tlu; enclosure than he oi)eueil a pra}er-book, ami attended by the sympathy of all [>resent, went to the head of the procession, and began to read the burial service. At hrst, his voice could scarcely be heard, but soon it became more distinct ; and seldom have words fallen more impressively on hmuan ears, llian those of that service, on the ears of the mourners. The coffin was not immediately lowered into the grave, hut rested by it on a boaid sui^portcd by two logs, while the Pastor read the lesson from the fifteenth chapter of the epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. When all was over, and the 1 ist look had been taken at the coffin, Arthur lost his self-possession, and yielded to grief. " My dear son," said the Pastor, "be comforted — look up!" he pointed to the orb of day shining in the sky; li I 7« Till «\N\ni.\N (IIKI. '• the Smi n\ l\i;:litruiisn ( s:. htiiilf s (i|)(>i) US ill our aft1ic< h i: I ' ti<»n. He iuiiil<»rt(;u without 1311 must on his a most sooiiiiii;; ntaiuK-r, and placLiI licr on ills knic, .mil diew Itir arm around his net k. N'oii know," saiur bmther \'ou shniild not d« sirt me altciLMilicr bad as I am, U*r I have no one but you to care anything' about me, and to ^'uide me." ••My ilcar fatiicr!" said jaiu-, "muih do I wish, you know I ilo, that we could live toK'thir- and why may Wf not? Only ^ive up tiiat trade of piracy, and I will never part from you, but obey your wish ami con- sent. ••Conditions, JtMiny !" said the I'irate. •' \'ou should not fi>r^a't I have an authority to command, as well as an allec tion with whi(li to entreat. IVII me, il I havtr ever ^,'iven you cause to complain of ill-usa};e ?" "Never," she answered; •'you were always kind to me." huringtliis meeting, which was aflecting and paiuhil, no one but themselves had been in the kitchen. i»ut, as stejis were heard approaching, Jane drew her arm from her father's neck, and arose from his knee. •• Not a word, Jenny, to any one, of who I am, or I am destroyed!" he whispered; and Jane jiretended to be engaged in examining tlu; cakes. The feint succeeded. l)el)orah, who entered, had no suspicion that in the mariner, Jane had found her father. " If you please, Miss Anderson, his honour the Pastor, and Mr. Arthur, wish you would come to the breakfast," said Deborah. Jane went, and joined the breakfast party ! Arthur noticed her tremour as she placed herself in the seat which had been Lucy's, to make, and pour the tea. Attributing it to the agitating ceremony in which she had been engaged, and to regret for Lucy, he spoke to her with tenderness, and took the cuj) which was shaking in her hand from her, replacing ii on the tray. Presently she rallied, and performed her office with composure, while he relapsed into the sorrow which wrapped him in a sort of insensibility. The Pastor said nothing until the con- clusion of the repast, but it was too evident that he was suffering intensely the whole time. When the table was cleared, he went through the morn- ^ m f:"^ 4 ^„ 80 Till-: CANADIAN OIKI,. iii}4 devotions witii (liflicult}', ami frcciuciitly lie was com- pelled to stop to wipe away the tears. CHAPTJ^K V. AN AFI'AIK Ol- IIUNUUR. ll!' I - ¥ H " IV TOW," said Clinton inwardly, as lie folded a letter on W the kitclien table, and addressed it to Mr. Lee, " it is done; and the twelfth hour from this may see me sense- less as a clod. Deborah, put that into Mr. Lee's hand, and let no other person see it or look at it." " Is it I that would show it to any other person ?" said Deborah ; *' Sure and 1 can carry a litter to its right owner, and make no mistake." She ilung her head as she spoke, and Clinton, who was not aware of the notions of right and wrong which some of the Irish people are gifted with, said to her, " Pray be not offended, Debby. I had no intention of wounding your feelings. The letter is important, and private, or I should rot on any account have said the words which have sounded so unpleasantly to you." " Unplisintly ! Och, then, you say the truth, Mr. Clinton. Unplisint too !" As soon as Deborah had left the kitchen, she went to her chamber, and holuing the letter end-wise against the light of the candle, peeping through it to make out its contents. These, at first baffled her, but presentl}' she managed to get a sight of them, by pulling out one of the end-folds. " It is jist as I thought," said she, '* it's a challenge to fight at half-past three o'clock in the morning. Mr. Lee is to mate him beyond the cornfields, ana there they will murder one another for nothing at-all-at-all, if I don't pri- vint ; but by St. Pathrick, I will prevint it, or may I nevei knale to a catholic priest agin." The loosened fold was tucked in. The letter pro- nouacec^ ail in '' dacent order," and in a few minutes Mr. Lee received it from Deborah's hands. Next, she went to the Pastor and addressed him. " May it plase your honour," said she. AN AllAIk OK IIONOUK. Si ^as com- i letter on r. Lee, " it ; me scnse- ,ee'b hand, son r s aid to its right head as she : notions of - are gifted intention of Dortant, and ive said the you. ; truth, Mr. rah had left holauig the die, peeping lese, at first ct a sight ol challenge t« Mr. Lee ere they will I don't pri- r may 1 nevei ic letter pro- minutes Mr. t, she went to " Well. Dehorali," said he, " what have you to say to me?" " C>nly, that I\Ir. Clinton is intinding to mate Mr. Lee early to-morrow morning, to light him with pistols and swords; and I could not kape myself hack from tilling you of it. They're going to mate heyond the cornfields at half-past three o'clock on the Monday morning." " 1 hope not," said the Pastor, " my grandson, I liope, would not so forget the principles I liave taught him. 1 feel confident he would not throw away his life, or the life of Mr. Clinton in a duel, knowing that there is a judgment to come. You must he mistaker , Dehorah." " I have jist carried the challenge in a litter to Mr. Arthur myself. I ^:hould have hrought it to you, I gave my word to l\Ir. Clinton that no other person hut M.r. Lee should see it. I took a peep at the litter mysilf, and saw the maning of it, and tliat is the maning I have tould you." "You make nice distinctions, Dehhy," said the Pastor; " you seem to think you have not hroken your word to the writer of the letter although you have read it, and informed me of the contents." " 1 have not, your honour," said Deborah ; " I only promised to let no other person look at it or rade it." " 1 cannot stay to argue the point with you now, Dehhy," said the Pastor, *' I must go to my grandson and learn how far this statement is correct." Arthur was writing in a chamber, when the Pastor entered to him. "Arthur," said the latter, "is it true that you have received a challenge from Mr. Clinton, to fight him witU swords anc' pistols ?" " With swords or pistols, my dear grandfather," replied Arthur. "But sit down, and do not distress yourself. You shall hear my explanation of the circumstance which gav( rise to this challenge, and then read the letter itself. 1 f(Aind Mr. Clinton in the room in which the remains of iiiy sister were. I was confounded at his insolence in entering the private rooms of this house. That he should liave dared to go into that room, was an act of impertinent curiosity and vanity. I expelled him by force, and promised either to take his life, or forfeit mine, as the only satisfaction I could render him for having wounded his pride." 82 THE CANADIAN r.IRL. 1 1; III The Pastor then read Clinton's letter, the contents ran thus: — "Sir — I shall expect that you meet me, as I consider you bound yourself by your ^vor(l to do, at half-past three to-morrow morning', beyond the corn-lields to render me the only compensa- tion for the msult I liavc received from you, which 1 will accept, namely, your life. If J fail to take; that by honourable means, 1 shall be ready to yield my own. Oiu; of us must perisli to-mor- row morning. You arc at liberty to choose your own weapons. vSmall swords would be, I think, the b(\st. You have pistols how- ever, and you can adopt which you think proper." "And have you answered this letter?" inquired the Pastor. " I have," rephed Arthur ; " you shall see my reply before I seal it." The Pastor was shocked to read as follows : — •' Sir, — I shall not fail to meet you with short swords, which I bcHeve we can both handle a little expertly, at half-past three, beyond the cornfields." '* You cannot intend to rush into the presence of your Immortal Judge in such an impious manner ? Surely I am not deceived in you !" said the Pastor. Arthur went to his grandfather, and took his hand. " You are not deceived in me," said he; "but, if you will allow me I will remain silent as to the resolution I have formed concerning this matter until after the hour of meeting, named in the letters, is passed." " And then your soul may be beyond the reach of exhortation, and instruction," said the Pastor. " Not so, I trust," said Arthur. " My dear grand- father, suffer me to keep what I purpose hid within my own breast, and believe that you will see me at breakfast with you to-morrow morning, without being stigmatised as a coward, and without having denied my principles. Let your mind be at rest. With the blessing of God all shall be well." *' I am glad to hear you speak in this m;mner," said the Pastor ; " and I will not think you will venture to risk your eternal welfare by voluntarily ([uitting life through such a passage of destruction, or that you will put your- self in the way of periling the soul of Clinton ; or that you will leave me of your own accord, quite desolate." "I will do neither of these things," said Arthur; was tJiis desi deni hro\\| (( M AN AVIvMK OF HONOUR. hand. |)ii will have ur of rancl- 111 my akfast atiscd iciplcs. od all "satisfy yoiirsc^if witli assurance to that iffcct. I ani nuscH sorry that 1 should have contemplated sucii a thln^^" " Vet you will send that reply which you have written ?" " I must send it; and if you licar me K^^inj^ out in the morning be not alnrmed. 1 assure you, if God so pirmit, all shall be well with me." " I rely on you — my grandson. You never yet broke a promise to me, and I cannot think you will now." " Depend upon me, grandfather." The Pastor wished him good night, and left him. The divine worship of the day was over, and all retired to rest. At half-jiast three next morning there was rain falling, but this did not deter Clinton, who had siept in the kitchen, from dressing for his engagement. Just before he left the house he looked at a very small ivory miniature of Lady Hester, then placed it inside his waist- coat next his heart, that, in case he was struck there by the ball or the sword, it might be shivered on the fountain of life. He had about him Lucy's farewell verses: for next to the object of his love he placed in iiis affections the memory of her who had loved him, he took with him a roll of paper, and two letters, which he; had written in case of his death. Arthur was at the place before him with small swords. The young men haughtily grec:ted each other, and whatever fears Clinton might have idl, all vanished. He was eager for the desperate contest. Arthur was somewhat depressed — not with cowardice, but with moral energy struggling with natural temper. He Iclt that peculiar recklessness which the presence of a foe produces in men of ardent blood, and he could have lought with Clinton to the death: but, within his mind was throned a principle which cIk ckcd every impulse of this sort. lUit it was the force of the conilict between the desire to fight his adversary, and the principle wliich denied its gratification, that produced the gloom on his brow. ** Now, Mr. Lee, I am ready," said Clinton. " And I," said Arthur, " but not to fight. Mr. Clinton, you have known me two years and upwards — did you ever have reason to think that I was devoid of the spirit of , . brave man?" 84 TIIK f'ANAinAN CTRL. ',1 ', if. " I never knew an individual of a manlier s[)ii it ilian yourself; I do not thinlv it would be easy to know one." '• I thank you," said Arthur. '* Now I may speak to you with more frankness ; and as you have had the can- dour to acknowledge so much, you will perhaps not deny me a just appreciation of the motives which dictate what I am going to say. Mr. Clinton, I cannot use weapons of blood, in our quarrel. I refuse to fight. I refuse to take your life — I refuse to yield mine, unless I am forcibly dei)rived of it." "What do you mean, sir? I am not to be trilled with." " I will not trille with you, IMr. Clinton. Do you think, that I fear to meet the point of a sword like this which invites your hand ? Speak, is it timidity which causes me to refuse to fight ?" ** I will not say it is," said Clinton ; " I believe you are as bold as I am." ''Then, sir," said Arthur, "you say true; and I dare, if the fear of God, sir, would suffer me, I would prove it to you uneciuivocally. But a mighty arm holds mine pas- sive ; and if a thousand reputations were at stake, I dare not fight." " Then we are to return as we came, I presume," said Clinton. Arthur looked as if he would have replied with strokes of death ; but principle was too mighty for him ; and he paced the sod with struggles of the most trying kind, which man is called to endure. The chivalrous nature of Clinton also showed itself more to advantage. "I almost feel, Mr. Lee," said he, "that you arc superior to me. I acknowledge the excellence of the principle which has led to your refusal to fight, though I could by no means adopt it ; and 1 have only to request that you will give me your assurance that you arc sensible I was willing to redeem my insulted honour, even at the price of life." " That I will willingly do," said Arthur ; " it cannot be denied." " Then now we part," said Clinton. " I will no more trouble you with my presence. You have reason to wish my absence from the valley, and I can no longer be happv in it. Before we separate I must give you a paper signed with my name, which contains a statement of the mutiny ^ AN AFFAIR OF IIONOUK «S c. :ak to } can- : deny what ;apons use to )rcil)ly trilled think, which scs mc /ovL arc dare, if 'c it to le pas- I dare :," said strokes and he y kind, iture of ou arc of the loiigh I request ou arc Lir, even nnot be -i. no more to wish le happy signed ; mutiny of the crew and mate of tlie Antelope vess(!l, romniand» d hy Cajitain ISarry, who was nuirdercvl by theiu ou ship l)oard, while entering the St. I^a\vreuc;i river ; several emigrants were ou board beside mysel'', and migh.t be found to substantiate my statement." Clinton ii(>re handed to Arthur a roll of paper, and resumed, " A mariner is in tlie lodge now, and intends to set out on his return to his ship this morning. That is the mate of tlie Ant(dope." '' Wiiat! the Pirate ?" cxclaimc^d Arthur. " No doubt a jiirate," said Clinton, " although he passes for a conuuon sailor." "The father of Jane Anderson!" exelaiiued Arthur. Clinton echoed his words in surprise. Arthur was grieved with himself; lie had betrayed tiie secret of his betrothed. " Sir," said he, " I have said what I should not have said. As a man of lionour, impart not to any living being, the disgraceful relationsliip." " 1 will not," saiil Clinton. ** The knowledge of such a fact shall never pass my lips, without Miss And<>rson or yourself gives me a release from tlie promise I make you. I hit you will see, Mr. Lee, that the man I have named, be lie mate, or pirate, or common sailor, does not escape you. It is a case which requires the sacrifice of any personal feelings you may have towards Miss Anderson. His life is forfeit to justice, and he ought not to be left at large." " I hope," said Arthur, " no personal feelings will deter me from fulfilling my duty. 1 shall take care that the mariner be in safe conhnement, if my grandfather deter- mines to commit him upon the credit of your written statement." Tlold him safe on that," said Clinton; ** I shall make my way to the Licutenant-Govern(\, from whom \ou may expect to hear. lie will r(([uire tlu prisoner horn you." They parted with cold politeness, Clinton taking one of the unfrequented paths that led up to the top of a I'.ountain, and Arthur returning to the lodge. The Pastor had not slept in the night ; fears for his grandson agitated him every hour, and as soon as he heard Arthur leave the; house, he walked into the garden. So happy was the old gentleman to iiee the latter leturu <[ i U 86 Tin; CANADIAN CIRL. :m fl!' ill U 1 1 if 1 .ii I JU j_ I f uninjiirfd, that he grasped liini by tlic liand and shook it repeatedly. " 1 feared tliat you would not be firm enough," said he; " I know lunv dillieult it is for a young man to bear the least imputation on his courage. J hit, thank the Lord, you have been strengthened for the trial." *' 1 am thankhil that the trial is over, and I hope that I may n(;ver be subjected to such another," said Arthur; "and now, grandfather, oblige me by mentioning this occurrence no more, for, whenever it is alhuUnl to, 1 shall be temj)ted to wish that 1 had met Clinton in his own temper." The Pastor said, *' I deem it a mercy that they D.n) not stained with the blood of one of your rash young men." Clinton's account of the mutiny of the Antelope was put into the Pastor's hands by Arthur, without explana- tion. " I wish you to read it throughout," said Arthur, " as soon as you can, and then I will speak to you on a subject of some importance to me, which is connectetl with it." " Must I read it this forenoon ?" asked the l\'istor, " because I have some writing in hand wliich I am anxious to finish." '* Read it as early as you can," replied Arthur. " 1 shall betake myself to the perusal after the morn- ing prayers," said the Pastor, who retired to his library. Arthur went to the door of Jane's room, and knocked several times. As there was no answer he concluded that she had risen, although it was not five o'clock ; he stepped down stairs to the kitchen, the house-door was open, and the mariner was prej)aring to set out. Jane wecpi.^g, hung on his breast, while he was urging her to go with him to his ship, speaking in a low voice. As Arthur came near, llie mariner said — ** You will not, you say, jenny? — did I ever expect ... liear my darling say so ? Would your mother have so left lue if 1 had entreated her to go with me for my good? You will not ? Well, I go back without having accom- plished my errand. When you hear of my death, Jenny, perhaps an evil death — and when you hear of the crimes I shall have eoinmitti d, .ifter having been refused by my daugliLci my supplication to her, you will think of this. AN AllAII; or IIONOIIK. 87 00k it id ho ; ;ir the Lord, that I rtliiir ; \^ tliis 1 shall is own ley arc; younj; pc was arry, and he is dangerous to nie. 1 hav(.' hazarded my life in staying here so long — and why have 1 hazarded it ? that I might gain my child back to my heart ; but she t(;lls mc I am a Pirate — she will not dwell with me." "No — no; I did not say that ; you mistook my mean- ing. I said I was afraid to go again in a pirate-ship. I siillered so tlreadfully formerly." " It is all the same nu;aning. You will not go with mc, Mut my heart so clings to hope, I will ask you once more. Will you, Jenny Anderson, forsake me now for ever?" Jane wept most agonizingly, and her answer was unin- telligible. *' 1 have done," said the Pirate, " I go, and whatever becomes of me henceforward I care not." ] le was turning to depart, when Arthur appeared close to the d(;or. Jane started, and the Pirate frowned, clutch- ing the handle of a knife wliich had been concealed in the sash of his waist, and drawing it half out to view. " Unintentionally, I have heard your words to your daughter;" said Arthur,, "and, though against my will, liave received in them confirmation of a statement which has this morning been made by Clinton you have named ; lie asserts that you are the murderer of Captain Parry, and the robber of the contents of his ship. Yield yourself a prisoner to the laws you have violated." " No — do not detain him, Mr. Lee !" entreated Jane, using all her influence with Arthur for her fath(T's sake, "lie never was guilty of murder! Do not believe Clinton. He falsely accused the Settler's son ; he is capable of falsely accusing another. I have told you the worst of my father ; he has been a Pirate — but not a mur- derer !" " And so you have betrayed me, Jane !" exclaimed the Pirate. " Let him not think so, Mr. Lee," said Jane ; " remem- ber that you sought my confidence, and that you bade me rely on your secresy and friendship." " I have not forgotten it, my dear Jane," said Arthur, " and nothing that you have said to me shall hurt him. 1 arrest him as a murderer, not as a Pirate." " Mr. Lee, my father is no murderer I" said Jane. She mini ! n ss Tin: CANADIAN criU.. i V ; 1 i l^ ii .! ; ) i " ; ■ I t ' ; H .' I 1 ,( ^ *^ if . 1 1 R 1 ■ was n<;aiti encircled by her father's arm, and a warm (lur^'y was added to tlu; quiet expression of her face. There is such a thin^ among virtuous people, as the pride of virtue.*, which some imagine.' to he nc^cessary to its (.'xistence. Such pride marred the uprightness of Arthur. The IMrate found httU; favour at his hands, altliough tiu; parent of his betrothed. To favour the escape of such a man from the just vengeance of the law, Arthur would have tiiought nothing less than a crime — a crime which he was too proud, as well as too conscie.'ntious to commit. " My dear jane," said he, " whether he is a murderer or not, remains to be proved. He is chargeil with the crime, and 1 cannot allow him to go from hence until he has been examined by my grandfather." (( You will find it diflicult to prevent me from goin said the 1 'irate, (( If my fatl ler remams, sai d J' me (< le wil I )e con- denmed as a Pirate, though he be aceiuitted as a mur- derer." "Clinton's accusation says nothing of piracy," said Arthur, "and I shall disclose nothing whicli Jane has entrusted to me in conruU!nce," at the same time he red- den(Ml, for he remembered he had that morning informed Clinton of nearly all he himself knew. " Mr. Lee, you cannot suppose that ho will not be known. Have not all the magistrates of Upper Canada been commissioned to take him prisoner, as the notorious Pirate of the Lakes ? Would not Pastor Wilson discover who he was ?" " Good bye, Jenny, my child, good bye," said the Pirate ; " it may be a long time before you see me again, and then you may regret that you chose the society of a lover, in preference to that of a father." Pie was turning away, leaving Jane much distressed, when Arthur who had stepped aside a moment, returned to the door with a loaded pistol, which he aimed at the Pirate, who was off his guard. Jane sprang on her father's neck, stretching out her hand as though to repel the ball. " You alarm yourself needlessly, my dear Jane," said Arthur. *' I only mean to show this man, whom you call your father, that he must remain, and abide the result of an examination." " And that result." said Jane, *' will be his death." I - ut if you go froui the lodge, darlin, I would persuade you to take me with you. I'd never be happy here, if yon left mc without yoursilf. I'd go with you to the world's end, and keep your spirits up in all weathers. " Keep your heart up, Miss Jane, things will turn out belter than you exj)ict. Take my word for it darlin, your father will be alright again soon." " 1 wish I could hope," said Jane. "You must hoj^c ; it becomes a Christian to hope, and cspicially one who has made a warm frind of an Irish girl," said Deborah. CHAPTER VL CONNliniAL LOVR, V. 1^\RI'.N'TAL AFFF.CTION. IT was afternoon wheii the Pastor was seated in his chair of authority in his library. Arthur arrangi'd before him the paper which Clinton had given him, with Die tl IC II I'll rONNlJllIAL LOVi:, V. I'AkKNTAL Al TKCTION. 91 several law-Ujoks, pen and ink, parchments, wrltinp- jiapcr, aiul Ictlurs scaled wuh tlu- Lk ulcnant-Govenior's (•Hicial seal. •*Tliat will (Id, my sou," said the I'astor ; " now bring this guilty man before me." Two men went with Arthur to the room wlicroin they supposed i\\r. rirate to In; conhncd. The door appr.ired liK Iscd, but wheji Arthur applied the key, iu- tonnd that it (ould not be opened, the fastenings having been injureil. ]I(! then knocked, but received no answer. "This is strange," said he; •'surely the prisoner has not escaped I" " What is the matter? — where is the prisoner ?" asked the I'astor, coming into the kitchen, " The prisoner seems to have llown, or else he is dead," said one di the men, "We have hammered loud enough at the door, in which Mr. Lee says he shut liim np, but no answer could we get. And the lock has had some iricks played with it, so that we shall find it no easy matter to get in." " Where is Deborah — wlu^re is Jane ?" "Cjrandf.ither," said Arthur, "I know not wlicre they are. 1 can see nothing of them." Jane and Deborah could not be found anywhere in the iionse, for they had tak(;n their clothes and departed. The door was burst inwards; there was no prisoner to be seen ; but as Arthur stood surveying the room, he per- ceived a letter on the table. Opening it, he read these lines: — "Mr. Log, do not chari^c me with my father's escape. I dis- rnvcrt'd this morniiiijf early that ht^ was ,^oni', and (hMcrmincd to lollow his stops, with the hope of lindinj^'- him now where 1 knew he had left his ship. Deborah had received her dischar^n: from you, and she considered herself at liberty to .c;-o where she i (leased. She is with me, and is det(>rmined not to leave me ilurin;^^ the time 1 may sp(Mid in my father's ship. We hope you will lind all ri^dit in the house, and I bid you, sir, farewell." " So perishes," said the Pastor, when he too had read the letter, " m)' last dream of domestic happiness." In the moan'.ime, Clinton had reached the house of the Lieutenant-Governor, and had had an interview with him. Nothing cotdd exceed the vexation of the Governor when his messengers returned from the Pastor with the intelli- gence that the Pirate had made his escape. 1,1 ( 1 ^^.^< IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 [fl^ 1^ I.I m m 12,2 m u& 11.25 11 1.4 2.0 1.6 vQ > ^5^ ^;. y y^ Hiotographic Sciences Corporation ?- V'WV MAIN STREET WEUSTER.N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 L1>^ ,v f\ «^ 6^ r 1 I' -1 I'i 92 TIIF. r.ANADIAN C.IRT,. n': He was a passionate man, and he burst into a drawinpj- rooni wliich opened upon a lawn, and began pacing up and down with angry exclamations. *' What ails you, my dear Governor ? you seem put out of your way," said the Lieutenant-Governor's lady. *' No ill news from l^ngland, I hope, Governor," said a lady, about twenty-five years of age. '* No, Lady Cleveland, I have received no news from ICngland to-day." "Then what can be the matter with you?" said his ICxcellency's lady. "That cursed Pirate has escaped me again, madam," said his I'^xcellency. " lie seated, sir, be seated," said the Lieutenant- Governor to Clinton, who stood near the door in a posture of humility. " I thank you, your Excellency," said Clinton, occup)'- ing the chair nearest to him. " You were an emigrant, you say, in this lost vessel, and saw the death of Captain P>arry, and the seizure of his ship ?" Clinton bowed. " ^ Vould you, as you know this Pirate, have any objec- tion to go in search of him on the Lakes ?" " Not the slightest — only one, at least." " What objection is that ?" " I am compelled to speak it, or I should not, your Excellency — I am without money." " This young man, my dear," said the Governor, " lost all his property in that ship of which I was speaking to you this morning." " Indeed I" exclaimed the lady, " I am sorry to hear he suffered such a disaster. Have a glass of wine, sir," and she went to a decanter, and poured some Madeira. Clinton could not but take the glass she offered with her hand, and with a gesture of genuine gratitude, he drank. " Hester, my love," said the lady, " have you a return of that throbbing in the temples you told me of this morning ?" " No — dear madam ; you are kind to inquire," said Lady Cleveland. " Perhaps you will have the kindness," she resumed, " to lend me your arm into the lawn — I do not feel well." Faint as that whisper of Lady Cleveland's had been, it ,f CONNUr.IAT, I.OVK, V. IWRKNTAL AIFKrTION. q^ rcacliLil llic In.'.irt of Clinton ; lie arose Uniw his chair, ami rcniaincil stan^liIl<^^ with one foot advanced, ga/ing alter her, until tiie closing of the door roust;d iiini. " It cannot be — I surely dream !" he exclaimed aloud. The Ciovernor was astonished. "What are you looking at, sir, so attentively?" lie asked. " May 1 entreat that your ICxcellency will inform nu; the name borne by the young lady who has just gone into the garden ?" " Lady Cleveland is her name. She l)ears lier Inis- band's name : he is a colonel — Colonel Cleveland. Tiiey have come from the mother country by appointment under the iJritish crown." *' Her husband !" eclioed Clinton. " Her husband ; Colonel Cleveland of the luissars. ]>ut it is not possible you have known the lady before ?" " I had a passing recollection of her figure," said Clinton. " But now to business, if your ICxcellency pleases." "Yes, to business," said the Governor. "You will be accommodated in Toronto to-night. My servants will put you somewhere to sleep, and in the morning I will tell you what I have decided upon." Next morning the Governor sent for Clinton into the same drawing room, and the latter was allowed a certain provision on consideration of his assisting in the pursuit of the Pirate. The engagement, which was much to Clinton's satisfaction, was barely concluded when Letitia ran into the room. " How provoking," said she ; " we have hardly been in Toronto a month, and now we arc to go to sc^me out of the way place, I know not where, I hate travelling." " Suppose you take your favourite, the kitten, with you," said the Governor, "you will not hate to travel then, eh, little lady?" " Ah ! she is such a pretty creature," said Letitia, " but I will tell you why I do not like to travel," continued she ; " my sister was happier by half at home in England — but that is between ourselves, as my Governess would say in I'rcnch." Here she broke into a laugh ; " Nice dull com- panions they are, my sister, and the stiff Colonel, grand, silent papa, and my governess, with her never-ending — hush Lady Letitia — don't look about you so, Lady Letitia ( • ii . 1., i 94 TIIK ('ANADIAN' (ilKL. tf i ! I K t 1 — do (ItMiican yourself more becoming your dignified station, Lady Letitia." " Ihit arc: }ou really going away?" asked the (iovernor. •• My governess, and our maids arc packing up," said Letitia. *• I am surprised — so soon — I was not informed," mut- tered the (iOvernor. Clinton was gazing at the young sister of Lady Cleve- land with a look that puzzled the Governor. It was a look sorrowful, tender, and intense. " V'ou (l(j not know this lady, I presume ?" said his Excellency. ** I do not," replied Clinton. When he had left the room, he had to cross some intri- cate passages, and in doing so, found that he had pur- sued a different direction from that which lui had intended to take. He waited until some servant should be j)assing, and put him right. While lie stood listening fc^r approaching footsteps, he perceived a door half open, which might conduct to some outlet such as he wanted ; going close to it, he pushed it inwards, and saw a small withdrawing room, into which he stepped. He was coming out again, vexed at having thus perplexed himself, when he heard the \oices of Lady Cleveland, and the Governor's lady, employed in earnest conversation in a room adjoining one side of the withdrawing room ; the partition was thin, and now and then a word reached Clinton's ear. For one moment there was a struggle between inclination and honour, but inclination prevailed, and he moved to that thin wall through which the sounds passed. The ladies were sitting on a sofa, close to the inner side of the wall. They were alone, for their conversation was confidential. '* 1 will not ask you to stay longer, dear Lady Cleve- land," said the Governor's lady; and these words Clinton heard. Lady Cleveland spoke softly, and it was with didiculty the strained ear of the listener could distinguish the purport of her exclamations. Something like gratifi- cation darted through his breast, when he made out the principal part of the following speech : " 1 dissemble in public. I appear openly in all the glitter of rank, and wealth, and fashion, but m secret, my heart is breaking. Had the Colonel been the man my '!■! fONNUl'.IAI. LOVi:, V. I'AKKNTAL \1 FIXTU »N. 95 father asscilcd liiiii to ho, my peace of inltid woulil have heen restoreil hy this time. iJiit 1 have hei'ii eompelli;^ hy private pc.-rsccution, into a union with a man who lias no more rej^anl for me than for his liorse, or his dog — nay, I (picstion whetlier there is anytliinj,' helonging to him which lie sets at a lower rate than his wife." •' llah! is it thus with her!" exclaimed Clinton, with a smile of mingh d pleasure. " I am not the only suMcrcr -she herself is misi;ral)le! She- hy her marriaf,'e then. (ill, what strange pranks doth fate and fortune in this world!" " lUit my dear Lady Cleveland," the Governor's lady was heard remonstrating, "time and patience may work wonders with the Colonel yet. l>less you, my dear, 1 have seen many instances where husbands who hegan ill, ended well; and so 1 have seen many begin well, and yet turn out good-for-nothing creatures before long. Have patience, dear, and don't let your spirits droop." " An oj-iera dancer in London," were the next words he made sliiiL to hear; they had been spoken by Lady Hester Cleveland with much else that seemed to be important, if he miglit judge by the senior lady's exclarna- ti(jns of " indeed ! — Really ! — 1 am sorry to hear you say so! — 1 should not have thought the Colonel so depraved!" " 1 will not remain with him much longer," said Lady Cleveland, and a shower of tears ace jmpanied the speech. " The carl, my father, may argue and plead fc^r the Colonel," she resumed, "and for the dignity of his house, .uid for the reputation of his eldest daughter, as long as he will — I cannot bear what I now bear nuich longer, and I will not. Oh, my more than mother, kind madam, let me unburden my mind fully to you ! There is a relief in opening the heart to a friend, such as you are to me, alter it has been long shut up with unutterable sorrows." Her speech was more vehement, and her sobs mingled with every sentence in the most aiiiicting manner. " Lay your head on my breast — there, love," said Mrs. iMarkliam, the Governor's lady. " Now tell me all that burdens your heart. I wish 1 could relieve you with any more substantial comfort than my poor advice and sympathy, but since I cannot they are your own." Clinton was unable to make out the melancholy recital which the young peeress was now rapidly unfolding to the ear which was painfully bent to her. He conjectured nf» a ■H ■ I , m 06 TIIK TANAIHAN OIUI,. >lf^ ri^'litly tlial it concerned liiins('ll'. He leaned a«;,Minst the wall overcome with the tiinuilt my directions? I coininandcd yuii to preserve strict i i' icc while I was absent ?" '• I say, captain, it's no use leaving nic to keep o.«lcr, for no one minds nic." "Who has dared to disobey yon, Toby Havcrstraw ? me — as you love your own life." " 1 do not matter my poor worn out life much," said the oKI maji, "but I'll tell no lie to you — for why should I, seeiuf,' I hav(! one le<,' in the j^rave, and the other ready to follow it, captain ? Michael and Jonas, yonder, are the two men who have told mc; they will not obey me ; they are as gocjd buccaneers as I or you, they say, and they will do as they lik-e." " Will they so — ha, indeed !" cried the captain, dis- iodf^in;; fro!ii his belt two pistols, which he took one in each hand and presented to the temples of the two ofTenders. " I low say you, Michael and Jonas, shall 1 or you govern this vessel ?" To a question thus put, the answer was not likely to be bold ; yet the hardened fellows gave no tokens of submis- sion. " You are captain, we don't deny it — keep your cap- tainship — but we want to have no other captain," were the words of one of the two men. "This is not the lirst time 5'ou have attempted to spread mutiny in the shij)," said the Pirate ; " I will say no more to you now, but if 1 hear of a whisper of this sort again, some of your hves shall answer it — you hear me." Clinton was conducted by the captain into the interior of the ship, where he noticed how strictly everything was arranged, and how well all was arranged for defence. To a remark which he made, the Pirate rci)lied — "Yes, I am not a little proud of my weather-tight cruiser. I have seldom seen a better built, or better fur- nished, lady of the waters, than this vessel. Hut you should see her sailing! she can skim the waters like a swallow; if she were built of cork, she could not swim through troubled seas more buoyantly. These arc my private cabins, enter." Clinton followed his conductor into a room of good size„ furnished in the syle of an English drawing-room. • k 'i.«l m fOO TIIK CANADIAN r.IKI,. i i •♦ 'Iwis excites your surprise, I sec," s.iiil llie Pirate, 1(K kiiij; tli(! door. •'Certainly it does," said Clinton. " I little expected to see a place so fitted up in a — " " Pirate's vessel, you were; f,'oin^( to say," saitl tlu; cap- tain. " You may speak out i)l.iinl)', 1 tan bear it. Tlmre nuist be henceforth no secrets bt tween us two, if I can succeed in proving; to you, now you are here, the reality of Nvhat I told you on (iil)raltar Point." •• If you can prove it," said Clinton, "there shall be no secrets between us." "Then the best way," said the Pirate, "to do that will be to relate to you the liistory of my i)ast life. You say you can stop here until dusk ; we have eight hours to spare and 1 shall be able to open all my biidj^et to you during th;it time. Put 1 nmst have another listener." The Pirate went to a door, and called — "Jenny — Jenny Anderson." "What! — can Miss Anderson be here!" exclaimei.1 Clinton. "Cap ■' said our former Irish acfiuaintance, "Miss Jane will u^ m to ye in a half a (piarter of a minute." "And Deborah here too! — what wonder next!" exclaimed Clinton. Deborah nodded her head to the latter, by way of recognition, and withdrew it. The Pirate hxed his eyes on Clinton. " 1 am astonished," said he, " that I did not recognise you before. Now every expression upon your face reminds me of her whom I never truly valued until I had lost — of her who was an angel on my wild path, and whose instructions and principles, had I followed them, ^vould have conducted me safe through the dangerous seas, in which I have shipwrecked honour, conscience, and hope. Yes, you are like her ! She had your figure too, only more feminine. How strange to think I should not have known you before !" As he was speaking this, a confused noise was heard overhead, and the captain, begging to be excused a few minutes, hurried on deck to see the cause of the disturb- ance. He did not return for a quarter of an hour, and during this space, Jane Anderson entered. Deborah had informed her that Clinton was here, she did not show <()NNUi!i.M. i.ovi;, V. r\ki:NT.\r. ah i;«'Ti()\. loi inurh surprise at sr«'in(; him. SIu; criolly met his ^jrrss to each other," said Clinton ; "and this portrait would pass for that of the motlu^r of Miss Anderson. The mouth is exactly yours, Jane." "And the eyes are strikinj:^ly hkc yours," said Jane; "and see, father, the shape of the forehe.ad, yes, you must be my brother ;" and in her joy at having found a relative so long dreamt of, she caught his hand, and pressed it to her heart. " My dear sister ! from this hour yoi. have in me a friend and protector," said Clinton, kissing her cheek. The Pirate looked on his children with feelings of the strongest kind. " Nicholas 1" he exclaimed, giving vent to his emotions. " Nicholas, my son ! guilty as 1 am, and unworthy of my !> : I'll I f ^1 102 TFIF, CANADIAN CIUL ! 1 t' 1 1' ( hililrcns' lovr, I do rr.ivp it, and I fee I it tlir only plra* j'liic of my cxislcnct.'. I lowcvcr l).id you l\i»(»\v iin* to l>c, do not S(;t nic down as Ixin;,' without natural adt ( tion. I)o not utterly despise Mic, Nieholas!" " l'*atlicr I" LwclaiuHMl Clinton, •• for now I do not i!(Md)t you to he my parent, hi iii grounds that I have since seen to be reasonable enough, but which I tlicn thouj.Hit frivolous. She liad been brought up in a religious way — I iiad no concern aboul religion : siic was of domestic habits of life — I had no other home but a ship, and was constantly roving over the world of waters. But these objections my i)assion would not listen to. I pressed for an union, and, when the time of my departure from England was fixed, my earnestness overcame Fanny's scruples, and we were; privately married in a village church hear the house in which we first met. Thus love con(iuered, and so 1 thought it ought to do, but I did comprehend the con- scientious spirit I had won. She drooped under self blame, for the violation of duty to her parents. •' I have given them sorrow," was her cry, *' who never gave me other than happiness ; the tears and sighs of my father and my mother will always be present with me go where I will ; there home was a paradise, until my disobedience.' set regret and misery in it ; their broken peace will pur- sue me to my last hour though I go to the ends of the earth." ** When those complaints came to be repeated, I was angry. I told her I would have sacrificed twenty parents, and twenty sets of brothers and sisters for her sake. " Ah, my love," said she, " you never knew the love and tenderness of one such father and mother as mine, or I hope you would not say so." '* Her father was setting out to fetch her back to her home, when she arrived there to take her farewell of him and the rest of the family. She took with her the friend with whom she had been on a visit that the intelligence of her marriage might be softened to her relatives by the representations of that lady. They received that intelli- gence with grief, but after the first burst of trouble was over Fanny received every kindness from them which it was in their power to bestow. I received a note from her desiring me to come to her at the parsonage. I com- plied with her wish, though it was no wish of mine, for I had no desire to see the persons who had so opposed my suit. The reception I met was one of genuine feeling, and I felt that it was a pity to remove Fanny from such a happy circle. I felt that I had committed an error in clandestinely obtaining her hand — an error whose bitter fruits I could not count, and, after listening to the unsel- ' i THE pirate's story. 107 I I fish speeches of the ^'ood f^ithcr for an hour or two, I was so wrought upon, that I olfcrcd to quit my claim upon I'anny, to renounce lier society, and to leave her in tlie l)osom of lier family. Uut this prciposal was on no siile received with assent. The clerj^yman declared that to l)art man and wife was a sin he durst not commit. I'anny threw herself on my neck before all th(* family, and affirmed she would never desert me willinj^ly. 1 promised that as soon as 1 reached Canada I would settle there with the money I was to receive as Fanny's mar- riage portion, and after that only make short voyages on the Canadian waters. With this understanding my wife and I left England." " But father," said Jane, ** I always supposed you had parents in Canada when my mother came out with you from Britain. All you have told us of your early life is new to me." " I have had peculiar reasons, Jenny," said the Pirate, " for keeping you in the dark on many points — some of them I shall confess, as I am at my confessions. Your mother knew the truth of my birth and breeding, and she (lid not expect, what she did not receive, the kmdness of any friends of mine when she reached the end of her voyage. *' Our married life," he continued, ** was not happy. To trace the progress of our happiness would be too much ior me, but I will tell you the real sources whence it pro- ceeded as it appears to me. If Fanny had been of a more adventurous, spirited character, I should have been happier with her ; I should not have loved her so tenderly as I did, but should have been happier with her. This was the fountain of our infelicity 1 feel persuaded, and otiiers sprang out with it. She regretted her separation from her relatives too much, and too much lamented the act of disobedience which she had committed. She too little entered into my schemes of enterprise — too little cared for my advancement. She was too anxious for retirement — and too much loved virtue and religion. " In Quebec I furnished a house for her, and there you, and Nicholas, was born, and there some of your mother's saddest hours were spent." At this point of the Pirate's narrative the noise over- head was repeated, and Jane looked alarmed. The Pirate pressed her back to her seat." 1 1 i|i4 tf ■' ^H I ; hi I f" '■ 'r f ri loS THK CANADIAN CIRL. "Sit vStill," said ho; " Toby will keep a watch on tlio two villains above deck, and if they are not to be other- wise checked, I will silence them by harsher measures than 1 have yet used." The noise came nearer — several feet were heard coniiiiL; down the companion-ladder, and a person fell to the foot of it. The Pirate sc'i/.(;d his pist()ls, and stood at the cabin door. Clinton rose up and took the Iiand of liis newly-found sister to (|uiet Iut apprehensions. " Do you know what is the matter ?" he asked. She answered in an imder tone, '* Two of the worst men of this evil crew have often threatened father with — hark! — yes, it is them who have come down. Toby's voice, too — surely it was not him who fell ! Kind old Toi)y, who once saved me in the waters at the risk of his own life — what can they be quarrelling about now ?" she added. •'Jenny — sit down, and be at your ease!" said the Pirate, with anxious gestures. ** Cap'n, come out !" exclaimed a coarse voice ; " and clear yeiself !" The door was thrown open by the Pirate, and with pistol cocked he stepped out, saying with self-possession, in a manner calculated to tlaunt every adversary, " Who speaks ? Of what am I called on to clear myself ? Hah ! Toby on the ground !" lie cried, " how came he there ?" The old sailor had struck his head against the foot of the ladder, and was stunned. The Pirate raised him, keeping his eye on the two men, and kneeling on one knee. Raising his voice, he called up the seamen above — " How did Haverstraw get in this condition ?" A black looking down, replied, " Massa Captin, dat Jonas it was who trow him down de steps. You did trow de old man down, cause him say to you de Captin had not sold de vessel to de Governor in Toronto. Michael and Jonas say, Massa Captin, dat you hab been in de town to sell de vessel and de buccaneers. Dey say dat you hab brought aboord one of de Governor's people to spy de vessel, and they will hab his life and kill you too." " Cuss you, you black fool !" exclaimed Jonas from below, *' I wish I was behind you, I do ! Take care of yerself, you tarnation fool you, from this minute! As it « 1 i I on tlic c otlur- icasurcs coming' tin; foot 1 at the J of Ills )rst men — liark! s voice, .1 Tol)y, his own ?" she aid the (( and nd with iscssion, ^ " Wlio Hah! ere?" foot of ed hi 111, on one seamen >tin, dat You did Captin .^oronto. ab been Dey say 3 people kill you as from care of Ite ! As TIIK riKATF.'S STORV. TOQ sartin as ever yun had a cowskiii whistiiiii; about your ciissod back, 30U sliall have u feel of luy knife yet, you sli.-ii Me tell de trutii, Jonas," said the black, coiniiif; down a step or two of tlie ladder, having; a cutlass in his hand. •' Me am not frightened wid big words. You say Massa Captin sell dis vessel and dc brave buccaneers to de (iov'.rnor, and you trow down old Toby cause him take Massa Captin's part ; and you say — " Merc one of tlie desperadoes below made a rush at the black, and pulled him down: but the Pirate, letting Haverstraw's head fall to the ground, stood between llicm, and exclaimed — " Not another word or movement of discord here, or \ou die ! Silence, faithful negro ! Silence, Michael, Jonas — malicious disturbers. I will come to you there, and satisfy the crew, if they are to be satisfied, concerning things in which they would never have doubted me, had It not been for your good offices, Michael and Jonas !" Jonas said, in reply — "The crew aint to be satisfied; they know you have been to the Governor's, and mean to swamp the vessel, and give up the buccaneers to swing outside Toronto gaol. They have had a eye on your outsailings and insailings, fur niany-a-day they have, and 'tis no use spinning 'em any more smooth yarns, Cap'n, for they know what it comes to." " Villain !" muttered the Pirate, who trembled lest his son and daughter should have heard what had passed, for llieir sakes he dissembled and said, "Here I will say not a word more — hear not a word. Go on deck, I will come in a second or two ; and then wIk'-t you, Michael and Jonas shall be heard, or whether you shall be masters of the ears and confidence o( the crew , or whether I shall have my due infiuence in my own ship — must be permanently decided. Now go on deck," he said to the black, "go up, good fellow, you have done me a great service — it sliall not go unre- warded — " " No, nigger, it shan't, I promise thee," said Michael, meaningly. " No, Cap'n," he went on, " above deck I will not go. You have a critter of the Governor's in that same cabin of yourn ; let him come out and show himself. He and his employers would give us a taste of lynching^ f r 10 Tin: CANADIAN CIUL. '}■ i. 1 ^'ucss," cried the fellow, '* let iiiiii come out, and he shall give us his opinion if it's suitable to his palate !" Often had the Pirate been in danger from the ferocious tempers of the men with whom he was associated, but never before had he felt the dismay he felt now. Clinton was in peril owing to a mistaken notion of his errand hcic being spread among the sailors — how was the father ttj dispossess the band of the poisonous idea in time U) rescue him ? Having scarcely a moment for reflection the Pirate locked the cabin door on the outside, and call- ing on the black to follow him, hastened up the ladder. The negro was a runaway American slave. Merry, as he was named, had been a favourite in the ship, he had offended no one, but obliged even the most sullen by his accommodating disposition. To two persom. he had attached himself from the first hour of his admission into the vessel — those persons were the Captain and Haver- straw. " Keep close to me, Merry, my good fellow," said the Pirate, pausing at the top of the ladder. "Yes, Massa Captin — me stand by you," whispered the black, "but dere be big black looks ready for you, I can tell, Massa, and amost a bushel of swords de men got out of de room where you lock 'em up, and powder too. By gor, Massa, dey got powder in all dere pistols, and balls too — de rascals!" " Hah ! have they been to the powder room !" exclaim- ed the Pirate. "Well, Merry, we must make th > best of a bad matter ; now come on, and speak not a word, or half a word, nor lift your hand, unless I bid you." " Me hear, Massa Captin — me mind what him say," said the black. The deck was crowded with seamen, all armed as if for a fight ; there was whispering loud and fierce, some men were walking up and down with dangerous looks, and some in a group were waiting tlie approach of the Pirate. " I thought that when I came up last I had dispersed you all to your employments," said he, sternly ; " how is it I find you here in this disorderly way ? Do you want to bring destruction on us ? Do you not think that passing vessels and boats have observed you ? Come away to your places, while there is probability of your being safe. Put by your arms and disperse." TIIF I'IKATKS STOUV rii (( (( After u little li(sitalit)ii llic iiailors declared theii" deter- mination not to separate. "Jonas says you have sold us to the Governor," said one sailor. Jonas lies!" exclainiiHl the Pirate. Michael says you have a spy of the Toronto assembly men in your cabin now." "Michael lies!" exclaimed the I'iratc. Thu two causers of the disturbance came up, deter- mined not to let pass this opportunity for rimiiuj; the Captain, as they had f(jr some time waited for such an one. Tiiey stood face to face witli him, and reasserted their falsehoods. The sailors f,'rew more irritated. Clinton's life was demanded. The Pirate's features <;rew pale, and his heart (juaked. '• Merry," he whispered, " my faithful Merry, ^'et out the small boat — tell me when it is ready, you may do it with a little skill and boldness." "Mehi1)^ot it ready — it is on de water, Massa Cap- tain, awaUui^^ for you. Me saw de debil in all de crew, and me was afeard for you and Fader Toby, so me said noting but dropped de boat from the vessel side while de sailors were busy wid de bad notions dat Michael and Jonas put into 'cm — de rascals !" The Pirate turned to the men who were on the point of rusliing down to drag forth Clinton from the cabin, and said, " You will stop an instant, sailors ! gcmyous and jusi men — you will hear me tell you who he is you are going to destroy. He is — my own son! His mother, whose bones and ashes lie in Quebec, was the wife of my bosom. Now, if you will, bring him up! — insult him! — injure him ! — take from him that breath he derived from me — your Captain, whom you have each sworn, yes, swovn^ to serve and obey! Why do you not go to fetch him to deatli ? I will stand still and look on — I will be passive — wliile my son is in his expiring agonies !" The listeners were surprised, moved, they looked one on another. " Some of you have been father's," continued tlie l^irate. — " What of that — bring up my son to death ! Some of you have lived in society in times past, and have been married to the women of your hearts. — What of that — bring up the first-born of my wife to death ! I have been true to you to the present moment — I have made no gain $ I )| 'ii I • ■ '■ • , * ' ■ ■ t ', I 1^ i' I' ! ,1 I W i»! 112 Tlir. CANAhlAN (.IIU,. l)iit vvliat you liavc sliarctl — I liavc Ix ( ii llu; first here to expose myself to daiif^cr, and the last to shrink from liarcl- ship — I liave consulted your eomf(jrls — promoted your interests. Ihit wiiat of that !— You have conceived a sus- picion aj^ainst me. Fetcii up my son--and sacrifice him — I will not stir a hand to save him from your malice!" and so the I'iratc sat down on a seat at the side of the deck. In the meantime Jane and Clinton remained in the cabin. The latter concealed the extent of his fears ihal he mi;;ht support the spirits of his sister. They had heard all that had passed at the foot of the companion- ladder, and both stood close to the cabin door listening U) every sound that came from the deck. ]'rcsently they lieard Toby Ilaverstraw get up and tottir. Jane spoke to him, and asked if he had been hurt by his fall. *' No, my dear Miss," he answered; "my head is con- fused, but it will soon go off." He was ascending th.j ladder with weak steps to see what was passing above, and to render his Captain assist- ance, ^^hen the latter came down. " I am glad, Toby, to sec you on your legs again," said he, "as I want to send you ashore inst.inily. Hark you, go up, say not a word to any of the men if you can av(jiil it, put yourself as quietly as possible in the boat which is on the water, and, as soon as this stranger in my cabin is by your side, push off, and move as quickly as you like to Toronto beach." The old man did not stay to speak a word, but made all haste to fulfil his Captain's request. The cabin door was unlocked ; the Pirate entered, still with assumed composure. His countenance was dark, and there was a slumbering vengeance in his eye, which angered ill, at some future hour, for those who had humbled and disturbed him. '* Nicholas," said he, " I must cut short our conference. Much I had intended to say to you must be left unsaid until a more favourable opportunity. Embrace your sister, and part from her at once, the boat waits for you. Her heart will be with you while you are absent from her; for to be affectionate to the relatives God has given her, is part of her religion, as it wa^ of her mother's." Now Jane was pressed to the heart of her father and and MKKTINC OK I.ADV IIKStKU WITH ( I.INTON. I I j licr brother. " Tlicsc days of terror!" she exclaimed; •* woulil to (j"(l tlicv were passed !" "Tliey will only pass, I fear, with my life," said the Pirate, and, after a few sentences more, Clinton left the c ai)in. As he was about to spring into the boat, he was iletained by one of the men who had endeavoured to excite a mutiny. ** You must not go, young gentleman," said he, *' until you have signed yourself as one of us ; so that if we should be trussed on a gibbet for the entertainment of the folks in Toronto, you may keep us company." Seeing several ruffianly individuals standing by the speaker, armed, Clinton, after unavailing remonstrances, deemed it prudent to comply with the demand. After he had placed his name at the bottom of the list of pirates, he was allowed to enter the boat, and Haverstraw who was in it, rowed off. They had not gone many yards before a shot came whistling by the head of Clinton, and dropped in the lake. This made Toby hasten the pro- gress of the little bark, which soon floated in safety at the edge of the limestone beach of gravel. Il'lj CHAPTER VIII. THE MEETING OF LADY HESTER WITH CLINTON. AFTER Haverstraw returned to the ship, Clinton walked by the lake, endeavouring to calm the fever ot his mind by the tranquillising influence of nature, which he was fitted to feel. But there were two spirits in his breast which the most potent spells of nature could not exorcise — conscience and passion. New ties were now entwined around him, with new sorrows, pains and anxie- ties. His father he had been prepared to love, before he met him, and he now did love him — yes, love him even for his error's sake. But his sister, she was a character so excellent in her purity, gentleness, piety, and devoted- ncss to her parent, that he shrank from himself with abhorrence when he thought of her. It had been with shame that he had sat in her presence — remembering all that had passed in the Pastor's settlement — knowing she u II ! !l 1 • t i ! it :i h ll ■ i' J; I ' Tr4 TITK rWADIAN CIUI,. ■fti was a iiiniirncr for I. my, wImisc d. .illi lie cliarj^cd liinisclf with having' caiist;»l and fcclinj^ satistlcd that i//( hid suspected latterly the tnitli of his statements regarchii;; the son of the backwoodsman. Once after a fit of remorseful melancholy, he stopped in his walk, r.aised his ey(>s from the ^'ravel, and while a lij;lil flashed in them, and while his cIk ck burned, the name of " Lady Hester," broke- from his lips, in an accent of livti) passion. All other feelings — remembrances — obligations — were cast in an instant from his mind. She, and she alone, was now the object of his heated thou,t,dits. He recalled, with minuteness, every word which he had overheard her say to the (iovernor's lady her sobs and her expressions of hatreil a^Minst her husband. He dwelt upon them until his thought was interrupted by the pass- ing l)y of many persons. He found he had walked with rapid steps to the most fre(]uented part of tlu; Ix'ach, and that his abstraction had drawn upon him the notice of several individuals. Confused by this discovery he stood still, and affected to be engaged in observing the motions of half a do/en men who were conveying stores into a steam vessel, upon which the eyes of many gossips were bent. From the small talk among them, he learned that this .vas the vessel appointed to " hunt the Pirate," and that forty pickctl men were paid to man it. How miraculously had a few hours altered his feelin;,'s with regard to that Pirate ; he could not look upon the vessel without a shudder. As he was anxious to escape the loiterers of the lower orders, which the closing of the hours of trade, and the calmness of the evening, had drawn from the streets of Toronto, he ascended the nearest cliff. At length, he sat down to rest near the edge of the Toronto clifTs. At first, he suffered his head to drop on a rock, and closed his eyes, then forgetting himself, started up, and as he thought of Lady Hester — maryicd — v^rung his hands and groaned. Afterwards he shed tears, as he looked over tlic lake, and saw the distant vessel which contained his father and his sister. Imagining himself to be alone he did not restrain the outward expression of his feelings, but found a relief in giving them vent ; when he grew calmer, he drew a flute from his pocket, and played on it the air of a song which u fiii ain the elief in a tiiitc • which mi:i:tin(. oi i,\i»\ imsti:k wiiii ( mmon. 115 li.id liccn roinpnmd by I..i(ly I I»slrr diiriii^' liis lust •K >tiiait)taii('c.' with Iht, aiul which lie liad often sung to the unfoi limatc I. my. •• Thrni art) homes of hajipiticss !" said Chnton, as ho watched tht; li^'hts that twiiikUil .imonf,' th(! darker wooils; '•hut I — and tliosu dear to me -arc wamh'r«rs! All, I cduld dream now of a bower of lov(! on ont; of yoiuh r lovely islands no society but th<; ancient trees and their tleiii/ens, and tlu; beloved object — ^what would be the cen- sure of the work! to lis there ? Sh<;, whose name is set in diamonds in my soul, should never be a{^ain the slave of a foul tyrant!" The bree/e from the lake had ^rown brisker as the (•V( iiin<,' advanced, anil it was at the present njoment that it htire to C!liulou a scarf, which dropped beside his feet, lie looked aloii^' the din's, on the side where the article had been buoyed ahjng, and saw two ladies proceedinj; toward the t(jwn. lie took up the scarf, and followed tlu'in with it, but when he had gone some way he stopped — the h{,qires of the ladies were those of Mrs. Markham and Lady Hester. He suspected that they had wit- nessed his reverie — if so Lady Hester was in possession of the present state of his feelings; but the distance from the place where he had been sitting corrected this idea. His heart throbbed with intense emotions as he ap- proached her — she was just looking around for the stray article. "Madam," said he; she started, and that trembling intonation of voice went to her heart. ** This scarf is yours. The wind conveyed it to my feet, and I am happy in restoring it to its owner." " 1 thank you, Mr. Clinton," said she. At that instant Mrs. Markham felt the left hand oi Lady Hester press heavy on her arm ; she perceived that her friend trembled, and saw her eyelids siidou," s.iid Clinton, gf)ing to the side of Lady Hester, and j)()inting over the lake. '• Observe that high-land in the dist.mtc, Imw heantifnlly it is ilelined aganist tiiat soft sky — and tlujsi refractions of the lake how lovely they are. «j)lied to his remarks niotiosyilables, and avoided nu-eting his eye. Laay nut provj' dereitfiil." •' Lady C'develand too, I have hear«l," said Clinton, •'intends to rpiit Toronto hy water in a few honrs for luf 1 hope tlu? elements may hr. calm, 1 atn indill I I i ii ■^^ Vk 3k "il;. I f \ m\ I If ill I! i I f fc ; ; ' 1 til! liL; ■'■ Ii8 Till': CANADIAN C.IRL. tlioiif(ht (if saying 3'our into your boat before you had prayers." The Pirate started when he lieard that his son had returned to the ship. He waited Clinton's appearance. The orderly scene, which the v ,ssel j)resented to Clinton's eye when lie stepj)ed on deck, was new to him and inspired him with interest. The privateers were busy everywhere, and their Captain's orders were repeated and answered by them, both below and aloft. The I'irate beckoned to Clinton to stand by him, then proceeded with his duty. When the ship was in sailing' order, and the privateers were in their respective places ready to unfetter the ship Irom her moorinf(s, and to guide her out into deeper waters, before he exchanpjed a word with his son, he called near two men, and said — " There shall not one word pass between me and this young man on liis visit hither but in your presence. You have seen that I have not yet spoken with him. I demand that you will now be witnesses for me with the rest of the crew, and repeat to them every sentence you will hear pass between us. I sacrifice my feelings to the safety of tile ship. I shall behave to my son as to a stranger, that the confidence of my men, now once again restored to me, may be preserved." The two mariners he addressed muttered something to the effect that they did not wish .o separate father and son. Now the Pirate, though he made concessions to his men as a body, was too wary to do so with them individn- ally, but he made every man feel subordinate to him. As he would make no concessions but to the udiole crew, so he would receive no remission of them but from the icJiolc ; as if he had not heard what the two men whom he had called near had spoken, he turned to Clinton. "Nicholas," said he, "what has brought you back to the j-.hip to-night ? Have you forgot the peril in which you were so recently placed by the suspicion that was here entertained against you ?" "I have come," said Clinton, "to tell you that the Governor is making search for you in the harbour, b^vcn while I speak, armed officers are at hand prepared to surround you." " How has he learned we are in the harbour ?" asked one of the men, with a sinister look. "That I know not," said Clinton, "but," he added, "in ig your ;on had nee. itcd to to him ;re busy speatcd 11, then saih'ng places o guide a word nd this . You ieniaud of the ill hear afety of er, that to me, hing to ler and J to his ndividtt- n. As V, so he lolc ; as he had )ack to wliich at was lat the Even ued to asked ;d, "in MKETINC; OF LADY IIESTKR WITH CMNTOX. I I9 my opinion, the informant would hardly have risked his life to give you warning of flight. Dut this is not all — tliere was a brig rilled last ni^dit by you, at a spot not far from here, so the (iovernor has received tidings, and he has heard that the captain (jf tlie men who rilletl her, was to-da)' in disguise in Toronto." "This is news indeed!" exclaimed the Pirate. "Thanks, my son! In an hour I shall laugh at all pursuit," he added: "I have got stores enough h.ci<^ to last und(.'r a long chase. I fear nothing, only let me get my anchor on board again. I have held our foes at bay hc'fore this. Have you anything more of consequence to say?" " No, I have told you all that I know of the Governor's movements," replied Clinton. ** And I have compromised my honour to save you, for before I knew that in the Pirate I had a father, I had engaged with the Governor to join those v.ho were to endeavour to capture him." "Well now, if you join ns instead of them, gallant yo. : g sir," said a third privateer, "we shall be glad to shake hands with you, and you shall have my voice toward making you one in command under your father. He is a bold buccaneer, no one can deny it, and carries his brains full of learning. We have all been proud of him as our Cap'n, until those two fellows you saw last afternoon made a hubbub here with a parcel of lies — but they have had a taste of hemp this evening, and are lying in a watery hammock under our gunnel, below the bottom of your canoe there ; but as I was saying, blow me, you must have had your father's spirit to venture back here now ; and as there is something genteel in 3'our cut, and you have got a head full of scholarly brains like our Cap- tain ; why you shall have my voice toward the making you his mate." Clinton expressed a due sense of the proposed honour, hut declined it, although it was pressed upon him by several others of the privateers, and objected to by none, all being desirous of conciliating their Captain and of inducing him to forget the bad treatment he had received from their hands. " I refuse you," said Clinton, ** because I think I can do you better service by keeping my engagement with the C'lovernor. The vessel which is to pursue you starts at ten to-morrow. 1 shall go with it ; and if you will decide ; i; III i I ■1 < \ ■ I iHli 120 THE CANADIAN (ilRL. ,: i I on some signals by which I may make known to you our approach to your iiiding places, I may prevent you being surprised." " You know then that wc do not intend to k<. ^p on the open lake?" said the Pirate; ** I am positive that I did not tell you that." "You did not, but I surmised as nuich," said Clinton; *' and I do not ask to be informed in what caverns or rocks on the shores you intend to hide. You will most likely be kept on the move, for they are hardy men who will come after you, but this I ask, that wherever you hide you will light a flame on some height that commands a view over the water, and, when our vessel is so near that I can see it, 1 shall warn you by three pistol dis- charges." ** And you will take a catholic oath," said a privateer, " not to tell the Governor's men that we are hiding where the light burns?" ** I will take oath," said Clinton, *' to say nothing that may endanger the life of my father and of those who are faithful to him. I am one of you — ready to assist in pre- serving you, although not among you." The signal he proposed was decided upon, with others likely to suit the different exigences that were expected, and Clinton made himself on good terms with all the vessel. Just before the vessel started off, Clinton had gone down the cabin companion-way to speak to his sister a few words before quitting the vessel. He found Deborah with her in a small cabin, that looked comfortable. Neither of the two heard Clinton open the door or come in; and, as Deborah's face as well as Jane's was turned from the cabin entrance, they did not see him, until he touched his sister's neck, and thus drew her attention to him. "My brother!" exclaimed the latter, meeting his embrace, " have you ventured to come back ?" " Only for a few minutes, dear sister, to cheer you, and say adieu again. There must be no fear in your breast, until I see you again. Everything is in as good train as possible. Our father will evade every pursuer without a shot being fired, or a life being endangered. I have satis- fied the crew of my friendly intentions, and now I am going to aid their plans of escape in an effective manner." Mr his am MEETING OF LADV HESTER WITH CLINTON. 121 " Do be careful of your own safety, and of your reputa- tion too, my dear brother !" " I will — for your sake, Jane ! and when tlic peril which threatens our father is safely {jfot over, I feel persuaded we shall be happy. We will then hide ourselves in some quiet home on land, unless you should forsake us for the society of Mr. Lee, you know, Jane." She answered his smile by a pensive shake of the head, and blushed. " There is no Lucy for you now," said she. He in his turn coloured, but his was the dye of shame and compunction — hers, of innocence. " Forgive me the allusion," said she. *' I do," said Clinton ; " but never — O never, mention that name again in my hearing ! I deeply repent, the part I played in that affair." " Let the remembrance of it be a check on you in future, dearest Nicholas!" said Jane. "It shall!" said Clinton, "and you erase from your mind the recollection of that unworthy conversation I had with you — I mean that which proved so fatal to her you named — and all which you observed that was unpleasing in my behaviour to you while we were in the valley — forget it all." " It is all forgotten," said Jane. ** But when shall we meet again — and where ?" " I wish I could answer you satisfactorily," said Clinton, " but I am sorry to say tliat is not in my power now. Do not let your heart sink!" he exclaimed. - You trust in a ruling Providence, that guides all events in this strange world — make it your stay now — and believe that we shall meet again, and with more peaceful prospects." The ship now took her first movement forwards. She went as smoothly as possible, after her first spring, and as fleet as a wild deer scouring some prairie. Clinton stood for an instant, then kissed his sister affec- tionately, shook hands with Deborah, told her to make herself and Jane as happy as she could, and hastened on deck. The canoe in which he had come had been drawn out of water, it was lowered. Clinton grasped the hand of his father, and said — " Some hard struggle may await you — but I hope what- ever happens your courage and skill will bear you well tluough it." 1 Jf fih iiiri 'l ( • ■ 'A ,; - i' ' ll . % ■ \ « 1 i fi T i I 1 Ji 1 ,' 1 ' i' H"^' '■ u ^... \26 Tin: CANADIAN (ilKL l)C'cn witliout Ixjiinds. Ah! sliall I repeat to you what I learned to-day tliat your paramours, Colonel, have made my unspotted name a subject for their ridieulc in your h(!arin{^ ? After that, wiU your venture to call mc /<»//*' K'ifc ! No, Colonel," said she, turning away, *' my mind is made up." She was moving forward to a landing-place, when the Colonel with hoarse voice and raging look, shaking his extended arm toward her, and becoming convulsed from head to foot — " ]ie it so — proud, unyielding woman ! But mark mc^- by heaven and earth, the hour that separates us, shall prove the hour of death to you or me !" ** No more of this kind of language I do beseech you. Colonel," said the Governor. " My dear madam," cried the Earl, waving his hand to Mrs. Markham, "do urge Lady Hester forward to her room. Hester, leave all to me; rest quietly to-night. Depend on it, since I have been induced to take this affair in hand I will conduct it to a proper conclusion. Good night. The Colonel rushed out of the house bareheaded, and the Earl, after lying down a few hours on the couch, sent for the two principal solicitors of the town, and remained closeted with them for two hours. The Governor dis- patched his servants to search for the Colonel, b^:t he was not to be found, until, at eight o'clock in the morning, he returned into the house. His appearance and actions were those of a person completely deranged; he sent for his goods from the packet in which he was to have sailed, and laying them out in the yard began to destroy them without mercy. Mrs. Markham was melted by the dis- tress of mind he was enduring, and almost turned a pleader for him with Lady Hester. " I expected this, dear madam," said Lady Hester. "I expected your kind nature would give way when you saw him raging with disappointment. I respect your feelings — I know how to value them — but I a})i impcncirahlc. Unjust treatment has steeled me." Mrs. Markham sent for a surgeon, fearing the Colonel was out of his senses, and then hurried down, followed by her maid, to the yard where the latter was. He had in his hands a costly dressing-case and workbox belonging to Lady Hester, which he was dashing together with such hi \\\ UKMOKSF AND SUiriDi:. 127 violence tl)at tlic beautiful interiors, consisting' of silvir and gold-mounted glass, and tortoibc-shcli utensils, fell in shattered fragments to the g' )und. "My dear Colonel, what are you doing!" exclaimed Mrs. Markham. "(livc me those boxes, and let nic speak a (\[UQi word or two with you." He turned upon lier a furious stare, and the maid wiio was with Mrs. Markham, ran back alfrighted. Not so did Mrs. Markham. " I have made chocolate for you, Colonel," said she, " in your own room ; if you will go there you shall be alone as long as you choose. *• What do you want with me 1" he exclaimed. " To comfort you," she replied. "Comfort! what the right have you to comfort me ? A thousand liends have got possession of me, and if they tempt me, I might do something terrible!" " My dear sir, I know you will not harm mo. I know that you must see a friend in me. You are satisfied that I f('el for you. I want to draw you into the house, out of siglit of the servants, who you perceive are all looking at you frightened and astonished. Give me those boxes, and let me lead you to the privacy of your chamber. Come, you will be better there." He allowed her to take the shells of the boxes from his grasp, a loud groan burst from his chest ; he looked round to see who was observing him, and turned to examine the countenance of the matronly lady who had interfered with him. He recognized her — " Mrs. Markham," he muttered, " I am a lost wretch !" She took his hand, and led him to the house, and to the dressing-room which he had occupied. There she per- suaded him to allow the medical gentleman to examine his pulse, and to take a little blood from his arm ; after which lie drank a cup of chocolate, and then lay on the bed, exhausted with the agitation of the night. The Colonel did not long remain in a state of quiet. He sent a servant to inform Lady Hester that he wished to see her. The servant returned with a reply that she \vas too much indisposed to leave her room. " Then I will go to her," said the Colonel. He went to her chamber door, it was fastened; he knocked. Lady Hester's maid came out, and the lock was secured behind her. !• \l i > m :nt l^. I 128 Tin: CANADIAN CIliL. II N •' I must si:c your lady," said the Colonel. The maitl replied tiiat Lady Cleveland was too unwell to he spoken with. " Cio in and tell Ik.t that I am here," said tlio Colonel, "and that 1 swear I will see her I — and see her alone, too, mind that!" The f^'irl assured him she durst not go in with such a message, for her lady was ill, and both the doctor, the Earl, and Lady Cleveland, had given orders that she should not he disturbed. The Colonel mused in silence an instant, his eyes rolling in their sockets, and his fore- head knit into a frown. " I will send her a note," — said he, "yes, that is what 1 will do;" and he returned to his dressing-room, and called for paper, pen, and ink. His valet br »ught the first he could meet with in the house. The Colonel wrote tlu,- following letter, in distorted characters, that denoted the state of his mind : " Lady Ck'vcland. — You have refused to sec me. I under- stand well why you have done so. Your illness is only a pre- tence to promote the schemes of your father, and work my ruin. Madam, let mc tell you one truth before 1 humbU' myself for the last time ; it is this— if I have wronged you, you have wronged me ! — You married me without loving me ! Your father was the cause 1 know ; but wJiatever was the cause, you stood up at the altar of Cod and vowed to love, and honour, and obey me — while you knew that you never could do either. I ask you, if I was not injured then ? If you had loved me, you would have- sought by tender attentions, and by those winning looks and words of kindness, in which 1 have seen some women excel, to lure me from my bad habits and connexions. If you had con- scientiously honoured me, you would have refrained from those scornful expressions which have often driven me back to wicked- ness, when I was inclined to repent. But now I ask if you will recall your determination of last night ? I shall sue no more for your forgiveness if this attempt fails. I make no protnises of reformation, and my reason is this — I hav often made them to myself, and always broken them. But if you will throw yourself on my heart once more, apart from all o^/wr iujlnences, and trust to me, you may save me — I believe it is certam that you ivill — and 1 shall bless you, Hester, and you may be happy with me." In an hour Lady Hester's fcmme de chamhrc brought to the Colonel a reply, which he eagerly read : — " Colonel Cleveland — I am exceedingly sorry that you should not have considered my word decisive, and that I should be put to the painful necessity of again declaring to you that // is so." KKMOKSi: AND SUK'IDI':. i:niir father — have laused the act whieh I am now on the point ot committing! and so farewell, — farewell for ever! Four minulcb only remain for me!" lie opened his door and :-tnt up the note to Lady Hester. The housemaid fo v, hom he gave it observt d the singidarity of his aspect .'iid the vacant horror of his eye; she ran upstairs to Lady Hester's room without a moment's delay, and knocked at the door. The waiting woman appeared. •• Tell Lady Cleveland," said the housemaid, " that I am convinced the Colonel is intending something dre.nl- ful ! Oh, do beg of her to come down to him! He stared at me in the most dismal manner ! — I am frighted to death !" '• What is that ?" cried Lady Hester within the chani- ber. " Come in, Nancy." The servant went in ; the lady was in morning dislia- billc ; she had been lying down on the outside of the bed, •aitmu KDMOKSI-; AND SUH MH;. •3» Imt liail st.iit«tl lip when slir lie. ml a sccoiul IxnniKiii;,', ;.ii|>|>'»sin^ the (loloiul Nviis at llic door. " \\ liat is tlic iiialtcr, NaiK y ?" slu- cxrlaimcd, lii i lips lilain luil willi f( ar ; slu! ptrct-ivi'il llir iiolr in llw lioiist;- III. lid's hand, and takiti;; it aiul uiiscaliii^ it, wliilr the woman drsi ribcd tlu.' (^olotU'l's coiiuti'iiaiirc, cast Iut rye «»vrr tliu contents. Slu; uttered an e.Mlamation of dr( id ; the roloinTs note; dropped to tlu^ floor; she lookid liewildi red ; then i lieil lo the two women wlio stood i>y '*(io down! al.iiiii the hoiisi; ! 'Ilit! Colon* 1 intends to destroy himsell ! I'My ! -or you will l)c too late io jMeveiit the dreadliil ticed !" " Who shall 1 send to the Coloiu I, my lady ?" asked the waitin^'-woman ; "the ICarl the (iovernor ?" " Uoth- whoever you meet with lirst!" replied L.idy Hester. She herself rushed ilovvn to the ColoiuTs room. •' Cleveland !— admit me!" she loudly exclaimed. At that moment the report of a i)istol within smote on her brain. She shrieked, and rimninj,' back fi-ll into the arms of her lather, who, with the (iovernor, his lad}, and his bLTvants, was limr\ in,i; lo the spot. "My child!-- Lady lb ,ter!" n.-iterated the ICarl. At lirst she heard him not, but starts ti up from his breast, as llie d(X)r was burst open by the Colonel's valet and others. A pool of blood lay around a chair and was pouring' its ijtreams toward the entrance of the room ; still silting; ii|)ri<,'ht, with the watch, and pen and ink before him, appeared the suiciDi:! liis stiffeninj^ hands graspinj; the I'istol with which he had shot himself in the head, and his fi.alnres frij^hthilly convulsed. "My husband!" cried Latly Hester, breaking from her father's grasp. She was the first who reached him ; lur liands took the deadly instrument from his and cast them I across the ensanguined floor; she then threw herself ^n liis knees, and, embracing him, held up his falling body. "My dear Colonel!" she exclaimed. "My dearest hus- hand!" lie rivetted on her his dying eyes — he tried to speak, but finding himself unable, his eyes remainetl ga/ing on ner features with an expression of revengehil exultation, until the heavy lids fell over them and relieved her from their dreadful look. lie was instantly attended by a skilful surgeon, who discovered, that whether from unsteadiness of the Colonel's hands, or from any other cause, both the pistol balls had missed I'l 1.32 THE CANADIAN GIRL. ■J :■' his l)rain an^l liatl lodf^^-d thfiinsclvcs at tlic oack Oi' his hcatl, in coiisciincncc he lived for more than an hour after the act and rcitainel liis senses nearly tlie wholt; of th.it time. He was laid on a bed, his shoulders raised on hi^^li pillows; his face was towards Lady Hester who kneeled l)y him ; his hand was clasped in hers. In the distraction of her mind she forj^ot the reasoning' with which she had steeled herself against his supplica- tions. She accused herself of the catastro[)lu', and implored the Colonel to pardon her with agonising tears. He for some time seemed not to hear her, but opening his eyes, he drew her hand nearer towards him : she saw that he wished to speak to her, and bent her car to his lips. Her feelings may not be described, when he uttered in an empliatic whisper iicr own words of the previous night — *' I am impenetrable.'" After this he grew anxious to live and sent for another surgeon, and also, to every one's surprise, for a clergy- man. The reverend person not coming directly, \\v. requested that a dissenting minister might be sent for. That gentleman was at home, and came with speed ; he spoke to the dying man with gentleness, but earnestly. The Colonel pointed to a table by the window, and on being asked the reason, said — " The Bible there — l)rii)g it." The volume was brought, and the minister, supi)os- ing that he wished to hear some portion of the sacred word, had opened it, but he made signs tiiat it should l»c closed. He then beckoned to tlie Governor to come near, and bade him take the book from the minister, which he did. "Major-general Markham," said the Colonel, "give that Bible to our fellow-officers at the fort. Tell them I swo*'.' on it, and by it, and by the God who it is said dictated it, to shoot myself at three o'clock this afternoon. 'Twas the oath of a soldier, and I have kept it. But tell then I would now give all the treasures of ten thousand worlds to live! Tell them it is horrible to die! Warn them against self-murder. It is better to be a living worm than a dying m-'.n." He stopped, and ever}^ listener's face was pale, every heart chilled. He began again. — '* Give them my word, that they are fools who mock at God, and scoff at a hereafter. T^ere is a life to come, Markham — I am certain of it now ; but what it is, or where it is, I know not. They and you have time to search out the matter— ih i ^ REMOKSF, AND SUICIDK. J.") I have not. I must jump the black abyss— and take all conscf[ucnces." Lady Hester was scarcely able to endure the scene; and Mrs. Markhani was shocked beyond expression. "But though it be tlu; twelfth hour," pleaded the minister, addressing the Colonel, "you may fuul reiient- ance and salvation, and an innnortal crown, yet : only believe in Ilim who disappoints noni; who trust in Him;" and he sought to draw the sufferer from his impious despair; — but it was in vain." " Sir," crietl the suicide, '* I now stand between two worlds; the one I am leaving is all I have any knowledges of, is all I have any alfecticju for. TIk; one I am going to, is one vast accunuUation of gloom. " W'iierc; the triiasuni is," — I know that text, sir — "there the heart will be." Now all my treasure is on thiz side the grave — 1 have nothing at all on the other. Doctor !" he exclaiuK^d, turning to the medica' gentleman who stood on the sick; of the bed opposite to the minister — "doctor; arc; you sure I cannot out-live this affair? Now if you can give ine a straw of hope to catch at, do; for by it is horrible to s'nk like this." "You must not allow me to deceive you," said the doctor ; " it is impossible that you can recover unless the Almighty weie to work a miracle in your favour." "The Almighty!" reiterated the Colonel, "what have I to do witli the Almighty? 1 have denieil His existence, sir ! I have made a jest of His laws — of His name — oi His book — and of all who professed to serve Him ! Ami wliat makes a sensible man talk of miracles ? Miracles! — trash! Hark you doctor !" he added, " if there is a (iod, and if He ever performed one miracle, I sliall go into per- ilition ! — 't:s true, by " Mrs. Markham and Lady Hester were taken from the room, both overcome by that which they had heard and witnessed. As they went out, the Colonel exclaimed — "There! — I have seen the last of (.hose two! Mark- l^im," said he, catching the Governor's arm, but fixing liis ej'es on the Earl, -• I have plagued my wife for her obstinacy — she will suffer for it when I am gone ; — that is a supreme satisfaction for me now ! A smile played on his lips, which, when the Governor observed, he whispered to the Earl — w n rfi r^' 1 i \'\ i| I 11 1 »'»la,ii 1 li ■';jj '^18 ilK M !• ;M : 'I !■ I « w I I I \t 1 i 1 i S j B' * i 1 i^t:' 1 t i ^^:!^i I i 1 .; . "> ' III i • ^ i 134 Tin: CANADIAN r.IUL. " I have seen DTiny death-beds, but never one so shock- inff as this." The Earl uphftcd his hands in silence. " Let us pray that the grace of (iod may yet shine upon him," said the minister. All knelt down around tlic death-bed, while he supplicated heaven with solemn fer- vour; every eye was moistened with tears, every heart was thrilled with awe. The prayer over, tlie minister exhorted the Colonel to confess iiis sins to God, and t(j trust to the divine word for acceptance with Ilim ; but he was repulsed. " Tell me not of such tilings," cried the ColcncK "Away with your canting folly! I hate tiie sound of it! I have no hope — none! and none will I seek! — lliii'c is no! liuir /" he added. He grew delirious, and the shockin-,^ language he had learnt in the bad company he had fre- quented, was so vented forth that Jie minister pressed his hands on his ears. In this way the Colonel died, his last moments bcin^ more horrible than any that had preceded them. His remains were laid out, and the room cleansed of the bloo;i witli which it was stained. Night had scarcely darkened the apartment before the Colonel, the Lian of pleasure, la}' stretched out cold as mountai'^ ice, his spirit had wingctl its way to that tribunal before which every human soul must appear. Lady Hester, during the night, was attended by the wife of the Governor, who suggested every argument slic could think of that was likely to calm her friend s mind. l^he Earl, every hour came to her room to inquire how his ciaugliter did. Receiving unfavourable accounts, he became restless, vvhich Lady Hester learning, she sent for him, and Mrs. Markham withdrew leaving them together. " My dear daughter, you look ill," said the Earl. Lady Hester put into his hands the Colonel's letters, , \ her reply, which had been taken from the pocket of the deceased. The Earl read them in silence, and wept. *' My dear — " he began, " Hester, my love, you blamed me justly. I am now convinced I erred in giving your liand to this misguided man. Yes, my daughter, I am forced to confess myself the destroyer of the happiness of your life. I hope I have no necessity of entreating you to turn an indifferent ear to what the unhappy man wrote in these letters concerning your behiviour Ki'.Moksi: AND suiripr,. 135 to him since marriage. Mis upbraidings were the cfTcct of disappointment. He liad no genuine cause of com- plaint. Your conduct has been correct, my love, I have rcf^ardcd it with the earnest eye of a parent, and there has not been the least Haw in it. On the seventh day after the Colonel's death, he was interred in the burying-ground of the Protestant Churcli of Toronto. The funeral was one of pomp, suitable to the rank and Avcalth of the deceased. A train of mourning carriages, in which were the ICarl, the Governor, and their male friends in Canada, mostly officers, followed. Military honours were paid to the deceased over the grave. At seven o'clock in the evening a funeral party assembled to dinner in the Governor's house. Lady Ilester did not appear, but Mrs. Markham presided at the table, the li'irl and his youngest daughter sitting on her right. The Colonel's first niglit in the grave was the most dis- tressing to Lady Hester of any that she had endured. Unable to sleep, her imagination was possessed witii the change that had taken place. \Vh.jre was he, whose erring conduct had filled her heart to overflowing with the gall of bitterness, with scorn, coniompt, and indigna- tion! He was lying in the grave! Her thoughts pene- trated the earth in which he was lying. Then her mind strove to break from these reflections, and to view the departed Colonel's present condition by the light of religion ; but the more she meditated, the more she found '-!:;!l; religion shed no light on it at all, but rather a dark- le V deeper and more awful than that material one from . ;.ir she shrank. V ady Hester was a woman of no ordinary character; siie possessed a powerful mind, with its usual concomi- tants — strong passions. She had an excellent constitu- tion, hau !.nown little bodily pain, and no privations. In society, Lady Hester Cleveland had been a brilliant woman; her words, looks, manners, letters, even the smallest billet, her dress at all times, her sarcasms, her raillery, her music, lier painting — all were brilliant. By women of a feebler mould, she had been feared for the poignancy of her wit and satire, her facility in which was certainly a snare to her ; by those of quiet temperament, she had been disliked for the dazzling intellectual anima tion, which spread a sort of magical fascination around I* iji JWi m 13^ THE CANADIAN CIRL. ♦ : her circle wherever she moved ; but Lady Hester scarcely knew that she was witty or satirical, animated or fasci- nating; she well knew that among her female circle of acquaintances she was not loved ; her discerning eye saw into the souls of the crowd of flatterers who ever gathered about her as the star of fashion. But little was her heart satisfied with empty adulation, it thirsted for love, disin- terested, fervid, such as her feelings told her she could well return ; unfortunately there was only one, of all who had sued, in whom she fancied she perceived a realization of her ideal picture; and to that one (Clinton !) she coultl not ever dream of being united. The lovely w" low remained in the house of Mrs. Mark- ham for two mo • fter the Colonel's demise. The last two years had sl>. her lose nmch of her brilliancy; mortified feelings, arising from the Colonel's infidelity, had dulled the sparkling light which a glowing intellc;ct had kindled in her eye, and sobered the captivating energy of her manners. The Colonel's awful death con- firmed this alteration. A new world had opened before her, ETiiKNiTY, seen through the tremendous gates of DEATH. With her characteristic strength she surveyed the subUme region, with scrutinising eye. She did not lly from the dread scene to society, but shunned society that she might contemplate it. The longer she dwelt on it, the more she loved the mighty images which it called around her, until this present mortal life — so brief, petty, yet so painful — lost its charms in her heart, and she dedi- cated all the choicest of her feelings to a preparation for tliat grand futurity on which her imagination was now lixed. The Earl of Wilton hoped once more to see his daughter the admired of fashion's chief circles in England, and his thoughts glanced round the peerage in search of a second distinguished individual on wliom to bestow her hand. Eager to take her back to England, and London, he lost no time in proposing their voyage, but Lady Hester declared her intention to remain in America until the following spring. '' I shall mix no more with the world of fashion," said she ; " I liave done with it." " Lady Hester ! my dear !" exclaimed the Earl, " I do not understand you! At your age! with your wealth! beauty! talents! and wit!" tU Ri'MORsr, AM) suirini:. ^17 " With all these advanta^'cs," said Lady Hester, " I intend — not to shut myself up in a convent, and do not look so much alarmed, my dear sir — but to travel in America privately, and to seek for enjoyment only in the study of cr sublimities, in meditation with my own heart, and in tranquil intercourse with my two or three travel- ling^ companions, one of whom I am sure will be — the ICarl of Wilton, my accomplished papa." " No such thing, Hester !" cried the Earl. *' What enjoyment should I have going about a great wilderness ? and America is little better ; I see nothing to admire in American scenery more than in English scenery, not I — one place is as good as another to me ; besides there liave been some changes lately in the li^nglish cabinet, and I wish to go to London; Lord R writes to say that he desires to consult with me on diplomatic move- niocits in which I am interested ; and there is my steward in Huntingdonshire, too, wishes to see me, and — " " Oh, you will easily get over all these obstacles," said Lady Hester, " you must stay with me six months longer, ]iapa, and by the end of that period — " " You will be ready to accompany me back to ICngland," said the Earl. Lady Hester smiled, and neither assented to or denied this conclusion of her sentence. " Well, the next six months will include the winter sea- son," said the Earl. " How do you propose to plan your tour, and what places will you first visit ? If I remain it will be to please you, and shall consider myself entitled to a leading voice on the question. I propose tliat you spend a month at Kingston, a month at Mon- treal, a month at Quebec ; and then suppose you give a month at Niagara, and pass the other two months at the lakes." This arrangement wos adopted by Lady Hester. It was the middle of November when she took leave of Mrs. Markham and the Governor, and, with her young sister, tiic governess, and the Earl left the capital of Upper Canada in a vessel that had been elegantly fitted up for their use. The voyagers were passing out of the channel of the liarbour, when they fixed their parting look on Toronto. As evening advanced, the fishing-boats in the creeks and bays, with their lights, were a picturesque si,L,^ht. ii Kli '•^».l, \\ * yl?i I filMr 1 .! ii 1l i I ■.■\\ U|« II < ' It ' ^ ti: u. i n IVS rill'; CANADIAN fllKL. The Niafjara shorn came in view, and villages, divided by meadows, streams, and wotnl;;, appeared under a soft dry haze. The travellers entered the Niagara river, and landed at the town of the same name. They had a letter for the brother of the American representative of the town, from the Governor of Toronto, ami having sent it to his house while they engaged apartments at an inn, lie came to them, and invited them to make their home beneath his roof as long as they stayed in the distric I. They accepted his offer, and after resting a night at the inn, were welcomed with hospitality at his rich farm, on the borders of the river, outside the town. Mr. Charles- ton, as their host was named, was an intelligent man. The LCari and the Governor walked out with him to view the news-rooms and institutions, the buildings in progress, the chief depots of trades. Lady Hester and the ICarl, with Letitia and her gover- ness, accompanied by Mr. Charleston and his daughter went to see the celebrated Falls, on the tiiird day after the arrival of the former in Niagara. To prepare Letitia to understand the spectacle which they were about to view, the Earl informed her that this river was a channel by which the lakes of Huron, Michigan, Superior, and ]£ric, with their countless rivers, rush from the interior of North America to p jur themselves into the ocean. The travellers left the farm by daylight, but early as it was, they found the road to the Falls crowded with visitors in vehicles. The enjoyment of the day was lessened to Lady Hester by the sight of the thousands who were gathered about the place of attraction, for her weeds of widowhood, and the painful feelings of her heart, were little suited to such hilarity as here presented itself. As she gazed upon the mighty cataract her eye scarce knew where to rest — she was astounded. The gigantic liquid sheet of emerald and of silver, "horribly beautiful!" — its semicircular front, nearly three quarters of a mile broad, shrouded by revolving columns of mist that rose perpetually from the thundering gulf — inspired her with sublime admiration ; while a lovely sunbow, radiant in the midst of those columns, awakened sensations still more exquisite ; the vivid colours of that beautiful iris, long fascinated her gaze. But now the columns become broken, the arches of the bow melted from their centre tliat remained unaltered, the spray formed into prodigious KKMDRSi: AND SDK IhK. 139 shapes, and a ninnl)cr of shattered rainbows appeared, playing in fragments about tlieni. Hntranced, she watclied this splendid transformation, then her soul found a welcome relief in the soft placidity of the island on the river and the opposite American shore, which contrasted with the awfulness of the wild rapids and the matchless cataract which they overlooked. Letitia, after the first enchantment liad subsided in her breast, was pleased with the sight of thousands of wat(,'r- lowl, who Hew a little over the Niagara river to the brink of the Falls, there advancing in the air about the mists Ironting the stupendous sheet of water, and lingc-ring in the neighbourhood with joy and wonder; ducks of many species were among these migratory birds, and pointed out to Letitia by the governess. FreipuMitly wc^re some of the interesting creatures borne ilown by the glassy current into the gulf and drowned. The Karl had chiefly interested himself with calculating the altitude of the two cataracts and their curvilinear length, and, coming to the conclusion that these great falls were not so large as many others in different parts of the world, he decided that they had no particular claim to praise. The travellers left the flat surface of the Table Ivock, which juts over the abyss, by steps cut in its lofty side, and crossed the ferry below the Falls, to have a complete front view of them ; there, on the water, Lady Hester was more awe-struck with the scene, than before, but, turning her head, the Niagara, with the flocks of birds flying along with, or upon its current, now appeared flowing on toward Lake Ontario, thirteen miles distant, without exhibiting one trace of that tremendous agitation which it had passed through, and whilst she was delighted with this beautiful change, it suggested to her many similitudes of the changes of human life. At Queenston, seven miles from the Falls, Lady Hester and her friends dined at six in the evening, and staid a night. Next morning the 7 went four miles above the town to view the Whirlpool of the Niagara. The country was now altered, rising into high ridges, known as the Oueenston Heights; the river passes between perpendi- cular precipices ; the current becomes rapid and power- ful ; leaving the direct channel it advances with madden- ing velocity round the circularly excavated banks ; then II 1 1: a i 'nil Ml ) M ! i ilr 140 Tlir. TANADIAN CIUI. regains its ordinary course, which dashes along, confined between frowning rocks. Here Lady Hester renewed her former snbhine sensations, and elevated her thoughts to that 13eing, wliosc varied works of beauty and of grandeur, form a continual feast for the enlargi'd soul. The travellers returned to Niagara before nightfall, and, as the lovely weather was siiortly cxpe'^ted to give place to the rainy season, they determined to lose no time in sailing up the more interior lakes. Lady Hester made l>resents to the daughters of their host, and parted from them for a short period intending to return and remain with tluMii a week before visiting Lower Canada. The master of the vessel the travelU^rs had hired, was a skilhil sailor. The trim ship was stored mider his eye with pro- visions for a month, an^l the travellers passed from the Niagara, through the Chipp(!wa Kiver, into Lake ICrie, on the day after their visit to the Whirlpool. CHAPTER X. THE PUUSUIT OF TIIR PIRATE. THK steamer in which were the pursuers of the Pirate, had been all this time beating about the Lake Ivrie, it having been supposed that he was hiding about some of the promontories on the coast, which was the case. Tlu; Fearless moved only by night on the lake, and lay con- cealed during the day in places dangerous of approach. Thus week after week passed, and the pursuers gained no advantage althougii they kept up the chase. Clinton was perpetually glancing round the shores in search of the signal light, which sometimes glimmered on a misty height in the remote distance, sometimes flamed on rocks more near. The passing of wild-fowl frequently served him with a pretext for firing the shots which informed the Pirate of the situation of his adversary. But now the hunted vessel had been driven near the mouth of the lake, where the American beach was wild, presenting a gloomy picture. Here, mists were spread- ing around, even at mid-day, a dismal obscurity. In a cove of this district the Pirate had lain two days in a perilous situation ; he now emerged before dark, trusting Tin: T'UKsrrT of tih: i'Iratk. T.^r U) tile misL us a tuvor, aiul piucccilcd some miles up tfic like. Tlie mist pjrew tliieker as lie advanced, and the darkness about ten o'clock was so dense that he became every minute fearful of coniiiij,' in contact witli some vessel. A light could hardly be seen a few yards oil, so that no craft was distinj^uishable to the eye, nor could any approaching,' be heanl, on account of the noise; of the surf dashinj; among the rocks. lie was guiding the shiji with caution in its intricate course when that happened which he feared most. A concussion took i)lace between the Fearless and a sloop coming from an opposite direc- tion; the blow was violent, but the I'irate became aware th.it he had sustained but a slight injury, while the other had suffered seriously. *' Hring up a couple of lighted torches!" shouted lie, at the head of the companion-stairs ; they were put into his hand. "Merry, lower the boat!" he cried. "Ho! llaverstraw ! where are you ?" " Here, at your elbow, Captain," said the sailor. "Stop the ship!" exclaimed the I'irate; it was instantly done. He then sprang intcj the beat, and darted to the spot, where the screams of females, aiul the distressed shouts of male voices, announced the fate of the vessel that had been struck. He waved the blazing torches in the fog, and presently perceived a sloop, with her mast thrown down, and her timbers split, in the act of sinking ; the head was under water, and several ladies, and male figures, were clinging to the rails at the hinder end of the deck. The unfortunate vessel went down within half a minute after receiving the she :k, but with promptness and courage, the Pirate, assisted by the blacky succeeded in picking out of the water two ladies, a gentle- man, and two sailors, who were safely lodged in the l)oat. One of the ladies, the last person rescued, cried out as soon as she was in the boat — " Thank God ! 1 live! I Jut are you all here?" she asked in agonising anxiety. " Father ! sister ! IMiss Greshain ! — let me liear your voices if you exist !" The former and the latter, to her great satisfaction, answered — " We are here ! — we are safe! — thank heaven :" but when she repeated the name of " Letitia !" no reply was returned. "There is a lady still struggling in the water, Merry I" cried the Pirate, giving the torches to the black. " She has caught the floating spar on our lee ! Keep the llame If >i||>ll i»ij , nil ill u (■ ; I ! ; ii 143 Tin: TANADIAN r.iui.. playing Ijcrc as well as llic lo^; will li I yoii- -1 imist plmif^'c to save her, for slu; is sinking!" Jl( said no iiinrc, l)iil l)oiiiul a cord rotiiid liis waist in an instant, and tlncw liiinsi.lf into tlic lake;, wliik; Merry twisted tiic other end of the ( ord roinul his arm. 'I'lie vessel which iiad sunk so snddinly, was thai in whic h Lady Hester aiul her friends left Nia^^ara, they h.id been l)e\vil(l(!red in the fo^(. The ICari and Lady Ilester were liorrilicd when they saw Letitia sink within a few yards from them, slretchin;; out lier arms, and calling' on the iCarl to save her. Then tin: ^loom ballled their sight, bnt presently tiie torch-r.iys jxnetratin}; to the surface of the water, they beheld the I'irate divinj^ where she had f^one tlown; a moment of suspense followed, and obscurity aj,Min prevailecb Now tlie splashing of a strong swimmer was heard close l>y the boat, and tlu; I 'irate called out, " ^h'rry ! — thi: hglits!" Tile l)la( k lowered the torches, stooping over the !)oat's siile. The Pirate was treading the water, and striking out one arm to keep himself alloat, wiiile with tlie otlier arm he supported the senseless body of the child. His strength resisted well with the force of the current, and he succeeded in seizing hold of the boat. Merry passed the torches to the Larl who, with Lady Hester, stood by him trembling, and balancing himself on the edge of the boat, took Letitia from the I'irate, and raised her to the arms of her father. The Pirate sprang in, and in ten minutes more all were on the deck of the Fca^L'SS. '* liaverstraw," said the Pirate, "go down to the hold-- unstop a bottle of my best wine ; and bring it to my cabin. Merry, go down and hand a light to the foot of the ladder for these strangers." It was done, and the Pirate led the way to his cabin, where a bright lire was burning cheerfully. "Jenny, my dear," called the Pirate at the door of the inner cabin. Jane came out immediately, but shrank back at the sight of the strangers. Lady Hester felt no surprise at the elegant appearance of the furniture around her, for she knew not as yet the character of the ship in which she was, but supposed it was some trading vessel. This idea was confirmed by the Pirate's introduction of Jane as his daughter, for there was something so modest about her figure, that had Lady Hester suspected the truth it would have been difficult for Till: inKsriT <>i tin: iruATi:. i4:> her to iH-isu.ulc iu'oclt' lli.il such a girl was hsiiig anions a K'""-J '*f I )ri valuers. •* CoiiK' I'orward, Jenny," said l\\v Tiratt; ; '* tlic ship \vc struck a^jaiiist has gone to the hotloni, but I and \Irrry have lu'cn lortuiiate ciii)u;^'li to save all her passenj^rrs, tliose three huhes and that j;i;ntlenian, as well as two of her seamen. We ourselves have receiveil little d;iinaf;e, and that little will soon he put to rights. Ihit now do you see that the youngest lady is in a sirnseless conilition; you must attend to her directly, and let i)el>oriih assist you. She refjuires strict ami itniiiediatc; attention." The sofa was in front of the lire; l.ady Hester sat ilown there, and the iCarl who had carried the form of Letitia down the ladder, placcnl her on her sister's lap, and anxiously Icjoking in her face, called her by name, but no sign of animati(jn was discernible. Jane, having set hiborah aluMit making up a good lire in the inner (abin, l)r()j)osed that Letitia shouki be taken in there and laid in a warm lirimmock. At this instant llaverstraw entered with the wine, and touching his white Icjcks, told the strangers that he had once been a surgeon in an American man-of-war, and that he had prescribed fc i all the ail- ments of the crew of the b'earltjss ever since it had been under the present Cai)lain ; therefore if they would allow him to advise for the lady, he had no doubt but he should bring her to again, " that is," said he, " if the life has not patted from her. There is a time appointed for old and young, and when it is filled up they nmst die, no help of man can prevent it ; but, if i^rovidence will it so, I shall bring the young lady round again, by your leaves." *' Lady, believe me, you may safely trust the old man," said Jane, to Lady llester; "he is not without skill m cases like this." "Come near, then," said the Earl to Toby; "look at the child, and tell us, if you can, the speediest and best remedies for her revival." llaverstraw did so, and in conformity with his direc- tions Letitia was undressed, and placed in hot blankets in Jane's hammock, with her head and shoulders raised ; she was then rubbed with the hand, and bladders of hot water applied to her extremities and laid on the pit of lier stomach. This did not succeed for some time, and the ICarl began to weep in despair. Lady Hester, and the governess, lost all hope of seeing her revive. But old H: Hi, !44 TirF CWAMAN (ilKI,. ■i Tr)l)y, linldin^' a liand l(H)l\in^'•^,'la:1S to Ixr lips, cxcl.iimid, •♦Slur hrcatlu's!" and Ix'Kj^'rd all parties to prcstirvc silence, "for," said he, *' lier lilr is just now lila; a laik on the point ot takin-; winj;, tlic least disturbance al)out Ik r may slarlN- it aw.iy." riie ICarl was pleased with this caution, he thou^jht it judicious, and as his ron(idenc(! in Ifavtrstraw rosi-, lir 1,'rasped the tar's hand, and cried, " iiJestore her, my ^;o. m| friend and I will { Merry came into llu; cabin ; and tlu; ICarl, taking from Ills poiKL't a Icatlicni case, and opening it, said: entitled to your gratitmlf ; l»nt for liim you would noiu; of yoii have bci'ii alive n»)\v." ••('all him liilher," said the ICarl, ** I will reward him with a lumdred dollars. I am a man of rank and for- luix' '■ M( rry can is poiket a " \'ou have ilone me a gr.at Ixntlit, anil here are notes I'll the Toronto bank which will brinfj you a hundreil .I..ilars." Merry receiveil the slips of stamped paper with a • liibious air, and staring lirst at the I'.arl, then at the I'irate, thcin at the notes, as if he thought some trick was being played upon him. "They are your own, put them to a wise use, good fellow," said the ICarl ; *' jxrhaps your Ca|)lain here may advise you how best to dispose of them for your advant- age. Don't spiMid them in liipiors." ••Me hnb a bunder dollars!" criid Merry, "(), lor-a- im ! a hundred dollars! — a hundred dollars!" his white tei th were exposed by his grin of joy, and his black eyes sparklixl. *' No, Massa, mc not spend dem, de angels I in nun, and Virginia leaf, and brandy. M(; gib de crew oiu- treat — no more;, by gor- -only one IVIassa ; and me only buy one lot oh Virginia, and rum, and brandy — no more den mic, Massa, or I'm no blacky, and den all de rest shall buy me free from dat massa I run away from ; and I will w.ilk out afore him, and laugh at his c:owskin, and his law — he he — he!— (), lor-a-nie !- dat will be joy!" •• What ?" cxclaimeil the ICarl, " you ran away from your master, did you ? — Well, if you give me his name •ind lell me where he lives, I will make the bargain for vnu, for I suspect you will not have enough money in iiand." "llim is a hash merchant, in Kingston," said Merry, "llitn make pothash, pearlhash, and grow rice. llim cunning fox, Massa ; him call mc strong, tall, ail noting, ask great price for mc ; tell you dat if he not make me free, he will catch mc some day or oder, and make mc Work wid de cowskin ; he sly, rich, old fox — he get — he get get — nebcr lose noting at all." "If this is his character I must deal cunningly with him," said the Earl ; ** I am not afraid but I shall bring him to points — give mc his name ?" J '»» 1 1 ' 7" i/1.6 Till', TAN A 1)1 AN ilKL. " Soiiicrs,"' aiiswducl tlic l)lac;U ; ** Massa I'liilip Sonicrs. I don't care one fi}^ fur liini," he added, '* wliile 1 am wid de brave bucca — " he checked liiinself before concluding; the word, as the Pirate gave him a warning look, and correcting himself, said — '* I mean .vliilc 1 am wid de Captain here. Old Somers must look sharp to catch liold ob me, now — he — he ; — me laugh at de ole fox now. He get a taste of gunpowder by gor, if he come a-nigh here ! — he— he— he !" " If you feel yourself so safe, why are you so anxious to purchase freedom from his claims?" a..ked tlie Earl. " 'Cause me like to dance and sing in Kingston wid my '(piaintances," cried Merry, " and now me can't go dcru 'cause ob de old hash-merchant, wid his yellow face, and his red eyes ; I'd sooner see a tiger-cat at my heels den him, he a' most whipped de strength out ob my bones afore." " Well, you shall go to Kingston or where yor like in future, and be afraid of no man," said the Earl, " I will see that your purchase is made from Somers so that he can never again have any power over you. Within two months at the farthest, you may write yourself a free man." The black, overjoyed at the prospect of getting rid of the uneasy fears which had disturbed his quiet, held out the notes to the Earl, with the intention of returning them. The latter was pleased with this reliance, which he put to the proof by taking back the money. When Merry was quitting the cabin to whisper his good fortune among the crew, he said to him — " But you have forgot the Virginia leaf, and the rum, and the brandy, and the treat to your friends of this ship; take the hundred dollars, I will buy your freedom with other money." '* And now, once more, sir, what can I do for you ?" said the Earl, turning to the Pirate. " You have done me an unspeakable good ; my darling Letitia ! — would have been lost but for you. You placed your lite at hazard for her. No, Captain Anderson, you must say in what I can serve you. I have much influence among per sons of dis- tinction on this side of the Atlantic, and it shall be used for you to any honourable extent, and in any honourable way you think proper." The Pirate meditated ; some changes passed over his TIIF. PURSUIT OF TlIK riKATF. '17 K'l^aii to speak, but liis voice was at first lost f;ii,e ; lie in af^itation. *' Sir, or my loid," he rcsuincel, "(for 1 do not know hy which to address yoii, since you tell nic you are a man of rank,) were 1 to persevere in a compliance with my first impulse, I should refuse the acceptance of any favours from you on the present understanding ; but there are strngf^iing in my breast thoughts, yearnings, and reviving principles, which overcome that impulse ; — yes, they overcome it!" he exclaimed, "I master that impulse. — 1 accept your kindness!" The Earl was surprised by his manner; he fixed his eyes on him witli expectancy, and listened with attention to the Pirate's full tones, expressive, against his will, of powerful ambition. " Sir, I am a man who has ever thirsted for distinction. Mad my situation ufforded me the opportunity, I should never have rested imtil 1 had reached some da//. ling goal beyond the stretch of ordinary ambition. I have wished for conmiand over my fellows — I always thought I wished it for their good, but that was self-deception. Dependency of any description has always been torture to me. 1 have fancied myself out of my proper sphere. So it is when 1 hear of heroes — whether they be naval or military, whether they have lived in the present, or a remote age. You see, sir, the disease which has been my bane." " It is one, said the Earl, " which has made a few great men, but many villains. From what 1 have seen of you 1 should say, iiad circumstances favoured you, you would liavc been distinguished." " As it is," exclaimed the Pirate, '* I am a villain ! Rightly, sir, have you said, that the passion for distinction makes many villains — I know it. Some of the linest spirits in the world, c'epraved by this deceitful semblance, which they embrace with eagerness, become first dis- pirited with ill-success, then despairing, then reckless, and so the world of rogues is abundantly populated. It was thus that I became what I am." " You ! — Why are you not a merchant ?" demanded the Earl. '' \o," replied the Pirate, ''^ I am an outlaw, flying from the face of justice, heading a turbulent set of adven- turers of all nations." The astonishment of the Earl may be imagined ; his til fi'i !j^ i Ill til ■i' b Miylifi- 148 TIIK CANADIAN r.IRf.. daughters. "(■j(;oil description '. Ilea veils ! " li lie e.\- lirst thought was for l.ii my chililren in a sliip of this claimed. *' Do not, sir, fear, cither for tliem or for yourself," said the Pirate, ** I tolerate no bloodshed on the Fearless, except when driven by the necessity for self-presevvation. You and your party arc safe here. The ladies will remain with my daughter, and it will be better for them to be kept in ignorance of the truth until they leave us, to spare them unnecessary alarin ; as for yourself you shall have the use of my hannnock and sleeping cabin, and there you will lind both bolt and key inside to make you sleep secure against intrusion. The two sailors saved with you 1 will put with the negro and the old man you have seen, tlu v arc always ready to execute my slightest wish, and will watch their safety well." "This is a very awkward situation to find one's self in when it is least expected," said the b^arl. I must say you speak very fair, indeed. Captain — but I caniu)t easily reconcile myself to the discovery, and that's the truth. In a ship of rovers ! Bless me! it is dreadful to think of! Not a single servant ?t hand — no weapon in my pos- session. — We might almost as well have been drowned." The Pirate caught the word "weapon." " To ease you still further, sir," said he, " and to satisfy you of my good intentions toward you, I will provide you with weapons. Here is my dagger, and knife, both of line temper you see, and in the best condition— keep them concealed about you ; and step here to my cabin, 1 will show you defence suflicicnt for a dozen men." The Earl stepped to the place named, and the Pirate showed him a row of arms placed on the wall, ready for use, behind a screen at the head of the hammock ; he pointed out several horns of powder, and a bag of shot, and drew his attention to the fastenings of the door. " I assure you," said the Pirate, " You will have no need of these ; there they are, and I resigin this cabin to your use while you are in my ship, for night and day." "Thank you; I feel reassured now," said the Earl. " But now tell me how it happens, that a man of superior education, such as you are, can persuade yourself to re- main in a post so dishonourable as this which you occupy now." " That is the matter of which I wish to speak," said the fa Tin: rtiKsuTT nv tiif, tirate. 149 Pirate. " This vessel is mine; I purchased it ot a slave owner; but w^jre 1 to attempt to leave the hand, and claim my property for my support, the crew would prevent my facing, and perhaps take away my life. The great want of private means has dc;tained mc lune. I have a dauj^diter, lor her I must provide acccmodations : she cannot hc^ar hardship as I mi.Ljht. Here is the jilain case: if you bestow on mc a gift of a few hundred dollars (three hun- dred is as much as I would accept, less than that would answer my ])urposc,) 1 shall (piit piracy for ever." " Five hundred you must receive," said the Earl. "I give them freely, congratulating you on your resolutions, and I wish you prosperity in a better avocation." " I now only wish for a hearth in retirement, and food and clothing sufficient for nature's needs," said the Pirate. " Let it be as you have said, generous sir; five hundred dollars I will take as your free gift, for I can never hope to repa}' it, and with the money my child and I will lly from this life, and she shall remember your name (if you will let mc know it,) in her daily prayers." A few minutes after this conversation the Pirate saw his daughter pass by the door and step down to the hold, to fetch something which she wanted for a supper for her guests. He fo lowed her, and called hci by name. She trembled, fearing it was some of the crew, but recugnising her father smiled, returning his c ress, and asked him many questions which the presence ot the strangers had prevented. " You nearly sunk, father, Havorstraw tells me, when you were striving to save the } oungest lady, who is fast recovering." " It is true I did," said the Pirate, '* and had I lost my presence of mind ibr a moment, you would have sc n no more of the father who has been such a trouble to you." " Why do you speak in that way ?" said ^ane, " have I not always loved you as well as ever daughter loved a father ?" " Forgive me, Jenny ; you are full of tenderness to me — tenderness, ill deserved! But you have often entreated me to quit these privateers I am leagued with, what would you say if I could now promise you that you should very soon have your wish ?" "Say!' exclaimed Jane; "I should say heaven liclp you to carry out 3'our purpose." 'ifnij t , im K y^ Wn I50 TIIK CANADIAN CIRI. ,"i^ M N ll' i i |l' r- 1 '* r ** Heaven waits that prayer, tlien," said the Pirate, " for I ])roniisc you, hy all my liop(>s to sec you happy, that if it he practicable, I will not sec another moon rise over nie in this ship ! (), Jenny ! for thy sake chiefly, and for tliy brother's, I detern»ine on this change; for as for me 1 am lost to society, to myself, to my God, and it is little matter where or with whom I dwell. The strangers whom Merry and 1 have rescued, are persoi.s of distinction : Merry will gain by what he did for them, not only a hundred dollars, but his freedom from the slave-master who owns him ; and I have compelled myself to stoop to receive five hundred dollars frem the gentleman, in consideration of what i did; and with that five hundred dollars I will loos- en myself from the bands which bine me to the Fearless and her crew, and maintain you in some secret place on land." " Oh, this is the happiest news that ever sounded in my ears!" said Jane. He passed his arm round her waist, and said — ** Now study to be cheerful a little longer ; within a month you will have solid ground beneath your feet, and no fears of shipwreck, fights, or mutinies, to distress you more." " Understand my true feelings, father," said Jane, " it is not to save either of us from distress that 1 would draw you from a Pirate's life; hones*^ distress, I would not shrink from sharing with you ; ' .it here, father, there can never be either honour or honesty." " You speak severely, Jenny ; is there no honesty in old Toby ? — in brave Merry ? is there no honour in your father's breast ?" " Yes — there is," said Jane, " but — " she stopped, cast- ing her eyes to the ground, while the Pirate's features re- vealed the feelings of humiliation. "But what?' said he, "go on, why are you afraid to speak ?" " I was going to say," said Jane, " that it cannot be honest or right to be a friend of bad men. I see I offend you." She paused, and resumed; " It is a great sin for a man who knows anything better, to be connected with this crew. They live by the ruin of worthy men. They plunder peaceful vessels they spread dismay around. "What else?" said the Pirate. THE PURSUIT OF TIIK PU^ATi:. 151 " I will say no more," exclaimed Jane, looking in his face. " To have my daughter for my judge !" exclaimed the irritated Pirate, " I tell you, Jane, 1 had rather bear the hangman's gripe, than have any crimes set out before me by you ! What have you to do with my being a Pirate ? tell me that, Jenny. To you I am a father only ; it is my men's province, and only tlieir,^, to see a Pirate in me." " Dear father," said Jane, " my love for you is always ready to cover a multitude of sins, and no crimes on your part would weaken it. Put I would do you good. I know your pai s produced by the consciousness of partaking in guilt, and I would lure you from guilt. I would not help you to call dark light, and light dark ; but I would win you from the dark to the light I must see you as you are. I cannot persuade myself that you are not a Pirat-c because you have impulses above those of ordinary Pirates, when I see you at the head of a gang of them, l^o, father, I must dare to tell you the truth; I wish to see you forsake this sliip, because you are outraging social, moral, and reli- gious laws, by abiding in it, talents that were given you for the support of virtue, you employ in directing fifty de- praved men how best to outrage all virtue." " No more, Jenny ! From you I will hear no more on this subject — not another word," said the Pirate. "Jane," he resumed, '* you have spoken well. The probing was hard to bear, but it has done me good. We will con- verse again in the morning, and in the meantime sleep sound. I know the ruins of a fort some forty or fifty miles from here overland, there we will hide, and I will hav2 no more to do with piracy: — would that I had never had ought to do with it ! I wish to avoid leaving the ship until she is clear of her present danger. I will see her at a safer distance from the steamer which is chasing her, and then she and I part for ever." " Steamer ahead. Captain !" bawled the night-watch from the hatchway. Jane trembled at the sound. " Coming," returned the Pirate ; and, pressing his daughters hand, he disappeared, having bade her not to delay supper. " Have you heard my son's signal ?" inquired he. *' No, sir," replied the watch ; " there has been no shot of any sort heard, I have been on the listen ever since you went below." Ii f ■ I I. \\\ 152 Tin: CANADIAN (ilRI,. \h ' The mists liad cleared off, and a watery moon liad scattered a few rays of light on the water. After sonic time essaying to look tlirough the glass he retnrned it to the watch. " I can make no use of it," said he ; then pacing the forecastle in d(;lil)cration he remained occupied with liis tlioughts, occasionally listc;ning. " You arc siiyc you saw the smoke of a steamer darkening the mists ?" he asked the wat( h. "Quite sure," answered tlu,' latter; " 1 would swear to it. I have always been abk; to tell when one of those sort of sailors was nigh us. 1 could almost smell her smoke at any distance." *' You are to be relied upon, I know," said the Pirate ; "but if it be the chaser, 1 wonder we hear nothing. Let all hands be on the alert. Send Haverstraw to me, but make no alarm." He listened, and planned, and meditated, until the old mariner was at his elbow. He then gave him a number of commands. " Have you understood me ?'' he asked. *' Clearly," answered Haverstraw. " Then execute it all in your best style," said tho Pirate ; " go, on you depends the fate of all in the vessel. You will obey me to the letter, you understand ?" "Yes, I do," answered Haverstraw: "I am no inex- perienced boy, Captain ; I have seconded you before to- day, and you have never complained of me." " I have had no reason to do so, old friend," said the Pirate ; " well have I proved your worth." The preparations in case of an attack went on efTectually during the succeeding hour, the Pirate continuing to pace the deck, hoping that the mist would clear off so as to permit him an unob3tructed view of the lake ; but so far from this being the case it became denser than ever. Every man was at his gun round the sides of the deck ; gunpowder, shot, and small arms, were brought up in readiness for use, and Haverstraw stepped about seeing that all was in the order his Captain had described. A crack was heard from an alarminglv near point. " 'Tis the signal ! — Nicholas is true to his word !" exclaimed the Pirate. *' Now my men, lock out ! you will be set at work presently. Is all as it should be, Toby?" " All," replied the old man. THE CANADIAN CIRL. 1 53 CHAPTRR XI. TMK rvNGAGKMKNT AND VICTORY OF THK IMRATI!, PlvlCSICNTL^' tlu; Pirate heard the approach of a heavy steamer. Tliat sound Ix^canie more ch'stinct, and in a quarter of a minute the engines were in full play, and the long keel cut through the water at a distance of not more than twenty j-ards from the I'earless. All the privateers were in suspense : the steamer went on a trilling (Hstance, then hailed the vessel which they had passed, liaving caught sight of the light of the torch which one of the sailors had brought on deck contrary to the Captain's orders : it had been extinguished — but the mischief was done. The Pirate replied to the hail of the steamer that he was a trader in peltries and fish-oils, and gf^'ng toward Lake Huron, but had moored on account of the fog. The danger appeared to be passed now, for the steamer set off, and was soon lost to the ear and eye. Put the Pirate was too wary to release the crew from their defensive postures yet, and not until midniglit did he (piit the deck. He went down, and found all in silence in the cabins as he wished : no alarm had been excited in the minds of the strangers, who had no idea that anything extraordinary was going on. Pie had just thrown himself into Haverstraw's ham- mock, the latter being on watch above, and was settling into sleep, when a tap sounded on the cabin door. "Toby — it is I — I want to speak to you," said Jane. The Pirate arose, and opened the door. " What is the matter, my dear ? Has anything frightened you ? I have occupied Toby's cabin while he keeps watch above. What is it you want to say to him ?" ** Oh, father ! is not some dreadful fight about to happen between this crew and some other vessel ?" " If you suspect anything, Jenny, it is no use to attempt to hide the truth from you. Now don't look so terrified, depend on it there is no occasion. This is all — the steamer which the Governor of Toronto sent out against us has passed near to-night, and I thought it safest to put «t ..lU cognition a shout arose from both vessels, and tlien followed a volley of fire from the Pirate's ship, which was returned by one from its pur- suer. Clinton was looking out on the deck of the steamer, and when the smoke rolled between the ships he shudderc^d for his father and his sister, and every i)ulse throbbed with anxiety for their fate. So, on the hY\arless, the Pirate trembled for his son, and every gun that was fired off by his men seemed to pass through his own heart. The moon disappeared, the wind grew rpiiet, and the mist inceased, the darkness was of a jMtchy intensity. The firing con- tinued at random, still the strangers on board the privateer-vessel slept unconscious. Letitia was the first to start up : — "Oh, sister — sister!" slie exclaimed in terror, "Oh, governess ! do you hear the noise !" Lady Hester opened her eyes — the whole ship reeled under the shot of artillery. *' What is all this !" cried she, springing out of Jane's hamuiock, and throwing on her clothes. " Keep yourself as quiet as you can, Letty, I will call papa. Miss Gresham, awake and dress yourself and Letitia !" She threw open the door, and called aloud on the Earl, who joined her, alarmed in the extreme. Here Jane came in, her faltering speech incapable of one connected sentence : — " Oh, my brother ! oh, my father !" she wildly exclaimed pressing her hands on her ears to shut out the pealing of the guns. " What is the occasion of all this ?" asked the Earl. " Miss Anderson, you seem in distress," said Lady Hester, " tell me what is the matter here. Are we attacked by the pirates ? Do not hesitate to tell me the truth." i 1 r ■ :."T it r i \h di bfii Mi I. . 156 Tin: CANADIAN (IIKL. V I ' 't ■» A ! "Not pirates — l)iit cnfinirs," staninicrrd Jnno; "nnd my only brother — is witli tlietn ; Oh, by this time ho may be Killed! while here, my cl(;ar fatiier is exposed to the same — oh, what a shot was that !" sh(! jumped up from the ehair and c!asi)ed her iiands. •* Lord preserve them ! Oh, my dear father! — oh, my l)rother!" Her teeth chattered, and an icy rolthuss si)rea(l over her frame. Lady i fester took Ik.t hand with emotion. *• I feel for yoii extremely," said she; "but is there nothing we ertn do to assist tiie sailors in their brave defence of tlu vessel ?" her tone was energetic. Jane looked at her witl momentary admiration. " No — we can ilo nothinpf," she replied, " but remain quiet until the result is seen. To me, that result may be complete desolation I I have now no other relations in the world than my father and my brother, if they fall I am alone!" " Ijut you shall not be unfriended," returned Lady Hester; " L(.'titia owes a good deal to you and your kind Irish attendant; if such an event as you fear sJioiild happen we will not leave you unprotected or unprovided for." Jane could only look her gratitude. ** 1 should like to see Captain Anderson," said the Karl, going to the foot of the ladder leading up to the deck. The hatches were closed above, but he could hear the tramping of the privateers, and the orders that were shouted from different parts of the vessel. The shots became more confused and rapid, and now a hundred feet shook the planks. There was a conllict going on on board of a deadly nature. The hatchway was now burst open, and the negro darted down and closed it again on the inside with force. The b2arl had caught a glimpse of men struggling together, and of closing weapons whose clash he heard. " What has occurred ? Who are they that have boarded this ship ?" demanded the Earl. " Me not tell you now, massa," said the black. " Yon must go back into de Captin's cabin, massa. You must make no noise about it — keep still — not stir — till de Captin come down." His manner admitted of no dispute, and the Earl stepped back before Meiry's haudspike, and joined his children. The appearance of the negro was not r,il( ii- latod to reassure the ladies, or their father, or Jane, lli^ I hi; vi< touv ok tiii. iiiiati;. r;; : liirl was lollrd up above the elbows .iiul il)( il uilh bl«tuj ,111(1 ;;iiiii><»\Ml(r ; liis face was expressive of all the fierce pissions wliicli tlic li^'lit in wlii( li lie hail lu'en euficiced with a dozen wounds. The passengers stood by hound, expecting the same fate. You, as soon as you appeared from below, were tied with the rest. I stood passive among the mutineers ; had I opposed them, you if' »:B ^^tf III: 1; '"m i-^l IE ■ 1 ,* 1 ^ li'l ' I ^ ill i 164 TIIK CANADIAN (.IRI.. must have perished ; my arm could liave done you little good against their numbers, they would have sent us all into the next world without scruple. 1 called the second mate, the ringleader of the uproar, and offered to him the command of the band, as he had proposed, with this })ro- viso, that there should be no more hves taken except in self-defence — that the passengers should be given a boat and some provisions, and be allowed a chance to make their way to the shore. He proposed this to the crew, and they agreed to give me full power as their leader, their first act of subordination being a consent to my request in favour of the passengers, by which I unknowingly saved my son." ** And the smuggling expedition ?" " Was a mere pretence — piracy was the real object in view," returned his father, " but I did not know that at first ; and, bad as smuggling is, piracy is much worse." " But did I not hear the expiring Captain say, * And you, Anderson — could I have cKpected this horn you ?'' "I have explained, Nicholas; my name was at the head of the list of mutineers which the second mate showed him with pretended fidelity, he looked on me as one of his murderers, though I had no hand in it. Do you not understand me ?" " Perfectly now, my dear sir," said Clinton, reaching out his hand to his father. " I take it," said the Pirate, *' but i would not do so if I thought that you now judged it to have been guilty of the blood of Captain Barry." " I do not," said Clinton, they then paced the gangv/ay arm in arm, still in earnest talk. " You should rest with that wound of yours, my dear sir; you will irritate it by moving about, I am afraid," said Clinton. " No, it is nothing of any consequence," said the Pirate, with carelessness, but at the same time he leaned heavier on his son's arm. "Where are you going, Toby?" the old man was passing across the deck from the companion way, with a pair of forceps in his hand. " Only to find the steward, sir," answered Haverstraw, " I want some things for the sick-ward which he has stowed away. If it please you. Captain, you should not, by any manner or means, be walking here with that gun- Il 1 THK VICTOKV OF TIIK I'lUATF. ir,5 ti^i m sliot-woiind in your side. Vou Iiad better take my word Captain, anil go and lie down." *' So 1 have heen t(;lling liim," said Clinton ; " but he is not to be persuaded." " I'slia ! go and lie down for a trilling accident like this ! —not I !" "You had better, Captain," repeated Ilavcrstraw; " niany's the wound, as trifling as yours, which I have seen carry off a strong fellow, only because he woultln't take advice, keep still, and leave off liquors and strong victuals." " Well, I shall keep off liquors," said the Pirate, "and porliaps live on barley-water, and chicken-broth, but as for keeping still, I would not do for any bullet short of a twelve-pounder. So go along to your sick patients, and let me alone to get strong again in this fresh breeze." " I wish that, if only for my sake and my sister's, you would yield to the old sailor's advice," urged Clinton. " Nonsense, my son ! I scarcely feel the hurt at all," returned the Pirate, sitting down by the helm. " Nicholas," he resumed, " I wish you to know why I have persisted in remaining with these privateers, contrary to your sister's oft-repeated wishes. I durst not tell her, for it would break her tender heart ; I now tell you, you are firmer-minded. — I am conscious that I have forfeited my life, and it has been my determination to yield myself up to justice when I left this band. But lately I have quailed in my resolution — I cannot bear to leave you and jenny for ever !" " Leave us ! no, I hope you will not contemplate such a thing !" exclaimed Clinton. " Why should you sur- render ? You have shown me the murder was not your act, and that you were deceived into joining the mutiny." " True, my son ; I am glad to see you understand the true nature of that transaction. But you forget that I have been now many years a Pira^e-chief, and have shared in many robberies. My life is justly forfeit, and it should he given up, were it not for — but this is idle now. I have settled to live as long as I can with my children, and for [hem. Now the money I told you I had received to-day from the Earl on board, will enable me to take Jenny to the ruined fort I spoke of, and to provide us with a few household goods. You must hunt for our table, and old N . !l 'mi II n I it^* •^:-i 1 66 TIIH CANADIAN CTRL. Toby, who is going with us, will buy us wliat we need from tlic nearest village, anil fish for us." Clinton listened to the Pirate's scheme with attention, and with his silence he seemed to ac(}uiesce. " Let us go and sec if Toby needs our assistance," said the Pirate. A number of persons were in the room which they entered, and a noise of rough voices subsided at the first glimpse caught of the Captain's noble figure, which was followed by the more strikingly graceful one of his son. " Toby, let our men be separated from the prisoners as soon as you can," said the Pirate. ■'Aye, sir, but Harry Lockswain and I will not be able to doctor them all for many an hour. I am not so handy at the bandages as I used to be when I was 3^ounger. The ladies are scraping lint, and cutting up old linen, that is a help. Here comes Miss Jenny — bless her dear heart 1" He went to the door. ** Now, Toby, here is a supply of lint, not a grain of cotton in it," said Jane. " You have been very quick, my dear Miss Jenny." "So I should be," she returned '*for I have many assistants. Lady Hester, as I think my brother named that beautiful lady, the widow, has set herself, and sister, and Miss Gresham, the governess, at the scraping, leaving me and Deborah to execute all your other commands." *' I love to see the young quick to help them that are in pain," said th ^ old man. *' We have plenty of ban- dages. Run away. Miss Jenny, and get ready the poultices. I must bind up Gilpin's starboard-arm, and that will be no sight for you." *' Who is going to assist you ?" asked Jane. " That is what I want to know," said Haverstraw. " Harry, our skipper-doctor, is trying to set to rights a steamer man's wounds, which are in bad condition, and all our helpers are about him. Harry," he raised his voice, " can you spare me a couple of sailors to help me out with a troublesome job here ?" " No," answered the surgeon ; " my patient is in a dead swoon, and I have enough for us to do here, I promise you." *' Let me help you, Toby," said the Pirate. " And I will hold the light," said Clinton. " So bo it," cried Haverstraw : *' but now we want some THK VIcTdKV <>l' llir. I'lUATl:. 167 need said and ono to go in and out from the ladies' cabin for tlie articles we may rcfjiiire." " Cannot I bring them in before you begin ?" asked Jane. ** \V1iy I am not sure I can think of all till I find the need for them," said the old man. "Then I will wait outside tlie doo ," cried Jane; "and when you want anything raise your voice ever so little I shall hear you." *' That is a girl worth the name," said llavcrstraw. " ]\Iy ankle first, Toby — do that up first," said Gilpin ; " let me have the worst job last. Come don't let your old hand shake about it, touch it firmly, for this arm gives me confounded twinges. Now fur your arm, Gilpin," said Haverstraw. " I fold the light steadily, Mr. Nicholas. Put your hand under the shoulder in this fashion, Captain." " I am sorry to say I must give up my post — I feel worse than I did," said the Pirate, putting his hand to his side. " I think the blood has broken through again." " Help him to his hammock directly, sir," said Haver- straw to Clinton. " Gilpin, you will take no harm lying still a few minutes, while I give a look at the Captain's side." " Not I. Away with you, and stop as long as you will," cried the iron-nerved privateer. A considerable quantity of blood had escaped from the Pirate's wound ; it was stopped by Haverstraw, and rebound. " I hope, sir, you will now be persuaded to lie awhile," said the latter earnestly. " Why, yes, this loss of blood has a little tamed me, Toby ; I shall remain here a few minutes at least." " A few hours, or a few days would be better sir," said the old mariner. " Mr. Clinton, you will go back with me to hold the arm ?" " Yes," said the latter, as they shut Havcrstraw's cabin door, leaving the Pirate to a painful state of forced quiet. The mind of Clinton was highly fevered, and during the operation of which he was a witness, his thoughts ran over the events in winch he had been engaged, with confused excitement. The actual presence of Lady Hester in the pirate- vessel he could hardly rcahse — again and again he I* ! .,•! I 1 !li; :;. \ <• ! I*) t> m 168 TIIF, CANADIAN (ilRL. was astonished that he sliould liave found her here. lie had parted fropi her, as he thouglit, for ever— tlien she was a wife : now siie was free to marry again, without any restraint on lier choice. Who could tell what might hai)pcn in his favour ? ♦' Kce[) your hand steady, sir," cried Ilavcrstraw. Clinton's eyes were dancing; he did contrive to steady his liand, but his head and his heart were beyond his management. " You may go now, I see it is too much for you," said Havcrstraw ; " I can manage to do the rest." Chnton would have been glad to have been discharged, but when the aged sailor came to the sewing on of the bandages, he found his sight was too defective for tiiat part of his task, Clinton attempted the office, but his success was hardly greater. Gilpin declared that he had felt the point of the needle more than once. By this time i:e was growing faint. Clinton stepped outside to take some thread from Jane, and told her of the dilemma. She offered to do what was required. While Jane was passing the stitches along the bandages, Haverstraw, with an affectionate smile, leaned over her stooping head, and pointed out with his lingers those edges of the linen which he wished o be secured. Clinton stood behind her, sheltering her from the gaze of the seamen who were in the other parts of the room. Gilpin's smothered groans of pain called tears of pity into her eyes. He eyed her compassionate countenance with curiosity, gratitude, and respect. He was thirty years of age, a native of New York ; he had been respectfully brought up, but had fallen into a profligate way of life, and deserted his parents and his home. As he gazed on the girl before him, her intrepidity in undertaking her present task and the kindness of her modest deportment all at once pierced the gross film which covered the eyes of his mind, with a light that had never beamed through it since he had been a stripling ; for the moment he for- sook his favourite maxim, " that all women were either puppets, horrid shrews, fools, or rakes ;" an indefinable notion of female excellence floated above his fancy, and, from that period, a deep respect for Jane Anderson took root in his depraved mind. •' Now I must take you away." said Clinton, to his I 13 Tlir VirTORV OF TTTF PIRATF. iCx) sister, when the last bandage Iiad been fastened on the tractiircd arm ! ** yon have borne th(! sij^ht wtindcrfully," (jil|)in followed her to the door, and roused himself. "Toby," said he, when she had disappearetl with lu;r hrother, trying to raise himself on the table on his l(>ft elbow, " how mistaken I have been about Miss Anderson ! 1 had no idea that she was pretty, but may I never trim a sail more, if she is not a girl fit to be the daughter of old Jupiter, who my schoolmaster used to spin yarns alxjut when I was a boy. What dost say, grey-head, doetor, lieutenant, is she not a fme wench, eh ?" " To my mind she is as nice a girl as ever the eyes of man seed," said Ilavcrstraw; "I love her as much as if she was my own flesh and blood. I knew her mother ; Miss has just her amiableness, only she is a trifle braver- hearted. Now lie still, and I will mix you a cooling driidv that will send you to sleep, and then 1 hope you will do well." While llaverstraw had been speaking, he had propped Ciilpin's head and shoulders on the table, and covered him with a blanket. Gilpin soon fell asleep under the influence of a sleeping draught, and his dreams of pain were brightened by the meek f:ice of Miss Anderson, gazing on him with the com- passion of a ministering angel, while she whispered words of pity in the softest tones imaginable. Clinton and Jane had looked into Haverstraw's cabin, where the Pirate was while his own was occupied by the strangers, and finding him in a slumber, retnrned to the society of the Earl and the ladies. The Earl was looking out of the cabin windows with uneasiness at the swell of the waves, and calculating how long it would be before he should be able to return to the Niagara district, complain- ing of the danger of useless travelling, and wishing that lie had never left Toronto, except to return to England. Lady Hester, Miss Gresham, and Letitia, were seated at a table spread with salves, linen, sewing utensils, and other things required for the wounded. "Are you ready to take the poultice. Miss Anderson ?" asked Lady Hester, who had not observed Clinton enter, and was stirring linseed in a pan. Jane replied in the afifirmative, and received the pre- paration from Lady Hester. The latter raised her eyes, which sank before the traze of Clinton. :IP >'!' (• t ; ■ !l 1 I I ! • l» If ■ i if f\\ '■ li; 1 1 9 X !t u 170 THK CANADIAN (".lUT.. " Latly Ilpstor is not too proud fm deeds of cliarity," he ejaculated. " If yon please, sir, will it be long before wc rcacli the sljore ?" asUed Letitia. *' My evetiinp, it was irUcMidcd tli.it wc should get into harbour," replierl Clinton ; •• but if it be later, I hope you will not feel afraid." " It will be midnight before; we shall j^et in," said the Earl, '• if the ship moves on at this slow pace. The wind seems to me to be growing high, is it not so?" " I am no seaman, Lord Wilton," said Clinton, "and 1 have not observed the weather during the last hour. The shij) seems to ride roughly now." The Fcrarless was beginning to rock on a surfy swell. The Earl l)ecame more ilbhumoured ; in the multi- plicity of afi'airs that had pressed on Jane and Deborali, lie and the ladies had had to put up ^vith a dinner of fish and mutton, and the Earl being ai picure this had not tended to sweeten his temper. He had gone on deck, and I^ady Hester had planted herself on the sofa, when Clinton threw himself in a chair by her side. He longed to make some allusion to the Colonel's death, but scarcely knew how to do it. At length he said — " The steamer received a communication from Toronto while I was in it, and I learned of the affliction you had sustained. I little thought, when I saw you last 0:1 Toronto cliffs. Lady Hester, that you were fated to endure so much sorrow." "And I," said Lady Hester, replying to his speech, '* never dreamt of finding Mr. Clinton treacherous to persons who relied on his honour." " Treacherous, Lady Hester 1" echoed Clinton. *'Yes, I repeat it — treacherous to those who relied on your honour." " Madam, you are not aware that it was after I had engaged with his Excellency, the Governor, that I was recognised by my father." " Oh, yes, I am perfectly aware." " And would it have been kind, to assist my father's enemies to destroy him ?" " It would have been right," rejoined Lady Hester, " if you went with those enemies, for you had pledged your word to them to assist them, not to circumvent them. A Trii: VKTouv (>!• Tin: i'ikatk. 171 prrson's word should lu; of sonu! little value. I forgft iiotljiiig I have iit:aid; ynii had tiiiw; to rchast- '-oiirsclf from your cng/igcincnt with tin- (i()vi:v (»r TIM III' \ ri:. i;\; •' I i>ci\liI ,iti\tliit)j; pciiiliar," H'lnarUcil the (,'()vcrm'ss, acUlrcssinj; Laily Clcvilaiul, ** but I have notitcil many suspicions ( in uinstanci-'s myself, which appear to slrcn^jtlun Lady I.ctilia's idea;" aiiil Miss (ircsluun who liad about her .ill llu; alliclation of ultra-rcrnu'tnrnt, iookt d fti^htcnctl. " Ivcally the bare; thouj^ht is shockin<; ! — I feci excited ! To read of pirates and all those sort of persons in books when one is (juietly at home, is pleasant ; but to l)e within their reach is a dilferent aflair. If 1 may judK«* hy your l.ulyship's countenance, that you know there arc; l^rounds for our apprehensiuns. Keall), 1 am ready to laint/* " Pray dont, for I left my salts in the water last even- inj;," saiil Lady Hester. The governess coloured, and Lady Hester repented. " What description of (memies diil you sui>pose they were who fou;;ht against the crew, List night, Miss CJresham ?" asked Lady Cleveland. " I could not imagine," answered tin; Governess ; "your ladyship, when I remarked to you at the conclusion of the I'iKounter how singular it w.is that a trading vessel should he thus attack(!d, said that you had learnt they wt^re person- al foes of the Captain. Several times 1 shouiil have ex- l)ressed my suspicions to you had 1 not perceived that your ladyship's manner indicated a wish for my silence on till' topic ; the presence of Miss Anderson has checked mc more than once." " If you will try to govern your apprehension a little Miss Gresham, I will tell you what I have learned. The great defect in your character as I have often told you before, is the want of command over your sensibilities. If 1 had let you know as soon as I had discovered the fact, that we were at the mercy of a set of men who defied all law but their own misguided wills — j)irates, you would have been fainting or d) iiig all day. I'"ortitude, my dear lady, should be your aim ; with your amiable (pialities, they might be well combined." '* Your ladyship is right, I am weak in mind, very," said the governess; "but you will allow me to remark, that that weakness is constitutional, and never to be wholly overcome ; it is a disease deeply rooted in my system, and perhaps you can hardly appreciate the dilhculty with which the least portion of it is dislodged." « ; I lU II »l 11 \i • 174 TIFF- CANADIAN (ilUL. *' Perhaps I cannot," said Lady Hester, " I acknowledf^c that constitution solves many riddles, and this among tlic number. Many of my own vices, I trace to the same source. It will be well for us both, if we can refrain from becoming contented with our blemishes, after we have ascribed them to human nature." " Speaking of this Captain Anderson," said the gover- ness, " he is a remarkable figure — does not your ladyship think so?" Just then the door opened, and the individual of whom she spoke, entered, bowing to Lady Cleveland with the dignity peculiar to him ; and the latter, as she returned the movement, could not refrain from scanning the remark- able proportions to which the governess had referred so admiringly. " I hope you have not felt much inconvenience, lady, from the swell this afternoon," said he ; and Lady Hester remarked that his voice was almost as rich as his son's, " Not much. Captain," said she, ** the Earl has com- plained a little, but we have proved stronger than he on this occasion. But I understand that you retired to bed, Captain Anderson, ill, with the wound you received last night." " I did. Madam, and have just risen. I should have re- mained in my hammock, for the next dozen hours without stirring, had I not been anxious for your landing." " I thank you. Captain, on behalf of myself and friends ; and you cannot wonder, if, under existing circumstances, we are anxious to land." " In a quarter of an hour you will do so," said the Pirate ; " it is to tell you this that I am here. Our pro- posed place of anchorage is in sight. There has been a strong wind rising in the right direction, and now we give our sails fair play, we shall see the beach shingles pre- sently." The tremors of the party were relieved by this announcement, and with renewed spirits they tied on their bonnnts and mantillas, in preparation for the wel- come change. The Fea, ^ess flew over the boisterous waves, worked by the skill of oia Toby, who grided the helm. Before the Pirate had entered the cabin to acquaint Lady Hester of the fact that the harbour was in sight, he Till", KKTIKKMKNT OF TIIK PI K ATI!. 1/5 bad held a i)rivatc conversation witli Jaiu;, Clinton, and j:)cborah. It appeared that the Irish girl had l)een pntting away the remnant of the salted mntton, when she over- heard several of the privateers conferring together, one said that the Captain was a fool to think of letting the Earl and his danghters go out of the ship without paying a ransom ; another said that he had hinted to the master what he ought to do, but the skipper was as obstinate as ever, and threatened to hang up the fellow that should dare to demand a single dollar from them — there was no end to his whims ; a third observed that he was deter- mined not to run the vessel into harbour until he had part of the cash the gentleman and Irilies carried about .heir persons: the same villain proposed that the party should be compelled to pay flic; crew for their release. Wiien the Pirate had reflected on this information, he called the privateers together, and, resigning his post as their Captain, gave them, in consideration of their renouncing their plans against the strangers, all which belonged to him in the vessel, as well as the vessel itself; binding himself to a voluntary oath to betray none of them, at any time, or under any circumstances, and staling that it was for his children's sake he left. 1 fffffffraHi ' I -i K'l ' pi tifi CHAPTER XII. THE WITHDRAWAL AND RETIREMENT OF THE PIRATE. THE harbour was now at hand ; the appearance of the ship was not likely to excite suspicion ; all the crew were oil thj decks excepting Haverstraw, who was at the lielm. Merry, who was turning over a heap of skins ot tlilferent wild animals, and Clinton, who was walking on the gangway. ".igain to lose sight of her!" muttered the latter. •' When I parted from her in England — when I parted horn her at Toionto — I did not suffer what 1 suffer now ! Matchless woman ! It is not her fortune that attracts me —no ! would to heaven she were as poor as I am, she should then know what a passion I have for her I But ^he is rich— titled — of a proud family— and I must be mute'" 'I W I lyC) TIIK CANADIy\N GIRL. I i . 1 j ' ' i^ j 1 iu| |il 'i M lie listened; it was licr voice lie heard below the hatches ; slie was speaUinj^^ to her young sister. A heavier darkness fell on his spirit, il there had only been the least sadness in her voice he would liave felt soothed, so he thought ; but there was not ; and he called himself by the hardest names for ever having fancied that she loveu him. She came up the ladder to the deck, prececded by her friends. Did she not avoid his eye as she stepped past liim, and while she smilingly waviid her hand to the black who had assisted in saving her life, and to llaverstraw, who had restored her sister ? Yes, she did. She knew he was standing within a yard of her — she saw the place of landing every mo'uent coming nearer — she heard his sigli. She must be aware of what he was suffering at the near prospect of this third, hopeless parting. Yet not one kind glance did she give him. His eyes were fastened on her, in the forlorn hope that he should detect one glance ; but now her crape bonnet, intervened ; and the ship's anchor was thrown and fastened, and the boat which was to convey the strangers to the shore was lowered on the waters, and the last moment of Lady Hester's stay in the Fearless had arrived, and still nought of her features could he see. In that moment Lucy was avenged. His trifling with her had never made her suffer more than J^ady Hester's distance of manner made him suffer. There was an of misery for him in the few iieeting minutes that pre ceded her departure. The necessity for concealing his feelings only served to inflame them ; in spite of his efforts his eyes filled with tears, and his face expressed a passionate melancholy. His sister, who stood behind Lady Hester, touched him, he turned his head towards her, instead of speaking she gazed on his features with alarmed affection ; he returning her kind look with one of eloquent meaning, and then sighing abru])tly turned his head toward Lady Hester. The Larl had shaken hands with the Pirate, the ladder had been let down to the boat, and he had descended with his)oungest daughter and the governess. Lady Hester was the last to go down ; her foot lingered on the deck : Clinton stood still in agony. " I will speak to her ! " he ejaculated. " I will bid her farewell calmly ;" but, when he would have pronounct-'d age TlIK KI'.TIkKMKNT OK TUT I'lRATE. 177 her name, liis ton{;uc clove to his iiioutli ; and when he would have stepped forwards and have shaken hands with her, his feet seemed rooted to the lloor. lie saw her turii to his sister ; their hands met; they wliispered together; he could see his sister weeping ; slu; took something from Lady Hester and hid it in her breast. What could it be ? Catching at the least hope that offered itself, he fancied it must be some token of love for him ; the idea electrified him ; he could not hear what they said to each other, but he saw that both were affected, and iie supposed it related to him. The illusion passed in a moment. Lady Hester stepped over the ship's edge on the ladder. Her " Good- bye, Mr. Clinton," rung like a knell on h'\s ear. She was in the boat, and his heart sank as a stone in his breast. " Fool !" he ejaculated to himself, " Oh, fool ! - 1 have lost my last opportunity! 1 shall see her no more." With this impression he rivctted his eyes on the out- line of her figure that he might fix it in his memory to feed upon afterwards. The scene in which he supposed himself to be viewing her for the last time, was an object of no slight interest to his highly wrought feelings. The shore was distant from the Fearless one hundred yards ; the last shades of twilight spread the water with a sombreress, that was not darkness, but had the effect of darkness. The boat returned, and the figures of Lady Hester and her frienos were lost on the beach. Clinton had rested liis elbows on the railings of the deck, and his face had sank into his hands, while his eye turned on the spot where the strangers had disappeared. He was first roused by Jane, whose arm he felt gliding round his neck. " What is it Jane ? What have you to say to me ?" he articulated. "Dear Nicholas!" murmured Jane. " Go down to your cabin, I will talk to you presently — as soon as I am able ?" and he sighed. " Nicholas, I have something for you — something Lady Cleveland left with me for you," Jane whispered, with much feeling. "Forme!" exclaimed Clinton. " W^hat is it? — where is it ? Give it me — quick ! Blessings on you, kind girl : you have snatched me from the depths of despair!" anu L ^»!i.l.f1! ♦^•lur lb ' .^ ' .a '.,1 nil ^*" f-^ 178 TIIK TANA I) JAN C.FRl.. m i Ji r !: :. •; fii > having grasped a square packet, wliicli Jane lieM, lie ran ofT to a private place below, where he niigiil examine; it. His father's sitting-room, which he entered with a bounding step, looked melanchol}- without the company which had so lately occupied it ; but he pressed closer m his hand the packet ; the door was locked behind him, and he lighted a candle. "Now!" he ejaculated, "for the secret on which my fate hangs! Does she love me still? Love nie well enough to marry me? Well enough to trami)le on her pride of birth? Well en(jugli to overpass the difference which fortune has cast between us? Now I shall see!" He opened the packet; a bit of paper dropped on the carpet; he picked it up, and instead of unfolding it, tried to conjecture, l)y feeling it, what it contained. " It is round," said he, *' it is a ring! a gift of love, and she will yet be mine !" here he ended his suspense liy opening the folds of a bit of paper, but paused at each fold, as if his death-warrant was within. A glittering ring did present itself, one which Lady Hester had herself worn; it was of wrought gold, set with diamonds around a motto, which he read over a liundred times; it was her family motto ; yet he could not persuade himself but that it was meant as an allusion to his passion. — " Courage and constancy conquer fate." He repeated the words pacing the room ; then put the ring on his finger, and raised it to his lips, now examining the envelope of the packet, he took from within it a note, which he had not observed. Intensity of expectation produced an artificial calm in his demeanour, and he sat down. His eye flew along the lines, and when he had reached the bottom of the third page, where appeared the dear-loved signature, he returned to the commencement, and read the whole as follows : — " While your father's vessel approaches the place wlicrc I and my friends arc to land, Mr. Clinton, I seize the opjiurtunity to say a word or two to you on paper. To think you are not luqipy, afTects me very deeply. I will not misunderstand one source of your unhappiness. Your dejected look will not fail to haunt nie when I am at a distance from you. It is a pity we have m(jt again. Our trials in former years were sulhciently heavy for you and me. *' To come to the point with you, Mr, Clinton, 1 am still your Tin: kl-TlKKMKNT OK TIIK I'IKATi:. ^1^) (rue ami anxious friend, and such I will rrinain. Murr than this I cannDt .s.iy tor two or thit't> years to come. " I would not let you riMu.iin iti suspense rv'gardin.^- ine, if I eould help it. I helie\(.' you capable of a niaidy iionoiirible aifection, and 1 trust that it is suih an one which you entertain tor ine. Time, I hope, has ,L;iven you more solidity of character than you once h.i(l, and misfortunes \\a\v had a purifyini,^ iiilhu'nce on }'ou. Y(jur former errors have proved salutary pieces of instruction and experience, and you have learned how U) live more wisely. I t;ive you two years longer, if at the end of that period your h.eart is unchani^ed, and you have lived the while as beseems a man, you may write to me, and if I am then in existence you shall hear from me in return. " 1 will s^-ive my hand to no man now living-, I pled.^^e you my Word, until the two years have e.xpired and I liave heard from, or of you. With this promise you must content yourself. " Trouble not yourself during- the period of your probation by any notions of my entertainini,^ some suitor more apparently my eciual rank. Believe me to be truly loved, I estimate of more worth than a crown, and I am not the woman to i^ive encoura,f,a> ni(>nt to any man whom I do ncjt value. Now 1 have made this foolish remark, your vanity will be ready enough to convince you that I have some value for you. Well, in two years 1 may prove to you that 1 have. I enjoin on you the strictest silence, except- ing your sister, and perhaps your father. " I shall return sooner to i*!ngland than I had intended, to avoid the hazard of another j'jainful meeting and j)arting Ijetween us. Remember for your comfort that 1 live retired henceforward. " Be wise, be true, and ponder the motto upon the ring enclosed. That ring I beg you to accept as a sign of my endur- ing friendship, even should a stern Providence decree that no nearer bond unite us. Farewell! once more, farewell!" There was a knock at the door ; .Clinton hurried the letter into his pocket, and admitted Jane. "My dear brother, I was so anxious about you, that I coi '' not keep away," said slie. "O, Jane!" he exclaimed, " my dear girl, come in! 1 liave such news for you !" He drew her in and fastened the door ; " See here, Jane — Lady Hester's gift ! see here — her letter I Read ! In two years she will be my wife I Lady Hester herself, in two years — only two! r(ndd you ha. c dreamt of such fortune — sueh happiness— for your brother ! There, read her own words! Read — read !" Jane read the letter ! then, surveying the ring, repeated some of the sentences aloud, and in a transport of joyful sympathy, sprang into her brother's embrace. It) . n ^ M \s- ISO THE CANADIAN ClkL. \k. ** This is a womlcrful cliange of prcjspcct for you !" said she. '• Astonishirif,'!" responded CHnton, and he tallied animatedly to his sister of what he would do for lier and for his father when he should be Lady Hester's husbanu ; of the accomplished society to which he was sure Lady Hester would introduce lier. Jane could not avoid feeling dizzy in the midst of tiiis whirl of glittering ideas, but she checked him by saying, " 1 shall never marry — never. 1 shall never go into society however fascinating it may be. I shall live vvitli my father and not stir from his side;" then followed a sigh and a faint blush, and a shade of pain altered her serene face. "Jane, you arc tliinking of Air. Lee," said Clinton, "1 had forgot him. Nay my sister, you need not sigh again, as much as to say but I had not. i remember your theory about immutable love, eh, Jane ? and you are not like some philosophers who teach one system and practice another, are you ? Ah ! another rosy blush," said he, " another sigh too under your breath ; then I must In; serious. I might be able to persuade Lady Hester to reside in America, near the Pastor's lodge, and tlicn, ii Mr. Lee would acknowledge me as a brother, and forget the past, what think you, should we not be hap}>y llwii:'' " Mr. Lee will never be your brother," said Jane; slio little knew this was a fatal prediction, destined to be ful- filled in an awful manner, that was hid even froui her conception. " He will never be more to me than an acquaintance," said she, but in this case she was mis- taken. " Why do you smile, Nicholas? It is absurd of you to put on that knowing look." "And it is absurd of you," said Clinton, "to say such foolish things with so positive an air. Who knows iioi that love can set the strongest resolutions at defiance ?" " It will not set mine at defiance," returned Jane; "i II Ml sure to live single all my days," and she repeated the word siiye. " As sure as 1 am," retorted Clinton. "And if not," continued Jane. " J am sure after what has passed, that the last person 1 should be likely to marry would be Mr. Lee." " 1 hope so — and the first — for i should be sorry to sec ■I 'h TIIK RKTIKKMKNT OK TIIK riRATI'. I8l my sister enter twice into the holy estate of matrimony," said CMnton. "Well, 1 sec you are (Icterniincd to be tornu>ntinpf, Nicholas, so 1 will say no more to you on this subject, lest I should lose my temper — *' For the first time," interrupted Clinton. " I feel so wondrously happy, that 1 am very much disposed to llatter you. You possess the (piinU'Ssence of a tcmi)er — don't you remend)cr Mr. Lee used to tell you so ?" •• Oh, go on," said Jane, " 1 shall not say another word." Clinton wrapped up Lady Hester's letter, putting,' the ring inside. " Come, be reconciled," said he, bendinf,' over Jane. She raised her face smilingly, and he kissed her foreiiead. " 1 have found a tender sister, and while she is the girl she is now, I shall love her fondly, whether she ever have a husband or not." Now, softened by the prosj ect of such good fortune as he anticipated, Clinton open( d his heart to his sister on the subject of his past guilt. '* Now, Jenny, come — prepare — we set off in a few hours, my girl. You have your wish at last." Jane felt a svvcjt emotion of pleasure, surpassing any tiling slie had felt before. In a second siie had sum- moned Deborah, and had given her directions to pack up. " But you will not leave all this furniture behind ?" said she. "All — even to the ornaments," was the reply; "every- thing about must be left as 1 have used them, excepting my clothing." Jane and Deborah were on their knees, packing boxes. " Debby," began Jane, " you have behaved kindly to me. Who, besides 3()urself, would have staid with me in this ship, if they could have left it ? No one. And you have not asked nie for money. 1 wish Debby, that I could now give you something of more value than this," putting a bank note into her hand, " to prove to you how much I feel your kindness; but since I cannot, you will I hope take the will f(jr the deed. Tliat note will pay you as much as you would liave received if y(JU had been in the lodge all this time, and no more." " May 1 be burned, Misthress Jane, if I touch a far- ■ -,1 I'll I 1 82 tin: CANADIAN (ilKL. m \i tliin's worth of tlu* money! Indocd an' I won't — no— by St. I'.itliiic k and all the howly saints!" ** Hut hear nic, Debby," continued Jane, " wc sliall stay a few hours in a town, and there 1 must bid you good-bye. You will want money until you get a situation. I hope you will soon lind one; 1 have no tloubi you will." "Did you say I must get a situation, Misthrcss Jane Anderson— tlid you say that ?" exclaimed the Irish girl. " Yes — it must be so," replied Jane. "And may I be bowld to ask the reason why. Miss?" "There are several reasons," said Jane; "you know my father must live in some place that is retired — and we shall have but few conveniences, and — " " Ccjuvaniences, Miss! I hope 1 can do without 'em as well as with 'em," interrupted Deborah. "But, Debby, you may be so comfortable in sonic respectable family," argued Jane. " No, Miss, I have hxed my mind on living with you, and I shall tak(} it hard if I am denied. I don't want rigular wages at prisint, nor convaniences, I only ask to live with you." " Do not blame me afterwards if you stay with me ; you know what you have to expect," said Jane. "Nivir mintion it," cried Deborah, "all's one to me. Rough or smooth, notin' will come amiss, while I'm sarvin you and your frinds." "Very well, I yield," said Jane. "Yet remember that I advise you to settle in some good family where you may have an opportunity of advancing yourself in life." " If its sittled 1 am to stay with you, I thank you many times, Misthress dear," said Deborah, " and you will plasc me better if you will take back this bit of paper. It's likely I'll lose it, and it's as safe in yer kaping as in mine. Depind on me, I sha'nt be backward in asking for it whin I have a need for the same." " I will take charge of it for you willingly, if that is all," said Jane; " but the note is your own, whether it remain in my hands or in yours." This matter settled, the boxes were filled, and directed in the name of M. Vaudry. Merry appeared to convey them to the deck, where Toby swung them into a boat on the water, ready for the Pirate's use. The morning was breaking, and some of the privateers were walking up and down. All who had been able to Tin: nrTiur.MKNT or Tin: ptratf. 1.^.^ l(\ivc their beds liad coiiu: up to see tlieir Captain take hi;; leave. Some talked of liis i>ast exploits, and feared tliat the best days of the stout buccaneer ship were over; nlhcrs, praised him witii vsoine reserve, and hoped to see llie buccaneer trade prosper belter than ever, when tlicy should have a leader less whimsical than he. l»ut every voice was blended in a shout, when he stepped from the hatches prepared to cpiit them. He had :ilt(;re(l his dress to that of a French-Canadian larnier, for tlie pur{)ose of disguise. " Men," said he, " I thank you for these expressions of your affection for me. I will hope they are sincere. I \vill believe that you are all satisfied with my conduct while I have been your leader." *' All ! — all !" was the response. " 1 thank you," he repeated. " And my motives for K aving you I am to understand arc supposed good ?" "Yes !— yes !" " You do not now think that I have bargained with your enemies for my life by betraying you all ?" There was silence for a moment, as if the suspicion were not extinct .'iiiiong them ; but in another second all seemed ashamed of the doubt, and answered him by acclamations. " Thanks," repeated the Pirate. Then he exclaimed, " when 1 betray one of you knowingly, may heaven totally desert me. I will never do it." The hearts of the listeners were softened ; some hard eyes were seen glistening as if tears had found a passage there ; and on some brutLlized features a noble enthusiasm was glimmering like sunbeams on a muddy pool. " Some of you know I was deceived into the post 1 have occupied," continued the Pirate. " Speak the truth — was it not so ? Was I not led to believe that nothing worse than smuggling was intended by you ?" "Yes!" answered several voices. " Yet I have been true to you to the present moment," (a shout.) " Well now, friends, at parting let me advise you to return to the original plan, I have no interests of my own to serve. If you choose to remain Pirates, I leave you my vessel, and all that is in her ; if you become smugglers, I do the same. But I speak for your good as men, there is no excuse to be made among people for a Pirate, for a suniggler there is. I\Ien of honesty encourage smugglers, therefore they cannot suppose smuggling to be ^lll li It) , . t i '« 1 84 THK TANADIAN Clia.. f f# V' 1 * I I a dishonest tiling, he smugglers — you will novcr w.iiii fricntls ; be smugglers — >()U will be secretly welcome everywhere, and money will (low in upon you. There is .'I great deal in a robber's choice of a name, my fri(;nds, let me tell you." His partly serious, partly sarcastic remarks, pleased and amused the men, and the proposal was received with mon; .'ittention than he expected. An animated discussion to(jl\ place ; some argued in favour oi the change ; others opposed it ; however, their Captain reneweil his argu- ments, which had so much weight with all, that after a second consultation they dcitermined to give; up i)iracy, and confme themselves to the circulation of contraband goods between the Canadas and the United States, only with the proviso, that if the new trade sIkjuKI not be found as profitable as the old one, they should go back to the latter. The Pirate was pleased that he had been the means of bringing the men he had commanded nearer the pale of honest life, and thought it some good done. ** I have to thank you for one remarkabh; part of your behaviour to me," said Ik;, '* my daugliter has lived in this ship unmolested — her father is grateful. Lawless as you appear, you have respected the feelings of an innocent girl, 1 shall remember it to your honour, when 1 am gone from you." This praise improved their tempers, and as Jane appeared they fell back with a delicacy worthy of better men. She took Clinton's arm as if for protection from tin; faces which gazed on her, and fastened lier eyes on the ground. The Pirate took her hcind and whispered to her as he led her to the spot where she was to descend to the boat. There, stopping as he wished, she gathered confi- dence, and looked around with kindness on the excited crew, bowing to them. She appeared to much advantage, her neat figure was attired in tlic Canadian costume, a jacket, or mantelet, of brown cloth, fitted above a full skirt of rich crimson wool, and a graceful straw hat covered her dark brown hair. The locks in front were combed over her temples. As siic smiled, and waved her hand, her features were stamped with the purest expressions, such as made you in love with virtue. Clinton retai: , d his hunter's dress, his additional ward- Tin: Ki:Tti;i'Mi'\T % %.^> /A y Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIH STREET WEBSTER ':.Y. 14580 (716) 872-450^ ,v ^> r<\^ :\ \ V '9)^ w^ icsr> tut: tanadian t.irl. \' ,. ! ** Now keep your temper, and listen to me," said Ilavcrstraw, wliispcrinf^ in his ear a few sentences. Tlie ne^'ro f(ave a skip, snai)ped his fingers over his head, and f^^rinned one of liis broad grins. " Will it do, boy ?" asked Toby. " Iss, by gor, iss !" exclaimed Merry, " me get off dat way, ver well." •' Softly !" exclaimed the old man. The Captain shook hands with all in the cabin, and on the deck, then entered the boat, followed by his son. llaverstraw descended to one end of the canoe, which was nearly overset by the additional weight. The sailors cheered their Captain as the boats moved off. He tooI< Ids last look of the Fearless. " She is admirably built !" cried he, addressing Clinton. " I was never inside a better ship. But I have done right to quit her, and I must make myself as happy as I can. You would hardly think, Nicholas," he added, "how a thorough-bred sailor, such has twenty-five years of service has made of me, loves his ship : she seems almost as much a part of him as the hand which has worked tiic helm, or the eyes that have directed her compass." While the attention of the crew was fastened on the boats, a splash in the water was heard, and the negro was seen rising to the surface, twenty yards off, swimming with a rapid movement to the canoe, which Haverstraw put back to receive him. Merry got in at the hinder end of the canoe, Toby being in front ; the paddles were set in motion, and tiic waves swept past them at no mean speed. A seaman, whom the Pirate had recommended to the crew of the Fearless to be their successor, was in the batleau, and when it floated to the edge of the shore, he waited until the Pirate and his children had landed, then rowed it to the ship. The canoe had been returned by the sailors to the Pirate with its contents. CHAPTER XHI. RENEWAL OF THE OLD LOVE. W E now return to the Pastor's lodge. Two years have passed since the Pirate parted from his men. The RKXrWAL OF Tlir: OLD LOVK. 1^7 winter has set in with rigour. In Upper Canada the seasons are always more temperate than in the Lower province. That splendid phenomenon, the hoar frost sjiri^ad itself over the wilderness The enclosure in which Lucy slept was covered with a winding-sheet of purest ice. The Pastor and his grandson took a mornmg walk from the lodge to this spot. They descended into the lower parts of the valley, went up the few steps of the enclosure, and proceeded along the path which led to the grave. The Pastor had become bent under the weight of his afllictions. His face was now furrowed, and it had lost its healthy complexion. Arthur's countenance had become more serious, iiis manner more grave. He had sought consolation in religion, and having had his hopes blighted on earth, he had determined to seek no more the phantom of earthly happiness, but looked forward with faith, and a hxed expectation to a future world of joy. They both stood by the two cypresses which over- shadowed Lucy's grave with their dark branches. There was just room between their roots for another grave ; "Whose will it be ?" thought the Pastor, " Lord, if me, I am ready ; I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Thee, and the dear ones I have lost. Yet I would be passive in Thy hands; "all the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come.' " Arthur leaned his elbow on a tombstone that had been made of the white marble with which the district abounded. It was of an antique shape, and bore this inscription — LUCY LEE, AGED 19 YEARS AND 4 MONTHS; HORN IN ENe.LAM), IN THF, RKCTORV-UoUSK OF II.TON, SUFFOLK, MARCH, 1S05, DIED Jl'LV, 1S24. ** She is not dead, hut sleepeth." The evergreen cypresses were anything but bare of foliage, which was loaded with frost-work. The clergy- man and Arthur Lee lingered a little while in the neigh- ill i! J LlH *i| •^ii! 't M um iRS THE TANADIAN r.IRL. kii ««> l){ i bourhood of tlic tomb conversing. They were of one mind and one lic.irt in faitli and hope, and the certainty of a blissful meeting with tlie dear departed in a liappii r state of bein;,' was so continually before their sight, and they so frc^iue-ntly made it a subject of converse between themselves, that a halo of hope encircled the dark abyss into which their hopes had descended, and peace shone on their hearts once more. They now returned to their tranquil, if not happy home. When they addressed each other it was with tend(;rness and respect, for each felt the value of his beloved com panion, relative, and friend, and anticipated the hour when a second bc-reavement must divide even them. It was a very unusual thing for either to advert to Clinton or Jane, but as they proceeded on their walk they did so without intending it. " 1 have never heard you say that you forgave him," said the Pastor. An expression of resentment was apparent on Arthur's face, and he said not a word for some minutes. " It is hard to do so," he observed as if arguing with himself, *' it is almost beyond the strength of nature." " hut it is not beyond the power of grace, my dear grandson," said the Pastor; 'with God all things arc possible. *' If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you.' " ** May God forgive him — I will try to do so," said Arthur. " If our departed Lucy is now a happy spirit made perfect, w'hich I thank the Lord we have no reason to iloubt," said the Pastor, " think you she can look with pleasure on your continued anger against that misguided, but I still hope, not totally depraved, young man. If slie is now with the Lord, who, when he was dying on the cross, forgave his destroyers, can she, do 3'ou think, approve your unpardoning temper towards him who was but the indirect cause of her death ?" " No, you are right, grandfather — you are right !" exclaimed Arthur, " this unholy bitterness which 1 feel against Mr. Clinton must, and, with the help of Almighty strength, shall be suppressed." The Pastor wept. " I ought not to repine," said he, " since I have a child left to me so willing to obey the Divine commands." RI'-NKWAI, f)K Tin: OF.D LoM". 189 Occasionally they dwelt wilii .idmiratioii on the well- known scene, now so altered by its frosty drapery that it looked the same. The vale here was narrow, sunken between elevations. On one side stretched tiiat vast mountain wall which has been described; on the' otiier, arable soil, diversi(W;d with rocky crafts swelled up to every variety of hei^'ht and shape. Arthur scanned the corn land alonj^ the mountain foot, and speculated on the coniinj^ year's harvests. " \Vhat is that before the cloor of the lod^e ?" asked the Pastor. •• A sleigh ! Yes, surely it is. W'liat visitors have we here, I wonder? Perhaps the iJathursts." "No, that is not the Doctor's sleigh," said Arthur; •'nor is that Miss liathurst." A female fiLjure si>rang out from the vehicle, and entered the front doorway, a young man, in a shaggy overcoat, with a bear-skin cap on his head led the horses round to an outhouse at the back of the lodge. •* I cannot imagine who they can be if not the IJathursts," said the Pastor. "Who can they be? I expected no one at present." The smoke that curled upwards from the chimneys of tlie lodge, gave evidence of the unstinted (ires within. The pastor and Arthur opened the gate in the palis- ades that surrounded the building, and crossed the garden. The windings of the valley near the lodge revealed the cabins, from whose doors or windows a bright light shone, and from whose chimneys the smoke ascended. Arthur assisted the new settlers by instructing them in the best means of working their land, and managing their afTairs to advantage. A spirit of industry, sobriety, and religion, was dilTused among them, and plenty and peace followed as a necessary result. The Pastor and Arthur in(iuircd of Jacob who had arrived. He smiled, and patting his horses, two hand- some greys, and stroking their shoulders, from which he had taken two woollen cloths that had defended them from the cold. The sleigh was new, and on the middle panel appeared a minute coat of arms. The harness of the horses were ornamented with silver, and the bell of the same material. These signs of the wealth and distinction of the strangers excited some surprise in the minds of both. " They were a lady and gentleman," was all Jacob ^If »i| ^1' III J ii: F^ L... Ill , J i ii 7 I ■1 i|M' >[ , f) l(jO Till-: ( ANAIHAN (ilkl. could say of thcni. *' Tlic lady was so wrapiK.'d up lu; could only sec a i)air of uiodcst looking; eyes and a siniliii;; mouth — tliou^'iit she was youiif^ — knew the gentleman was — they were in the sitting-room. To the sitting-room Arthur and the Pastor proceeded only stopping in the kitchen to divest themselves of their coats, gloves, and cap.,. They both paused at the sitting- room door ; the lady and gcMitlcman were speaking to each otiier within, and Arthur looketl at his grandfatlici, crimsoned, and looked stern, and the Pastor lookeil at his grandson, id turned paler than ordinary. The former was the first to enter. The lady was sitting half envel- oped in a fur mantle, and velvet jielisse, that she had loosened about her neat figure. She abruptly turne-d lu r countenance as she heard a footstep in the room, ami extended her hand, exclaiming aOectionately — ** My dearest grandfather ! will you give me a welcome ff)r a day or two in the house where I once lived as Jane Anderson ?" "Jane! — ^what is it Jane come back!" cried the sur- prised Pastor, returning her warm greeting, but having hardly noticed the word "grandfather;" "I have not seen you since that sad time when I lost my Lucy." He pressed his hand on his eyes a moment. " Ah, now 1 look at yon, Miss Jane, she seems to rise before me — I think I sec her again." He wiped his eyes, and Jane wept. "She loved you," added the Pastor; "you were happy together for some time ; but uninterrupted felicity is not the lot of mortals." " I come to you as a near relative, sir," said Jane ; " I claim to be received by you as a granddaughter. Read this letter which a friend of my brother's brought out from England." The Pastor opened the sheet of paper, which she took from a reticule and gave him, when Arthur entered, and met the eye of Clinton. The latter rose from the chair instantly, and said, " Mr. Lee, this visit will no doubt surprise you. To account for it, we must introduce ourselves to you as your cousins, and as bearing the same relation to Pastor Wilson you yourself bear." " Indeed, Mr. Clinton ! how is that ?" inquired Arthur, keeping his eye turned from Jane. " Certainly I am sur- prised. You will be so good as explain ?" KK.M.WAF, ()| Tin; (^M» I.nVi:. )l " Tlic li'tld which Pastor Wilson is ruadiii;; contains tny explanation," rt^turncd Clinton, wlu) was chilN-d by Mr. Lee's gravity, antl l>)' {\w. slenniess of his I'.'atures. " My mother, Mr. Lee, was the sister of your mother, and the dauf,'hter of your grandfather." " indeed!" exclaimed Arthur, '« if this be true—" " If it be true, sir!" echoed (!linton. '• How long is it since >ou (hscovered this?" askeil Mr. Lee, at that moment he si-emed to shrink. Jane was speaking to the' I 'astor further up the room, for Clinton had sat down by the door to glance at a book, which lay on a work-table that had been Lucy's, while his sister had {^one to the fire. " Not until this letter came — ilid we know the circum- stance," answered Clinton ; " it reached us at Ouebec, where wc were staying." "Indeed — very strange," repeated Arthur, casting his eye toward Jane and withdrawing it, while another frown siicceedc 1 to the first, with indignant feeling. •' And you aiul Mrs. Clinton are in good circumstances now ?" said lie, remembering the coat of arms on the sleigh door. " Mrs. Clinton !" echoed the other, smiling, as he saw th(,' mistake Arthur liad fallen into; " I have not the hon- our to know any one of that name." " You have taken another name then ?" " No." " Why is not Miss Anderson your wife ?" ** vShe is rny sister, Mr. Lee; as yet I have no wife, neither has my sister a husband, or to my knowledge any thoughts of one." The face of Arthur cleared ; the look of pain passed off; and with a manner cheerful and frank, he shook hands with his new-found cousin, resolving in his mind to for- give from that moment his erring conduct, and to remem- ber it no more. "Yes, it is so!" cried the Pastor, wiping his eyes again, as he j)assed the letter to Arthur ; *' and you, Jane Ander- son, and you Mr. Clinton, are my grandchildren — the children of that dear daughter of mine who married the American seaman! J]ut come, off with your superlluous dresses, and when you have had a good dinner wc will talk it all over. I have a hundred questions to ask — I shall hardly know where to begin. I shall want to know where you met with each other ? — how you found out that i li 1 pfi m «ri: » ! i .f i fc! 'n • 1 iitf ■;■ *'l , '»' M ^r \ ! I i • lii . ^ 192 TIIK ("ANAI>IAN (ilRL. you were brnthcr and sister ? — in what manner you, Mr. Clinton, discovered yimr father? — what sort of life he lias lu.'tn k'adinj; since your niotluT's death ? — and how it is I fuid you coming' hither like rich seignors with a (oat "f arms and silv(,'r harness to your sleigh?" — (he rang the lull as he spoke the last sentence) — "and what has become of Deborah?" Here Deborah's substitute in tin: lodge entered. She was the daughter of a Scotch stou- keeper, a sourdooking damsel. •' What's your wull, sir ?" asked she. "Dinner, Patty! let us have it in good time, if you please." " It'll na be ready yet, sir," replied the girl, "(iet it ready as soon as possibk;, Patty," said tlu^ Pastor, " and let there be an extra dish or two. Has the Indian Sassa or his brother brought in any venison, or birds, this morning?" " Nay — I seen none — nought to crack o' — a pheesant, that's a'." '• That's plenty, Patty, for one morning's shooting. You have roasted it, have you ?" " It's doon at the fire." "That will do; now take .-nvay Miss f iiie's extra gar- ments. Or what say you, Jane, can yuu lind your way uj) stairs yourself? The rooms stand just as they did." " I shall not lose myself," said Jane, smiHng, " but I should if the house were as much altered as the valley." She had to pass Arthur to leave the room ; he had not yet spoken to her ; he was reading the letter when she stepped by liim ; instantly he started forward, with an enthusiasm the more touching from his habits of self-com- mand, and caught her hand. "Jane Anderson !" he excl.iimed, the feelings of a heart were expressed in the two words. "Jane, my sister's friend, have you not a word for me after two years and d half of absence ?" Jane paused, blushing p.ainfully, her eyes cast down, and her heart beating. She would have withdrawn her hand with displeasure, but recollected Mr. Lee was related to her, and had a right to the familiarity. She was confused, and feit so unable to say anything, that she was angry with herself. The Pastor and Chnton were busily talking at the other KKMAVAI, Ol Till, OLD l-OVK. •93 end of the apartment, and discreetly took no notice of tlic pair. •' Vou look svell — I hopo yonr lirart is as altered as your countenance," Arthur wliispered as lie opened the door for her. ♦' You must never leave this lodj^e aj;ain, Jane. You must stay with your new f^randfather henceforward. The house is another place when you arc in it. 1 assure you it is melancholy to live in it while you — " She tripped up the staircase without waiting for tlic cnnclusion of his speecli, venturing,' one look down on him from the balusters. In that look there was kindness enough to revive Arthur's hopes, and lu; went back into the sittinj^-rooin with a heart onc(! more awakened to bright ideas of domestic happiness. Jane had been struck with iiis agitation, his tone of voice, and his look of iimlisgiiised allcciion. She was cer- tain he loved her well, and as the conviction pressed on her, she tlirew herself in an easy chair in the room tliat had been her chamber, and wept with delight. " I do esteem him iiKjre than any other man I ever saw," said she; and she remembered that it had been Lucy's wish to see her married to Arthur. But it occurred to her that, before she came on her visit, she had (1( Icrmined never for a moment to allow him to look upon lur as more than a friend and a cousin, and that she had sjicnt many an hour planning how to behave to him on all occasions. " Is it possible," thought she, " that the impressions of a moment can have destroyed all my plans— is it possible ?" It uYfs possible : not that Jane was weak, but tlie fact was, her anger against Arthur had been mere girlish pi'[ue, and in its nature destined to be short-lived while a durable affection for him had kept its ground beneath. The result proved to be this — Arthur's suit was taken np at the point where it had been broken ofT two years Infore. lie confessed himself wrong in having treated the 1 'irate so unceremoniously, as he was licv father, and threw himstlf on her mercy. That mercy was not denied him. Thus there was an end of their difference ; the sej)aratioii they had borne endeared them to each other, and the Pastor and Clinton rejoiced to see their agreement. After three hours of really happy conversation round M t! fi 1 II! I Ii J. irf' 194 Tin: (ANADIW <.ikl I tlic stDVc which stood in the silliii;; room, tlit* four lu-wly- unitt'il relatives separated for a hlllc liiiu , Jane to aiiuise herself as she pleased, Arthur to see- that his t atth- and j)oultry were fed, aiul shut up for the iiiKhl, the- l\u,lor io choose his text, and arraiif^e the sul)ject of his next sermon, and Clinton to walk out viewing the new settle- ments in the valley. To lane's domestic temper, everything in the house which Iiad been a home to her, and which was likely to In so again, was an object of interest. Thi" blameless feelings of her soul were seen in her eye as it pass(.d tearfully from object to object in the room, dwelling on some but a moment, on others with a lingering gaze. This family apartment exhibited numerous doors, surroumled with crimson cloth to exclude all draughts ; one of these was the entrance of the house, extremely large, which Jane opened, stepping under a ])lain portico. And there before her were the groves of hemlock, and cedar. 1 lere and there curled the smoke of huts that she had never sclmi before ; nearer she espied the sunnnerdioust;, when in, when L" "' 'vas alive, the I'astor's household had so often spent th. venings in the hot season. Drawing over her head a shawl, she was about to look out at the back of the house, wlien she caught sight of lier face reflected in a mirror on the wall, and started. Her thoughts were so full of Lucy, that she fancied she saw her friend's face. The nervous impression subsided, hut the same fair image was before her mind. Theic was a sofa stretching along the wall — that was the one on which Miss Lee had died, while Jane lay sleeping beside her. She now trembled to look on it, yet could not resist reclining on its soft cushions, in the same posture in whicii she had lain on that melancholy night. Two wintlows were before her, hung with crimson moreen ; when those windows were more highly draperied. Miss Lee had looked through them on the moon for the last time, and had spoken her last words. Jane recalled the sound of her voice ; then, overcome with the sense of her loss in the death of so dear a friend, buried her face in the cushions and wept. Here Arthur entered smiling, having just come from the stables. " Those are beautiful greys of yours, my dear Jane," he began, but seeing her tearful face, he looked on her Ur,Ni;\V,\l. ol Till, oi.h l.nvi:. ">5 inMously, lluti ( oinprclicmlin;,' the cause of hit l« irs, Jam: ilrit tl lur cyijs, and resumed lier uiialleileil clueihil- ness. He tllcn spoke to her with tciuleniLSS, aiul they w.ilkeil to the back of the house. The j)oultry-yar(l was lilled with snow ; the fish-poiitl was a mirror of i(«'. No ( atlle, hay stat ks, or produi c were to he seeti. The veKetal)le-^aountl, aiul all she could see, were hid under tiie frost. The two loitered in the kitchen a little wliiie. T'liouf^'h Jane saw more st.Tvants about now llian ft>rmerly, yet nothiii}; like the order that then prevailed was to be seen. Tile want of a mistress had in\( slid the female manaj^ers with nmch power, which they had abused. The dresser was covered v/ith meats lish, Ik^sh, and f<»wl, roasteil anil boiled, wliich were picked by two slat- Icrnly gnls, wiio stood Idllin^' tlu-ir elbows on the ed^'e of a drawer in front. Tatty, the cook, was rej^aliti}; hc-rsilf at a table with the remains of a turkijy, and other deli- cacies, with a tund)lcr of " whisky-t(xld}', to tlccgest the VL'ctals, awfter tiiey were eaten." " T'his is Christmas time," whispered Arthur to Jane, as they stood beside the bla/iuf,' hearth, " that is some excuse for the j)rofusion you see. Our domestics would not think it ('hristmas if they could not do as they like with pKj- visioiis." The lustres over the sideboard were not yet lij^dited ; Lucy's organ stood open, inviting the touch, with candle- sticks fitted to the keyd)oard : tiie window-shutters were closed for the evening, and the only light of the apartment was that iMcturestpie one of ruelighl. While Arthur and Jane remained alone, they had an interesting conversation on topics concerning only them- selves, the results of which will hereafter appear; in the niLantimc we shall inform the reader of all that occurred during the last two years relating to the Pirate and Ins children. The place in which they had found a retreat was a ruined fort injured in the American war. Here the\- had dwelt conceali'd for a year during which time the Tirate ^lUlfered from the wound in his side. His illness had been alleviated by the kindness of his son and daughter. T'he change from an active life, to one monotonous and retired, proved less irksome than he had expected. His weakness obliged him to seek refuge in rest, and here he could 1 * tHI ] ■ifeRI / ■' i ij ; « 1 I I'll III II) ^ iHii 1y Till. y had inailc *' wind ami weather ti^ht." One of the rooms, liiinislied with j;r)ods hroii^lii fr<»m the l-'earless, madt; a c(jnveni» nt sitting-room l»y day, and a chamber for Jane and ihhorah l)y ni^jht ; m tlu ()thi;r th( i'irat(;and Cdinton sle|»t, as well as Tohy and the black, who conlined themselves to its bonnds at ail times, excepting' when they were invited to enter tin (laptain's oilier apartment, or whi n they Ictt the ruin mi search of f^'ame. As tlic I 'irate had planned their mode of livin;.;, pre- viously, so they lived. l)el)()rah and lane occasionally ventured to the township, and purchased su« h ni-cessarics as the forests and lulls (ould not su))|)ly. C'.lint(jn hunted ilaily ; Toby and Merry liuntrd or lislu-d; and occasion- ally the I'irate sat in the lishinj.(d)oat to witness the sport. Nothinjj; occurred to disturb their trancpiillity (uilii thirteen months had rolled by. At the end ot that time, a {gentleman, verf;inf; on ninety, was ridiuf.; with his servant and a do?,', a few miles from the ruin, when a snow-diilt comiuf,' on they were both in danger of pi'rishing. Tli< ^'cntleman being inlirm, was unable to proceed at a rjuick pace; and after losing his road, and becoming benumbed with cold so that he juld scarcely support hiniself in liis saddle, ids servant galloped oil, with the intention oi bringing him assistance, which never came. The horse wandered on, and took a wild and dangerous path, leading tu the fort. Cautiously the animal waded through the occan-liko v;now, over holes, branches, and fallen trees. On a sudden it stopped, its feet were put out a step, then drawn back with signs of fear — the creature was on the edge ut a gap filled with soft snow, in which loth horse and rider would have been cngulphcd in a moment. At the same time the dog raised a melancholy howl. The gentleman was insensible to his perilous condition; the upper part of his body had fallen down on the shoulders of his marc, and he held on by the grasp of the mane. The wind swept on terrilically over the awful sccwc. in KI'Nr.WAf. ov Tin: Ol.f) i.nvr. 10- ClfMids of lij;ljt, li.ir«lfr<)/<'n snow, \V( rr diiltitiK intcj llio nir, and carried lor iniU.'S, rontt ilin^ tlu' f.n c of tlu> roiinlry. The rf)ar of the clrmnUs -and tlu? rxccssivr cold soon I)«)iiml tin: srnses «>f the travrlld after an honr of exertion, in dra^'f^in^,' ont the unfortunate gentleman, and conveyed him to the fort. As soon as the Pirate look(>d (jn him he became excited, and mnttereil to himself in French. 'J'hi' stranf^er was tin? Miircpiis de Kongemont, who had a(loi)tod him when a child, educated him, and mad** him the inheritor of his estates, until a proud si)irit led him to desert his friend. " Ah, mon ami !" exclaimed the IMrate, " would to God I had never left you ! Try everythinj^' you can think of, Toby, to restore him. This was my more than father ! This was the man who took me, a starvin*; orphan, and would have made me rich, noble, and happy, had I not Hung his benefits away!" ICvery means of restoring circulation in the Marfpiis' body was tried for twenty-four hours in vain. I^ife was extinct. The body was washed and laid out in an apart- ment of the fort adjoining the two rooms, and then the Pirate consulted with his friends on the best means of conveying it to his residence. l^ut the Marquis might not have dwelt in the mansion in which the Pirate had been brought up ; he might have removed to another estate. This conjecture was strength- ened by the fact of his having been travelling in this district, at his advanced age, with a single servant only on horseback, (for the baronial mansion was situated more than two hundred miles from here, in Lower (Canada) and 11 19^ TIIF, CANADIAN CIRL 1 ' f; I ) lio wnq Ro littlo pnrtial to distant journeys, that the Pirate had nev(;r known nini ^'o off liis own f^rounds. Jane proposed that the pockets of the deceased nol)l('- man shoukl be examined, as there mij^lit he somethin;^' in theni wliich woukl serve to direct tliem how to proceed. Tliis was done, but nothinj:^ was found in them except a purse, nearly filled with gold and silver dollars, of which the Pirate took charg(.'. A look out was kept for any persons who might be in search for the Marquis; and on the third day after the event, four horsemen were seen crossing the plain which stretched below the hill on which the fort stood. Tiiey sometimes stopped and alighted, walking in different directions, with eyes turned to the snow-covered ground. They ascended tiie heights which bordered the plain, keep- ing continually communicating with each other by shouts, which seemed those of anxious inquiry and reply, rather than of huntsmen, or of persons riding for pleasure. As they galloped up the hilly tract, they were called upon to stop, and Clinton approached the first rider, who intpiired if they were searching for a gentleman who had been lost in a snow-drift. They replied in the affirmative, and he stated the circumstance of his fii. ling the body, and led them to the place where the horse and dog lay dead. The animals were recognised by the horsemen. The horse was one on which the Marquis had left the liouse of his lawyer, intending to ride to the villa of a friend with whom he had been staying. The servant who had parted from him on the plain during the snow-storm, looked to see if the saddle-bags had been removed from the horse, finding they had not, he expressed satisfaction, saying they might contain papers of value ; and he took possession of them. Clinton t'en conducted the four to that part of the ruin where the body lay ; and a waggon having been hired from the nearest village, the corpse was removed in it to the villa the servants had spoken of— they riding behind it, and Clinton following on a hired pony. On the road to the villa, the man who had charge of the saddle-bags, opened one of them with a skeleton key, under his overcoat ; and, unobserved, drawing from the inside a folded paper, rent it across the middle and then riding on one side the road threw the two parts over the rocks. RI'-NKWAL or Tlir. OLD I.OVK. \ijO Clinton had not been satisfied with tliis man's eaf^er- nc^s to get the saddle-bags, and more than once lie had caught his eye fixed on him, or on the other rideis, with suspicion, as if he feared their observation. When Clinton caught sight of the pieces of paper Hying out of his careless hand down the precipice, an impulse deter- mined him to return to that place before the hour should pass, and pick up the jneces and examine them. He had watchc^d this person ever since he had seen him ; and he felt convinced, tliat whatever that paper contained, it liad been taken out of the saddle-bags. He had not seen them opened, but he had seen the man fumbling under the skirts of the coat which covered them. Once or twice Clinton would have chided his suspicions as finciful, but presently a peculiar look of the suspected individual, made up of villany, fear, and shame, confirmed him in his opinions. The waggon had not gone many miles further, before Clinton made an excuse to ride back, promising to overtake the horseman, But a bend in the road passed, an-' Clinton galloped off, nor stopped until he reached the place where the torn paper had disappeared. Bringing the pony as close to the edge as he durst, he stooped and sent his glance among the rocks and trees to the ravine below. One of the fragments he perceived lying behind a block of lime- stone, fifty feet down ; and the other flying over the snow- lu aped channel of a rivulet, at the sport of the winds. He discovered a part where the precipice was less upright, and consisted of rocks, each lo\^':r than the other, lie threw himself from the pony and made the bridle fast to a tree, then commenced a descent, and with skill suc- ceeded in reaching the bottom. He was not long in securing one of the fragments, which he opened, when the following wo**ds in French met his eye : " IN the name of the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin, and all the Company of Saints — Amen. "1, LOUIS JEAN LAWRENCE, Le Sieur Marquis dc Rougc- mont, holding my Estates free of all seignorial rights and duties, do give and bequeath unto NICHOLAS JEAN ANDERSON, the son of Marie Verche, deceased, fon. crly a nun of the Convent of St. Clare, in Quebec, and condemned by her superior to perpetual penance and imprisonment for havin<:f broken her vow of celibacy. Wliicli NICHOLAS JEAN ANDERSON Vv-as first the reputed son of ,1'ti |M> '] .. 1 ,1 itta,i;e of a poor woman on my estate, named IVM'lisr A Cf-'.Kcv, from whom I look him, and adopted him, makini^Miini my lawful heir, and the inheritoi" of my title and etreets, llic satne NICHOLAS ]K\N ANDI'IRSON left me of his own will and accord \\ hen in his twiMity-lifth year; and, as I ha\c been certainly informed, has twici; staved as a connnon sailor, and afterwards as a second and iirst mate, in an emiL^rant vess(!l between tlu' Canadas and the liritish Islands. To that same NICHOLAS JICAN ANDI'RSON, or, in case of h\< death, to his (>ldest son, if such ho have, 1 hereby .i,nve and bequeath the whole of my Lstatcs and other property, includ- ing money in banker's hands, and rents due to me — all 1 am possessed of whatsoever or where — " Wc may imagine Clinton was not slow in finding the second fragment which read on thus : — "soever, excepting only the following annuities." Here appeared the names of every servant in the Mar- quis' household, with sums allotted to each ; the names of liis executors, and the money they were to receive. Then the document concluded thus : — "And to Henriquf, Detroit, formerly the tutor of NICHOLAS JEAN ANDERSON, in my house at Rou.i,^'- mont, I give and bequeath all the books which are in my principal library, but not in my private library, together with one thousand dollars, and one of the farms on my estate, subject only to the lawful fines and dues which he shall pay to NICHOLAS JEAN ANDERSON, as my successor in the seigniory, or to, &c. And I do require that NICHOLAS JEAN ANDERSON, or his eldest son, if such he have, take possession of my estates in the names and titles only of LOUIS JEAN LAWRENCE, Le Sicur MARQUIS do ROUGEMONT. And if in seven years from the period of my demise, NICHOLAS JEAN ANDERSON, or his eldest son are not to be found, then all my estates shall go to that male person who can prove himself nearest of kin to me, on condition that h( adopt my names and titles as aforesaid." The will was not witnessed, and CHnton suspected that it was merely the draft of an instrument intended to be made more complete, and that to put that instrument in hand had been the Marquis' errand to the lawyer on the day when he lost his life. The document Clinton held in his hand appeared to be in the Marquis' handwriting, and on the back was an RFNFAVAL OF TIIF OLD T.OVF. 20 1 accurate description of tin I'iratc's face ami lignrc, wliicli it was likely llie deci-ascd nobleman had intended shouUl he incorporated in the will. it was with a kind of delirinni that Clinton clind)ed the r()cks and regained tlie road, where lie roile off to find that lawyer wiiose name he remembered hearing the horseman iiKiiiion. 1 ie found him near, and opened to him his business in intense excitement. The professf)r of litigation was a man superior to his brethren. He entered into the sub- ject with interest, discarding every formality of manner. He regretted the Marcpiis' death much, and undertook to swear, whenever he should be ealletl upon to do so, that the torn pa})er Clinton had picked up, was in the Mar- f]uis' handwriting, and was the latest document of the kind existing. The Marquis had shown him (the lawyer) that paper three days ago, and his clerk had copied it, the copy being in iiis desk. He was to have visited the Mar- ([uis at the villa of his friend on that day week on which he had seen him, to witness a legal intrument, and to see it signed and sealed. The friend of the IMarcpiis, and Henrique Detroit, the former tutor of the appointed inheritor, were to have been witnesses to the will. Having received this information, Clinton asked the legal gentleman if he would undertake the cause of Nicholas Jean Anderson, his father. The lawyer replied he would willingly do sc, and had no doubt of a successful issue, provided he was furnished with sufficient proofs that the alleged Nicholas Anderson was the individual described by the Marquis. Thus furnished, Clinton returned to the fort, and amazed his father and sister with the surprising intelli- gence. The Pirate ventured, at the request of his chil- dren, to visit the lawyer, who, after cross-questioning him for an hour, taking notes of his answers, assured him that he himself was satisfied he was the individual named by the Marquis, and that he should exert himself to make good his claim. He was persuaded that Henrique Detroit was concerned in the attempt to destroy the Mar- quis' will. But it would be best to remain quiet on the transaction until after the funeral. The lawyer's advice was followed, and the conduct of die affair left to him. He did not disappoint his anxious clients. The body of the Marquis was removed to his #N ill .j ,1 ^ f'lf ' ■ ;: ' *i ! '■ :» # ' ^' 202 TIIF, CANADIAN Ciur. estate at Roiigeuiunt, Lowlt Canada, lioin wliich ho had come, for the first time in fifty years, to take his hast leave of tlie proprietor of a villa (who was a wealthy widower, without family,) and to prepare his will. The lawyer followed to the tlisputed seignorie, and lodged the Pirate near at hand, whence he might produce him at a fitting time. After the funeral, Henrique Detroit brought forward a will, dated ten years back, in which he was appointed possessor of the IMarcpiis' wealth. There was at first but one dissentient voice — it was that of the proprietor of the villa, who stated that his friend had showed him, on his late visit, a will written with his own hands, appomting one Nicholas Jean Anderson his heir; and that hv. was ready to swear, he was to have signed and witnessed, with the lawyer and Henriciuc Detroit, ten days prc.'vious to their present meeting. Me appealed to the honour and honesty of Detroit if this was not true. The advocate of Detroit replied : " The question was not what the Marquis might have intended to do or what he began to do, but what he had done. Here was an undoubted will — could any proved document be brought to supersede it !" The lawyer now arose, and laid on the table the paper which the servant had torn, with a copy of the same, dated the day of the Marquis' death. At the first sight of these Detroit turned pale, and a motion was heard in the back of the room, as if some one were passing out. *' Detain him 1 let him not pass !" exclaimed the lawyer; " I command that he be detained." The guilty servant was brought back, trembVng with the intense fear painted on every quivering feature. " I was forced to do it," he stammered. The lawyer explained the scene, while the tool of a villain stood by, quaking in the grasp of two of his fellow domestics. " Who forced you to do it ? Speak the truth, and you may escape a severe punishment," said the lawyer. The fellow pointed to Detroit, who exclaimed — "He is a consummate liar!" and would have gone away, but was prevented. " Detroit promised me money if I would get hold of the paper and burn it," stammered the servant ; " and threatened me if I betrayed him. I could not burn the KF.NIAVAL Ol' TIM, (il.l» I/nK. 203 will — I had no opportiniity — but 1 tlirow it over tlie preci- pice." " You will repent this," muttered Detroit. " Take care that neither of them escape, and remove them out of hearing, ' said the lawyer. When tliis had been done he sent privately for the Pirate. " Now, gentlemen," said he, " I will produce tlu* true iniieritor of these estates — Nicliolas Jean Antlerson. You sec on this paper of the IMarquis* writing a description of the man's person. Judge for yourselves, whether his appearance does not answer to it, making due allowance for the alterations that twenty-five years must have pro- duced." ^ The Pirate's arrival was announced, and the Manpiis' description having been read by every gentleman in tht; room, gave directions that Anderson should enter among several of the servants, without introduction. Taller than any of the domestics who pressed near to survey him, by nearly a head, of the most accurate pro- portions, the Pirate was received by the Assembly as an individual to whom the Marquis' description would apply. A number of questions were asked him concerning his former life in this mansion, which he answered satisfac- torily. He was then requested to retire to a separate room, which he did. " One test that may complete the presumptive evidence in favour of his identity," said the lawyer, " remains. Let the servants stand together in this room, and place Hen- rique Detroit in the midst of them ; then let the supposed Ni{' ^as Anderson be brought in. If he is the person we suppose, he will recognise his old tutor, and Detroit will know him. But I must caution you, that it is probable Detroit may affect ignorance of him, to obtain his ends, therefore let his countenance, at the first moment of their seeing each other, be observed." To this test the Advocate had no objection, and much curiosity was manifested as to its success. At the Pirate's second entrance into the room, his eye glanced along the servants without emotion — he had not perceived Detroit. But the latter, who had not the self- possession of a skiful hypocrite, lost himself — beads of sweat stood on his forehead, and he sank down on a chair, .\ .1 : hH .! •M hi- 206 TIM; ( ANADIAN (ilkl- m^ !li ' Canadian Catlujlics forgot that ckayity is the best part of rcHgion. In luiropcan-l'rancc the I'rotestants had been cruelly dealt with, and the Protestants of Canada felt aggiieved. This was not all; the boundaries of the domi- nions of France and ICngland in Canada, were disputed by both parties ; and the settlers living on the disputed frontiers (who were principally Jiritish) suffered from tlie confhcts which attended the cjuarrel. There was a third l)arty of consequence, the red men, or Indians — who, as tiiey felt disposed, took part with one or other of the com- batants, and their assistance was valued at a high rate by both. " I was in my tenth year when the last French governor in Canada, aided by the co-operation of my father, who was ai the head of a regiment, upheld the pretensions of his country in these provinces with success. You will remember my telling you, Nicholas, that it was my father who caused the English army, under General liraddnrk, to be entrapped in a defile of the Alleghany mountains, where the> perished by thousands as well as their Ic \der, under a fire poured from the French ambuscades. You know that the (afterwards) great George Washington was then second in command over the I3ritish army, and that he rescued the remnant of Braddock's troops. ** Gften have I had occasion to dwell on the events that followed. Washington was joined with six thousand other troops, and my father, with only half that number, attacked them — fought with them for four hours, and only surrendered when he was mortally wounded. "His death made a wonderful impression on me. I forsook all my juvenile sports and burned, with the ardour of a boy, to revenge his fall on the English. My mother was a high-minded woman full of strong affections. Her only enjoyment was to converse with me of him whom she had lost. " As I approached my twentieth year, I panted to emulate my father's glory in the field. England and France had sent out each her best General, Wolfe and dc Montcalm, with troops — the one to invade the province and obtain possession of it, the other to defend in order to retain it. My mother buckled my father's sword upon my side, and said to me — " None but women and chil- dren may be neutral now. Go, L^^uis, to the defence of our citadel of Quebec ! Your father earned an honourable IHi Tin; \ i(;ii,.\N( i; oi riii: iksuits. J07 fame ill war, do you iinitatt.' his coin.i|;i' ! Imt laki- care that you do not sully his sword by the blood of ihu hclj)- loss. Copy liis ma^n miinity as well as his bravery, and slum every dishonoiirabU: advautaj^e more than you wouUl your death." I kissed the hand th.it had bestowed the prize; and, grasi)ing the sword, hoped that heaven might favour mc as I observed her words. ** My Louis," said she, " in sending you to win a soldier's laurels, I know I am sending you to encounter a soldi'.;r's perils also. Alas I 1 may never behold you again -your father's fate may be yours." As she said this tlie tears streamed d(3wn her face, and she drew me to her bosom. We parted with agony. I hastened to Ouebec to the head-cpiarters of the Major-general de Montcalm, who was preparing to defend the citadel with all the skill and force he could command. The French banners were ilcjating from the battlements of that rock Cape Diamond, on which the fortress stands — in a few days they were trampled in dust to give place to the colours of the victorious IJritish. " * I have heard much of your father since 1 came here, young Martjuis,' said de Montcalm to me, ' and I can easily believe that you inherit his gallant spirit, and are desirous of distinguishing yourself, 1 will give you every opportunity for doing so. Your friend here shall convey my directions to you before night.' I bowed and retired, and the same evening I found myself entrusted with a post of equal honour and danger on the banks of the St. Lawrence. Nearly thirteen thousand troops were ranged along the shore to prevent the landing of Wolfe and his army. ' Numbers of the weaker part of the population of the city had removed from the action to places more secure, but among those who remained were the nuns of the con- vent St. Clare. Terrible was the action that took place between the besiegers and the besieged ; the destructive tire from the l'2nglish ships of war soon laid the lower town in ruins, and injured the batteries above, while our party cannonaded the vessels with such effect that Wolfe was driven back with loss. ' In that hour of dismay, the convent of St. Clare was set on fire, and I, with others, hastened to assist in rescuing the sisters, and to remove them to the top of Cape Diamond, where the citadel stood secure, protecting the buildings within its circuit. All the ladies as was \fl^ \ k I I « feci I !! Hi 'ii^ L . 1 iiji.'j ii J J 20S TIM, CANADIAN (IIUL tlioiij^lit, l>;ul Ix'cn assistfil from tlu; Imriiiii^,' walls by tlxr l.itliurs wlio had come to the s|)ot at personal risk, when th(; roof fell in a loncl shriek j^icrced my ears. 1 iJew to the j^ardtMi of the convent, and, forcmp an entrance, ai)proached the smoking,' huildin^^ one win^j of which was still unscathed, althonj^di surrounded hy ll.imes. There, at the grated window of a ( (.11, 1 saw two bare whitt^ arms strctcheil out imploringly, and again and again the harrowing shriek arose. 1 called out loud enougli for the perilled person to hear, — 'Have a moment's patience, madam, aner town she was safe, but 1 (lid not leave her until I saw her restored to her com- panions, who had only just discovered that she was mis- sing. As I was bearing her into the monastery were the sisters were, she threw over my neck her rosary and cross, and whispered with the svvcetest emphasis — • Chevalier, you have saved my life, Marie Verche will not forget it. T( II me your name, that 1 may remend)er it in my orisons.' "•My name is Lawrence, madam," I replied, 'but I am better known as the Marquis of Kougemont. " She echoed the name, and repeated it twice, as if to fix it in her memory. As 1 was leaving her in the par- lour, she whispered — '* ' Adieu, Marquis of Kougemont — I shall never forget you! I hope you will be preserved through this siege! 1 will pray for it !" " • I thank you," said I ; " and believe me I shall never forget Marie Verche." **♦ Yes," said she, "that is my name ; you have quick ears, Marquis of Kougemont. Marie Verche I am named, and I hope you will think of me, whom you have pre- served, sometimes." '"Always!" I ejaculated, and hastened back to my commander, de Bougainville, who had sent me to assist the nuns." " I was quitting the Jesuit's monastery, when I encoun- tered a messenger of the Major-general, and every tliought of Marie Verche was banished from my mind by a sum- mons to the presence of de Montcalm. "'Young Marquis," said he, stepping from a circle of officers to speak to me, " I am proud to distinguish you as one of the best soldiers of this successful day. You will N 1 i.i|)(iiiiiL'il lu a puinl tiiorc iiiiporlaiil iliaii that you lately Iitld." •• I bowed low, and left tlu; |)refcncc with a licart larvcd by the ciu omiiiin I had uccived. *' My (.lear inotluT !" 1 rjaculated, •• this will be joy iiul«(;d to you! I s/iiill iii)i- tato my father's bravery and hiiiiianity as I told you, 1 liopc aiul trust, with laurels of uiy own wiuniii^', to aild tu thosi! whi( h I hr.vc iuherited." '•You, Nicholas, must not accuse mc of a paltry vaulty in thus dwclliuj^ on the praise 1 received from tic; Monl- calm, many circumstances make me love to dwell U|)<)U il. ** My tluty was now to watch the retreating; eiieniy, 1 had to ridi* alon^' the shore of the St. Lawrence with my men throughout the night. It was Septemlu-r; the nigiil was more brilliant than any I had ever seen. I was buoyant with youth, and hcaltli, and hope. The moonlit landscape through which 1 rode that night, seemed more charmitig than ever it has seemed since. A magical sweetness was resting on every object, but much of the sweetu'ss was cast from my aspiring bosom. (ilory! — the nun ! — my mother! — my ancient and beloved home! — niy father's sword ! these were the principal topics whicii employed my exulting thoughts. ICarly in the mornin;; luy party were surrcjunded by Indians in the iJritish pay, whose war-whoops burst on our cars when we least expected them. Numbers overpo\ver(;d us, and willi sickness of heart I saw all my dreams of renown about to terminate. Furiously I fought, until a blow from a toma- hawk deprived me of sense. "I recovered consciousness slowly, anil heard what 1 supposed to be angelic music, instead of the clash of arms. Presently 1 distinguished, to my disappoiiilmeiU, the music of morning mass, and the voices of fer.i.ilc choristers singing. 1 opened my eyes and they met the blue orbs of Marie Verche. *"Ah!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands, and burst- ing into tears, *' the Marcjuis lives again !" " * Maiden," said a stern voice, wliicli retained little of the feminine quality, although belonging to the lady who liad been at the head of the St. Clare convent, " leave tiic room ! 1 will speak to the Marquis, this display of feeling does not become you." " Such a rebuke overcame the delicate girl ; she looked ready to sink into the floor. The next instant she was Tin: VKIIT.ANC'K or TIIK fFSUITS. 211 (.'Otic; aiui, r.iisiiif; myself uii a mattress, that was CDVcrtd with my cloak, I rxpettctl, with impatience, the cxplana* ti(»ii of the siip<'tior. " • I uiulcrsland that you arc le sieiir Mat(piis of Rouge- inont," Siiiil she, addrcssijig nu; with lormaiity. I .issciitcd. •• (live ihaulxs to tiic saints for tluir mediation on your hehalf," coiitinued she in the sanu; (old tone. •'You were brought hither by two soldiers, who found yoii four miles from the citadel on a lieap of slain. I'er- tciving you to he an oMiet.'r, ami liuding that you breathed, lliiy rifjuested permission to lodgi; you for tlie j)reseut in the cluuch of this monastery. That permission was };i. lilted by the revered fathers here, who had vouchsafed to me antl the nuns of St. Clare a temporary refuge." ••Then I am in the monastery whither I brought the young lady who has just left the room ?" said 1. The rt ply was in the allirmative, and I learned that I had hecn here an hour, that a monk had bound up the wounds in my head, and that Marie V'erche hail requested to see me, on luaring that it was supposed doubtful wli( tiler I should revive. " \\ hile 1 was speaking with the superior an uproar resounded through the streets. The allVighted nuns, rushed into the room — the nmsic ceasetl. Through an open door 1 saw the brethren of the house running along tlic aisles, uplifting their voices in confusion. I sprang up, and, grasping the renmant of my father's sword, which iiiiiig broken by my side, rallied my iiH.'ntal and botlily j)()\vers, waved my hand to the trinibliiig assembly, and K.islened into the open air. Diit as 1 was crossing a passage that intervened, Marie V'erche threw herself before me; the veil of her order had fallen off her head, and her llaxen hair, and wb.ite necl: and forehead, were before nic uncovered. •" O, Marquis," she panted, "do not go forth! You are wounded I assure you! Father Ambrose, who bound up your head, told mc so." '"Have you heard, Mademoiselle what is the matter?" I asked. As I spoke there was a sliout without and 1 licard the cry — "The ICnglish, — the Knglish ! They have scaled Cape Diamond I — they have reached the citadel ! — they have taken possession of the ramparts!" " ' Mademoiselle, you must not detain me — for my life 1 would not linLTer here another mouicnt !" I cried. ;'l ill I i« io I I 212 TIIK CANADIAN CIKL \i ■'r :' r; 'iteii n ^^ " Slie sunk at my feet. ' I'^aicwcU then, thou preserver of my life,' she excLiimed. * Marie will see you no m(jre in this world ! — you will perish, but I will pray that we may meet in heaven!" 'It was not a moment for hesitation I kissed her hand, and hurried into the street. 1 met .i.y commander, de Bougainville hurrying alon{:,^ 'Louis,' said he, * all is over with the French here, mark my words.' " What do you mean ?" incpiired I. " * I mean what I say,' he answered, * all is over for us. That English lion, Wolfe, has led his army up the face of tile rock — //ow, heaven only k'ovvs. Three hundred and fifty feet they have climbed wiiile we were sleeping !" *' * Is it possible 1" I articulated. "'If you look down upon the plains of Abraham, you may convince yourself,' remarked my friend, and he impelled me forward until he pointed with his finger ilown the vale. There I beheld the British troops spreading themselves out nearly to the river in battle array. "' Bougainville, this is incredible to me!' I exclaimed. 'What! says the Major-general could he not have pre- vented them obtaining this favourable position ?' " ' No ; but he intends to give them a pitched battle. I am on my way to prepare my men for the fight,' said my friend. " I could hardly believe it. I remarked that the fortress would defy a hundred armies, but that for us to leave it in our weakened condition was giving the English a great advantage. " ' You speak my thoughts exactly ; but I cannot stay to discuss the poin*^,' said my friend — ' we shall soon see. You, Louis, I have heard, and now perceive, are in no condition for the fight. Shake hands — we part — periiaps for a long time. I fought with your father, and for his sake I value you ; I wish you a reputation as high as his — higher you could hardly hope for. " But I insisted on going with de Bougainville to the field. The results of that battle all the world know. The French and English generals both fell mortally wounded while advancing on the last deadly charge at the head of their troops. An obelisk is erected on the spot to their united memories. Wolfe died exulting that he heard the F^rcnch were flying, and Montcalm rejoicing that he should Tin: VKULANCF, OF TTIF, [FRUITS. not live to SCO the surrender of Quebec. My friend, also, fill — and the ICnglish were masters of tlu^ Canailians! " No sooner did I see that we had lost the day, than I hurried to the citadel, and, findin}; all the doors of the monastery opcin, and the interior in disorder, entered, and sou|L,dit to assure myself of the safc'ty of the nuns. The domestics of the house, a few brethren, and a number cT tlu; people of the neij^hbourhood, were talknij^' loudly in the church— they dispersed into the streets, when they heard that the city was taken. I pushed opc.i the door of a room that led from the church — Marie was there kneel- inf^ before a crucifix. The sound of m}- spurs on tiie pave- ment, caused her to look up. Her pale face flushed — joy irradiated it — she sprang up, and cried — " You are safe ! 1 see you again, when I had given up hope." I inquired after the sisters, she replied, they were leaving the monastery under the protection of the brethren who harl returned from the battle, whither they had gone to urge ihe French soldiers on against the English. Marie had lingered here to supplicate the Virgin, she said, for her preserver, br*- every moment she expected a message. I told her that a single moment delayed here might be tlie ..icansof exposing her to the insults of the English soldiers who were in the streets, flushed with victory, as with wine. " I will go immediately," said she, moving to the door. "Then go with me!" said I, " I have a horse at hand — I will place you in safety wherever you please — only let me protect you from this place ! On my soul — I will take you wherever you choose." " I do not doubt you," said she, *' hut — " T took advantage of her look of hesitation, and bore her away. " I assure you I had no intention of persuading her to break her sacred vows. She had made a deep impression on me, but the sin of sacrilege was too awful to permit me to give way to one thought of her. " 1 stopped with Marie at a tavern a few miles from Quebec, and engaged a room. I enveloped her figure in my cloak, so that her nun's habit could not be seen. We had found a crowd at the door of the house expecting news of the battle, and when I had told them of the overthrow of the French, they became too much occupied in discuss- ing the prospects of the province under a new government to trouble us much with their notice, as three other flying 1' rench soldiers rode up to them after me, and fastened all |! ■dillt t M ft J } u "I' 1 1 I , 4 1 1 :i| :j h'l'i n 1 1 1 i l^L ^ 1 ij i ml ll Ml i |f i K liii i 214 Tin-: CANADIAN CTRL tlieir attentions by an extravagant description of the event in (lucstion. " The people were so deeply engaged, that nearly an hour passed before the refreshments I had ordered for Marie were brought in to us. 1 endeavoured to calm lur mind, and drew from her some account of her connections and of iier entrance into the convent of St. Clare. I learnt that she was the orphan daughter of a Portuguese gentle- man, in good circumstances, who, in his last sickness, sent her, then a child, to this convent, with a sum of money, which, if Marie took the veil, was to be at the disposal of the superior, but which, if Marie choose to marry, was to belong to her husband. Marie had had little inducement to (|uit the convent, knowing no one without the walls, and though the rigours of the rules of her order were try- ing to her delicate frame, yet the friendships she had formed with the sisters had lightened her feelings of them, and made a garden in tlie desert of her life. " The superior, Marie said, was a woman very strict in enforcing the rules of the house, and severe against an offending sister. She was feared more than loved ; indeed Marie had not known one sister who loved her; yet, as if my lovely nun thought she had done wrong in so speakinj( of her, she took care to impress on me, that this person, in spite of her cruel temper, was very pious, talented, and surprisingly resolute. 1 said nothing that might alarm the conscience of Marie, but formed my own conclusions. " After she had taken a glass of wine, and a little Indian cake, I returned her confidence, by entering into particu- lars concerning myself and family. Her eyes glistened with a sensibility that was most gratifying to me, as I dwelt on my father's death, and on the friendship that existed between my mother and me. Nothing bound me to her more than the quickness with which I saw she appreciated my mother's character. "How I wish that I had such a mother;" she ejacu- lated. " My embryo passion sprang to life." "Dearest Marie!" cried I, kissing her hand, "you shall have such a mother ! — Listen to me, sweetest Marie! the convent you have belonged to must now be broken up; the English will never countenance nunneries. My niotii- er's dwelling stands in our own seigniory, you may live there unseen but by ourselves. And if the nuns of St. TiiK vif.ii.ANrE OF Tin: JKSriTS. 215 flare arc pr rniittcd to return to Quebec, aiul to settle there, they will never think of searcliing for you, but con- chule that you were carried away, and perhaps destroyed by the b^nglish soldiers. Come then — to my mother's home — to her heart ! Come -and be her beloved — and mine. If I were now to loose you I should never be liapi)y more! Ivife would be unendurable to me! — ex- istence would be a burden !" " She answered with tears that if she had not taken the veil, if she had not vowed to devote herself to a monastic life, she would have listened to me. She confessed that after she should return to her convent, she should know no happiness beyond what a prospect of another life might afford her. She never could forget me, not for an hour ; night and day she should bless my name, and ceaselessly she should pray that I might be happy with some happier being than herself. A vehement flow of tears accompanied these words, and then I, loosing sight of everything l)ut my new-born passion, embraced her, and, with import- unities that would take no denial, entreated her to set forward with me to Rougemont." " I obtained my suit, although Marie declared herself unconvinced by my arguments. " I will not say no again, to you," she cried ; " take nic, Marquis, whither you will ; but remember that it is my love for you — and not my reason, which complies. My heart is yours entirely — you may direct it as you will. You saved me from death, and I belong to you hence- forth." " I was struck by the distress which pervaded her whole manner as she pronounced these passionate words, and hesitated whether I should or not proceed in my rash plan. There was a sudden maturity in Marie's air which also surprised me. An hour ago she was the fair, seraphic, pure child, now she was the devoted, impassioned, decid- ed woman. While I looked on her distractingly, divided between my inclination and my duty, I had sunk on my knee, grasping her hands, which were cold and damp. She suddenly bent forward and kissed my forehead. I gazed on her blue and dewy eyes, they were not withdrawn from my view. A world of everlasting truth and love re- posed in their clear depth. Sanctity shone on every colourless and delicate feature, mixed with a wonderful It ' 'i"hi I I.I m 2l6 TUL: CANADIAN (ilKL, jlil » I [j] li .1 ^ ii*^ tenderness. I was corKiiiered tlien ; I sprang to my feet; I drew the cloak about lier — she was passive. " ' Marie,' said I, endeavouring to speak with cahnncss, 'you shall go to the nearest rtiligious connnunity I ran fnid ; I will not leave you in any less secure place — but there I will tear myself from you. Fervently 1 lujpc you will regain youi peace of mind — -would that 1 had never disturbed it !' "We rode on ten miles further, to a monastery, which the tavern keeper had described as standing in a village. But we found it deserted, and then we deliberated again. I had anticipated, during our ride, the moment of parting with Mari?, and the distress of my feelings surprised even myself. On finding that I could not leave her here, I experienced relief, and determined to prolong the fatal pleasure I had in her society. I said to her — * Marie, you must now go to Rougemont ; I shall ask no more from you there than your friendship — you shall be my hallowed sister — until that abhorred moment when you may be re- called to your prison — for a prison I shall always consider that convent to be in which you are.' " To Rougemont we went. I went to my mother in her dressing-room. Her joy at seeing me in safety was sucli as only a mother could know. Her countenance fell when I ran over the fortunes of the siege, and its mortifying issue. When I described the deaths of the two heroes of the national armies, she cried. * So would my husband have died had he been in their places !' "'And now, my dear mother,' said I, *I have to put your kindness of heart to the test.' I told her of my having saved the nun, of my being wounded, and re- covering in the Jesuit's monastery, of my second acquaintance with Marie Verche there, and of her interest in my safety, of the flight of the nuns with the holy fathers from the city, and of my having taken Marie away. " ' But,' said my mother, ' why not have suffered her to go with her companions, Louis ? She would have been safer with them, and surely her holy vows would have suited better with such a step. A young ollicer might have been no worthy protector of the good sister, though I know my Louis' honour and his respect for religion so well, that I could hav trusted him with such a mission.' f! THK VIC.ILANCK OT- TIIK irSUITS. 217 ••I again. " I saw tlic tlilliculty, and avowed it. * 1 know not, mother,' said I, ' what could have iiidiucd me to take; Marie from the monastery. After the battle was over 1 thoiigiit af nothing but of preserving lier, and when I saw her separate from the other sisters bcfori; the altar I never stopped to deliberate, but urged her away with nic. One thing I know, that she was not to blame ; terror had confused her — and — altogether she has acted like an angel.' '* * No doubt; but if she had acted like a pious mortal I should have been better satisfied,' said my mother. * lUit what followed her leaving the Jesuit s monastery with you ? Where did you take her then?' " I described our ride to the tavern, and our stoppage liiere to take refreshments, then paused. It was im- })ossible for me to repeat what had passed between us there without revealing what I feared to reveal to my maternal friend. She looked at me search ingly, and I felt that I could not deceive her. " ' Louis,' said she, * you know how I value perfect openness in those whom I love, and you know least of all can I endure reserves in my child.' " ' Then you shall hear all, and I trust to your tender- ness for me to make excuses on my behalf.' And so I re- counted every word that Marie and I had spoken to each other, concluding b}'' saying, * She is now in the cottage of Paul Levi, on our grounds, waiting the result of this con- versation. Will you receive her ? will you be her guardian and her parent until her superior claims her ? I shall quit Rougemont as soon as I have seen her safely lodged in the protection of some one on whom I can rely. I must return to Quebec, I wish to learn the fate of some of my fellow officers, and to see what is the condition of the city, and hovv the conquerors used their power.' " My mother reflected ; I saw that it was with much pain she heard of my again quitting her, still she did not oppose my intention, but by her looks approved it. While I stood waiting in extreme anxiety to hear her decision re- garding Marie, she arose, and rang for her maid. Then, affectionately Idssing me, said, ' Ever be thus open with me, Louis, and you shall not build in vain on my friend- ship. Go down stairs, within ten minutes I will come to you. " I saw everything that was encouraging in her looks, I'' •' !& : [ r *• » •.•»;, ii '.UK » i'ni i ( ■' I 2lS Tin: CANADIAN f.IKT. and, returning' 1.^/ cmhrace, went down as slu; had bade mc, and walked under tlie verandah in front of the house until slie joined me. She had chanj^ed her dressinf^-rohe for a black satin manteh^t, with hood and gloves; and as she walked uj) to nie with that majestic mien whi( h was S(j incomparably her own, and put her hand in my arm, the small carriage, in which she was accustomed to take her solitary airings, turned a corner of the house, and drew up close to us. She dismissed the servant who held tiic reins, and, having taken them into her own hands, turned to mc, and said, with one of her kindest smiles — ** Now Louis — get in. We will fetch this fair nun liither ; I must have some talk with her — and then it is most probable I shall do what you wish, that is, take care of lier until those who have a sacred right in her claim her from me." " Marie Verche thus became an inmate of Rougemont. I left her with my mother — the two dearest beings on earth to me — and had not intended to return for two or three months ; but the injuries I had received in my head from the Indian's tomahawk, began to produce very ill effects, and in a single week, before I had been able to reach (Quebec, I was compelled to shape my course back to my home. '* My illness increased, and my mother was seriously alarmed. I had not seen Marie since I returned ; I had purposely avoided even speaking of her ; but now I could refrain no longer. The grave, of which I had hitherto thought so little, was yawning to receive me, and I called for Marie Verche to brighten the gloomy prospect by tlie assurance that she would always cherish my memory. She came, and my mother left us alone together. At tlie first sight of my fevered and emaciated countenance, Marie burst into a fit of agonising grief, which I did not attempt to check. It was a luxury to my aching and shadow-oppressed spirit to see her weep so. I felt con- fi ' .t that I should be remembered by her when I was no more ; but I wished to hear her assure me that it would be so ; when she wept more quietly, I called her to my side, and, looking fixedly in her eyes said — " * Marie, tell me truly, do you think your heart can ah'ays remain constant to my memory ?' This produced a fresh passion of grief, with the in- K ir heart can with the in- TIIF, VIC.ILANCE OF Till: JKSUITS. 219 distinct exclamation of * O, Louis ! vvliy do you speak so?' " It was the first time she liad named nic hy my Christian name, and her unconscious use of it greatly alT(>cted me. Slie sat down l)y me, and lier dear li(;ad (lro()j)ed on iny slioulder, while 1 spoke to her sometliin^ in this strain : — " * W'liy should I desire life ? In a short time you will have returned to the convent, and I should see you no more. What I should endure then would be even more dian the horrors of death. I should die continually, totally deprived of your society. What I have suflered on your account already has greatly agf^ravated my disorder. No, Marie, let me — let me — perish now, while you are with me!' and then, in a melancholy frenzy, I repealed some verses I had strung together, during my solitary hours of sickness, some of which I believe, as well as 1 can recollect, ran thus: — " Now wood, and mount, and leafy grove, Are sweetly sluinboring; All — save thy weary, dying love — And fountains murmuring. Now, gliding through the midnight lone, Along the poaet'ful dell. Comes, with a wild and mournful tone, The tinkling convent bell : • It sounds for prayers, the while I go To join archangels' praise; Blest thought ! that mitigates the woe, My lingering soul delays. Celestial hope ! divinely fair ! On my dark mind shall beam, As falls the suft, rich moonlis^ht, where Flows yonder purple stream. Yet ah ! one image floats between The opening skies and me ; When 1 would soar from this low scene, Thou win'st me back, Marie ! But while I take my silent flight, Joy, too, I draw from thee ; As perfume on the winds of night, Starlight on waves, Marie!" 'i \ ■ \ ' .a ; » I !*i i » l:ftk- i ''■ 1' '111 -nil li'l 220 TIID CANADIAN CIUL. ' After tills, my nintlier not anticipating my recovery and hoping to calm my fcvcrctl mind, allowed Marie to remain with me the most of her time. She sat up with my mother by me, nearly every successive ni^ht for a foitni^dit, and in the day tinu; adtniiiistered \\\y medicines, or sat by me patiently and unweariedly with one of her hands locked in mine. •At lenj;th contrary to expectation, I was out of dang(;r, and still my mother had not the courage to deny nu; the presence of her who hn ' become necessary to my existence. Months rcjlled on, and still we were inseparable. No mandate from the superior h.id yet arrived, although we had learnt that the nuns had returned to their convent in Ouebec, which had been repaired for them, and although my mother had addressed a letter to the superior. Marie now told me that she drc.'aded to return to the convent worse than death. Social life now charmed licr, and the sweet ties v/hich bind society together had assumed a new value in her eyes. 1 remem- ber with what intensity of look and expression she wisiu d that the siege of Quebec had taken place six months before it did : — ' Then, oh, then,' she explained, ' I should have been only a novice, and I might have acted as I chose! It was only six little months before we met, Louis, that I took the veil.' * But at length the terrible summons arrived. J\ letter came from the superior in reply to that which my mother had sent, and on the third day after a priest was to be at Kougcmont to take charge of Marie. ' I sought her instantly, and in despairing silence wc gazed on each other. We spent the whole of that day together in the luxury of woe. Toward evening my mother came, full of sympathy for us. " • My children,' said she, ' this sorrow must not be indulged. You should each try how well you could support the other, under this inevitable separation. Louis, you admired the conqueror of Canada, who, in dying, showed a spirit triumphant over nature. Be greater than he, conquer yourself now, master your feel- ings, and bravely exert yourself to comfort Marie. * Hardly had she spoken when we observed her gasp, and put her hand suddenly to her head. I asked if she felt ill ; she did not answer until she had walked to the door, there to our great consternation, throwing herself Tin: vion.ANCK ok tifk ir.suiTS. 22 1 f i. down on tlic lloor, slio exclainicil • Vcs!' and ininicdiaUly after ' O God !' wliicli were her last words. Tims I lost the best motlier, and the wisest friend, tliat ever man possessed. May siie rest in peace until the day of ever- lasting rejoicing !' 'How the next week passed I scarcely know. The priest who came from the convent of St. Clare was per- suaded to stay until the funeral of the Marchioness, on the j)romise of a gift to the convent for masses for her soul. Marie and 1 took our last view of the beloved corpse together. Mow majestically serene was the air of tliat line countenance ! even in death it was expressive of every lofty virtue. The broad forehead was stamp* il with the grandeur of an intellect of the first order; the middle feature strikingly displayed fortitude and resolution ; and magnanimity and inflexible purity revealed themselves on the lips. It was a sight that inspired me with almost idolatrous adoration, but over the agonies that succeeded 1 must draw a veil. * After having seen my mother entombed I returned to Marie, whom I found prepared for her journey with the priest. While she had been here the nun's habit had l)ecn laid aside, but now she had put it on again. I looked distractedly on the fatal habiliments, exclaiming — ' Rather Marie, would I see you in your shroud, than in that dress ! Think you, I can live on in solitude and wretchedness here, knowing that you exist, and yet that I cannot see you ? — that others live with you and delight themselves in your affection, and yet that I am for ever siuit out from such happiness ? Oh, can it be right, that beings like you, born to illume this dark wilderness — to make home only inferior to ancient paradise — to be a helpmeet for man — a ministering angel to his sufferings — a sharer of his cares — a soother and a rewarder of his labours — a softener of his rugged path ; — can it be right, tliat such beings should be allowed to exile themselves from that social life which God has framed, and live inmiiired in ' she interrupted me. " * vStay, dearest Louis — what dangerous language is this! I am vowed to a conventual life, and must abide by my fate.' " 'Tell me not of vows!' I cried, almost beside myself. ' Such vows cannot — Marie, I will say it — be pleasing to heaven. I begin to think the protestants right, and that (II hi, Hi ii 'Mji' H r < V<; 222 TlfK CANADIAN C.IRL. there can be no divine autljority for nunneries ; I Ixj^in to think that they are tlie inventions of our priests, and I tell you that you sliall not be sacrificed to them.' *"(), Louis, you do not know what you arc saying! cried the shrinkinf^ girl ; ♦ sorrow has bi.'wildcred your mind— it is no woiuler,' she addrd, pressing her hands on her t(!inples, ' it has bewildered mine.' "•Dearest! you must not desert me!' I iletcrmiiu-diy exclaimed, throwing myself at her feet, and holding her habit lirinly, as if 1 feared she would break from me; but she was as reluctant to (piit me as I to let her go. "' What would you have me do?' she asked; 'tell iiu', and 1 will tlo it, be it what it will, so be my witnesses, blessed saints.* " ' You must fly with mc to another coa;itry,' I said, in a low intense whisper. She started, then bending to ine, said (irmly, ' I will go anywhere with you. Uut would it not be better if we were to die, Louis ?' "'What means my sweet girl?" said I, folding her in my arms. * She repeated what she had just said, adding ' how quietly we shall rest together besides your dear motiur. Ah ! how I envied her repose as we looked on her the last time. There will be no separation for us in the tomb; all is unity and companionship there. Our bodies shall decay and moulder together, our dust shall mingle. Let us die, my love, and we shall neither feel sorrow nor incur blame.' ' And in the desperation of the period we should cer- tainly have destroyed ourselves had we not chosen the better alternative of flight. ' Attired in a dress of my mother's, altered to suit licr slighter figure, Marie departed with me for Italy, where we arrived safely after a speedy voyage. I had left every direction for the household with my steward, a man on whom I could perfectly rely. I had taken the precaution to have it supposed in Rougemont that I had gone to head some French troops in a distant part of Canada. A letter also, written by my steward, at my dictation, had been sent to the superior of St. Clare, informing her that in consequence of the ill health of Marie Verche, and Italy having been recommended to her by the medical attend- ant of the Marchioness (which had been the case,) she Tiir. vn;ir-ANrr: or tiik jksuits. 233 sought llu; iiululgt'iuc of Iut superior to be allow cd to Ciller an Italian convent of lier order, instead of returning to Quebec. l*'or the dissimulation of these proceedings Mari(! and I afterwards suMered a lieavy punishment. I iiad left dircctiniis for my letters to be sent to a tlistant post-olliee on the Canadian frontier, whence they wen- to be forwarded to a second ollice still farther rcmov<;d, and tioiii thence to Kome. Thus 1 hoped to elude tlu! emissaries of the convent, and yet learn what was going foward in Koiigemont. •As soon as Marie and 1 had landed on the Italian shores, we were married by the cure of a \illage, and sit forward to Ivome by easy journeys. Sonu times we loiter- ed a ilay or two, or even a weeU, in some solitary place, that had pleased Marie's fancy; sometimes we procei-ded hy water on the lakes and rivers under a warm aiul deli( i- ons atmosphere, and sometimes on h()rs('l)ack or in a car- riaj^e, over hills and valleys little less romantic and sub- lime than those of the majestic country we had left. " Marie's pale cheek began to assume the tenderest tints of the rose and wc were both in excellent health, and as li.'ippy in each other as poetry could image, when we arrived at K'ome, A letter from the superior of St. Clare was there for me, enchased in one from my steward. I concealed their contents from my bride, and though she ohsirved me to be particularly meditative and cast down for a day or two, she attributed the change to a revival of my grief for my mother, not to any untoward intelli- gence. J hit the letters had shaken me not a little. That trom the superior was couched in a very peremptory style, commanding Marie Verchc to return to the convent at Ouebec within six days, on pain of severe censure and penance, according to the canons of St. Clare. That trom my steward informed me that two ecclesiastics had come to Kougemont demanding the young lady who had been under the protection of the Marchioness, and threatened the heavy displeasure of the superior at Ouebec if she were allowed to remain longer under my roof. My steward had told them that she had gone to ICuropc, but to what part of it he knew not, and the ecclesiastics had replied that they must make the strictest search after her, and that if she were found her punish- ment would be most exemplary. However, I (piieted my mind by reflecting that she was far removed at present 11' .; 9 234 THr CANADIAN (ilUI,. II i ! J ■^ •• II lioiM llu' splicrc of her supcriur's power, aiul I tlctcriuiiud to kcL'j) her so. " I (ixod upon making my w.iy into France, and witli this view lift K(jme with my bride after a very short stay there, in (oinpaiiy with three Trench hidics and two Itahan ^^entleinen, of fortune, who were going into Languedoc. •' I never could describe to you Marie's happiness during tliis too brief summer. ICxercise, freedom of thought anil feeling, a wider range of books than she had been used to, and the utmost contentment and satisfaction of mind, spread constant smiles on her lip, and continual peace; in lier sweet blue eye. The ladi(;s with whom we travelled were protestants, and Marie soon showed an inclination to their opinions. Her conscience, she frequently assured mc, was perfectly at case regarding the breaking of her vows. She was sure that her only sin had been in making them. A Hiblc was presented to Iut by one of her protestant ac(iuaintances, and she commenced read- ing it for the first time in her life with the liveliest interest. For my part, I resolved not to interfere w itli the progress of her mind in any way, my own prejudices still preponderated on the side of the venerable faith of my ancestors, but the late events regarding Marie had loosened many of the ties that bound it to my heart. " Up to the period of her quitting Quebec witli me, her observation of nature had been, from her childhood, con- fined to the garden of the convent ; at Kougcmont, one of her greatest dcliglUs was in viev.ing the sublime scenery that extended itself to her v'cw from every part of my estates ; and now, when rich valt.'S, shaded with the palm and plane trees — groves redolent with spicy odours — blue, lucid lakes, where the magic sounds of song and music, remote or near, were constantly heard — and ever-varying hills, green and verdant — when these succeeded to each other before her fascinated gaze, how did she look at nic with sensations too sweet and full of utterance, while the elocpient tear of sensibility trembled and sparkled, like a l)ure diamond, on her eyelashes. "She would then exclaim, holding my hand to her heart — ' What a lovely world is this ! How amazing- how divine! In the convent I lieayd of the Creator, now 1 see Him — now 1 adore Him! What an infinity of His Tiir: viciLANTi: of tiik Jesuits. 225 Kloriniis prddiutions do I now litlioKl d.iily ! my soul is lilK'tl Willi tlic upltiii' llicy inspire. " One aflernoon, .1 liltlc before the sun went down, our p.irty stopped at the foot of a mounl.iin, in a scene so attractive, tl>at we resolved to devote a day to it. A house of eiUertainrnent there arronunodat<(l us all. '• W'lien I'M ,5 answered with penance. But it would soon have ended if you had not come to take nu away. I have sufi'cred one deed of barbarity wliich it was not possible I could lun;^ have outlived. I will not tell you now what it is — oh, my precious love ! I dare not ! — if I did, you would rave so loud, that heaven would send its hghtnings down to avenge us!" '* The noise of conflict succeeded. * Is there any one in the convent who can light ?' I abruptly asked of Marie. She replied, * I heard the nuns talking outside my cell of soldiers who had volunteered to guard it.' She stood hstening with her hand to her ear, then clinging to nic wildly, cried in a loud voice. 'Take me away, Louis! — oh, take me from this den of cruelty!' I f .mght her up and reached the outer door, but started back on fmding a bayonet presented to my breast. " ' Yield her, or you are a dead man !' cried the soldier who opposed my progress. Marie griped my shoulders, and in distraction implored me not to forsake her. " ' Be calm, my precious wife !' I exclaimed : ' we will never part more ! — mine you are, and, by eternal truth, I will never again quit you but in death !' When I would have gone forwards the soldier repeated his demand. I tried expostulation with him — entreaty — but he was deaf. ** * She is a nun — y'\<^Ad her or die,' he repeated. I pu^ Marie from me, and sprang on him with such violence as to throw him down. While we struggled on the ground together I called on my wife to fly. Had she done so we might have been happy to this day; but believing that my contest with the armed soldier would terminate fatally for one of us, she remained standing by, insensible to my entreaties, immersed in the mortal anxiety of love. The shouts of the soldier brought three of his comrades to the spot, and I was soon covered with blood from the wounds I gave and received. The Indians, raising their savage whoops, mingled in the affray, carrying me off by main force from the ensanguined spot, mortally wounded as they supposed, while the death scream of Marie, whom the English soldiers surrounded, penetrated my swooning senses. She had received a sword stroke that had been meant for me, and the life-blood of my murdered wife sprinkled my face. " There have been times when I have fancied that the injuries I received in that conflict, and the agony of my Tin: xrcii.ANf r, oi' tin: iksuits. ^33 I •! mind, impaired luy reason. Certainly I could never think, feel, or act, afterwards, as I had done before. The wliole world was as one sepulchre to me, in which my ill- fated love lay entomhcd, and in wliich I was a solitary mourner. A report was current, that a runaway nun of St. Clare had been privately buried in the neighbourhood of the convent cluirch ; once only I dragged my enfeebled limbs there, and my wretched heart poured itself out on her grave. She lay in unconsecrated ground, but I rather rejoiced at this, than otherwise. I was glad that those who tyrannised over her had not the care of her loved ashes. She had been put into the earth by night, without the performance of any burial service, and no stone marked lier place of rest. I had the body exhumed, and, bearing it to Rougemont, interred it under that large tree which fronts my chamber window, beneath which, you iny son, have so often seen me sit, when I have been meditating over my wrongs. Yes, there she lies — and for her sake I have remained, and will still remain, in a state of widow- hood. No other mistress of Rougemont shall ever, while I live, be heard or seen in this abode of mine. The memory of Marie shall remain here with undivided dominion. " And strange have been the concatenation of events which have taken place with regard to yourself. Little did I think, when, moved with your infant sufTerings, I took you from Baptista Cercy, that it was that child of ^larie — my own child — whom I befriended ; and as you grew up to maturity, and 1 set my heart upon you, and made you my heir, little did I imagine that in my exclu- sive affection, and in my wealth, you were only receiving your proper birthright. You had left me after our unfor- tunate disagreement, and some little time had passed, wearily enough for me, who felt a second time bereaved, when 1 received a mee-sage from an aged vicaire, that he wished to see me on a matter of extreme importance. As the cottage in which he lay ill was situate beyond my estates, I refused to go, for I had taken a vow, when Marie died, never to quit these limits unless by the most urgent necessity. The vicaire contrived to come to me, and informed me that while Marie was in the convent, only a brief period before her death, she had given birth to a male infant, which had been taken from her by the orders of the superior. When my poor wife found her J I >' ''•■ !i' f \: Iil 234 TIN-: CANADIAN CIRL. ; L oppressor inexorable to her prayer that she mipjlit retain the child, she entreated that it might be entrusted to no other than Paul and Joan Levi, a young and kind-hearted labourer and his wifc living on my estate, at whose cot- tage, I told you in this sad story, Marie had stopped when first I introduced her into Kougemont. No doubt her hope was that they would make i*;s existence known to me, and that I should receive it benc^ath my own roof. But her petition was only granted on the cruel condition that the Levis should never make known to any living person 'ts identity, but should adopt it as their own, to which they were induced to take oath, kneeling before the Iiigh altar of St. Clare, and holding each a crucifix. They received from the convent a small sum of money for one year, and that sum was to be repeated yearly. But in a few months they died, suddenly of fever, and the vicaire knew not how it happened that the poor relative of Paul Levi who then took you, knew nothing of the provision to be received for you from the convent. The vicaire had been into the convent of St. Clare and had heard there part of the information with which he aston- ished me, from a nun who had cherished a friendship Tor Marie, and who unceasingly lamented her fate, the rest lie h?A gathered in the vicinity of Rougemont. He had kept the secret for twenty-five years, but now drawing nigh the grave, and the superior of St. Clare, having departed to that place where 'the wicked cease from troubling,' he felt constrained to disclose it to me. "|And still my portion was anguish. The son whom as a stranger I had nurtured, and educated, and loved, where was he ? I had suffered him to quit my roof perhaps for ever! Whither should I go in search of him? I knew his stubborn pride (forgive me the expression) so well that I could not hope for his voluntary return to me even though he should be reduced to the utmost state of necessity. He had refused the money I offered to him too — he had thrown himself on the world without friends — without a profession — without any likely means of sub- sistence. What might not his rashness cause him to have to endure ! "The vicaire died in my house. Years have since rolled on and I have heard nothing of you. My heart yearns to see you ! — offspring of my unforgotten love ! " Another, and still another year, and no tidings of you, TIFF. Vir.ir.ANrK of 'illE IKSUITS. 235 my son. You have hc.cn hrcd up in luxury — liow will you !)(' al)lc to endure the hardships of an une(iual struggle for the bare elements which sustain life? Ihit what say I ? — you may have already sunk under that struggle and be now laid in the dust! Something whispers to me that it is so, and that I shall never again sec you I My eyes must be closed by strangers ! I must descend to the tomb unmourned ! " I resume with a renewed hope, that one day this record of my sorrows, and of your mother's fate, will meet )f)ur view. A lingering illness has wasted me to mere skin and bone. Detroit, once your tutor, has cheercnl me tlirough the dark season by reading to and conversing with me, he has even spent nights at my side. Hopeless of ever beholding you again, 1 made him my hejr. But to-day, one of the servants who has been to Quel)ec, brings me tidings that one Leonard Anderson has twice served as a common sailor, and since then as a second and first mate, in an emigrant vessel, under a Captain Harry, between the Canadas and the British Islands. He gives me to understand that he knows this J eonard Anderson to be yourself, and that you are now a first mate in that vessel. God be thanked for this news. You are alive, and have made your way to an honourable, if not distinguished place in society. I shall not have to grieve for your fall into a vicious way of life. " Two more weary years have gone by — my hair is turning white with age — my home is still a desolate place. I can hear no more of you. Detroit has changed his manners to me since I made him my heir. 11^ knows not that I have heard anything of you. I suspect him of assuming a friendship for me he never felt, that he might gain my estates. He has deceived me grossly — there is no trust to be put in man. I am fated to suffer to the las.t hou*- of my life. Notwithstanding, he shall not be deceived by me — I shall revoke my will in your favour, but I shad bequeath to him a maintainance." Here the narrative seemed to have ceased for a long period. It was concluded in a few lines evidently penned with the altered and tremulous hand of extreme age, of which the ink appeared quite fresh and black. "My last hope of seeing thee, my son, has withered entirely. Hitherto I have delayed altering my will, deterred partly by the arguments of Detroit, who would Nt • f, 1 ! i i': 1 i . % i! H: 23^i Tin: TANADFAN CIKI,. pcrsuado mo t))at you arc dead. l*iit I feci certain indi- cations that this house of clay, this body of mine, is about to (Tumble into its native dust, and I dare no longer defer that only act of fatherly love which I can show you. Next month 1 shall have seen ninety summers. I have drawn up a will with what knowled;;e of law I possess, appoint- ing you your natural inlujritance; and to-morrow, for the first time during a half a century, I quit Kougeniont to pay a farewell visit to an old fellow soldier of mine, who lives two hundred miles off, in what the English call the Upper Province. There I shall be freed from the inthi- once of Detroit, which I am ashamed to say, has been too strong in its rule over me latterly, and there I shall sec this last will of mine properly completed by some good lawyer. '* I may never return to Rougcmont again — if I do not, let me here bid you a tender, a long fari;well. Vou will see your mother's grave — I have put no monument ov{>r it — the grass has grown upon it without check — but never was there one which had been watered with more tears ; if ever you come to this place, or your children, let them receive, with my blessing, this my solenm retpiest — that they lay her bones with mine !" Clinton dressed, and went with quickness into his father's chamber, which was the same the Marquis had formerly occupied. The Pirate stood beside the window, looking out in a thoughtful attitude. He expressively grasped the hand of his son, and pointed to a vein rablo elm tree, at a little distance from the house, beneatli which the mossy sod exhibited a slight prominence — there was Marie's grave. The two gazed on it in silence, then conversed awhile on the contents of the manuscript ; after which, hearing Jane's voice, they proceeded to the break- fast room, both eager to communicate to her the melan- choly story of the Marquis and the nun of St. Clare, and to visit with her the unpretending resting-place of Marie Verche. 1 7 TFir: CANADIAN CIKL. 237 ClfAPTICK W. THE UNCllANGliAULE LOVE OF LADY niiSTICK. ADY IIICSTEI'J, with licr friends, reachcil in safety ^ the country-seat of the ICarl her father in ICngland. "he arrival of tlie lovely and chstinj^nished peeri'ss, and li(!r widowliood, were at once inadi- known to tlie lii^'hest circles thron^'h the medium of the fashionable journals of the day. Innncidiatcly she was inundated with cards, ami notes, and letters of condolence and of compliment. A host of titled visitors besieged her retirement, employing; ;ill tlic artillery of polite blandishments to win her to reappear in the sparkling scenes of aristocratic dissipa- tion. Hut Lady Hester was invulnerable. She carried within her bosom a talisman which rendered impotent all their assaults. I'ornier suitors were among their number, whose hopes the Colonel's death had revived, antl found their plans for procuring the honour of her smiles fruit- less. At lirst their calls were answered by the mortifying intelligence that Lady Hester could not sec company at present, and then, that she was gone into me south of i'^iigland. But there was one class of persons whom she had not failed to visit on her father's domain — they were the poor, who long had cause to remember her liberality. The ICarl of Wilton was extreniely mortified by the (1( termined seclusion of his eldest daughter, but finding his remonstrances of no efiect, ceased to make them, and lixcd his hopes on the budding graces and accomplish- ments of Lctitia, who entered her fourteenth year, as the iirst twelvemonth of their return to England expired. Lad}' Hester was gone on a private visit to those dis- tant relations of Pastor Wilson who had taken Clinton from his destitute mother and brought him to manhood. There, her heart, which was now entirely devoted to him, indulged itself by reviewing the cnichanting period of their first acquaintance in the same delightful scenes in which it took place. Only to one member of the family, a younger son, who, from his childhood, had entertained a brother's regard for Clinton, did she speak of that which was nearest to her heart. Cautiously, when at another part of the drawing-room in v/hich they were assembled, the younger scions of the house, and their parents, were '"i Hi 1 • * ■ ' ;i ■ 1 i itt i ^»% ^lli Mi I I 238 Tin: CANADIAN (ilKL. busy witli a panel of books and prints that had newly arrived Ironi I'aris, she inaile an illusion to liie lavoiiritc! eoinpanion and lonl'idant of his younger years. lie caught at the theme vvitli caj;erness, ami dilated with warmth on the recollections which the name of Clinton rekimllcd in his mind. Neither he nor his relatives had heard, I^ady Hester soon discovered to the enhancement of her happiness, of the real cause of Clinton's liaviiig (juitted ICn^'land. The merchants from whom the latter iiad embezzled money having, as our readers arc aware, received so soon after their loss twu thirds of the amount frcHii Clinton, and the rest from Lady Hester, and sup- |)()sinpf that the whole had been returned by himself through her hands, willingly hushed up the transaction, which, accordingly, had not transpired l)cyond their firm. Latly Hester imparted to this friend and relative of Clinton her having seen him, and his sister and father, in Canada, describing the remarkable circumstance of their meeting, only keeping back the piratical character of Anderson's vessel. Her tieeply interested listener in turn informed her that he had heard, from one of thi vicars under the liisliop of Quebec, that Pastor Wilson, the grandfather of Clinton, was living in Upper Canada, and as soon as he could find leisure he should write to the good Pastor, on the part of his parents, and enclose a letter for Clinton, whom he hoped by this means it would r'lach. Lady Hester had inherited a small estate in her own ri^ht in Cornwall ; thither she repaired next, and during the second year of her return from abroad, dwelt there in a solitude so entire as to give rise to various surmises among the disappointed circles of Jiaiti ton. It was even said that, in spite of the tales which had been circulated of the Colonel's infidelities, she had really loved her husband, and had vowed herself to perpetual grief for his loss. But an idea so romantic was hardly likely to keep its ground among the exclusives of the superior orders, who were little accustomed to devotedness to marriage ties, and they speedily banished a notion so repugnant to their frigid calculations. Lady Hester, a thorough disciple of the same anti- enthusiastic school as far as her nature would suffer her to be, rigidly hid her real feelings from every eye. The end of the present year approached, and with it the period "¥ . UNrii \N wlu'ii her ftitinf p.illi in lif'- was tu be ilccidcil. She griiw Kslltss .111(1 .iij\it)us; sleep f(»rso()k her pillow by ni^'ht, ami traniiuility her spirit by day; she sat at the piatio- lorle, 1)111 the charms of music had for th(.' present llrd; she took in hand her peiu ils for sketchinj^, ilrew a few irref^ular oiitlims, hut could not concentrate her mind upon th«' task ; slie pr(j)ared her colours, placed the LXipiisite proiluctions of i'lora and I'omona before her, flowers, and fruits, and shells; shaped cartls for screens, and baskets, and similar l>a;;atelUs which she meant to ornament with painting for her amusement; but in the niiilst of this j,'raii hil trillinj;, dropped her brush, sank hac Iv in In t chair, and yielded herself up to the listlcssness of a troubled mintl. One day, while in this painful frame, wanderinj; from one apartnjent to another, and trying one employment after another, but all to no purpose, the arrival of the morning's letter's and papers were announced by a ser- \ant. SI.( 'lid not go immediately to tl^' room in which lliey were ordinarily placetl, for the va;,;ue hopes slu' had of late entertained were not in much vigour this morning, and nothing else but what referred to Clinton had at j)re3cnt power to interest her. With languid indifiert-nce she proceeded to turn them over just before going to dress for dinner ; there were a variety of crested seals, black, and Vermillion, and parti-coloured; she glanced at the superscriptions and cast them on one side without opening them ; then came forth from the bag a letter from her sister, who was then in town with the Earl ; she opened that, saying, — *' Dear Letty ! I must see what you have to say to me." There was nothing of moment in it. The unspoiled warmth and vivacity of temper which made Letitia so pleasing, spoke out as usual on the odorous page in sentiments equally refined and affectionate. ** Ah, Letty ! you will not long remain, I fear, the un- sophisticated being you now are. A few years will make you like us all — but long may it be before the fiery ser- pent, LOVE, breathes his pestilential vapours on you I May it be long before you feel the pangs your sister has suifered !" She supposed that she had emptied the letter-bag, but as she was pushing it from her across the table, to make room for a large print she was nnrolling, another letter dropped from its mouth, with the direction uppermost. if k»i hr^ • 1 ^'11'' } 1. 'H , '"» II 240 THE CANADIAN (.IRL. I Ihj i I She read — ** To the Ki^'liL lloii. Lady Hester Clovrland, Wilton-hall, County of Essex, England." It is from CHn- ton !" she ejacidatcd, and looked round the apartment to see that the disturbance of her demeanour was not observ- ed. "It is assuredly his handwriting! The two years have not yet quite expired — he has encroached on my permission." Notwithstanding these remarks, and the resentful tone in which they were uttered, it is not to be supposed but that Lady Hc/ter was less displeased at his havi..;j written a little before the time, than she would have been had he delayed until after. As Nelson is said to have averred that he owned his successes to having been a quarter of an hour beforehand with his engagements, so, it is probable, Clinton owed his ultimate success with Lady Hester to a similar cause. The letter was in her hand as a carriage wheeled np the lawn in front of the house. Lady Hester was instantly to the outward eye unruffled, though her heart, hke Vesuvius covered with snow, was on f^re with a thousand emotions underneath. A lady in the neighbourhood entered to make a morning call. Lady Hester, with perfect ease, yielded herself to all the liglit topics of the day ; invincibly patient, discussed the respective merit; (jI lace from Val- enciennes and Berlin— ot china from Dresden and India — of fans from Paris and Madrid — of shawls, and parrots, and vases, and servants, and embroidered handkerchiefs. All which concluded, the lady returne I to her carriage, and Lady Hester to Clinton's letter, with which she re- treated to her dressing-room, from whence she stirred not for the rest of the day, taking her dinner, tea, and supper there, and spending the whole of the ensuing night in penning an answer for Clmto' . Neither his communica- tion nor her reply shall we presume to lay before the reader — their contents are easily to be imagined by those who have loved truly, and devotedly — who have had their hopes long deferred, and who at last see themselves on the eve of obtaining the hallowed object of their heart's choice. And now Lady Hester sold off all the property she possessed in her ow. right in England, lodged her money in the hands of a Metropolitan banker who was in corres- pondence with the Canadian bankers of Montreal and Toronto, and apprised the Earl of Wilton of her deter- UNCIIANr.EAr.LK LOVE OF LADY HESTER. 24I • •I niunica- piination to return to North America, '\nd settle there. He immediately left tovvn with Letitia and came to her. "Is it impossible that you can be serious, Lady Cleve- land !" said he to her, shortly after his arrival. " I am at a loss to conceive what can have occasioned the alteration which I have long perceived with so much pain in that daughter, who, a short time ago, was the star of my ancient house. What is there here wanting to your happiness ? If you are bent upon the eccentric plan of exiling yourself from London, why still there is all Eng- land before you, and Ireland, and Scotland, and Wales! Wherever you are pleased to go in these kingdoms, our nobility will feel flattered by your residence among them. Reflect, my love ! North America ! — what a place for Lady Hester Cleveland to choose as her place of resid- ence ! If you had said Paris, or any other of the con- tinental capitals, I might have been less surprised. But North America ! — really, my love, you must excuse me if I treat such an idea with ridicule." " What say you to New York, sir ?" " Ah, that city is not entirely beyond the pale of civilization — there are some endurable persons there I believe ; — but still. Lady Cleveland knows better how to discriminate between the degrees of good society, than to dream of preferring to shine among an American aris- tocracy of citizens rather than among an English aris- tocracy, in whose veins flow no base blood, and who are confessedly the most refined people in the world !" " My dear sir, I am in search of no society. I do not mean to shine ac all. As I told you formerly in Toronto, I have severed myself from fashionable life for the remain- der of my days. I thin!' you have seen me act consistently with that resolve since I came back to England." •'.Well, Lady Cleveland, if you are wilful, I will give up the point." " Not wilful, my dear sir, but only — " " Determined to go — so then it shall be. I certainly regret your determination — exceedingly regret it — especi- ally ciL. Lord R , my friend, has more than hinted to me his wish to make proposals for your hand, if he could hope they would be accepted. He would be an excellent mntch, my love — he is about to become a member of the r Mif HR • r I I, 242 THE CANADIAN fllRL. I,. I ! cabinet — I have no doubt that he will be yet prime minister." *' Pardon me — I shall never accept his lordship." The Earl knew well the decision of her character, and perceived by her manner that Lord R had not the shadow of a hope. With a sigh of vexation he ceased to debate the matter with her. " And is it true, Hester, that you will leave me and papa ?" cried Letitia, springing into her sister's arms the same afternoon as the latter was dressing in her own room. Lady Hester sent away her maid, and embraced Letitia with fondness. ** Do not weep, dearest Letty — nonsense now — what ! I declare you are in tears. Kiss me, my beloved sister — and believe me it is no want of love for either of you that dis- poses me to leave England." ** You forget that I have no other sister beside yourself — you forget that mamma, as you have often told me, wished you to watch over me when I was brought out, as I shall be now very shortly — I never thought you could go from me Hester !" and the panting girl burst into a more passionate fit of tears. " My sweet Letty ! Miss Gresham is an able and con- scientious governess, she will watch over you better than I can. Why do you distress me by so much grief, dear- est ? I did not think you loved me so much. Harken, my dear, and I will tell you the true source of my deter- mination;" and so locking the door, she sat down on a chair, her sister throwing herself on a stool at her feet, and laying her arm across Lady Hester's lap, while she looked up in her face like a Hebe in tears. Letitia was now turned fifteen, tall for her age, slight and graceful, with long hair of a sunny yellow, such as the ancient Saxon ladies are wont to be represented as possessing; her complexion was exquisitely fair, and her large, soft blue eyes, beamed with vivacity and sensibility. " Have you forgotten, Letty, the Captain who saved you from being drowned in Lake Erie ?" began Lady Hester. Letitia's face was doubly animated with the recollec- tion : — " Oh, no ! indeed I can never forget him ! Often have I wished I could reward him ! How could you think your Letty could be so ungrateful as tc forget the man who risked his own life to save hers ? Giddy as she is, UNriTANflEABLE LOVE OF LADY HESTER. 243 she has a hi art, Hester! When I am a Httle older I will certainly find some means of repaying:; him — though indeed that is not to be done cither — for supposing i gave him all I was worth, the preservation of my life would still leave me in debt to him." " You are right, Letty, to cherish a deep gratitude towards Captain Anderson; he nearly perished while exerting himself to rescue you. But do you remember one Mr. Clinton and Miss Anderson, who were in the same vessel ?" " O yes, very well — Mr. Clinton seemed to know you ?" " lie did know me, Letty," said Lady Hester, dropping her voice, and colouring. " We were acquainted when I was a little older than yourself. We were attached to each other, my Letty, but he was in dependent circum- stances, and as soon as the Earl received a hint of the matter, he removed me beyond his reach." " I never heard anything of this before, dearest Hester. I never imagined that you had been unhappy before you were married. But how was it papa did not know Mr. Clinton when he saw him in Toronto ?" "He had not seen him in England, Letty, nor, I believe, had he h( ard his name. It was a mere hint of the matter that he received, but that hint was sufFuient for him. I trust, my dear, you may nc ji be sacrificed to family suitableness as I have been." '' I will never marry one whom I do not love." *' Do not be too sure, Letty, there are so many induences to rob one of courage in such circumstances. You cannot at present understand how much you may have to encounter in support of such a decision. But may you be spared the painful trial. Now, Letty, once as you know I have been sacrificed, and have known the intolerable misery of being the wife of one whoin I could neither love nor respect, you cannot wonder, therefore, that I am bent upon bestowing myself on the man who won my first and lasting love — on Mr. Clinton. You look surprised, Letty; now you see the motives for my seclusion from society since I came back to England — do you not ?" He is not possessed of one recommendation according to polite usage; he is neither high-born, nor titled ; he holds no place in the court or the camp ; he is not distinguished in the republic of letters, or in the empire of politics ; he is, as you know, the son of a plain I hi ,1 'li!fi» 11 ■1 < I 1 ^ : \i W''- 2^4 THE CANADIAN fllRL. Captain Anderson, of a private cruiser on an American lake; his sister is a plain Miss, who is neither a wit, a blue-stocking, an heiress, or a member of ton : — yet 1 mean to be his wife and this is my errand abroad." At fifteen, young ladies are not generally disposed to view enthusiasm in love as a folly. Letitia entered mto her sister's feelings with such readiness, and with so much fondness, that she was trebly endeared to Lady Hester afterwards, Within her own mind Letitia set her heart upon going with her sister, though of this she said nothing at present. Lady Hester's arrangements for her depart- ure were speedily concluded, and a second letter arrived from Clinton. He had not disclosed the change in his fortunes, but wrote as the wandering, penniless Clinton of former days. Letitia's constitution had lately manifested many tokens of extreme delicacy, and her medical attend- ant frequently suggested that a change of air, and especially a sea voyage, would be of essential service. She tried many little nianoeuvres with them to get them to pronounce that a second visit to America might answer, and having in a measure succeeded, flew joyfully to apprise her father of the oracular decision. The Earl was not so unwilling as she expected to find him, and even consented, as parliament was prorogued, to take another voyage with his daughters across the Atlantic, especially as he had " .ceived the offer of a diplomatic mission in that quart ^ of the world. Agreeably to the Earl's permission Letitia prepared for her own voyage, but privately, as she wished to give he.' sister a pleasant surpri'^e. The Earl had been prevailed upon by her to conceal their intentions until he had made choice of a vessel, for which purpose he went to Liver- pool, and on his return found the sisters seated together, in the conservatory, the glass doors of which were thrown back to admit the coy zephyrs of an August noon. " Here is papa !" exclaimed Letitia, springing up as he entered from the shrubbery. " Now we shall know when we are to quit this pleasant England again." " We I echoed Lady Hester. " Yes, we," returned Letitia, smiling ; " papa and I are going with you for a year." "It is so, my love," responded the Earl; "this romantic little girl would have me make a secret of it, that she might astonish you, to be sure ; however, you must UNCHAN(;KAni-E LOVE OF LADY TTFSTKR. 245 l)C in both be on the alert, for in a fortnight we must Liverpool." '* Tiiis is very kind of you both," said Lady Hester, imprinting a tender kiss on Letitia's delicate chi k, and pressing her father's hand, " very kind, and truly do I tiiank you." At the same time she was a little disturbed invvanlly — the presence of her father in America might cause her embarrassment and pain. When alone with her sister she made an observation to this effect, but the sanguine Letitia woi 'd not think so. " I will mdertake your cause, my dearest Hester — I Avill give him no rest until he yields to your wishes, and volunteers to give you away to Mr. Clinton as some little return for his having been the means of making you unhappy before." Lady Hester gently shook her head, but did not other- wise damp the generous hopes of her glad sister, who was as buoyant and light hearted as a bird during the succeed- ing fortnight which preceded their setting sail for Montreal. Miss Gresham accompanied her pupil as heretofore. Lady Hester and Letitia took each her own maid with her, and the Earl his valet, who was a Parisian, one of the most accomplished of his class. During the voyage, Lady Hester reflected with uneasi- ness on the best way of communicating to the Earl her intended marriage. She frequently consulted with her sister, but Letitia was too young and inexperienced to be of much service as a giver of advice, though her heart abounded in zeal for her. " V/hat important topic is it that you are daily debating upon, I pray young ladies?" inquired the Earl, as they sat talking together in an important whisper, on deck, at the end of the third week of their voyage, whilst darkness was stealing over the purple waters. " You shall know to-morrow, papa," said Letitia, with all her natural vivacity, disregarding Lady Hester's ad- monitory look — " and a very important topic it is. A mo- tion is about to be brought into the house which I hope you will not oppose ; it must be carried, as I have often heard you say, by an overwhelming majority." " But Lady Letitia Wilton, if I am to vote upon the measure it is necessary that I hear it debated — come, ^m r'.t 1 i j '^'.\\ 1 "fl i 246 Til 10 CANADIAN T.IRL. i' i I ■ M what is it? If you state it to iiic, with the substance of the numerous orations of yourself and your sister, 1 shall he upon tlie ministerial or opposition side of the ques- tion." "The hill shall be laid upon the table of your cabin -• to-morrow morning, and then, dear papa, we must not liear of your being on the opposition benches — I assure you we must have the measure passed." And, lo! the next morning the Earl did indeed find on his cabin table — not a bill — but a letter written by Lady Hester, unfolding her intentions in returning to America, and eloquently setting before him the unhappiness she hacl heretofore endured from having done violence to her inclinations. Never was man more astounded than th(> Earl. He could scarcely credit what he read. Was such infatuation possible ? Why to Lady Hester Cleveland, the noblest and proudest peers of England would have sued ! — and could she intend to bestow herself on a man whom he would blush to see her servant — the son of a Pirate, forsooth ! The thought was incredible ! To Lady Hester he proceeded, and calmly questioned her as to the reality of what she had stated in her com- munication. She as calmly replied. The Earl then ex- pressed himself thus : — " I beg you to understand, Lady Cleveland, that as you have chosen to lay aside those considerations which your rank and noble birth imperatively require you should maintain, both for your own personal dignity and the dignity of my family, which has never stooped to ally itself with commoners through a period of eight centuries — as you have chosen so to disgrace yourself I beg you to believe that I shall separate myself from you entirely, after the first day of my landing on the American shores. I shall also remove Letitia from your influence, as I do not think proper to suffer her to imbibe the contamination of your example." Saying this, he retired again from her presence. Letitia no sooner heard what had passed, which had filled her sister's soul with dejection, than she hastened to throw herself on her father's neck, and to plead L ady Hester's cause. But the Earl was not to be moved except by his daughter's renunciation of her chosen husband, and she was so firm on that point, that flames and toriures would not have compelled her to give him up. UNCIIANCIEAHLE LOVE OV LADV IIESTEF^. 247 Higlily uncomfortably did the rest of tlic journey prove to all the party. The servants were never tired of wonder- ing what could have happened to make the ladies look so downcast, anil to cause the Karl to be so distant with Lady Hester. Clinton, meanwhile, knew by what vessel to expect the arbitress of his future destinies, and, with his sister, awaited her arrival in Montreal. The first day upon which it was expected saw them arm in arm pacing the river's bank nearly from sunrise to sunset. Clinton was not to be withdrawn from his post, but having left Jane at their lodgings for the night, returned and remained by the river until the stars began to disappear in the morning sky, then retired to his pillow for about three hours, and again resumed his anxious watch. This day passed as the preceding one. On the follow- ing forenoon, a pilot-boa; going out to look for the vessel, Clinton went with it. There had been a severe gale in tlie night, and he had worked himseK up to a pitch of alarm, for Lady Hester's safety of the most distressing intensity. As the boat moved down the St. Lawrence, all the shipping and river-craft appeared grievously damaged, which, if possible, heightened Clinton's fears. These fears, however, happily proved groundless ; the vessel had found shelter in the harbour of Bic Island, one hundred and fifty-three miles below Quebec. The pilot ran his boat close under her side, and spoke with the captain, who gladly received him on board, the navigation of the St. Lawrence being of a difficult char- acter. Clinton went upon deck with the pilot, and thus came abruptly into the sight of the Earl of Wilton, who heard him ask the captain if Lady Cleveland was not one of his passengers. The captain having answered in the affirmative, Clinton sent his card down to her cabin. The Earl was pale with anger ; he moved as though he would have stepped forward, intending to ask him his business with Lady Hester, but his swelling disdain of the presumptuous individual withheld him. Clinton bowed to the Earl as soon as he perceived him, but the latter, instead of returning the movement, assumed a most chil- ling and stately aspect, and eyed him with feigned surprise. Clinton very well understood that his supposed mean- ness of condition caused him to be thus treated. Mentally 1 ■I I.) i II 248 TIIK CANADIAN (ilRL. F ■ Ih '! «il smiling in contempt, he turned away with an air of per- fect iiidificrcncc. He was chagrined, however, that the Earl had accompanied Lady Hester, and felt anxious to know whether he was acquainted with the; object of her voyage. If so, his looks indicated that the detestation he might be expected to feel for so humbling an alliance his daughter had not by any means succeeded in abating. This being the state of the Earl's feelings, Clinton saw much immediate discomfort, to say the least of it, before himself and his betrothed. Notwithstanding, he did her the justice to believe, that, under no circumstances, how- ever adverse, would she be induced to revoke her volun- tary consent to be his. A note was brought to him by Lady Hester's maid, which inspired him with a confidence and a joy that was plainly apparent in his looks ; the damsel, who had received from him a dollar for her errand, hastened to whisper confidentially to Letitia's maid, and then to the Earl's valet, that an English gentleman, who was des- perately in love with her lady, had come into the ship, and that her ladyship had sent up a billet to him on deck, and that the Earl was in a pretty passion about it, as any one might see. The Earl was indeed brooding over ^he matter with rising wrath, and he kept a most jealous watch over the movements of Clinton all the time that the vessel was making her way to Montreal. Lady Hester, out of a filial respect for his antipathies, refrained from seeing Clinton until the end of her voyage, when, to put the steadiness of her intentions beyond doubt, she went up to him on the forecastle of the ship, where he stood, only a icv' yards apart from her father, and presented her hand, saying, at the same time — ** Mr. Clinton, it was kind of you to come so far out to meet me." " I was fearful lest you had suffered from the storm, Lady," said he. " How have you borne the voyage ?" " Admirably," she replied. ** I hope your father and sister are quite well ?" " Quite well. I left Jane in Montreal, very desirous of meeting you. And see, there she is on the shore — she waves her hand to us." " Tane I" said the Earl sneeringly aside, "and who the devil is Jane ? — some villainous maid of all work at one of UNCHANCKAI'.I.r, LOVK OF I.ADV IFKSTER. 249 tlic taverns I suppose. O, Hester — Hester ! Huch .1 (lisj,'raceful part as you arc now poing to act is cnou^rli to l)iing the countess, thy niotlier, from the tomb to censure tluie!" Lady Hester returned Jane's sahitc familiarly, leanin;.,' upon Clinton's arm, then accepted his assistance for (luittin^' the vr'ssel. " Miss Anderson, we meet again on American ground," said Lady Hester, as Clinton presented her to his sister. " I am indeed glad to see your ladyship here in safety," responded Jane. The Earl and Letitia had likewise left the vessel, hut the latter lu'd been sternly commanded by her parent not to speak either to Clinton or Jane except they addressed her, and then to reply only with a manner so distant as sliould ** effectually check their impertinent advances, by reminding them of the great distance between their station and hers." " Well, papa," quickly spoke Letitia, " and have you made up your mind which side of the question you shall vote for ?" You see which side my sister takes. " Letitia, my child, it is very wrong in 3/ou to make a jest of that which so disturbs your father." " Poor dear Papa ! what wicked children he has got — I hope he will forgive us — I know our conduct is quite unparliamentary." The Earl did smile at the pretended seriousness of his child, and would have laughed outright had not his eye happened to fall again on Lady Hester and Clinton, who seemed too happy for him, and his face darkened directly. Poor Letitia in reality little Ccxred for the distinctions of rank and fortune ; she longed to tell Jane how glad she was to meet her again, and how right willing she felt for her sister's marriage with Clinton. But all such uncalcu- lating impulses were nipped as they sprung by the Earl, whom she durst not disobey. Lady Hester now withdrawing her hand from Clinton's arm, stepped up to the Earl and Letitia, and inquired — " Will you lead the way, dear sir, to that hotel in which we are expected ?" " It is in the street of the Hotel Dieu, Lady Cleveland ; there is but one house of the kind in that street — you and your friends cannot miss it." " My dear sir, you are going with us I hope ?" I.* ,1 a. 4 \\^ 11 250 Tilt: CANADIAN OlUr,. iJ : :» *' Not I. I would uphold the dignity of my family with my best blood if necessary. I will not give my counten- ance to your degrading of it. Here we separate — unless you at once renounce your plans! — plans, which I again say, involve a want of consideration, and a want of delicacy, which I am surprised to find in my daughter !" "Papa!" cried Letitia, in an expressive tone of remonstrance and supplication, " dear papa !" ** If it must be so, sir, I am deeply sorry," said Lady Hester, with a nobleness of air which sufficiently rebuttid his ill-deserved imputation of her being capable of want of delicacy, while her splendid countenance was sufl'ubnJ with glowing vermillion. " But my sister — shall she not be with me ?" ** No — I forbid her from maintaining any intercourse with you," answered the Earl, with cool severity. ** I do not wish her to be infected with your present ignoble sentiments ; I must look to her to rescue, in some (legrec, the ancient family to which you belong from the blot you are about to bring upon it." The tears swam in Letitia's soft eyes, and trickled down her transparent check. " Well then, beloved Letty ! here but for only a little Avhi'e I trust, we part," said Lady Hester. " I know your heart, dearest — you love me well 1 God bless you ! Do not be dejected on my account — I shall make myself as much at ease as I can. Perhaps you, dear sir, will know me better some day." ** Talon I" called the Earl in a sharp accent to his valet, who was overlooking the luggage of the party at the brink of the river, ''let the coachman help you to put Lady Letitia's and my trunks upon the carriage, and make haste." And not Lady Cleveland's, my lord ?" No — Lady Cleveland does not go with us." Clinton and Jane heard every word that passed, and sens.bly felt Lady Hester's painful position, wl:ich served to make her dearer to them both. Miss Gresham was in tears, as well as Letitia, for she was much attached to Lady Hester. " Your ladyship has my best wishes for your happi- ness," said she, as she was turning to join her pupil. '• 1 believe it, and I thank you," returned Lady Hester, emphatically, her lips quivering with emotion, yet forcing UNCIIANGEAIILK LOVE Ol I.ADV III.STEK. 25 [ a smile. " Now, Mr. Clinton," she turned to hini as the governess moved away, "you have proved me capable of sacrihcing the whole world to you — for family pride, and family allection, and public reputation, have l)een tiie worUl to me." ♦* My whole future life shall b(^ devoted to one only aim — your recompense 1" he ejaculated. •' And I," said Jane, modestly, yet with fervour, " will never be found wanting in gratitude : in sacrificing to my brother, you have sacrificed to me — for I am a sharer in all that concerns liis happiness. My father, too, will be glad to minister to your ladyship's felicity in every way that is in his power." •' Pray, my dear Miss Anderson, let mc have no more of the 'ladyship,'" cried Lady Hester, compelling every appearance of a pained mind to vanish from her face ; ** henceforth we are to be on terms of perfect eeiuality you know." " So let it be 1" exclaimed the happy Clinton, moving forward from the quay between them, "and after this moment we are plain Hester, Jane, and Clinton, with each other." Lady Hester fancied that both the sister and brother had suffered her to place herself on a level with them with more ease than she had altogether anticipated. She observed that both were well, and handsomely dressed ; and as they were going to the street of the Hotel Dicu Clinton drew a superb gold watch from his waistcoat pocket to see the time, whereby she plainly perceived that their circumstances were altered for the better, though she little dreamed of the extent of the alteration." " Is your father in the same vessel as formerly ?" she inquired, anxious for an explanation. " No, he has left the lakes entirely," answered Clinton ; " in a few days you shall see him ; he lives now in the seigniory of Rougemont and has no connection whatever with his former associates : nor, I am sure, will he ever again have." " I rejoice to hear you say so, and how, may I ask, is he at present provided tor ?" Clinton glanced meaningly at Jane, and replied — " You shall know all about it when you see him. Of this be assured, that he is living honestly, and, I believe, is happici than ever he was in his life before. Jane and I "J" THi: CANADIAN CIRL 'J |l* •! ; reside witli him — and soon, 1 hope," he added, speakinfjf in a softer cadence, arul vvitli irresistible tenderness, *' you will join us there, and «o complete our felicity." In all this there; was soniethinf^ inexplicahle to Lady Hester, ar)d she was ti) he pardoned, p( rhajis, if, notwith- standing what (llinton had said, she felt a few misj^ivitif^s as to tlie nature and source of tlie prosperity of the Pirate and his children. Jane was Lady Hester's companion in tlie hotel, and every hour they ^'rew more intimately social with each other. As soon as the latter had a little recovered from the fatigue of the voyage, Clinton pressed her to go to I^ougemont. She consented, and the first frost of the season having set in, a cabriole was hired, as she supposed, for the journey, but on stepping from the hotel entrance to take her seat in it, she was surprised to sec the e(iuipage of a person of distinction awaiting lier. Dubiously she cast her eyes around looking for one of hund)ler pretensions, but none such appeared at hand; at that instant Clinton came out to lead her to the carriole steps, beside which a footman stood in lace and gold. To heighten her perplexity, the servant touched his hat to Clinton, and replied to some direction the latter gave him as he took the reins into his iiand, " very well, my lord." Jane now came from the hotel door. •* Think you there is time for us to reach Rougemont before nightfall ?" she asked the footman. ••O yes, your ladyship, plenty of time," he answered, as he folded up the steps after she had seated herself beside Lady Hester. " I am bewildered with what I hear and see I" exclaimed the latter when Clinton had sprung in, ' pray one of you unravel the mystery to me I" '* Not yet," said the delighted Clinton. The sun was declining from its meridian when the cavbiole entered the seigniory of Rougemont. They shortly after perceived a horseman approaching. "It is my father!" cried Clinton, causing the speed of the vehicle to be slrckened. Wonder upon wonder for Lady Hester. The Pirate of the Vulture was now in dress and in bearing a gentle- man ; the horse he rode was a beautiful bay ; and as he lifted his jewelled bottnet from his head, and bowed to her with an air of profound respect, the majesty of his person was very striking, and indicated a conscious superiority. ' li,l UNriiANr;KAiu.F. r.ovK oi i.adv iimstku. 253 Clinton btopjJiHl the cabriolr, and the Tiratc rode up to it. •• I should havr sot out for Montreal to-morrow morning in search of you if you hail not conic," cried he, aildrtss- in^' his son and (iauj;hter. *• I .ady Cleveland, you are truly welcome to IiLouj;('mont — it shall be the study of our lives to make you happy here." She articulated her thanks with '»\citrd feelings. The cabriole then procctided slowly along a noble avenue of oaks and elms, the I 'irate riding by it, convcrsmg with his children and occasionally with Lady Hester, who wonderi.'d how all this would erul. The e(piipage in a little time.* c ime in front of a mansion ul the first class, and stopped at an imposing entrance supported by wliite marble pillars. Tlie footman thun- dered at the door, then lowered the steps of the cabriole as the Pirate tlismounted and stood uncovered, wliile Lady Hester was handcil into the house by Clinton. At tho door of the room into which she was ushereil, tliere stood another of her former acquaintances of the i)irate s'lij) — this was no other than Deborah, who had been rp'vardcd for her disinterested attachment to Jane by being made housekeeper here. She was arrayed in the thorough British style of her order — a large cap, furnished with at least half a dozen yards of gay ribbon, adorned her head, under the shadow of which her brt^ad red face appeared shining in gladness and content ; her stout figure had enlarged itself under the influence of the good cheer with which she took care that her larders were supplied, and was comfortably clad in red poplin, set off by a white apron and an enormous frill. " What are you here too, Deborah ?" said Lady Hester, as the Irish girl threw open the door and dropped a low curtsey. •' O yis indeed, my lady, it's mysilf at any rate — my lord, the Marquis has bcfrinded me grately, and 1 owe it all to Misthress Jane — 1 mane to my Lady Jane, begging lier pardon a thousand times. May yer ladyship see many joyful days here, and that's the sincere wish of my sowl." " * My lord the Marquis !' — * Lady Jane, — what can all this mean ?' thought the agitated Lady Hester. The room was richly decorated — the walls and ceiling were painted with historical scenes — the furniture was of if i.' vy : 1 > i i ' ' ?'. ' . !.« m:i 254 THE CANADIAN r'.IKL. the most liandsoinc and costly description — the windows looked out upon grounds laid out with elaborate care and skill. ** Now, idolised Hester! — now, my own — my beloved!" exclaimcJ Clinton, as she stood bewildered and panting with powerful emotions after he had shut the door, wliilc his father and sister were speaking with Deborah in the hall, "you shall know whom you have consented to marry. I am the son of one who owns a rank still higher than that of your father. I am the heir of ail that you see around — not only of this, but of the whole seigniory in which we are. You have not banished your- : elf from the circles for which you were born by consent- ing to bestow yourself on me. I am the Earl of Wilton's equal, and I will wed you. Lady Hester, before the eyes of that world which you have so nobly disregarded for my sake. My father, now the marquis of Rougemont, shall go to the Earl and purchase his consent to our union by such marriage-settlements as will far exceed anything that he could make for a child of his." He then related to her all the circumstances that had attended their coming into possession of the estate and title. Lady Hester then said — •* Do not think, Clinton, that you have made my head altogether giddy witli delight by this change of prospect. I felt extremely proud of the sacrifice I was making for you, and hoped, by its means, to secure you to myself with such ties as could never be broken. Now, I am afraid, in making your marriage with me a matter of formal family arrange- ments, you will become a mere fashionable husband, and I by consequence, an indifferent wife, and so all my romantic notions of our superlative felicity in the kingdom of Hymen will vanish away like other air-built fabrics." " Never !" cried Clinton, with sincerity and passion in his transported glance, as he pressed his lip to her passive hand, *' never ! From my boyhood I have loved but you ! and to the last hour of my life you shall be my soul's treasure and joy." t :l TIIK CANADIAN (IIRL. 25S CHAPTER XVI. AN UNPLKASANT VISIT FROM OLD COMPANIONS. THAT early friend of Clinton who was lately spoken of, had d(,'Iayed to write to Pastor Wilson until Lady Hester took her second and permanent leave of I'^igland. By her he sent two separate letters for the Pastor and Clinton, in the former of which he detailed the information Lady Hester had imparted concerning the existence of the grandchiUlren and the son-in-law of the Pastor in America, and hoped he would soon meet with them if he had not hitherto. In the other epistle to Clinton, he dwelt upon the relationship of Pastor Wilson to his friend, and upon what he had learned of. the settlement of the good Pastor in Upper Canada. Clinton was delighted to hear from his old schoolfellbw and playmate, and after scanning the letter in a cursory way, read it aloud to his father, his sister, and Lady Hester, while seated with them at dessert. " It is very odd," said Jane, who was bending over a peach that she was unconsciously dissecting on her plate, " that Nicholas and I should both have lived so long in the lodge without discovering our relationship, or that the Pastor was our grandfather." " Or that Arthur Lee was our cousin," added Clintorr,. archly. Jane's knife slipped along the plate, and her blushing face drooped still lower over the peach. " Do not mind him, Jenny," said the Pirate, " we had the laugh against him a little while ago. But what say you, must we not go and see this grandfather and cousin ?" " With all my heart !" cried Clinton, who was exceed- ingly desirous of beholding his sister in possession of prospects as blissful as those which were before his own view. Who was to go was the next question. Clinton was not disposed to take Lady Hester thither at present, lest she should hear of Lucy, neither was he willing that his father should go, as he wanted him to proceed immediately to Montreal, to make terms with the Earl for Lady Hester's hand. The idea would have been put off, therefore, at his suggestion, had he not perceived in Jane's eye a delight of m ■M: ■)il FT I ( m 256 THE CANADIAN GIRL. the proposed journey indicative of a feeling of which lie had had too deep an experience not to sympathise with it. While the matter was under discussion, Lady Hester, who had been informed by Clinton of Mr. Lee's attachment for Jane, and who participated in his wishes for her happi- ness, disposed of the difficulty by declaring her intention of going with the Pirate to endeavour to change the Earl's mind in respect to her intended marriage. " While the Marquis and I are gone on this mission," said she, " you, Clinton and Jane, must transport 3'our- selves to Pastor Wilson's lodge*, and, on a day which we will appoint, n\eet us here again." Clinton was very reluctant to leave his beautiful affianced, but his objections were overruled by her and by the Pirate. " You may be sure of this if we do go," said he, gaily, '" there will be two marriage parties in Rougemont instead of one, shortly." " There will be no such thing, Nicholas — how can you talk so !" remonstrated Jane. " He must not be too sure that there will be one,'' cried Lady Hester, sharing in Jane's confusion; "let me tell him that ladies do not like too much confidence on the part of their admirers — humility should be the lovers' creed." '* At all events, I hope you will bring the Pastor with you," remarked the Pirate, " I should much like to see the old gentleman here." " We will do our best to bring both him and Mr. Lee, will we not, Jane ?" returned Clinton. " You are very provoking," cried the palpitating girl, as she rose from the table and retreated from the dining-room to indulge in solitude those feelings which the prospect of meeting Arthur again had revived in her breast. To come back once more to the Pastor's lodge, it seemed very probable that Clinton's prediction concerning the double marriage would be verified, for when he and his sister prepared to return to Rougemont, Mr. Lee was with them as the husband-elect of Jane. The Pastor could not leave his flock, but he exacted a promise from Arthur and Clinton that their marriage ceremonies should be solemnised by no other than himself, and in no other place than the lodge. Both the young men argued in favour of Rougemont, for both had the ill-fated Lucy in \h \i AN UNri.KASANT VISIT. 257 tlicir inind ; hut tlit; i'astor pcrsist(>d in liis wish, to wliich they rchictaiitly yiddcch Clinton had another motive, and it was liis principle one, for bein^ averse to the celebration of his marriage in the lodge — the settler Joshua's tale might come to Lady Hester's hearing and disturb her peace. Conscience made him painfully uneasy in respect to the affair with Dan ; though years had passed since it took place, the load which had fastened on his mind was no more hghtened than if it had happened yesterday. Upon the day which had been appointed for the return of Jane and Clinton from the lodge, and of the Pirate and Lady Hester from Montreal, the former, with Mr. Lee, (hove up in the sleigh to the front portico of the mansion. Clinton knocked loud and long, and made the hall entrance reverberate with the ringing of tho bell, but to his wonder and alarm no servant answered the summons. " This is most unaccountable I" he exclamed ; and while he stood a moment hstening to hear if he could distinguish anyone approaching within, he fancied that he detected the sound of laughter and of coarse sing- ing. '* The servants must have abused the confidence that has been put in them, Jane," said he, "there is vulgar reveUing going on in the house." " I can hardly think De^'^rah would be unfaithful to us," observed Jane, astonished, " and she had the com- mand of the — hark ! indeed you are right, Nicholas, there is revelling going on." The mingled clamour of laughing, shouting, and singing, became for an instant plainly dis- tinguishable, and to complete the dismay of Jane, seemed to come from the best room of the house, the window- shutters of which were closed, though it was now the middle of the day. Jane alighted from the sleigh with as much celerity as possible, and with Clinton hastened round to the back entrance, while by their desire Mr. Lee awaited the issue of their observations. " I am the more astonished," remarked Clinton, " be- cause this is the day upon which Deborah was to expect us — of course my father and Lady Hester cannot yet have arrived." A door in the right wing of the house stood ajar. They entered, Clinton going first, and Jane following with in- definite alarm. A tumult of rough male voices, rising to the highest Q »T''iI |f!ii'^ m^n^ I ' T- iilli f: • li; ' I 258 THE CANADIAN GIRL. pitch of which they were capable in drunken mirth just then re-echoed through and through tliose parts of tlic dv/elHng which were set apart for the reception of com- pany. Jane recoiled, and exclaimed — " O, Nicholas! those arc not the servants — I dare not go forward 1" Clinton paused and listened in amazement, which was quickly superseded by indignant wrath. A peal of laughter, more boisterous than before, and long continued, came upon his ears, and then there followed a noise sucli as might be produced by the sudden smashing of glasses and bottles, together with the upsetting of a heavy tabic and several chairs. "Jane, go back to Mr. Lee, and tell him to ride off with you to the nearest magistrate," cried Clinton, hurriedly. " I will soon deal with these ruffians in a manner they won't like, probably." " Don't you think they are robbers ?" inquired Jane, pale and trembhng. " Robbers ! — yes, but such as unfortunately my father has had too much to do with in former times." " Do you suppose they are the Pirates ?" ** I am sure of it ; — but go instantly to Mr. Lee, and re- quest him to send officers here without a moment's delay." " But, Nicholas," hesitated Jane, " if that be done you do not know what may be the consequence — they may im- peach my father." " True, true ; that is a consideration of instant moment. What is best to be done ! To endure this intrusion, even with moderate patience, is impossible ! Where can the servants be ? However, I cannot let you remain here. Go as I said, Jane. Yet stay — Mr. Lee had better drive to a little distance. You know it is most hkely that Lady Hester and my father are near, and the Earl of Wilton may be with them, it would be dreadful to think of her and the proud peer coming into the hearing of a horrid uproar like this — you must watch for them, and contrive to prevent them from approaching." " All hands ahoy !" roared a tarred and ruffianly-looking mariner, who had been lying, unperceived by Clinton or Jane, in a half intoxicated state on the inside of the door- way. Jane started toward Clinton with affiright, and the .fellow rose staggering to his feet, clapping the door AN UNPLEASANT VISIT. ^59 h just of the com- rc not :h was )eal of tinned, ic such glasses y table Dff with irriedly. cr they d Jane, y father and re- loment's one you may im- moment. on, even can the lin here, er drive at Lady Wihon of her horrid contrive y-looking linton or he door- and the the door a into its fastenings with the whole force of his brawny arm. " What do you want here ?" sternly demanded Clinton. "What do 1 want here?" repeated the mariner; "I want liquor to be sure ! and you have got plenty of the primest sort, that I will say — 1 never tasted better in all my life, never." *' Why have you and your companions come here in this disgraceful way?" again asked Clinton with increasing choler. " That isn't a question " (hiccuping) " to be answered all in a breath for why, there was many reasons for our steering this way to " (hiccuping again) " see our old Cap'n — we hard of his coming to a Marquis and a fort'n, tliat was one reason ; we found the smuggling trade no go, and wanted a little help in the cash way — d'ye see — and that wur another reason — there's two on 'em for'ee, if you want honny more you must go and ax my mates." Clinton whispered with Jane a moment while the sailor found his equilibrium by planting his back against the door. " Let this lady pass out," said Clinton. " Call me an ass if I do," returned the fellow, plucking a quid of tobacco from his jacket pocket, and thrusting it into his left cheek. "What do you mean by that ?" cried Clinton, whom prudential considerations for the Pirate's safety could hardly restrain from knocking the man down. " Ax my mates, they'll tell'ee," said the mariner, in reply and with a silver tooth-pick that Jane had left in her dressing-room he commenced picking his teeth. " Do not contend with him, my brother," whispered the terrified Jane; "rather endeavour to argue the matter with the more sober of the party — if, indeed, they have not all lost their senses," she added as a second clatter of breaking glasses and falling chairs was overpowered by vociferated shouts of jovial merrimeh^. " I cannot longer endure this !" oxlaimed Clinton, advancing to the mariner ; " Stand away from the door !" The fellow discharged from his mouth the tobacco- irr.p'regnated saliva, then responded, without moving an inch— "You be !" In the twinkhng of an eye Clinton had sprung on him and hurled him along the passage. i I: I' 13 2C)0 TFIK CANADIAN (ilRL I 1:4^ M ! '; i '1i!| iJut tliis act did not effect tlic object intended, for as Jane was retreating witli all the hurry of fear, she was caugiit back by another Pirate, a Pole, near seven feet in height, exhibiting enormously long and bushy whiskers and nuistaciiios, of an uncertain colour bordering upon red; he had come from the great hall staircase, and, like the discomfited mariner, was in an intoxicated condition. "Ah, what, a lady here !" cried he in bad French. " I must have a look at you !" " Let go my hand, sir !" she cried in cxccssiv'o alarm. " Nay, my dear, you must not go — I must have a sight of your face," and he leered with disgusting familiarity, that was deservedly checked by a stunning blow from the: irritated Clinton, who would immediately have passed her through the contested doorway, out of reach of tin; drunken reprobates, had not a third individual, who had followed close on the heels of the Pole, presented himself in the way. It was Gilpin, whose reckless courage had made him famous among his outlawed brethren. " Ha ! ha ! ha ! Mr. Scrynecki ! how did 3'ou relish that ?" he cried. " 'Twas as neat a lick as ever I saw out of New York State." " Master Gilpin," cried the Pole, now adopting the English tongue, which he spoke even worse than Frencli, while he rubbed his forehead with one hand, and smoothed his long mustachios with the other, *' thist ish te firsth time in my life tat I hath be struck, and, par Dieu ! it shall be te lasht ' I shall kill him dead tat inshult me, par Got!" " Who says Scrynecki is a coward and will bear any thing from any man ?" laughed Gilpin. *' Hark to the hero's big words 1 Hurrah for the Polander ! But stop young lady a moment, I must have a peep at your pretty face as well as Scrynecki. Why ! is it Miss Anderson ? I ask your pardon ! Jack Gilpin will never be the man to affront you! He hasn't forgotten your sewing up the ^bandages of his shattered arm after the fight with the •d law bullies on board ship." The Pole., notwithstanding his big words, had made no •attempt to return the blow he had received ; he was indeed the coward of his band. The mariner, more dangerously vindictive, had quickly managed to rise from the floor on which Clinton had '^thrown him, and with that mad malignity which too much PHi AN UNPLKASANT VISIT. 261 ardent drink is apt to excite in some men, had planted liimsclf again in front of the door, having a large pocket knife unclasped in his hand, at tlic sight of which Jane trembled and covered her eyes. Clinton threw his arms around her waist, and, entreat- ing h(.r not to he afraid, stood an instant collecting him- self, and restraining his passion, that he night judge what was best to be done. lie was unarmed, and prudence told him that in a struggle with a numerous and armed hand of ruffians, he could have small chance of success; but the fire of his impetuous blood would not have suf- f'.;red him to listen to this argument, hail not his sister been there — for her sake he restrained himself. While he paufjed Gilpin confronted the mariner. " Come, stand on one side," said he. " Call me a fool if I do then," was the reply. " Now, I tell you what, Hilly," said Ciilpin, " I don't want to have any quarrel with you, only stand quietly on one side ; but if you won't, mind you, why, as sure as I first saw daylight in New York State, I'll make you ! You know Jack Gilpin is no Polander — what he says is as much gospel as if the president said it — you know that Billy, don't you." "Hah! Master Gilpin! par Got," were the fierce exclamations of the Pole, his formidable whiskers and mustachios bristling up so as to become still more for- midable. " What you mean tat you no Polander, ha ? Let me say you tat te Polanders as you name tem, be te bravest men in all te warld !" " Then take my word for it you are not one of them," said Gilpin, scoffingly ; " all the bravery you have might sell for five farthings, and the buyer would be taken in." *' Master — master Gilpin, saire," articulated the exas- perated Mr. Scrynecki with difficulty, being overpowered witji passion, " I wash at te battaile of Warsaw — te great battaile saire ! — I was tere when it conquer te Russ !" " So was many a calf, I dare say, and made as great a noise as you," sneered Gilpin. " But come Billy, move off, and let Miss Anderson pass out. You won't, won't you ? What d'ye say to that then ?" and he suddenly pulled a pistol from his belt, and held it to the mariner's temples. " Give me the knife — that's it. Now move nearer this way — nearer — Miss Anderson the door is free to you." % !|^ tf'', 1*1 li Sim THE CANADIAN fllRL. '<» I, ... Hi The mariner muttered a fierce oath of genuine British origin, and excited to so imprudent an action by tlie fumes of the hrjuor he had drank, raised liis arm and attempted to dash back the pistol from its ahirming con- tiguity to liis head ; in doing which it went off, and all its deadly contents lodged themselves in his brain. He leaped half a yard from the ground, and fell on his face on the floor. One dismal cry broke from his lips — he rolled over on his back — partly rose as he grappled with the king of terrors — sank again — stretched himself convul- sively, and ceased to breathe. Horror was depicted on the countenances of the startled persons standing by. Jane, pallid and faint, rushed into the open air. Clinton stood paralysed. The Pole stooped over the body, and with the poor wretch's jacket corner tried to stanch the blood which issued from the wound ; while Gilnin, with the pistol still in hand, seemed like Clinton transfixed with dismay and surprise. The noise of the pistol shot had penetrated into the scene of conviviality in the chief salon of the mansion, where all the band of unwelcome intruders were assembled, excepting only three, who had been prowlini,' through the other parts of the house in search of portable articles of value which they might pi'^-loin ; these three were the Pole, the mariner, and Gilpin. The scene in the salon was strange indeed, and in no small degree ludicrous. Upwards of forty Pirates were seated on delicate Grecian couches, fauteuils, and da- masked chairs, at rosewood tables furnished with food of the most heterogenous description. One was regaling himself on luscious hothouse fruits; one on delicate confectionery, of which whole dishes were vanishing with incredible rapidity ; another on bread and cheese, with which he was drinking fine Spanish wines ; a fourth on a cold turkey ; and a fifth was luxuriating among a set of jars filled with delicious preserves, jellies, and creams. " These sort of seats are d d tine inventions, arn't they ?" cried one to his companions, as he threw up his dirty feet on the downy cushions of a silken couch. ** Very — and so is the vittels," was the dry response of a sturdy square-built dwarf, who reposed his half-clad limbs on a similar piece of 'furniture, while he emptied by AN UNPLEASANT VISIT. 263 a succession of draughts a bottle of claret he licld iu his hand. All the party seemed to enjoy the novelty of the situa- tion with the relish of overgrown chiklrcn. The servants of the house had been compelled to bring hither for them the choicest contents of the lartlers and the wine-cellars. Nay, they must have the best table utensils, too, that the mansion would afford, cupboards of plate and china had been broken open, and articles, curious and rich, brought out to view that had not seen the light for very many years before. How would it have shocked the mother of the late Marquis of Rougemont, with all her nice and lofty prejudices, could she have witnessed this desecration of the most precious mementos of her ancestry ! But, hap- pily for her, she slept on with profound peace in the tomb in the chapel attached to the mansion, nor knew aught of what was going on in the scenes around. She would have shrunk aghast from the bare idea of a dinner in this her grand salon, an ordinary meal indeed had never appeared within its distinguished bounds ; how much less the abominations that now polluted it, and mingUnl in strange contrast with the dainties the servants had been compelled to bring ! The princely apartment even smelt strongly of onions — the quintessence of barbarism — and with that vile effluvia began to blend a scent of kindred merits — that of tobacco, whose reeking fumes ascended to the gilded flutings of the ceiling from at least a dozen common short pipes ! ** Who'd ha' had any hidea of our old cap'n coming to he master of a place as fine as this !" soliloquised a sleepy privateer, who had gorged as much of all description of eatables as his stomach, one of the most capacious dimen- sions, could possibly contain, while his eye surveyed the three ancient, but gorgeous, chandeliers, that were pendant at proper intervals from the roof, and which it had been the wild pleasure of the crew to have completely hghted up, shedding on the motley picture below a flood of intense brilliance, such as had not illuminated the salon for nearly a century. *' Yet, somehow," continued the speaker, as his head at short intervals began to nod on his breast, " I fancied he was born to a fortin— he was so scholarly, and held his head so high — and — and so — " sleep prevented the con- clusion, and he shortly slipped down upon the thick and ll HM^il 2C).\ TIIK CANADTAN fllRL ii I ):, I • > II costly carprt, snoring loudly, with his face downwards, and his arms extended. Sea songs were then sung hy single voices and in chorus to vvlii< li tl»c kjftiness and ex- pansion of the apartment gave full flfect ; the richly- wrought tables were thumlered upon with the list as niani- festatums of applause — mock combats were euactc-d in sport — bottles were thrown at e,Tch other, and furniture broken in pieces — and still the fellow snored on as soundly as if he had drunk opium. The report of (iilpin's pistol disturbed tlie men at their carousals. The leatlcrs among them wire tlu* first to lay their hands on their w( apons, and to start from their seats, with looks prepared for a bloody contest in case there was any opposition about to be offered to their will. A sudden stillness spread itself through the saloHj rendered remark- able by the tremendous uproar of the preceding minute. During that stillness a heavy footstep, well known to most of the privateers, was heard app^ idling the dooi on which all eyes were bent. The doo. .vas opened, and the colossal figure of the proprietor of the mansion, the former chief of the Pirates, presented itself before the crew. He paused a moment, surveying the scene with wonder. *' Upon my word, sirs," said he, ** this is an honour I had not anticipated. Pray how did you gain an entrance into the house ?" '* We boarded her with pistols cocked, to be sure," replied the present captain of the Pirates; "how else should jolly buccaneers gain an entrance into houses or ships, think you ?" and he laughed loudly, and nodded his head to his applauding band. " And my servants, especially Merry and Plaverstraw, did they not endeavour to prevent you ?" " To be sure they did — but we soon tripped up their heels, and stowed them away in the beer-cellar — and no bad place either, if your beer be as good as your wine. Marquis — and so here's wishing you no worse company than a jolly set like ourselves," draining a goblet of the wine which he praised. Here Clinton came to the door also, and appeared sur- prised to see his father there. " How did you get in ?" said he ; " and where is Lady Hester ?" " I left her in Montreal," was the reply to the last inter- AN IfNPr.FASANT VISIT. 26$ rof:jatory. '• I found the kitchen door open, and canio tliroiif^li the servants' hall." *' Did you see Jane ami Mr. Lcc ?" " I saw Mr. Lee — he gav(; me some idea of what was fjoing forwards h(;rc, but anything; so had as this I httie expected to find." " I'ur h( '.ucn's sake, sir, be cautious how you act ! hotli I and Jane have already run no small risk from tiiein— they arc all intoxicated, one of tluin now lies dead in the passage shot by Clilpin, who interfereil for Jane's prott.'ction." ** Is she in the house?" «« No — she must have been hastening from it as you entered it." " Leave me, and look after her, Nicholas," said the Pirate, speaking decisively. " Do not fear for me. I know how to manage these fellows, believe me." " Only be cautious, sir 1 for they are like devils let loose." •' I will, I will— go." This dialogue had not occupied half a minute, and had been spoken, scarcely above a whisper, in I'l nch, wliich only a few of the large number of the privateers under- stood. Clinton turned with hasty steps to look for the frightened Jane, and the IMrate advanced alone into the midst of the salon without the least hesitation. " Well, gentlemen, now be so good as to let me know tlic meaning and object of this visit. You cannot suppose that I shall endure such insolent intrusions whenever it may please you to make them." The tongues of the whole band of ruffians were straight- way unloosed, and all speaking together, demanded money from him. " Give us fifty Lonis-d'ors a piece," cried some. "Give us four thousand dollars among us all!" cried others. " Your demands, gentlemen, are extremely moderate, I must allow," said the Pirate, with irony, *' extremely moderate. And how often do you intend to visit me for a repetition of the amount ?" *' As you have come into a fort'n," said the present captain, " we have a right to a share in it." " So we have. Skipper !" was the clamorous response. "What are you better than us?" resumed the cai)tain. Iji^i •Ml J i 2r/) Tlin rANADIAN T.IRL. " W/v. have stood alonj^sidc of you in all weathers and never cried quarter to any man ! Comic, then — give us a good round heap of coin apitxc, and we'll not trouble you again for three years. That's reasonable, isn't it, my jolly buccaneers ?" "To be sure it is reasonable!" was the deafening echo. ** And what's reasonable I hope? will lu; agree ible," con- tinned the orator. •' Wc want nothing whatever that's unfair ! We have stood by you when the weather was squally, and now we won't let you break up partnersliij) with us when it's shiny. You've helped yourself out of our meal-tub, and we'll help ourselves out of your meal- tub." "Indeed!" cried the Pirate; "let me ask you if the vessel which I suppose you have now was not mine, and all that was in it too ? And when I parted from you, did 1 not leave myself actually destitute of everything except- ing only the little money that had been given me by tlic persons whose lives I saved ? 1 know you afterwards g.'^ve me my cabin furniture — but what was that compared witi. what I left behind ? What did I gain among yoii ? Depraved as I knew you to be, I never thouglit you capable of despicable ingratitude like this ! Away with you ! false, worthless scoundrels ! You shall never force a dollar from me ! It is no use attempting to frighten nic with your savage looks ! Contemptible rascals ! I am ashamed that ever I had connections with you !" " Let us have the value of twenty Louis-d'ors each," shouted the band, " and we will be satisfied." " I will not !" returned the Pirate, " be compelled to give a single piece of money to any of you I What have you known of me that could lead you to believe I would pay you for ransacking my house, and ill-using my servants? perhaps you thought to force me to do your will by those weapons I see in your hands — but it is as difficult to intimidate the Marquis of Rougemont as it was Captain Anderson of the Vulture ! I acknowledge that I am in 3'our power, and I know you are base enough to attack a defenceless man. But you will not see me flinch ! Fire all of you ! I will give you nothing by compulsion ! — hothing 1 say ! You all hear me — by heaven you shall extort nothing from me ! Here is my breast — fire !— AN UNPLEASANT VISIT. 267 iiiigratrfiil villians! fire on the man '"ho beggared himself, and ft)rfeited name and peace, to serve? you !" His dauntless bearing? stajjj^ered the cr(;w, who looked at one another as if tlubious of their own resolvt^s. •• \\'(; don't want to do you tl»e least injury at all," said the present captain, •* only it's no use your turning; rusty about it ; here wc arc, and it isn't to be expected we should fjo away without some satisfaction. Come, we'll meet you half way there are hfty of us- give us ten Louis-d'ors each and we'll go back to the ship directly." "Not so nuich as a dollar I" rep(;ated the Pirate positively. " Not a coin in gold or silver, by heaven! had you come to me in a proper way I would have made you a nresent of not a mean value with the utmost willingness— but 1 will not be threatened into anything !" " Then all hands shall stay here till you alter your mind, Marquis," said the other. •* So you may do as you like. And here's another thing it behoves me to speak of since you arc so obstinate. At the time our vessel was lying-to ofT Toronto harbour two or three years back, when your son came on board, wc made him clap his name in our books as a sworn buccaneer ; well now, if you don't let us have the money we want, one of us shall 'peach, and then good bye both to your Marfpusship and him. So do as you like. Here's your health— tliis is prime liquor — TcnerifTe, I think it was ticketed in the cellar." The coolness of the speaker was proportionate to the importance of his declaration. The l^iratc was taken at an advantage ; he gazed at the other with a changing countenance. To be obliged to succumb was almost unbearable. His pride revolted from the necessity. l>ut lie felt that he must preserve his son from public disgrace and ruin. ** lirien," he began in a altered voice, '* lirien, let these men go from the house — I will settle the point with you alone, when I have consulted with my son." " No I no ! That won't do for us !" returned the captain. "Now or never! If you will tell down ten Louis-d'ors of gold to every buccaneer here, myself excepted, who of course shall expect double allowance, we will all clear off in a brace of minutes. Throw open that window, Antony !" to a sailor that was standing by it, and who removed the shutters; " up with the sash too! Now J I t h 'l!. 'f * 1 268 THE TANADTAN GIRL. *l- lii't^ii lit: Marquis, bring out your casli, and every man, as you give him his present, shall take a short cut through that window." *' liut what security shall I have that you will not again impose on me in this way ?" '* You shall have every sailor's oath on a Testament," was the reply, " not to come a-nigli here on a business like this again for three years." ** And after three years ?" ** Some of us may be gibbeted, or lying at the bottom of one of the lakes ; but after that you'll most likely ho called upon for another little bounty if we should be hard up for money." " Thank you — I thought as much." " But for three years, after next midsummer, you shall not be troubled." " Well, gentlemen, I think, as I am to expect another demand from you at the end of three years, I think ten dollars each instead of ten Louis-d'ors, ought to satisfy you. I will give no more. *' Say twenty dollars," said Brien. "Aye, twenty!" echoed the rest. " Once for all — I will give no more than ten," said the Pirate. Brien went down the room talking with some of the principles of the party, while the Pirate stood waiting their answer. The future annoyance, trouble, and danger, to which he and Clinton would, after this concession of his, be exposed, rose before him. He half repented he had not stood firm in his denial, and braved the worst. After this successful attempt to force money from him, doubtless their extortions would grow bolder. Both he and his son would be constantly subject to their impor- tunities and threats. Again he breathed-heavily, and clenched his hand on the table, while his eye roamed from one coarse set of features to another. '' As we want to be fri^^nds with you. Marquis," said the Pirate-leader, returning up the apartment, " and as we have made too free with your house and the good things in it, we wil' be content with fifteen dollars apiece — that won't hurt you." " I have said ten," said the Pirate, steadily, " I will give no more !" Again there was a conference among the privateers. AN UNPLEASANT VISIT. 269 However, tliey agreed to accept ten dollars each for the subordinates, anil as much more for the otliers as they could get. The Pirate went from tlic room a few minutes to furnish liimself with the money. While he was absent, the body of the mariner was brought in, and (jilpin and the Pole gave to the party contradictory statements of the manner of his death. The leader interfered to stop the confusion which was swelling higher and higher. " All this we can settle on board," said he; "let's get the Marquis' money while he is in the mind." "Yes, to be sure! — tlie money!" exclaimed the men. The corpse was put through the window upon the grass. The Pirate returned. " lirien, ' said he, " I hope you will remember what you have said." " You shall see, Marquis," he cried. " Now, my jolly buccaneers ! stand in a row, and as you get the silver in your hand vanish through the window." " Aye to be sure !" cried all, except the sleeper on the carpet. " Get up !" cried the dwarf, giving him a kick. He sat up, and saw the apartment nearly emptied of its robber- visitants. He rose to his feet with heaviness, yawning, and only kindled into animation by the sight of the ten dollars his leader was holding out to him. '• You are to swear that you will not come here again asking for money from the IMarquis for three years after next midsummer," said the htter. " I swear it," said the fellow, pouncing on the money, for which he would have taken any oath without the smallest scruple. "Scud Pvvay then after the buccaneers," said Brien. "Through the window with you, Nick !" After liim the dwarf was dispatched; only the leader and six others, including Gilpin, were left with the Pirate. " Marquis, these six must have ten Louis-d'ors each instead of ten dollars," said Brien. " What you have given to the otiiers has been a trifle to what we might have forced from you, that you'll own ?" "And if each of these have ten Louis-d'ors, how many pray do you expect ?" " Only twenty. Marquis, only twenty." " Very reasonable !" cried the Pirate, ironically ; but he I- ' 1 ma ' ^ • :i . ^ ^ m N . 270 THE CANADIAN GIRL. chew out liis purse, in wliicli gold pieces were contained, and emptied it on the table. " There, help yourselves to the sums you say, and leave my house. If you break your word, and trouble me within the time named, I will not advance you one dollar, though it be to save my son's life and fame ! — remember that — 1 mean what I say. And after that time I shall be equally obstinate if you visit me as you have visited me now. Therefore do not go back to your vessel with wrong ideas of your ability to draw money from me whenever it may please you, and in whatever way you choose." The Pirate shut the sash after the last of his visitors had gone, turning, stood surveying the confusion their audacity had crea.'ed. *' Had it been any other room than this, I would not have cared so much !" he exclaimed ; "but to think they should have dared to come here. And yet, why do I talk ? I am justly punished ! it is right I should be now plundered to the utmost by those whom I have assisted to plunder." And so, with this consideration, his wrath became con- verted into self-accusation, and that of so bitter a kind, when mingled with rejections on the insecurity of himself and his children, as to diaw tears from him, albeit he was indeed '• unused to the melting mood." CHAPTER XVH. ABDUCTION OF JANE BY THE PIRATES. "TT7HAT shall we do with this?" asked Gilpin, as the \\l Pirate-horde were gathered around the body of the dead mariner, to which the speaker pointed, in front of the salon windows. The Pole stooped from his giant height to whisper — " Can we not take one horse from te stable, tink you, to bear it?" The dwarf caught at the suggestion, and instantly after the Pole was seen going round the left wing of the house, while the dwarf moved round the right. They met where the horses and carriages of the estab- hshment were lodged. ABDUCTION OF JANE. 271 " I will stand here and watch," said the dwarf; "you go in and choose the best hanimal you can sec." The Pole did so, and was coming out leading tho Pirate's own bay, by the bridle, when he, turning his head, listened. ** What are you stopping for ?" asked the dwarf. " Tere ish some one here," said the Pole, ** take your cutlassh into your hand and look wid me." They searched the stable through but no person could they see. The harness-room adjoined, they went in there. " Hah !" cried the Pole, stopping short, " here is te laty tat master Gilpin kill Timothy for ! and tat I wash shtruck for ! and tat I wash call coward for ! Par Got ! she shall ride wid us to tc tevil!" Jane had found the sleigh and Arthur gone from the front of the house, into which she feared to return on account of the Pirates, and had sought refuge here, where she was sitting on a chest, shivering with trepidation. She screamed at the appearance of the Pole and his companion, and exclaimed — " O my God defend me !" " It ish no use," said the Pole, *' for you to cry out. You musht get upon te horse at te door and ride wid us. You see we can kill you in one minute if you make a noise." "There is a lady's saddle hanging on the wall," said the dwarf, '* reach it down, Scrynecki." When vhis had been put on the horse, Jane was ordered to mount. She offered them a ring she wore, which her father had presented to her on taking possession of his estate, hoping to induce them to leave her ; they seized the gem, but not the less insisted on her accompanying them. Her supplications, her resistance, were alike fruitless ; she was compelled to seat herself on the bay. The dwarf brought out another horse, on which he placed himself; his companion got up behind Jane, and, whipping both steeds into a gallop, they crossed the open grass land which surrounded the mansion and the groves beyond, and struck into the road which led to the forest. There they made a stop. The Pole dismounting, ste^d as Jane's guard, while the dwarf rode back to the man- sion. The whole party of Pirates were soon seen approaching, the dwarf still on horseback, being in th^ ] !^ 1 f % 2/2 THE CANADIAN (IIRL Hii ii I It ! tii midst of them, carrying the mariner's body acros:. the saddle. The sight of the desperadoes, and the thought of what horrors she might be called upon to endure wliile in their jjovver, inspired Jane with dread, insomuch tliat she fainted and fell to the ground. Fortunately a soft bank of turf received her, and she sustained no injury. The Pirates were not all jileased with the exploit of the Pole and tlie dwarf. Their leader and Gilpin, with the others who had received the Louis-d'ors from the lord of Kougemont, thought unwise to provoke him by such an act as the carrying off of his daughter ; but the rest of the crew, who had only had dollavs from him, rejoiced in the opportunity of wringing from him sums mere worth the having than those he had given them. The last men- tioned were the majority, and they decided the question. The girl was lifted again on the horse, and upheld by Brien, the leader, who had mounted in the place of the dwarf to support her. The unequal road along which the band continued their running pace, was solitary. As they entered the forest the way grew more savage in its character ; it became rougher ; whole trees lay across its breadth. The height of the hills on each side, with their host of black pines, shut out the daylight. Deep was the silence that prevailed, and it could scarcely be said to be disturbed by the cry of some lonely bird, who had remained braving the cold of the winter season in these primeval shades. This was a spot in which a deed of crime might have remained hidden until the day of doom. Even the Pirates felt a chill on their hearts as they proceeded ; and many of them took their cutlasses in their hands, and sent many an uneasy glance into the thickets. In such a place Jane revived — revived to feel herself in a situation of unparalleled horror. In attempting to raise herself from the position on the horse, she found that the arms of Brien were wound around her. In vain she struggled to free herself from their circle, he held her with too firm a grasp. One shriek then succeeded to another from her breast, until Brien pressing his hand on her mouth, swore to kill her if she was not quiet. Here a man darted from a turning in front of the party and faced the horseman and his stolen charge. His features were those of a gipsy ; he carried a gun, winch he :"-.:!• * *\.<- auduition ni iank. ^73 lifted ill a mcnacin*; manner, wliile another individual ut' correspondiiij; appearance followeil hitn — ami then another. The tliree placet! themselves in the mitldle ot the r(xid,, ,'ind opposed the advance of the Pirates. Jjuie stretched out her arms towartls them and implored their assistance. They comj)rehended the movement, thou<;h not her words ; the language of nature spoke to them too in her piercing accents, and in her distracted countenance. One of theni gave a whistle, and half a dozen i)owerful men, all in the same style of garb, and all of exceedingly impressive countenance, issued from the same turning as the others. The Pirates began to display their weapons, and Brien, singling out one ot the gipsies, discharged a pistol at him, which missed, owing to the rearing of the horse. Another whistle brought to the assistance of the gipsies an additional number of their companions, and one and all lired on the privateers with murderous effect. The Pirates returned the salute with their pistols, and then rushed on their assailants, who met them with strength equal to their own. The shouts of the two mingling bands of lawless wanderers soundt'd strangely in that still place. Prien threw hnnself from the horse, and was lighting in front of his men. Jane clung to her saddle until the animal received a shot in its breast, which brought it on its knees ; she then cowered on the ground behind it, expecting death every moment from the bullets that whizzed about her head. In this extremity she endeavoured to put up a prater to God to receive her soul ; but her mind was all confusion and horror, and the words departed from her before they had been articulated. sow she learned how dear to lier Mr. Lee was. The thought of what the agony of her father and brother would he \\hen they should discover her death, wrung \\cr heart, hut k«.>ener were her pangs when th(! distress of Arthur rose before her. Tears burst from her eyes, and she was conscious of :\\\ uttt:r want of resignation to that tin ad event which seemed inevitable. The voices of females now rose above the tumult, and in a second after tlie light ceased. 'Jdie wind caught u\i the smoke, and Jane gazed with hope on a number of gipsy . f • i i^ in li ' n m 274 THK (•AN.\|»I\\ ciur. women, ulio had tlirowii theiubLlvcs bctwcLii the com- batants. "What is all this about?" cried a majtstic creature who seemed to possess an authority over the rest. A showy shawl with red and yellow stripes was tied over her head, and her cloak was worn in such a manner as to enhance the statelincss of her mien. She had seized the arm of the king of the gipsies, a slender man, sixty years of age, whose wife she was, as it was in the act of raising a dagger to strike the weapon into the breast of a j)ros- trate Pirate ; and while he gazed on her with bloodthirsty looks, she returned his glance with one cr[nally fierce and determined. ** Stop your slaughtering hand !" she exclaimed in English. " Nina," said her husband, " if you interfere I will etab you !" " I'Vighten your children — you cannot nic!" she re- turned. "Curses on you I" cried the mendicant monarch, trying in vain to thruw her from him, while he knelt on the privateer's body. *' I am as strong as yourself," retorted his consort, maintaining her grasp. " I^et fall the dagger !" "There then!" cried the king, dropping the weapon; she let go his arm and bent to jnck it up, but her husband was too quick for her ; he seized it again, and plunged it into her own side. The blood sprang forth across the face of the Pole, for it was he whom the gipsy monarch had overthrown, and that with no great difficulty either. The vagrant (jiuen compressed the place where she had been stabbed with her right hand, while she uplifted her left arm in an impressive attitude, and uttered a stirring string of exclamations in the same unintelligible language which had been used by the male gipsies who had first appeared. The band over whii h she and her husband had presided, answered by .i shout, accompanied with gestures expressive of vengeance against her nuu'dercr. He rose from his kneeling position on the Pole, and answered with gloomy looks of hrmness their threatennij; movements. Nina let her head drop on her breast: the blood was trickling through her lini;ers, and Rowing down lier clothes to the ground. The Pirates stood as spectators. Again she raised her AiiDiJCTioN OF r.wi;. 27':^ face, which was j^^li.istly l>.il<' -li*'t* i yes wcic; H;;hl(il ui) with .1 Inicf, but viiulictivr liic -slio ihicw uj) lu.-r aims, and again made the hij^dicst rocks re-echo to her exc lama- tions. Tlieie wer(> many responsc;s made by indivithials of her band in the same tone ; and thin she suddenly dis- ai)|)eared .at that oj)ening from which all the gipsies had issni'd. She was gone no more th.in a few seconds, and when she rushed back, a boy of three years old was in her arms. She sank with it on the; grouiul, and laying it before the crew, repeated, first in the language they all understood, and then in r^nglish- " lie shall be your king ! - he shall bi; s'our king !" The reply was general — '* He shall ^ when he is old enough — or may we rot away bod}' and soul, and leave no children behind us !" She seemed satisfied, and kissed the eyes, the lips, the forehead, and the neck of her child ; then stretched herself out, and rendered up her soul ! Jane beheld all this without moving; but ikjw the gipsies, crowding about Nina, prevented her seeing what next took place, antl she appeah-d pathetically to the Pirates, begging th.it they would take her back to the mansion. They answered that she must go with them to the ship, and that tl.e Marquis must give money for her liberty. She begged them to say how much they would accept for her, and promised, if the amount was within her ability, to obtain it for them as soon as ever they .should have restored her to her home. The answer was — " We will consider of what you say — in the meantime you must go forward with us." This was too indefinite to make her easier in mind, and in her distress, she poured out tli^i most moving entreaties. All heard her with indifference, with the exception of Gil- pin, who lifted his voice on her behalf. " I say no !" was the reply of IJrien, the leader. " It was a foolish trick the bringing her off-— but by this time the Marquis and all the house know of it, and as the mis- chief is done, we will not throw away the profits there are to be had from it — we will have the money before we give her up." " Mashter Gilpin," said the Pole, " let me say you tat you tinks one vasht deal too mosh of te laty ! — you hath name me coward for her ! — you hath kill Timet)- for her! Par Dieu, mashter Gilpin ! you be in love wid her ! and ^1; :2;r. 'I in; c.waihan (,\k\. > . ' t- by and l»)c you shall do iiohody knows how luosh to servo \\vv\ I 'ar ( lot, m.ishl( r ( iilpin ! we Ik* not sate; in your company, and 1 du very inus>h buslipcct you to he on«j traitor to us!" Gilpin rcihlcncd as he hiughcd snccringly, and re- torted — "Is it Scrynecki calls nie traitor to the crew? Ha! lia! vSciyiu'tki ! \aliaiit S( lynccki ! The gipsy threw you down with a pat o( his hand as he might the hoy which is now on my knees. Well may vScrynecki fear he is not safe where I am. I liave only to give him a lillij) with my fmger, thus and he woultl chop as if he had swallowed a few ouncc;s of hot lead. Von can't i)nt me in a passion, Mister INjlander, so 1 tell you. I won't (piarrel with a man that can't light."' " vSaire ! saire !" cried the I'ole, '* tliish ish te hondredlh time tat you have inshult me ! 1 will ask te men ai)()nt us if you shall do tish any more! It ist too had, sailors, and I shall not stay wid you, par (lOt ! if you dcj parmit it. 1 will go thisli instante if you do let me be inshult like thish!" Now all the crew liked nothing better than that the Pole should be punished for his cowardice, and instead of taking his part they joined Cjilpin in taunting him. The Pole ^^ looki'ii daggers, but used none;" and there hu stood, stung tfj frenzy by the ridicule which assailed him, yet wanting the courage to quit their society. " 1 hath brought te laty here," he articulated, " and I shall not go until 1 hath money for her — elshe I would not slitop wid you one minute after te preshent time!" and lie sneaked into the rear. Jane hoped in vain that Gilpin's interference might effect what she wished. At the same instant that she noticed, with new dismay, the increasing gloom of the wild pass, betokening the approach of night, she noticed that Prien was sliakiug hands with one of the gipsies, whom he had met l)efore under circumstances that, to jutlge 1)}' their looks, must have been pleasing. This recognition, too soon for her, k d to a better understand- ing, between the outlawed parties. The gipsy was one d the lew in his band who spoke English tolerabl)', ami having received from Prien an explanation of the inten- tions of the Pirates with respect to their captive, lio laughed merrily and coninumicated the same to his .\i;i)r\ (W jam:. *> •* ■* friends in tlu;ir (nmnioii I;in,'jii:i{,'»?. \\'tij)«iiis wen; tlu'Dwn down, ;uk1 tlic I'lratcs were invilcil to rcsi iliroii;^'li the ni;,'lil ill {\\v. f;ij)si(.'s' eneainjiiiuMit. Jane's eye then souglit (iilpin a*;.iin, hut Ik; had ajiparcnlly lorj^^dten her; he was tail\in}; witli Ihien, and iJiicn's loriner aciinaiiilance, in a joval strain. " \\'hat will become of mc !" she ejacnlateil, as the road darkened still more. 'I'hc pjipsy women fastened tlieir Mark eyes on her witli scrntinismg cnriosily, reijartiin,!.; tiie exjxMisive fnrs and silks which roniposi-d her dress. She shraid-c frtjni them ior althongh they were of her own sex, there was little that was feminine to be seen in tlK;ir faces. A shade of darkness desceiuU'd npon tlu; road, jane observed it, and looked abont her with a terror that was not the less (Iee[-» bccanse she was more calm. 'I'lu; cia<;s appeared more awful to her now than they had done before, by reason of th(! blacker hues in wliit'h they were steeped. Never before had a star been unwelconied to her eye— but now she would rather have seen a spectre than that little twinklinj:^ speck in the blue ether I Jhien's acquaintance led the way to the (.'ncamprnfiit, tlie leader of the IMrates and Giljiin followed him: then came the gipsy king, with his hanils tied behind his back, moving in silence between his subjects, who carried daggers and knives, jirepared to execute sunnnary ven- geance upon him for Nina's dc-ath if he should attempt to escape; to these succeeded the women, one bearing their child who was to be their future sovereign, and two others carrying its murdered motner ; after these Jane was com- l^elled to walk in front of the whole gang of Pirates. They were obliged to move singly and almost at every step the tangled branches had to be divided with the hand to allow them to proceed. I'Vom tliis woody labyrinth they soon emerged npon a rocky slope, relieved by ever- green herbage and long grass, on which a number of horses, a yoke of oxen, and a cow, were feeding; there stood a couple of empty waggons also, the covers taken off, and the front poles lowered to the ground ; a lad of sixteen, graceful and handsome, stood leaning against on(; of the waggon wheels, w bile a girl of his age to whom lie was chatting, sat on a stool by him, passing her fmgers through her thick tresses, with a smilc! of complacent vanity. The gipsies had lighted a tire, the li^^ht tlaew a •I III! I 2;.s •mi: cAWiMW cinr.. glovviiij; rcflc'clitjii upon the walls, and sending out its ray over the slope iniit.irtcd a i)ictiiresque, and it Jane could have felt herselt safe, a eijei-rful aspect to tiu; wiiolc l)i(tuie; scarcely an ounce of snow had lodj^cd lure; tlu; eastern wind, which had hec-n so cultin;; on the open country, ccjuld only in this sheltenxl spot inaki- its presence known by its wailin*; in the trees, a wiiite vapour, imbued with the scent of burning; wood, and coni- municatiii{; to the sense that dislin^Miished it a sensation of warnitli and comfort, after raisinj^^ from the fire and .'iscendiuf; to llu; cavern roof, wound its way thence to the open atmosphere in which it dilfused itself, and in the pale twili<;ht dissolved from view. As fane was ccjuductcd nearer to the cavern, a savoury smell issued therefrom, and she perceived three soup- ketllcs han;,Mn«^ ov(.'r the (ire, susi)ended from cross stakes, in the ^ipsy fashion ; nor were these rdl the preparations which met her eye for an excellent suj»per; most sub- stantial looking cakes, and hu^^; pi(!S, were l)akiiig cju stone slabs, slanted by wooded props, before red embers uhich made th(; foundation for those; crackliuf^ boughs that kept the savoury compound in the kettles at a more raj)id boil than was consistent with {^ihh] cookery. It was no easy nuitter for the gijjsies to accouunodale the large part}' of the l-'reebootcMS of the lakes in addition to their own numbers, but it was managed. TIikc deal tables and tlurty seals, consisting of stools wooden c hairs and blocks of wood, were set apart for the }>rinciples of ])Oth bands, j^art of the women and all the children (<'l which latter there were many) waiting upon them at supper. During the arrangements Jane stood unheeded by the fire. The dead Nina's little boy sat by her, occasionally uttering a plaintive cry for liis *' manuny," then l)cconmig hushed as his eye turned on the good things that wcrt; dressing before him, but crying again as each began to disappear to be served uj) on the table, and agaui becoming quiet as he heard the rattle of kniv(;s and trenchers. Jane could not resist stooping to pat his rough curly liead, and to speak a kind word to liim, alter one of these' fits of grief. " Why do you cry, my pretty dear ?" she asked. I fc said something in the harsh language used b}' the .\ni»l'< TI<»N n| lANi:. -79 j,Mpsi('s in j^cnt'ial, then turning up his almost uuilatlD l.icf, pouted in lOn^'lish— *• Maniniy slci'p, rnaani — uianuny nt)t iivt np, ni.iani maininy no supper, and Hill} no supper, maani !" " ^'es, you will have supper presently, poor child," said Jane, "and your nianiniy will wake soon 1 ilarc say." " No — no !*' cried the child, shakiujj; its head, while two hif; tears dropped from his eyis, " Siddy and IJarny will put her ilown a hole tiiey say, and then she can't ;^'et up you Know, niaain ;" and he went on talKinj^ in niin^^Ied l'ji[;lish and a barbarous iOgyptian dialect, while he eviry minute cried more lustily. ("liipin now approached Jane, and invitetl lier tn th(? head of that table at which sat the most distiu'^Miished of the banditti and the "^ii^sies, but she (h'clineil. . " 1 am sure, Miss Anderson," said he, '*you must neeti something. The supjxr is not so f^'ooil as you have been used to latterly, and the plati.'S and dishes, and so forth, are mostly of wood; but ever\thing is clean, and there are some dainty ^'ame pii's on the board. 1 ^i\'v. )ou my word, Miss y\nd(;rson, that no one shall say anything to allrt)iit you." "Tiiank you, (lilpin, but I had r.ither not." " Do come. Miss Antlerson — upon ui) life you shall not repent it." *'("iill)in, you have professed some r(;spect for ni)' lather," said Jane, "befriend me." lie was taken by surprise, he {^lanced about, and then said in a lowered voice — " I will — early to-morrow morning — but say no mort.' — • make yourself easy." Jane's heart leaped to her throat, she hardly could believe that she had lK;.mi him aright, but again he rei)eated, "early to-morrow morning!" and she yiekled h(;rs(!lf up to the joyful prospc^ct of deliverance. " Do 1( t mc persuade jou !" said he, pointing to the tabic at v;hirli lie wish(xl lu>r to sit. Slu; repeated her denial, and lu returned to his companions, who were engaged in tliscussing the character of the road they were to travel on the ensuing day. The F'ole alone had observed him speaking with Jane; and altliough in eon- secjuence t)f tl:e noi; c he could lienr nothing they said, he ' ( f II ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^re imjHrative motion. "Come yer wa)S in, 1 say! 1 have something.; to tell you that concerns yer ///"t." Jane had hesitated, but this startled her into com- pliance; she stooj)ed under the curtain, and the next moment saw her within the tent, which was closed behind her. The blood of the fearful girl ran cold as she beheld three •,diastly corpses before her, one of which was that of the mariner. Two women were- emi)loye(l in dressinj,' the boily of their dead (]ueen in the best finery the camp could furnish, while a third was stoopin<,^ to hold a candle f(jr them. Jane caught a look of the lilm-coloured eyes — the clenched teeth — the stony substance of the cheeks, beariuf^ that pallor which has no prototyjie in the world of the living— and she stejiped back close to the tent si it crawled to its mother's cold Ixxly, sIk; bronj^ht her mcnitii near to Janc.'s ear and whisj)ered -- **()n(! (){ them now at sui)per means to kill you this hh.'ssed ni^ht." "Oh, surely not!" cxciaitiied the jji'trilicd girl, ** It's true," r(>peated the old woman. " Which of the Pirates ?— tell me which ?" "The tallest one-a Pole, I thmk he l)e." "What motive can iu; have?" iaintl}' ejaculated Jane. "lie lias been struck, and called a coward, \)y one d his comrapened in this case that convictions of unworthiness, and aspiraticjns after Ixlter tliin^^'s, wliu h terror had awakened, perished with the occasion-lh.it j^ave ris(,' to them. The doomed man saw a chance of escapi-, and from that moment away lied his \k niteiice, and hi' was the same vicious heiiif; that he had heen before. It was a desperate course that he had to take to preserve hiniself. His two guards werc^ to he disposed of, and there were a number of craj^'s he must climb, exposed to the rille shots of his parly, in doing which, one slip would have been destruction as inevitable as that from which he sought to ilec. He met both difliculties with prompt daring. One of tiie guards he hurled back lieadlong, who fell a sha{)e- Icss mass at the feet of his comi)anioiis below ; the other struggled with him, but was finally thrown over the j)reci- l>ice, and liis harrowing cry had not ceased ere the gipsy king liad mounted, with the first crag now he was on the second — the slimy surface; of the u))per edges prevented his planting one firm step there, and he hail to trust the whole weight of his body to a tender fir tree, around which his arm was thrown. While in this insecure position, more than one bullet came close past him, and before he had managed to ascend the crag next above .iiul to dis- apj)ear behind it, his hair was singed in such a mamu.-r as to render his after existence mirac ulous. Shouts of rage resounded among the liills from tlu; astonished beholders of this unexpected feat of the rondemned, and a deter- mined pursuit commenced, which lasted through the night, but terminated without having had a shadow of success. The dead were deposited in one grave in the forest by the women and boys before morning arrived. None of the 'ttif'J' } I ill Mil 286 TIIK fANADTAX CIRL. ^^'ipsic;. slept that iiij^lit, aiul llicir two tents in tiic cavern luid l)t!(:n rc'signttl to the use of tlie wonndcd. 'riierc was a singular unlitness Ix tween Jane Anderson and the wild scenes in wliicji it had i)een her lot to he cast both now and in former times. She was as little of a heroine as l:er suffering UKjther had been. She would iiave lived contenlinl as a j)oor cottager, nor ever have desired to go beyontl the sountl of her own church hells. Jlere she was at dead midnight, in the midst of a North American forest — a Martpiis' daughter — surrounded witli two bands of fierce people who lived by i)lundcr — and exposed every moment to the assassin's knife ! 'I'hc wind had increased in fury. As she; cowered on lier kne(' by the lire whicli was nearly smothert;d beneath a weight of embers, the gusts swept in at the opi'uings between the blankets hung at the cavern entrance, and chilled her to the heart. Now and then she started as the gij)sies hallooed to each other without. The voice of the wind was dismrd ; from a low, UKJUotonous smging, it had changed to swelling lamentations, such as might have proceeded from the dwellers in penal fires. She shud- dered as she listened, and her face grew more white. There was a rustling behind her, she turned her head round — the wind was waving one of the tent curtains to and fro. She knew the sound was caused by that, hut still kept her e\e on the tent for some time, and stirred not the smallest muscle of her body. When she withdrew her gaze back to the fire, she endeavoured to strengthen herself by rellecting that the night was half over, and that (lilj)in had promised her deliverance early in the morning. lUit just as she had gained confidence tlie Pole entered the cavern, and she turned on him a glance of delirious terror. He was struck by the peculiarity of her look, and stopped short, asking — " Laty, be 30U not well ?" she made no repl}', and whistling carelessh* he came on as if to warm himself at the fire. vShe stc>}iped backwards in dread, and he stopptnl again. "What doth ail you, laty?" said he. She n treated until something glistened before her on the floor — it was a dinnerd^7 *' L.'ity, <1() I iiK .111 to do \ou aii\" I'.ii in, do ynii link ?" cried he, ki( l J t [IIP m i M I 1,1 .'.SS llli: < AWhiAN (.lUI. a «1( .il ol case Ml. rol.iiulir. \'«)ii will never kill yourself willi Ii.ird us.i},'(; will you, S{ ryiiecki !" lleii' Jane's white countenance, and lier dilated eye, >vlii< li had not been diverted from la r inlend«'d assassin- ator, arrested (lilpin's attention; lie looked from her V> the Tole, and from the Pole to her, in some surprise then exclaimed — '' Miss Anderson, tell me what has alarmed yon, tli.il you look like this ?" A sense of safety shot through the heart of Jane as lii-, protectinj; tones reached her ear, and the previous excitement to whioh she had been wrought gave way in .i been trying to part the body and soul of her. It was I who told her he would do it this blessed night if he wasn't prevented." *' And how did you know ?" iiKjuired (iiipin. ** The little man who lies asleep in that right hand tent '(pieented me with his intentions." '* Vou born liend you!" exclaimed (Iiipin, again sliakin;: the Pole with violence, and throwing lum down. " Vci treacherous, contemptible, cursed rogue, you !" " Mershy ! — mershy !" roared the prostrate fellow. '"1 shall be murdered if no one doth help ! Mer-sli)' !" " Get up ! and think yourself well off that 1 have i; : AliDUCTloN nl JANK. JS.^ ih.ik ii," (!\(I.iimtil Ciilpiti ; ••.lud l.iUo care liow )<»ii (jotuliicl yoiirsc 11 ifli-r tliih!" A heap of l)lanl\tls wliicli had hiLH l\iii^' nii oiu; siilu ux't'c now biuii^ht to the fitc by (jilpiii, aiul laid one on anothci . " 'I'hdc, Miss Anderson," said lie, ••rest yon on that, and try to compose yourself to sleep for an hour, or so —I will take care no I'olaiujer, or any one els(.', comes near you a;;aiu." ihiukiu;,' him, slur sat on this comfortable couch, and he stirred up the lire into a bl.i/i-, puttin*,' ou a heap of branches which the women brouj^lit m, but beiuj,' damp tl ley would scarce •ly bu rii, an< 1 tl le CO Id 1 )ecame ninro earchiuL'; drau'rhts of wind blew into the cavern, and Jane was j^lad to wrap herself in a vw^ wliich (jilpin j)ro- cured for her from a j,Mj)sy woman who looked com- passionately on the shivering' ^'irl, while she heeded n(jt the ri;^'our of the nij;ht, continual hardship havin;,' ren- (K'K cl her almost invulnerable to the chaULTes of tl IG weal Her th Sleep shortly overcame Jane, for she much neeiled rest )ut her s luml )ers were neither sweet nor re fresl im,t;, bemtr rendered uneasy by a painful feeling' of cold, by troubled starts, and distressing dreams. Now she ima«;ined the I'ole was chasing' her throu,;:;!! a desolate country alon^ wliich slu; lied for lief life, the j^hastliness of her sensati(jns increasing as she found herself climbing some: slippery height, whose top it was impossible for her to reach, lliough if she could do so she would be safe ; then her feet refused to move — the Pole came nigher with the intended instrument of destruction in his hand— still she was root- ctl to the ground — now he was upon her — the cold steel tered her heart — and — she awoke with a struggle, in en f-»r>' n, the imaginary thn^es of death. Then she slept agai and supposed herself walking with Arthur as his wife, happy and secure, in the valley at the I'.istoi's lodge. All was traiKpiil about them, and she was talking of ('linto n and Lucy as though the former had never bein otherwise liian candid and sincere, and Lucy never otherwise than hlcst in his love. On a sudden she saw the burial en- closure before her, and between the four cypresses in the middle stood her brother and Lucy, hand in hand, looking iVj, happy as themselves. She walked up to them leaning «. ^ 390 iiii; «AN\i>r\v <;ii;i,. n ' on Ailliiir':. .irm ; l.in v .ipp* mi i| |m .mtildl, ins<»ininli tli.ii J.mr wliispir«(l to lici liiisliiiid ''ho Il sij^lit of Aillim, and in a tnoini nt saw Ik istif in tlir di'cpcst nioninni^; Ix side Lad\ llislcr. A f^'tavc w.i . open Ix'iorc tlii-rn, and looking; (lown slu: saw Ikt iirotjn i strrlclud on Lncy's coHin. 'I'licn a host ol Chatij^in^; faces and chan^intj scenes, all of funeral aspect, IxiwiUk red her. aiK '.iin she awoki I a^. (iiipin was pacing; the cavern with hnsluil footsteps, manifestly < arefnl that he nji;ii;;mj,' to the < .ini|», with liltie noise, and conveying; tln-m to the; wa;,';,'ons (uil side. The youngCi" children liy sle(!pin^ about the lire, which looked as if it had been recently trimmed for .111 i;arly breakfast, as a j .odi;;ions iron teadvettle was ban;;- in^ over it, and sijij^'in;,' with a cheerful noise. A f.iiiil blueish li;^dit enterin.i; between the bl;ir.j^ nu; an hour at sliortest to get there, I reckon ! Oh, how cuttinj^' the wind is!" Uttering the last exclamation in a low groaning key, lie again went on, until the waters of the troul-jfool wen* revealed to hitn by the livid lightnings with which the heavens and earth were now nionientU' illuminated. 1 )an stopped at the edge of that well known stream, and, throwing himself tlown on the clayey bank, lay without strength under the "pelting of that pitiless storm" lor more than a (piarter of an hour. There were? moments during that period when he sobbed as if his heart were reaily to burst ; and once he threw ii]") his arms into the air with a jerk, and wrung his hands, while a bitter cry rose from his Hps. He advanced again toward the Settler's farm, but more slowly than before, and with (wcecMJing diflictilty. He hatl not a dry thread on him— tlu^ hail beat upon him like showers of lead — sometimes he was driven to th<' right or tli(} left by the tremend(.)us blast, and was only able to save himself from immediate destruction by clinging to a tree or bush — sometimes he was forced backward, some- times forward, at a llying pace ; and weak as he was, and quite unable to contend tluMigh ever so little with his viewless assailant, it was past midnight before he col- lected his last energies in a final struggle to reach the; familiar door in sight, and to throw himself down on the tln"eshold, where a death-like swoon came over him. Within, the Settler's famih- were seated around the fire in that room which had formerly been the scene of Dan's disgrace. There was Farmer Joshua himself in the large chair, his rifle upright between his knees, on the barrel of v;hich he rested his head in moody abstraction ; and ther(i was his notable wife, stout and clean, clad in garments entirely of lier own manufacture, plucking the f(\athers iiom a wild bird that lay on her lap, because she could not be idle, while sitting up to see the worst of the storm over; ;ind there were her four daughters and three of her five sons, the youngest girl sitting on a stool in iront of the hearth, listening to the wild and dismal noise of the wind in the chimney with looks of uneasy awe; the eldest son was at his own farm ; the other of the two that were wanting was the banished Dan. The ; i i 1« , il' t 1 'V. 294 Tin; CANADIAN ClkL. KM M\ m 1 1 ScUlcr was tliiiikiiig oi h'un as lie sat brooding over tliu circumstance of his disgrace, l)laniing himself vehemently for having yielded to I'astor Wilson's judgment against liim, and nourishing the deepest and fiercest hatred against tiic author of his miidortunt;. •'And you— j'('//, his mother and his sisters — you who gave hirth to the hoy, and you who were bred up willi him !" cried he, suddenly giving a voice to the secret workings of his long-Iiiilden feelings, and looking on his wife and daughters with glances of passionate rc'proach, "aye, vou — took j^art with the gentleman-rogue! the liar! the treacherous, deceitful liar! and turned against the; l)oy ! Shamt! on, shame on every one of you ! 'Twas vmi that (hove him from liis father's 'arth, and roof, to — wlio can guess what ? I'astor Wilson was mistaken — the boy was honest !" "Dear me, l'\'irmer Joshua!" exclaimed the Settler's wife, surprised and irritated, " it's extremely odd of \()u to say that I and the girls drove Dan (for I suppose 'tis him you mean) out of the house, when you well know tlu>.t we tried hard to persuade 3'ou to let him stay, and you were so obstinate " "Obstinate!" repeated the Settler, throwing his riilt- from him to the ground, and starting up — " Was I to let a son fjf mine stay here to steal before my face ? Didn't 30U all tell me that he was a thief, and that Clinton was the person ill-used in that affair? What could I do then but send him away for the rest of his days ? I tell you 'tis YOU who have driven him on the wide world without a friend, and whatever he comes to, he will have, and I shall have, only you to thank for it !" With these violent words, accompanied by correspond- ing gestures. Farmer Joshua strode up and down the long apartment, his looks gloomy and angrj'. "Oh, what a dreadful flash!" exclaimed the eldest daughter, burying her eyes in her apron. " And hark how the wind drives against the house ! — it will certainl}' be blown down on us !" responded one (if her sisters, running to the door in alarm as if she thought the open air the safest place. A sudden blow against the window made all start and look affrighted, except the Settler; a tree hail been torn up from the earth and dashed against the closed shruiers; then large hail clattered against them, and then the wind f •• I'AK.MKI; (OSIIUA'S \<)\V. 295 fiofccly sliook their f.ist(^ninf;s as if it would vend tlicin oil; and alter tiiat tlie tliuiuUr helloweil over the larin like tlu; iiiinf;lin,<; reports of a imiKlred cannon. It was a dreadful ni^^ht! " Aye — aye — you tremble to hear all this," resunuMJ the Settler, still speaking; to the women. " Althou'^h you have tou^di and strouf; \o^ walls about you, and a warm 'arth U) keep cjff the cold, you tremble to hear the hail and wind — but you only tremble for yoursiilvcs ! — theri! isn't one of you cares the wortii of one of that bird's feathers whether Dan be out in it or not! — not you! — no, the boy is a thief you say! and if I tlK)Uj;ht he was a thief, or ever inclined to be a thief, I woultl be as careh^ss about him as you are! Ihit I do not believe it! 1 never (lid believe it! and 1 wish 1 had withered away root and branch before I had given any ear to those who prattled af^ainst him !" There was an uncomfortable sihmce after this, and the Settler's wife left off pickinj; her bird to medit.ite upon her lost son, for though he had never been a favourite with her — and she was a woman who luid her favourites among her children — yet she could not entirely cast away a mother's yearnings for him to whom she had given life. " Dan may be well off enough for what we know," observed the eldest daughter — "only think how long it is since he went awa}'." " And he may be ill off enough," returned Farmer Joshua, darting upon her a wrathful look. " He titay be President of the States! — but it's not very likel)', 1 sup- })ose ! That's what you all comfort and harden your- selves with — "he may be w^ell off enough!" — but 1 tell you it's to be feared he's ill off! As to the time since he went away, haven't 1 had news of him once since then, and was not that news bad news? lladp't he been seen in a starving condition rambling about the country like one out of his wits ? And he has had enough to send him out of his wits — that lie has !"' " If you feel so sure that Clinton lied against him, you and brothers had better try to bring him back," inter- posed the second daughter. "No!" cried Farmer Joshua, with n decisive accent, " not a child of mine shall stay in my house with a tainteil character. There was a time when law was in my own hands for the regulation of my family; then 1 would have i. ,it '■■ I . i I 2(/) 'WW. C.WADIW (ilUI-. ;"» (lo.'ilt with Miy children without regarding; what any one else thonglit! Jiiit now the hiw is in the hanils of ma.Ljis- tratcs, and one of tlicin lias judged Dan to be a thief— and he shall come no nioic; licre until tliat same magis- trate has judged him to be lujuest ! and until tliat gentlc- mandiar! that Clint(jn! has had his dues before the l)ul)lic eye! What is the matter now, Dinah !" This was the young woman who stood against the d(j(jr, and who was in the act of stooping to listen at the latch. ** Hush !" she whispered, holding uji her linger, "there is some living creature, m.m or beast, lying (jn the door step." The storm grew hushed for a second or two, and in that brief pause a loud moan was distinctly heard through all the room. The Settler sprang to the door, and was taking away the heavy bar of wood which fastened it, when his wife came and caught his arm. '• Are you mad. Farmer Joshua ?" she cried, with looks of terror. " 'Tis the moan of some animal that has Ikhii driven from the hills by the tempest — put back the bar, unless you wnild have us all torn in pieces?" " Mistress, stand away !" exclaimed the Settler, in a sunken but excited tone, " that was no animal's moan ! there is a man outside! Hark there again! — is that an animal ?" The exclamation *' father !" was just distinguishable to the Settler and his wife ; it was pronounced in a feeble voice, straining to make itself heard. On came the roar of the storm again, but the Settler heeded it not; he tore open the door, and calling aloud for the assistance of his sons, raised from the wet stones outside an emaciated and miserable creature dripping with rain, who hau scarcely life enough to throw his weak arms about the Settler's neck, and to sob forth the words — *' Father, I am come to tell you with my dying breath that Clinton spoke falsely of me !" The Settler bore him in liis arms as though he had been an infant to the fire, and placed him in the large chair ; there Dan gave him one look — a look which told a tale ot suffering and anguish not to be computed, and then, dropping his head — died ! The family crowded about him, incredulous of his identity, he was so grievously altered ; but the Settler put them all back with a motion of his arms, and, fastening a FARMFR U>snU.\'s VcHV. 297 flints," saitl one of the \ oiing women ; soon l)rin'' liim round with some liot lonj; mournful <:;:\7.c on Pan's worn f(Mtures, said, mf>re to liimscll than anyone else — "It is Dan indeed! and iic is no sooner found than lost! l»ut inr his wroufjs there is one sh.all pay dearl\-. illasts ujion that Clinton's head for the misery he has brouj^dit here. 1 will neither t-at nor drink in my own house aj^ain, I swear, until I haw had venj^'eance iij^on hii.i for this !" •' Dan onlv " mother will drinks." " \'es — yes," said the Settlt^r's wife, who now hun}:; weeping over the altered li^ure, while she hastily jut you all heard Ins last words — ' Clinton sj)oke falsely of me,' — you all heard him say that, didn't you ?" " I heard him say it — and I believe it now if I never did before!" cried Dan's mother. So do I !" responded the daughters. ." ad I !" " and I !" repeated Reuben, and Mark, and Jedediah, more sternly. " Dan lias been murdered then by that Clinton as much as if he had been shot or stabbed by him !" said the Settler, slowdy and emphatically, " and I have sworn to neither eat nor drink under tliis roof of mine again until the gentleman-murderer has met with his proper deserts ! As soon as day breaks I shall go fr r i '. ' ,:ii .1 A jIm^^ !-,ii f'K IL L m 300 THF. r.WADI.W fllKI,. " Slio is likely to Ix^ so indeed !" exrlniiiied I^etitia. ** Oil, little thinks sin; of what is before hv.v !" •• 'r(>ll nie all, my dear f,Mrl," said Mrs. Markhani, with the deepest intcr(;st, '• I may be abhi to servo her. I know something; of her secrets, so you need not be afraid <.f betra)inf; confidence by sjx-akin;; nnreservedly to nie. ] las that which you ajiprehend anything' to do with Mr. C:iinton?" •'Yes — oh, yes! — Mrs. Markham !" exclaimed Letitia, and hesitated, scarcely knowinp; whetlu^r she ouj^lit to jiroceed farther or not, and yet longinp^ to unburden her full heart to this kind friend of lun" sisti'r. ** And now I think of it, it is jiossible you mi^ht Ix^ of service to her liereaftcM', when — " aj^jain she stopped. " I )o not think idle curiosity prompts me to draw the secret from you," said ^^rs. Markham, " I have Ix.-tter motiv(!S." " I am sure you have, kindest madam," cried Letitia, warndy pressing the hand which held her own, ** and I ^vill — yes — I wdl tell you everythinj^ — -I am sure IIest(;r would not blame me. ]iUt we must be alone." •'I will contrive it," said Mrs. Markham; "steal away out of the? room directly— I will make an excuse for you to the ladies on the ground of indisjiosition, and come to you as soon as I have seen them all in a fair way for amusing themselves." ** And now, Mrs. Markham, began Letitia, when her warmdiearted hostess had joined her according to promise in a dressing-room up stairs, " sister told you in one ot lier letters of our adventure on Lake Erie before we lelt the Canadas last ?" *' Yes, she did. You were rescued from drowning by the captain of a cruiser." " By the celebrated Pirate, Mrs. Markham, whom l\Ir. Clinton was engaged by his excellency to assist in making prisoner." " You astonish me ! And liovv were you treated by him ?" ** So well that I blush for papa's ingratitude in coining here to betra}' him to the Ciovernor !" " Is that really his errand ?" "It is indeed? I have besought him in vain — he is bent upon bringing the preserve! of his child's lite to a disgraceful scaffold !" • tin; i;.\i;i- ()!• wii/roN's visit !•(> canada. ,^or •' Hut how can this allrcl I.ady I faster?" '•Oh, iii\ iliar Mrs. Matkham! Mr. ('Hntoii is [\\v son of tluit I'iiatc! he was in the vessel at the same time with us." •' Then this accounts for his having; tinned a;;ainst those whom he was en,L,M«^'etl to assist, and li^'hlin^' with and for the I'irales," observed Mrs. Markham, "a \nrrv of eon(hict wiiitii has as nuicii surprised as enr^i^ed the Ciovernur." *'I>ut when my sister charged him witli acting wrcjiigly in tliis respect," said Lctitia, *' he declared that he was sincere when lie accepted tlu; trust, but that he afterwards made the discovery ol his rel.ilionship to the I'irate." " 1 would rather think this to be the case than that he could tleserve the (ioverncjr's |)resc;nt ill opinion of him," returned Mrs. Maikham. " j]nt as 1 am extremely impatient, m)- dear, \on will excuse me 1 know if 1 put to voii an abrupt (pit'Siion -has he corresponded with your sister since her return to ICngland ?" " Mrs. Markham," said Letitia, lu;r manner calculated to give effect to the imix^rtant conuuunicati(jn, " they have not only corresponded but are about to be married. Sister came out with I'ajKi and me from otu' own country a few weeks ago, and papa separatetl from her at Montreal, and forbade me to ha\(,' any further intimacy with her on account of her connection with Mr. Clinton, who came into our ship on the St. Lawrence river, and introduced her to his sister when we landed." Mrs. Markiuim turned very grave, meditated, shook iier Iiead, and observed '• It was a sad story; she wished tliat she could see her young friend. The Governor had a sister in Montreal wliom sh" had not visited for some years, slie had a good mind tc surprise her the next week, and then endeavour to find Lady llester." " And j)erhaps you could prevail on pai)a to let me go with ycju," eagerly remarked Ivctitia, throwing back her load of yellow curls over her shoulder with a return of her natural vivacity, and regardless whether or not her self invitation might prove acceptable to his excellency's sister. "Oh, do, if you can, Mrs. Markham !" " No — no, my love," said the hostess, tapj)iiig her I^olished neck, " no, no, I must not have you w ith me, or the Earl might suspect me of teaching you to oppose his will by bringing you into your sister's society. You i ,* iiU: ^02 Till': < ANAhlW (.11:1,. ».ii. 3 S '1:1 n r must tint tliiiiK ()l \'()iii own (1( privation now, my lUar, luit only ot wliat will Ik: tlir likditst means to Ikiu'IU licr lor whom W(! arc both anxious, ('.omc, let us rttmn to the ladies f<»i the present, l>\' this time ( offee has l>een brought in to them we will talk a^'ain when you retire to Ixd, then W(.' shall have learnetl whether the (i(^vernor has re(»iveil ti(lin«,'s of the l*irat<; from your Jiapa ; if ho has, I shall soon be in Montreal, and there endeavour to prove to Nour dear sister that in me she has a great friend." it will have been understood from this conversation b(.'lW(;en Mis. Markham and Letitia, that Lady llestrr and the I'irate had not nut the ICarl at Montreal; he had, indeed, left it for Toronto some days before their arrival, takinj; his younger daughter with him. Lady Hester, though at first, unable to learn whither he had gon<', hoped soon to bt; abh; to do so, by means slu,' had put in operation, and in this hope remained at Montreal, while the rirate returned to his seigniory with mstructioiis tr tli( pii'si.'iil cNli.uistctl .iinl ilu- ;;(iiil« iiini ol ilir ilium r )>.iit\' li.id rejoined tlie Lidies it) tlic tlrawiii;; iohid, \\v. iein;iiiieiiIn' fi.ir must In; lest slu; In.- in.initil to Iior paimii Iov«i luforc tin- iiif.iiny lij^lils oti liiiii. Vi I surely of that ihcrc tan Ik- littli: danj^cr if tl»c (lovctnor be as s|)(i(ly as he piuiiiisis to Ik.'. Tlius f.u lli< ri I have |)H»Mintcil the salvaliou of uiy ancii'ut fauiily fiotu the ihrratcuin^ chsliouour \vhi< h was alxait to jchpsr its hith( rln imsiillicilhi i;4htut'ss, to preserve which 1 sh'HiIil cbtinialc no cxciliou loo {,'teat - mo sacrilicc too ci>ijtly !" CIlAl'ILK XX. N Tin; Ki;sroK.\ri()\ of jani:. A S lane's meek aiul (piiet siiiiit l)e;.,'an to recover its t'lne a little, she uiieonscicjusly fi-ll into a train of (■(I. lie rellcction upon the extraordinary occurrences of th(; last twenty-four hours. She; was especially surprised and shocked at the failing of her piety in the hour of nee( •' I am not a hypocrile," thus she rr • led with licrsc If; " my lo\e of ( i((i, and my hope in II;:ii, has alwa\s Ixcii sincere- how tli( n has it come to j)ass, thrit when I most reiiuudl then aa tl m\' 1 )rmcip les d eser led me Tl lis uuist he in(piired into with care; for if my reli;;ion will not befriend mc in the sight of death it is worthless. Vet it cannot be religion which is to blame. It has sustained thousands of mart}'rs in the Hames -millions of saints on tlu; bed of suirering, and in the hours of agony — who all have left behind them a glorious testimony of its otrnipu- tent pcnver. It must have been I alone who w.'is the cause of my defeat when terror assailed me, and not religion. I have not lived in that state of habitual pre- paration for tlu! last (Miemy which is commanded inc. Keligion has not pronused instant attention to the calls of the soul in necessit)-, when that soul in prosjierity l'^'^ always persevered in neglecting her ad\ ice and her warn- ings. Whenever my heart has been at rest bom trouMc, my mind free from an?d(?t\-, then I have ceased to be vigilant in my most holy, most solemn, duties; and what could follow l)ut this that has now hap]"»ened ? — distresses taking mc unawares — the fear of death seizintr mc when I o M'STOUATfoN or r.NN'l!. ;>o5 .'ini least prtp.iti.d for it tin; pr«)misis of (kxI's lluly Word, tliosj' swt'i^tcst li;;lits of lifaviiii, witlulr.iNsii Iroin mc when I liok for tluni with aj^ony. and my soul left benl;,dit('d, (oinfortlfss, and afraid. Ihit this must he so no more," said she, speaking' aloud, and looking upward witli incltiii;,' eyes. "On the lon^cil-for land wlu'ic my ever M';;rrltcd Lucy dwells, I will IVom this mom<'nt fix my constant thonj,'hts. ICarly happiness, however Rreat, shall not divert me from continual watchiu}; for my linal sum- mons." A calm and deep satisfaction shoiK^ on her gentle features as silmtly sIk; locked her hands before Iier on the saddle, wIumi slu; repeated this resolution, one which it would he well if more of us were iiulin«'d to make;. ('dad was slie wluMi slie hef^Mti to find herself (piitlinjij the horrid shadi'S of the f^hjomy forest and cominj; »ip(Mi the opt.'u ouiitry. Uefore \\c.r was IIk; road she had yesterday traversed in an insc^nsible conditio!!, si!pporled by J!!ieii a!uiii tlic horde of J'irates; she kin:w it not; but her e3't; rested on the dista!it sails of the seignioiy mill, and "by their situatio!i she knew she was in th(^ direct way to lier father's house; ^lad and thankful she was for this; and havin<:( stoppeil her horse o!i the last forest descent that led down into the road, in order to listc!! if slie was pursued, ami bein^ satisfied no one was at all near her, she was about to put forward at a more rapid pace, when the soiind of voices struck dismay into her heart. They were heard only for an instant, and sounded neither from the forest behind nor the Ic'vel road in front, but as it se(>m(>d from a near place on her left thouf^h the speakers were uns(!en. Jloldin^' her breath with fear, and keei)inj; the horse perfectly still, she waited the issue for a mmute or more. The voices were not heard again, but ])resently two gun shots close at hand made her start in alarm, and immediately aftc.T a large black bear broke thrcjugh the trees within three yards of l.er horse's head, sprang from a low declivity into the road, bomuU.'d across, and plunged into a tangled ravine on the other side. Tlu; horse at once took fright, and dashed along the road, while the sci'eam of Jane rose; shrilly upon the hearing of two Indian hunters, who liad bcc)^ chasing the bear from his winter dormitory, but wIkj nov. promptly pressed after the perilled maiden, the startled horse continued flying along the road for some distance, until the sight of a party of horsemen approach- ■k > -r. i' 1' » ' 3^^ Tin: r'AN.\i>T.\\ ciki.. .1 ■: liili' ! !| iii^' cruised il to turn oil' suddcnl)- tlirouf,'!! the furze licdj^c, and it then proceeded at a headlong speed over an icy savannah, or j^lain, direct to that ravine in whicli the bear had son!:;lit refuge. Jane's terror was redonhled when she saw llie fearful gap before her, in which, if she cjscaped being dashed to pieces, she would be at iiic nicicy of an infuriated wild beast ; and with an instantaneous and powerful effort of the mind, at onc(; gave herself up lor lost, at the same time yielding at her doom with the prompt resignation of a prepared mind. ]jut it was the will of (lod that she should be preserved also in this alarming crisis; for when the horse reaclu d the edge of the ravine it took a slanting course downwards .'Mid reached the bottom in safety. There Jane was thrown from the saddle into a chimp of bushes, and received no injury greater than a slight bruise or two and a few scratches from the brand)les, if her fright be excepted. To all the alarms she had lately experienced, however, another still remained to be added. She had liardly dis- engaged herself from the pri:kly bushes as the bear pre- sented himself before her, by thrusting his inmiense licid and shoulders out' from bctw jcn some close-grownig juniper shrubs on a projection within arms' length ; never- theless, she was not long in escaping the unwelcome presence of bruin, for just as she was aboit to fly a slu)t from the Intlian lumters drove the huge animal back into the cover, and in another second she was hailed by the encouraging shouts of her father, her brother, and IMi. Lee, who with their servants had been riding in search of her when they became the innocent means of increasing her jeopardy, they having been the horsemen whom the steed had seen when it broke from the road. The Pirate hastened to lead the way down into the ravine, and his daughter sank into his arms utterly over- come by the series of shocks her nerves had sustained. She was then removed with every mark of tenderness that could be lavished on a beloved female back to her home, where repose of body and of mind soon restored her shattered spirits. The horse she had been thrown from was never heard of afterwards ; it was supposed it must have become a prey to its own reckless iury and was after- wards devoured by the wild beasts of the forest. The house was now made secure against intruders such RESTOR.'vTION (W lAXF. 07 an icy the iHilf :hcn she t;scapcil cy of an ous and if up for .villi the )i-cscrve(l rcachi:d »wn\varils [anc was ihcs, and two and fright be , however, lardly dis- brar prc- cnse head e-grownig th ; never- mwelconie lly a shot back into led by the and iMr. search <>f increasin.ij; whom the ?n into the terly over- tained. tenderness ack to her estored her ^rown from ,ed it nn\s^ \ was after- rudcrs such as it had lately held, by a band of tenants of the S(ii;Mi()ty being lodged within it, plentifnlly provitled with anus, antl the proprietor and his ehildren, with Mr. Lee, jonrneyi-d to Montreal, where they spent several weeks witii I^ady Hester in the enjoyment of the best society amid the lively amnsements pecuhar to the season. The romantic eircnmstances whieh had attended the rise of the present Mar([nis of Kongemont, thon-^Ii out im[)erfectiy known, made him an object of great interest to llu> (Canadian nobility, especially to those who had been accpiainted with his father's melancholy hi .lor}'. As soon as they became aware that he was in Mv^ntreal, invitations j)(uired in upon him, and calls at his rooms were far more numerous than was desirable, privacy being neces- sary to his safety. Nevertheless it was not prudent to shun altogether the advances of those who courted his ac(iuaintance ; the Pirate therefore adopted a middle course as the wisest, putting forward his children and their affianced ones as oftCL IS he could in his stead, and only appearing when politeness strictly rc(piired. Walking, riding, carrioling on the ice-bound river, balls, pic-nics, and evening parties, succeeded to each other with breathless rapidity. Lady Hester forgot her resolution to forsake society, and was again the admiration and delight of all who were privileged to approach her. Clinton was ten times as poetical and fascinating as ever; and witli his fine sentiments, vision.ar}' theories, graceful person, easy manners, and ornamental knowledge, formed in the estimation of all who saw them together, a fitting companion in every respect for his charming intended. Arthur did but lend himself to these passiiig gaieties, in which his heart was not at liome ; he better loved tlu; more homely pleasures of retired life, and longed exceed- ingly for the hour when he could remove Jane from hence to them. She, in the deep and placid happiness of her soul, saw only around her those in whom her affections were centred ; received no tinge of joy but what was reflected from their smiles; wished nothing but what they wished; and absolutely merged for the present her personal exist- ence in theirs. 'J > m *i 3oS Tlir: CANADIAN r.IRL. iiiji i ill il^ 'f^.'fi '^J I ir ;:ll:il The Pirate looked on the blissful c()iii)!cs with n father's pride and j)lcasiir{' ; hut his happiness was dashed hy vaf^uc fears of coniin*,' evil, he knew not what or why. Wh(!n his eye cauf,dit the smiling; bashfnlness of his dearly-loved Jane while Arthur was whispering to her his futiu'c^ domestic plans, or when his ear distinguished tlie honied accents of his son poured out in lavish blandisli- ment to the fair and elegant being his arm encircled, then would the heart of the parent beat thick with gloomy fore- bodings that these pictures of paradise would not be before him long, and he would seem to hear the hiss of the serpent among the ilowcrs. And even in ordinary course of events felicity cannot continue. Man is born to trouble ; the decree is the birth- right of all the jK)sterity of Adam. In sober truth the world is to tlic most fortunate a vale of tears. The seeds of sorrow, like the seeds of death, are within lis ; our deej)- est joys are nearly allied to pain ; tears are alike the expression of our acutest grief and bliss. All this the Pirate well knew, for he had outlived the period when fancy throws her illusive vapours over this terrestrial scene, and he beheld it in its true and sternest features. Well therefore might the sight of his children's felicity awaken sadder and profounder reflections in his breast than the}' at present could understand. But he did not only anticipate for them the ordinary sorrows of life — his own position was precarious in the extreme, and theirs was linked with his. As yet no public whisper of his having been connected with pirates had reached his ear from any quarter. But how long could he depend upon the preservation of the important secret ? An hour might blast his character and ruin the prospects of those precious ones of whom he thought so anxiously. Visions of a prison and of a scaffold rose before him while their happy voices rang in his ear ; their smiles became transformed by his boding imagination into looks of agony, and their buoyant exclamations into cries of ever- lasting farewell. He could not endure the images he had conjured up — he shook them off — but they returned again and again, and on each and all there was the living stamp of realit}', so that he could not avoid the conviction that such things must yet happen, and that he was a fated man. TFIK CANADIAN CTRL 309 CIIAPTICR XXI. TriF Sri-..\I)I-.\STNKSS ()\- 'VKVi: l.nVK. n^IlIC sitting; rrxMn of the attacliud party in the; ilotcl I Dieu conii'Mndcd from the windows a j)r()siH'ct of softer beauty than any tliey liad seen elsewlu'rc in Canada; winding streams, effulf^ent with waves of snow, added brightness to the hicid atmosphere and sparkled in the snn ; between them and around them stVetclied woods perpetually green, witli mead(jws and pleasure-grounds, the verdure of which could hardly be more lovely than their frost}' coverings ; and everywhere, the presence- of churches, farms, cottages, and villas, gave animaticjn to nature, and cheered the eye and heart as signs- of a pros- perous and refined population. Clinton and his betrothed were surveying this view and making remarks to each other upon its beauty, wlien the}'- saw an elegant carriage stop in front of the hotel, and a lady put her head out of the window to give a card and some directions to her servant, who forthwith entered the house. " That is Mrs. Markham 1" cried Lady Hester in a lively tone of pleasure, rising from her seat and moving towards the door to meet her. " I thought I knew the face — thougli at first I could not exactly say to whom it belonged," said Clinton, following her to the door to receive the card of the visitor which was brought up to them. Lady Hester went down to the foot of the stairs belonging to her rooms to receive Mrs. Markham, and they met with the most cordial affection. " Mr. Clinton," said the good lady stretching out her hand to him frankly as soon as she was inside the sitting room, " I am glad to see you looking so nuich better in health and spirits than when I saw you last on Toronto cliffs. Did I not tell you then that it was foolish to despair, for you could not tell what good things were in store for you !" "My dear madam, I am delighted to see you here!" exclaimed Clinton, meeting her with a look and action expressive of the warmest respect. " His Excellenc}- is well 1 hope ?" ui II 310 TFIi: ("ANADIAN CIRL. ■ I m ■f "Oh, yes; only .'i liulc out of liiinioiir witli the feuds bctwc:('n tlic ICn^^lish and tlu- I'rcnch in this (liscor(huit country — I believe he aiipreiicnds thai it will come to an armed strugj^le yet. If it should, I lujpe 1 and Lady II(;ster will be far out of reach of the S(jund of their rillo shots and cannonadinj^, and she; shuddcrid. "1 hope so too, my dear Mrs. Markham!" said Lady Hester, "and yet I know that I shall not be out ol America, f(jr in it 1 have pitched my tent for all the rest of my days;" so saying, a little tinge of deeper crimson made itself apparent on her cheek. " Well, give me a seat," said Mrs. Markham, losing her lively air so suddenly that Clinton fancied it had been assumed to hide some unt^asiness that was lurking beneath. " Now sit down both of you by mc, and tell nie as (piickly as you can all that has befallen you both since 1 saw you last ; and in return I will tell you a little history of some occurrences that have taken place since you parted with the Earl and Letitia." " Ah, then, you have seen them 1" exclaimed Lady Hester. " They have been in Toronto ?" " They are there now, and — " " They have told you all concerning us." •* Letitia has, my dear ; and I regret to be the bearer of bad news to you." " The Earl refuses to listen to her and your kind inter- cession for me, and will cast me off — that is what you u'ould say." " Partly, my dear young friend, but not all. My time just now is limited — 1 have an appointment elsewhere at three o'clock, and it scarcely wants a quarter." She looked at her vvatch. •' Mrs. Markham, this is hardly kind," observed Lady Hester, reproachfully — " a quarter of an hour only for a firet visit to an old friend." " I cannot help it indeed, my dear — I will make repara- tion for this fault another time. To-morrow I will come and take luncheon with j'ou, and you shall not be rid of me for four or five hours. There now, say no more about it — I have something very important to communicate to you both in this quarter of an hour ; and as a prelude I must ask a very necessary but impertinent questi(3n — when do you intend to be marrie ' ?" She looked to Clinton for the reply, whom a sudden Tlir, STKADIASTNKSS <^F TRUi: LoM'. 311 He answered have been tlirill of ecstasy almost deprived of breath, willi a little {graceful embarrassment. *' As soon as the ICarl's consent shall obtained we wait, I b(ii(!ve, for that alone." " And do you dream of obtaining; it ?" asked the good lady, surprise slij^iitly m.irkiu},^ her tone. " Why yes we do," answered Clinton, employiiif; an accent in wiiirh pride; and indij;nation were evidently minj^ded. "His Lordship still thinks hij^^h descent the ;;rand recjuisite for I^ady Hesti^r's hapjMness in a hus- band; he has not learned wisdom from lier past wronj^s. He would be as willinfj now as ever he was to sacrifice her to a Colonel Cleveland." *' If this be so, your chances arc but slight I should be led to fear." " Not so. Madam ; I derive from these views of his Lordship the most confident hope." "How so, pray?" inquired ]\Irs. INLirkham with increased surprise. " I can boast, Madam, of a descent equal to that of his Lordship himself — if not superior." "You!" " Mrs. Markham, is it possible that you, living in Canada, have not heard of the new Marquis of Rouge- niont ?" asked Lady Hester. " Rougemont — Rougemont," repeated the Lieutenant- governor's lady, considering, with her fuiger raised to her eyebrow, *' that is one of the largest seigniories on the shores of the St. Lawrence — and an ancient marquisatc too." " It is," said Clinton ; " and as I am the heir apparent to that marquisate, the Earl of Wilton, I should imagine, will not interpose any further objections to my suit." " What wonder next 1" exclaimed Mrs. Markham, lift- ing up her hands — " this is the strangest world. How has it all come about ? Tell me as briefly as you can." " My father was born in a convent, and afterwards educated by the Marquis of Rougemont, who, subse- quently to his adopted heir having left him for a sea life, n.ade the discovery that he was his son. The aged Marquis died in a snow drift a short time ago, and left a will appointing Nicholas Anderson sole heir to the title and estates. My father took possession of his right, and I have the happiness to invite you to his scat as our T 31:2 TIIK CANADIAN (ilRL. n> M wcddinfj piicst after wc shall have Fccn tlic ICarl, and per- formed our errand in this town relating to the inarria<;c settlements." Mrs. Markiiam conj;ratnlatcii him sincerely on his chan^'e of fortnnes, and then said — • *' Jint another (jnestion no less impertinent tlian my former one remains behind. — Mr. Clinton, has your fatiicr renounced liis fcjrmer disj^aaceful associates ? — you will forgive the bluntness of my expressions." "He has — positively, entirely, and for ever," answered Clinton, laying a stress on each word. *' 1 am glad to hear it," said Mrs, Markham, rising to go, and inwardly determining to keep back the evil tidings she came to impart until she had had a privat(.> conversation with the Earl. " lUit you said, my dear Madam, that you had some bad news for us," remarked Lady Hester, as Mrs. Mark- ham drew from her muff a note and handed it to her. *' True, 1 did, but what 1 have now heard may alter the complexion of aifairs ; and at any rate I shall not say any- thing about it until to-morrow." *' And you will leave us all in suspense ?" remonstrated Lady Hester. *' In suspense. Hark, the cathedral bell is striking. I cannot stay another moment. Trust me, my 3'oung friends," she added, taking a hand of each, " I am most anxious for your good, and should yon find that to be seriously threatened, depend on my influence being exerted for you." " You alarm me, dear Mrs. Markham," exclaimed Lady Hester, after regarding her attentively and in silence for a few seconds : "I beseech you tell me what we have to fear." " No, no, my love, do not press me. I would not pain you prematurely for the world. Perhaps I may be able, in some measure, to avert the misfortune." " What misfortune, Madam ? Positively you must not go until I know 1" " . .c you firm enough to bear it ?" Lady Hester turned pale, and Clinton observed her tremble slightly, but she answered in a steady voice — '* You have known me endure great trials with firm- ness, Mrs. Markham ! I am not given to indulge in weakness." 5 I' Tin: STI.ADrASTNKSS UF Tkui: Lovi:. 313 cmonstratcd strikin^j. I Du must not •bserved her " ThcMi tliis is all— tlu! ICat I has given the Cjovernor some peculiar infurmatiou whereby lu? lias been slirretl up a^^aJM to seek the capture of your father, Mr. Clinton, and the (iov(!rnor is at present in (hiebee with tiie inteiuion of takin;^^ tin; {lej)ositiou of Captain Harry's wiilow ; the prosecution is to be grounded on souiu paper of Mr. Clinton's own writing." Clinton's soul sank within him at the mention of that ])ai)er which he had gi\in to Arthur soon alter Luc)'s death. " My father," said he, " risked his life to preserve the ICarl and his daughters from drowning on Lake ICric — I should hardly liave expectetl such a return from his Lordship." " Letitia grieves sadly about it," said Mrs. ISLirkham ; but 1 do feel assured that the; ICarl would have actecl better had he not been misled by blind anger. We must make some excuses for him." "You may make excuses for him, Mrs. Markham," said Lady Hester, in a tone of calm and cutting indignation, which the good lady wished the Earl could have seen, " but I make none. Once he wrecked my peace, betrayed my trust in his paternal guidance, and m;irried me to a man I could not love ! And now, because 1 would give my hand to one whom I have always held dear — the only one who can make mc happy (I am not ashamed to say it) — he is so enraged that he descends to the worst ingrati- tude, the most despicable cruelty, to prevent my wishes ; Is this like a father ? Will he have mc always wretched that he may maintain the pride of the family ? ' " But, my dear, I mean to let him know directly the present rank of the Pirate and Mr. Clinton, and then he may change his temper towards you, and the Governor may be persuaded by him to relinquish the pursuit." *' I charge you, as you value mc, my dearest madam, let him not know it !" said Lady Hester. " I will marry Mr. Clmton and tlicn he shall be informed of it from my own lips. He shall see his own littleness of mind set nakedly before him, and taste the bitterness of its fruits. Clinton, you hear me tell you before my friend that I am yours as soon as you will. We will not wait until you have seen the Earl. His purpose in this shameful transaction must he foiled at once !" ■ i I' If 314 TIIK CANADIAN (ilKI. 1 I a r\ Clinton was buried in tliou};ht — he saw completely through tlu; IC'irl's motives. "And can you, Hester," said he with passion in his f,'estures, "unit• \ h «i ** My dear sir, I wns qiiito aware of the hazards wliicli snrroiiiid(;d the father of Jane when 1 chose her for iijy wife, and you do nic j;rcat v;ron^ if you doubt my fidelity to her under every possiljle circumstance." " And I," said Lady Hester, kindling; into a noble ardour as shv. proceeded, "why should I be suspected of want of steadfastness in my attachment to your son, Marrpiis? I am not made like some women to yield as wax to i:very impK.'Ssion. If I once form a friendship, I form it for ever! Clinton has told me to consider what I may have to sacrifice for him — but 1 tell him and you to consiiler uliat I have already sacrificed for him. I lately left my native land, where the lii^diest circles courted my society — I came here unclicered by one approving voice, trusting,' entirely to the iionour of tin; man I loved — I endurc-d the reproaches of a father—! allowed a dear sister to Ik: alien- ated from me! And 1 did all this (and who can tell the secret torture it cost me!) while I supposed Clinton the penniless son — not of the Mar(]uis of Kougemont — but of the Pirate I Remember that Marf^uis! — remember that, Clinton!" "I do," said Clinton; *' and it would be a bad return for your higli-mindedness were we seriously to doubt that, even should the worst happen, you would continue your favour towards me." " To put this beyond doubt," said Lady Hester, address- ing Arthur, " I have dared to overstep the limits prescrib- ed to my sex, and have proposed — an immediate marriage." She slightly paused with a lovely modesty before pronoun- cing the three concluding words, but then spoke them dis- tinctly. " And I give my voice for it," said Arthur, with anim- ation. ** There has already been too much delay. We had better set out to-morrow for the lodge, and the double ceremony can be performed on the folk wing afternoon." ** Well, while you are settling these weighty matters I must go and see what I can do for you," said Mrs. INLirk- ham, now moving to the door in earnest, her watch hav- ing informed that she had stayed half an hour beyond her alloted time. " But do not forget, good folks, that I shall be here to luncheon at twelve to-morrow, that I do not intend to go away for four or five hour3, and that I want no stranger present. Mr. Lee looks rather blank, as if he thought I should prevent your meditated journey — but he I I.lt.lir AM) CAI'TUIU' OV Tin; l'IK\Ti:. .>'7 iimst kiU)\v that I put my in ;,Mtivc upon tliat as soon as lie proposed ii -lluic niiist l)o iif) journeys plannctl, much less Ixpnn, before I brinj; you all more news." " Hut, Madam," asked tlie I 'irate, " will it not he advis- able for mv. tn my account." •'Suppose u(; obtain lici-nses this evenlnj,', .and let the .ifVair be concluded to-nujrrow morning beiore you fjiiit us," sug^'ested Mr. Lee. If the I.idi(.'s will permit I shall be glad of th.it arrange- ment," returned the IMrate. ♦•Jane, my dear, jou will make no objection, will you, under the circumstances?" •• 1 don't know — this is so v(My sudden — I hardly think I can make up my miiul to it," falte-ri'd Jane, timid and abashed. •' Jjiit, my clear father, for yinw sake, 1 wonid do anything," she ailded, smiling through the bright tears which trembled on her eyelashes. ••And what says Lady Hester?" inrpiired the Pirate. The lovely peeress was inclined to hesitate like Jane, hut shaking olf the weakness, she replied — • *• She says, my dear sir, that whatever you think best in the present exigency will meet with her entire con- currence. Mr. Lee and Mr. Clinton did not fail to th.ink the young ladies for their gcnero'is concession with .iident tenderness, and immediately after the Pirate, rising and ringing for his servant, proposed that he himself should procure the licenses, an offer that met with no opposi- tion whatever either from his son or his intended son-in- law, who, when the servant had brought his master's fur cloak, cap, and gloves, and had quitted the hotel in attendance upon him, were left alone with their betroth- ed brides. •' What shall we say to the Pastor ?" asked Jane, blusli- ingly. •• You know we promised that no other clergyman should read the service." *• He will be easily pacified when he knows what has ii,r«.nT \M) < AiTirur. oi tin; i'Ikmi:. UO r' OCClirii:(l ?" t(j«iilU'(l Alllidt. '* 1 sli.ill UllU: to liiMl imnwdi.itrly alter wc arc utiitcd." "Tilt! Martjuis stays lonj,'," observed Lady IFr'Stcr, as eli'ven o'(l(i( Iv strut k. The table had lieeu spiead f«)r sii|)|H'r some time the two candles wanted snnllin;; the lire lacked a new supply nf coals. Ihit the lour \ver(; so (lUf^rossed with hi^'hwronj^ht feelinj;s of pleasure antl pain, hope and fear, kindled liy their own i)lisslul prospet ts on the one hand, and the I'irate's critical position on the other, that they could not give a thoui^ht U) anythin else. •' lie has hvrn j^oue neaily four h<»urs,"' respondi-d Clin* ton, in a tone of uneasiness, "and the cler^,'ymat)'s house is not distant from here more than ten minutes' walk. ICa* h shrank frlf then resolved to wait in the hot( 1 until the morning shouki be a little more ailvanccd, which they did, and then j)roceeded together to visit every })Iace in the town where the Pirate was at all known, to make inquiries after him. At nine o'cluck they returned without having met with the remotest intelligence of the object of their search, and the dreadful thought glanced across the mind of Clinton that he had destroye(i himself. Upon connnunicating this id'a to Mr. Lee the latter strengthened it by the declara- tion that for sevcrr.i hours he had entertained a like sus- picion. However, these suspicions were happily ground- less ; as they entered the sitting room. Jane starteil for- ward to meet them with a small piece of paper in licr hand, which she gave to hci brother \vith a look of breath- loss excitement, and he read these hurried words in the Pirate's handwriting — "I was met last night by Toby and Merry, who had come on foot from Kougemont to tell me officers had searched my mansion by warrant, and were there waiting to take me prisoner. The honest fellows advised me not to lose a moment's time, but to leave the town at once as the hotel would be watched immediately. I have taken their advice, and to be the more safe, have determined to keep Roberts with mc. I do not dare to tell 3'ou here whither I am gone, lest this paper should chance to fall into adverse hands. Do not let Jane be too fearful about U ' 'I' ' .J'f 1 :■'■ f ■ 1 1 ! f ■1. ' iiy . i' ■ k j) - si:! 3-2 Tin: CAN. \I MAX (JUL. me. K(;op up one; inotlicr's hearts, an.l lu)])c that all will end as we wisii it. JCiicl(jsccl you liavo the lict-nscs. I .( i the inarriaj^es be performed as we settled, and accept a lather's heartiest wishes for your liapjMuess." " Tiieu the mystery is at an end," ejaculated CHnLUii, much relieved. ** And he has fjot out of tlic way of his enemies," joy- fully remarked Jane. " For the present," hinted Lady I fibster, witii less evi- dent pleasure than they evinced. " 1 think it would have been better if the IMartpiis liad been guided entirely l)y INIrs. Markham. Had there been any inuneuiate danger bore she would certainly have apprised him of it yester- day." The others thought differently, and believed it was almost certain that the Pirate would now, having received such timely information of the movements, of the Governor and his people, hide himself effeetuall}' until the fury oi the dreaded storm should have subsided. " liut now to make use of ///or," said Clinton, archly, holding up the licenses. "Oh, no! we shall have nothing to s.iy to them now," cried both the ladies at one tim- . " Indeed but you must," pleaded the gentlemen. *' Indeed, but we will not," persisted the ladies. " We cannot think of allowing you to revoke your con- sent," pressed Arthur. *' Faint heart never won fair lady," laughed Clinion. " Faint heart or strong," retorted Lady Hester, " you will not win us without — " "No conditions- -no conditions," repeated the deter- mined suitors. " The Pastor must be our clergyman, and the Marquis must enact the proper part of a father for us at the altar, as was first intended," said Lady Hester. " Do ne 'unk we are to' be persuaded out of this." The pleasant controversy had not terminated when, just an hour before her appointed ime, ]\Irs. Markham pre- sented herself. Her kindly countenance looked troubled, and she anxiously asked — • ♦' Where is the Mar(|uis?" A few words sufficed to relate his disappearance and to produce his note. •' Did I not bid him stay within the hotel ?" demindcd I'l.Kilir WD CAPTUKK OF TIIK I'lKATi: ■»-»■» J- J (i("j. f-.*--^ our con- I\Irs. Mai kli,i!ii, with \c'\ati(Mi and iiiu asincss in lu i tiircs. *' What had he to do witli Iclchini; your hccuscs ? I aui anj^T}' ^vith you aU. Vou have not acted l)y uiy instructicjus, and my schemes ft)r serving vou are defeated." •* I hope not ! Oh, I hope not !" exclainu-d Jane. " I was ahaid of it !" si^died Lady Hester. ** I told tlie Mar(iuis chstincll)- not to (piit Montreal," rcsumcul Mrs. Markham. " If he had abided by my instructions he mij^ht have been j)reserve(l. Now it is doubtfid — very doubtful. The (lovernor has becni more prompt than 1 expected, and it will be very diflicult for the object of his keen pursuit to escape him. Ihit come, you must lind some safer lodj^ing than this hotel, for ii: a few hours it will be searched, and you will all hv. put under arrest as having been intimate with tht: Pirate. 1 will show you a place where you will be free from notice, and where the INIarcpiis — foolish, foolish man that he is in having deviated from my directions — might have lived safely during the heat of the chase. Lady Hester promptly sent her maid to the jiroprietor of the hotel for the bill, and discharged it forthwith. Clinton did the same on the part of hi.^. father, his sister, himself, and Mr. Lee, and the party left the liotel with Mrs. Markham, their luggage fastened on her carriage, and Jane and Lady Hester riding with her inside; Arthur and Clinton followed in a small public carriage, and Lady Hester's waiting woman occup'vl a seat behind the ^;rmer vehicle. Tiijy soon quitted the public thoroughfares for the less u r,;\( .ted and meaner parts of the town. Turning down a c )al^'ied street near the w^ater's edge, principally inhabited by fishermen, sailors, and storekeepers (as dealers in all descriptions of saleable articles are desig- nated in America,) Mrs. i\larkham's driver pulled up his horses in front of a dingy but substantial looking house of the latter class. A young married woman stood at the door to receive the visitors, whom she was prepared to oxpect, habited in her best French head-dress, jacket and ott'coat, and displaying as many gay-coloured ribbons as would have sufficed to set out a haberdasher's window, besides having in her ears large round rings made con- spicuous by gaudy-coloured stone. With the habitual vivacity and politeness of a French- CANAlJlAN (ilRI I! t woman she curtsied to crich of her ;;iicsts, and ush( red thcin with smiles llir()ii,L;h hi.-r hiishaiid's crowded uaie- hoiisc t(J a daik but well furnished j)arli)nr, warmed h)- .stoves, and ornamcMited for their recepticjn with llowers rcaretl in t'le honse dnrin^ the wintry season. " Madan. -> dermaine," said Mrs. Markham, *' these are iny triends of whom 1 spoke to you last evening;. You will acconmiodate them as well as your means will allow, antl keep tiieir residence here a profounil secret." *' To be sure I will, lady," ac(iuiesced the oblij^iiiLj (lame. " Not even my own priest who has tin; little church at the bottom of this street shall know an)-thin^j ot their stayint; hero. The f^ood lad)-, your sister, wlio was so kind as t( /■ "oinmend me to }'ou, knows that 1 am to be trusted ; c. s to accommcxkations, the ladies and j^a.Mitlemen may h.i.ve at their service three or four chambers, and another sittinj^'-room besides this. Will it please you to see the rooms, ladies ?" "No thank you," answered Lady Hester, "I dare say they will do very well." " And I have sent for a cousin of mine, a good girl — she was seventeen last Decend)er to wait upon }ou, ladies. And my mother is a very clever cook," observed Madame Germaine, " and will be happy to dress j'ou anything for your table. She learned the art of cookery, gentlemen, from M. Heraud. You have heard of him I dare say. He furnishes the best public table in Montreal; all tlie gentlemen of the nobility are entertained at it. Quite a wonder among cooks is M. Heraud, I assure you, ladies and gentlemen — and he was born in Paris itself!" This was the climax of M. Heraud's superiority in the opinion of Madame Germaine, and she did not doubt that she had fully impressed her guests with her mother's pro- fiency in the important science alluded to, when she informed them that ]\I. Heraud had been her mother's instructor, and that M. Heraud had been born in Paris! "Well, let your mother furnish a luncheon for us immediately," said Mrs. Markham, " and prepare dinner by five in the afternoon." " Will you have—" " Whatever your mother chooses to select we will have," interrupted Mrs. Markham ; and Madam Ger- maine, instructed by her manner, withdrew to convey to FI.ICIIT AM) CAI'TUki: ol 1111; I'lKATi:. -( T C uslicrcd •d waic- .•iiR'd by iluwcis licso ai"(j [f. You 11 allow, obli^Mii,:; 1r; littlu Linything Icr, wlio rs that 1 le ladies or four Will it dare say girl sue ., ladies. Madame thing for intlcmcn, dare say. all the Quite a j\\, ladles ty in the .oubt that ler's pro- hen vshe mother's Paris ! rn for us re dinner V t we will .lam Gcr- convey to her mother in the kitehen tiie important commission wherewith she was cliarged. *' Now I trust," urged Mrs. Markham, turning to the; two couplers, "that I shall fmd you four strictly obedient to my instructions— if you are not I cannot imagine what the conseii-icnces will be." " Indeed you shall," responded each. " Then mark my first command," continued the good lady, peremptorily: "you must keep within the house untd 1 give you leave to go out of it. Mr. Lcc — Mr. Clinton — have I 3'our promises to do this? Until I hav(» I will not take one step farther to save the Marcjuis from his impending fate." " I pledge you my lionour to be guided entirely by you," ejaculated Clinton. " And I," responded Mr. Lee. "Entirely?" repeated ]\Irs. Markhani, firmly. " Yes — to this we pledge ourselves." " I take )'Our joint words. The young ladies I can trust upon the faith of their willing looks," said Mrs. Markham, smiling amid her seriousness. " I shall bestow myself upon you until evening," ?he added, "and I insist that you do not entertain me with these doleful faces all day." IMeanwhile the Pirate, with his personal attendant, Roberts, and his trusty though humble friends, Ilaver- straw and INIerry, had sailed in a fishing vessel for an island distant from Montreal about fifty miles. But hardly had the morning dawned upon them in their pro- gress, before it became too aj ])arent that they were pur- sued. Terror seized the titled fugitive upon making this painful discovery. His eyes moved wildly in their sockets as he surveyed the nimble cruiser which was bearing down upon them at a iiying pace, assisted by a favourable wind which swelled their crowdc'. sails. " Toby ! — to the helm ! to the helm !" gasped he, and the old mariner instantly undertook the steering of the \essel, while the fishermen, assisted by the ready black, made every preparation for a vigorous llight. "We had better keep the open stream, hadn't we. Captain ?" asked PIaverstra\,'. " By all means," answered the Pirate. " It will be impossible for us to reach the island by daylight," observed the old man. " Ouite," was the Pirate's pithy response. . I. 326 TflK r.WADIAN CIKI. i. ' I ,: 9i f» ** Oh, Massa Captin ! — ice a-c.oinin' ! I^ook out! — look out! — ice a-coniin' !" shoutcl Mcrrj', strctcliinjj^ out botli Ill's arms to pr)int up the i'iv(;r, distciidin^' his eyes in adVi'^ht, and slaiii])iii'_; on the- deck i)Ianks first with one loot liuMi with the otiu r. Thi; J 'irate saw indeed an enemy drivin<; down towards liim in front nn less to be feared than that behind — ice, in f,'reat masses, nearly lillin;; up the breadth of tin,' channel, iorced alon;^' rapidly by the ])()W(;rfnl action of the narrow current, presented a truly alarinin^^ spectacle. "Tack about, Toby," c(;ninianded the Pirate, " to the right ! Ik) wary or we are lost," he muttered. The cruiser in chase now drew in some of her sails, and presently made a dead stop, perceiviuf:; no way by which the threatening^ ice miL,dit be avoided. For a fortnif^ht navij^ation had been almost wholly sus- pended on tl e St. Lawrence ; in the upper parts of th(> river on account of its beiufj completely frozen over, and in the lower parts on account of its frequent liability to the interruptions such as the present. Only a few scattered canoes, therefore, were now seen floating on the cold blue tide. These made no attempts to escape from the approaching ice piles, but, on the contrary, simultane- ously made towards them with, as a stranger would have erroneously judged, nothing short of foolhardiness and presumption. A remarkable scene now took place. The occupants of the canoes standing upright with ropes and boathooks in their hands, managed, with infinite dexterity, to leap upon the blocks of ice as they came close to them, and then to draw up their frail barks on the same level. Thus the moving mass rushed down the river with its living freight, who, exchanging animated cries, stood pre- pared to launch again at the first fitting moment. The cruiser, like the fishing vessel, was retreating fast toward a wider part of the channel, where the pilot on board hoped to be able to clear the ship from the path of the ice. Confusion and terror prevailed on the crowded deck. None but the pilot retained the self-possession required for the emergency. lie, like the Pirate in the other conveyance, was the presiding genius to whom all the terrified men embarked with him looked for deliver- ance. Under the guidance of these two the vessels per- formed some complicated and masterly manoeuvres, and several of the largest ice blocks, castles in magnituclc, rr.icirr and ( ai'TIki: or tiii: pikatk. 327 soon floated beyond thcin, while they had not a timber shaken. Uproarions shouts of rejoicing,' from tlu; sailors l)roclaimed the passing' of each formidable block. The whole was soon felt as an excitin;^' sport renderc-d more keen l)y its extreme hazard. Tlu; fu^Mtive vessel .iiul its l)ursuer came nearer to c:aeh other, as a host of smaller })ieccs of ice, no less dangerous than their forerunners, besprinkled the river in every direction, appearing like a thousand barren islets covered with snow. Among these the larger ship wound its devious course, while renewing tlu? chase that had been for some time suspended. The fishing vessel kei)t at an cfjual distance from her, but woukl not quit the neighbourhood of the ice, where her opjionent, being more than doubk; her si/e, was more imi)eded than herself in its movements. The pilot on the (ruiser soon began to understand this policy. on the part of tlie object of pursuit, and prepared to coimteract it. " Toby, wc have a thorough sailor to deal witii," said ihii Pirate, suddenly addressing the old sailor, who was steering according to his directions. " Aye, aye, Ca|)tain, lie's none of your fresh-water cliaps," assented Tob}'. " I'd bet twenty guineas, good old ICnglish coin, that the man who's working yon vessel was bred in a Dritish man-o'-war." " Wc have little chance of getting off, I fear, with so much odds against us," ejaculat(>d the Pirate, with a nielan- c;holy air. " These fishermen know nothing of good sail- ing, that makes against us toe." " She scuds between the ice as if she had wings, Caj)tain," wondered Toby, nodding in the direction of the cruiser, " and there are eight or nine good hours of day- light before us yet." " Ijad hours they will prove for us, Toby, I believe," sighed tlie Pirate. " W'e shall never be able to hold out sc) long." " Put we shall give them some trouble to come at us witli all their advantages," remarked Toby with a look of encouraging sagacity. " Al i ! they are foiled at that tack," laughed he, obstreperously as the schooner again retreated, being pressed by the ice. " Ware ship ! — my fine fellows ! — ware ship 1" the ancient mariner vociterated, putting his hand to his mouth to guide the taunting shout. A bullet from a well-directed carbine, by way of return, . t" 3^^ Tin: CWADIAN CIKF. !i M (! V. i.l ' fe: saluted him on the foreliead, but still he elevated his jeer- ing laugh, the faint echo of which reached the adverse ship, conveying with it the conviction that the shot had fallen short of its aim. J hit th(! pilot uho had fired it, seizing a ti-lesrope, declared with remarkable satisfaction that a ligme, which even at th.it distauce he could swear to belong to the Pirate, was bending over him. Not long after, this same pilot sprang into a canoe, and rowed with swiftness toward the fishing vessel, while the cruiser was compelled to steer back still further befortt the onward-drifting ice. The i'irate beheld him approaching, and with astonishment recognised llrien. Slackening his vessel's speed, he called out to him sternly — '* What is j'our errand this way ? Take care how you apjiroach too near!" at the same time he levelled a gun at him. ** I come from yon cruiser!" shouted IJrien in reply. ** My errand is friendly ! Let me come on board that I may speak to you !" The Pirate hesitatcMl, then bade him approach. '* Dill not a shot from the ship out l)eyond hit some of you ?" '* Yes, old Toby Ilaverstraw, poor fellow!" rejoined the Pirate, in tones of deep regret for the loss of that faithful servan't. *' lUit what arc you doing in the comi)any of my enemies ?" '* I chanced to hear that they wanted a pilot in a hurry cO hunt you on the St. Lawrence; and, thinking some chance of serving you might turn up, hired myself for the occasion. But 1 must come on deck — I have something for your private ear." The Pirate could not apprehend danger from a single individual, he therefore received him into the vessel. ]]rien was not a man for whom he had the least liking, though he had been a sharer in all his fortunes as a privateer, and had learned the art of navigation from him- self. There had alwavs been a rooted dislike between the two, nourished on one side by envy, and on the other by suspicion. Toby, too, had been a marked object for ]>rien's secret hatred — the old mariner was a zealous friend of the Pirate, and had often hinted that JJrien longed for the command of the Vulture, which was the case. This afforded cause enough for animosit3\ Put Prien was a cunning man as well as a vindictive one. I'MCHT AND (AITI'Ki: or TIIK I'lKATl'. 3-^9 lit soniu Had lie slain Ilavcrstraw with what justice could have termed "malice atorcthouj^ht," uni>lcasant conscfiiuiiccs iiii;4ht have resulted ; he waited for a fitting opportunity — ■ that opportunity had arrived he had seized it — and the unconscious object of his hatred was ilead ! Hut against the Pirate IJrien had long meditated a more subtle revenge. It had been he who incited his band to break into tiic mansion of Rougemont for the purpose of extorting money from the Marcpiis by threatening to (wpose his ]>ast life to the authorities of the land. And at the time Jane was in the hands of his party, had she known the dark thoughts which swept across his brain as he calculated how by ill-treating the daughter he might wring the father's heart, she would have had cause to tremble even more than she did. From what horrors slit; was spared by (jil[)in's unexpected kindncsM, who could tell ? And on such slight contingencies fate weaves her strange web, that nothing short of his desire to thwart the Pole's hastily-conceived design of murdering hir in the gipsy's cavern could have wrought him toellect her libera- tion. Had Scrynecki not meditated killing her bt jause he had been called a coward for her sake, as he said, Jane would have been utterly lost. lUicn liad eagerly joined the pursuers of the Pirate, and no efforts of his skill had been wanting to enable them to reach him ; but when he saw that it would be next to impossible for them to accomplish their ends while so bestst by the ice, he deter- mined upon a b(;lder scheme, which, when he had Cv)m- municated to the officers on the cruiser, and er^'aged them to pay him a certain reward in case of his success, he hastened to put in (jxecution in the most artful manner. Speaking to the Pirate apart, he said— '* You see there has been some little misunderstanding between us in times past, and to do away with vW remem- brance of it I have WMshed to serve }'ou. Well, when I found myself on board yon cruiser 1 thought 1 sliould be able to give you some sort of advantage or other, and so it has turned out. The ollicers there proposed to me to come to you as a friend, and give you a false notion of tlieir intentions. I was to tell you that they meant to throw up the hunt to-day and come upon you in the night after the ice should have cleared away down the river. WhcTcas, they meant only — but I will not ex])lain now what they intend. If you will accept my services, m 330 Tin: C.vNADIAN (illU,. ii here I am — and in fonr-and-twfMily hours I will niakt; you as clear of thcni as ever you were in your lifi*." •'I may trust you ?" saiil the I'irate iuF TIM' liUATi:. :^ii r»o sarc yon sciul down Merry to wake iiic if I sliouM bu iiulii.cd to Icnj^lluii out my slmnlHr hi-'yoiul an hour." *• Very well," aciiuii'sccd Uiicii. •' Ilarkyi*, Macky," clrvatin;,' liis tout', ** uiiud )ou arc to f^o ilcnvu auil wake till* Maripiis in au hour houi this time !" '• Iss, uw. hear you," asst utt il Merry from the ri^jginj,'. " Me berry sure to nund. (Jne hour you say, ^Iass;l 1 K1 Lulcr 'loh)! Oli, ili* lui* taiii.kti.iii liai iiiul tn^uu is lliini'! lie (niii lirrc to tlo V<»u ^'(u>cl, has he? No!— no! lie coiiu- liini; to ImikUt you j;i;ttiii;,' otl! Com out Massa (\ii)tiii! ( )i)( ii ilc door!" ami a^'ain with vcluuunt iiupalit in i.' Im' |»l\i:(l ihu door with his hit and lists so violt iilly and Ion ihly that the panels Ik ;;an to \ irlil. •• it has lucu locked outside while 1 slept !" rxclaiuK il till- I'ir.ite, iu tones of astonishnn nt and dismay, as ))c also shook tlu! door. •• And my wiapous are j^'onc: !" '* That is Urine's doings — df liar ! lU- ro«,Mi(' ! ilc hlaik- hearted--" " Conu.'-come — youni^; hlaeky," t-jacidatcd that woilhy, coolly, ilint^in^ himself dinvn tin; laildi-r, and ^raspinj; him by the collar with both hamls, •'}()U have Inade uproar enou,!,di, now lie there lor the present;" upon which he hurled him into a coal recess opposit' the i the bitter cup? ]\Iy God! what anguish is before them. He started uj) — crossed tlie cabm — stopped, and groaned dee[)ly, walked to the opposite wall and there sank down again on his seat, resting his fovehead on his arm upon the back of the chair. The vessel crowded all sail towards Quebec, in com- j>any witii the cruiser. When within sight of Cape Diamond a boat put off from shore fdled with arm(;d ohicers, who demanded the person of tiie INIarf^iiis of Rougemont, whom Brien was not slow to deliver up to them. The prisoner came forth from the fisherman's cabin with an erect mien and an unfaltering step. As the villain who had entrapped him stood side by side with the chief oflicer on the deck he stepped back with involuntary loathing. One of the circle of armed men around instantly drew the trigger of a weapon which was levelK-d at him, but it fortunately flashed in the pan. Tlic Pirate's face flushed, and he indignantl" exclaimed— "Gentlemen, whether my life be foneit to the laws or not, it is not forfeit to you. Your warrant merely extends to taking and guarding my person. 1 beg you remember that, and do not take more power into your hands than duly belongs to 5'ou, or you w'll have to answer for it in higher quarters." " He will be a seignior to the last," jeered Brien. *' I was not going to attempt an escape," continued the Pirate, in severe accents, turning to the individual who had hred at him. '* Anotlier time let your vigilance, good sir, be not so over-zealous." " No, no, he did wrong," decided thj chief officer. " Marquis of Rougemont, you are tlie prisoner of British justice, which glories in the maxim that every person in your unhappy circumstances is to be thought innocent until he has been proved guilty. You shall find honour- I'MCIIT AM) (WrTUKi: Ol" Tin; riKATK. .>.^5 l)lc nu'ii, put tlic lies will nic time flicad, a (ni!" lie for your ip? My cd u]) — ', walked 1 on his :k of the in coni- of Cajic li armed art^ais of ,'cr up to ti's cabin As the with the voluntary around IcvclK^d an. The id- laws or extends emember inds than for it in n. nued the dual who nee, good D if officer. f British person in innocent i honour- a'lc iicalnient, sir, while ynu are under my (■'•^vr. 1 .^hall ni»i suffer you to bear anything unj)leasant whieli is not exactly necessary for yom* secure custody. Mr. Smith," addressin.cj with marked displeasun; the too forward indi- vidual, "you will be so good as deliver up your amis — you have grossly offended, and the guard will not re([uire your services at present."' "Sii," faltered the Pirate, overcome by this liberal treatment, "my heart thanks you. If you will take the oath of a man like myself, hear nw. swear by this bright sky above, which is the throne of a merciful and truly- loving Deit\', 1 will iiot make henceforward oiu' single effort to escape! if I mean not this trul)', and if 1 do not observe it religiously, may heaven reject me in my last need!" " Of course it will be my care not to give you an opportunity for er.capiug," returned the officer, with a civil smile. " Assuii ; 'ly," ejaculated the Pirate, in a little embar- rassment. Brien lauglied insolently. "Oh, let the men draw off direetl}' if the Marcjiiis promises this," said he, with a grin of derision. " Who'd be so uncivil as to watch him after he has given his word not to escape. Let him alone, officers, let him alone, he'll go to i)rison like a whipped child to school, without your looking after hiin. Bless you, gentlemen, he'll put his own neck into the halter and throw himself off the drop without the assistance of an executioner." The Pirate made a fierce movement forward, but catch- ing the chief officer's eye instantly calmed himself, and drew up his colossal figure with a look at Brien of withering scorn. " Marquis,'" said the officer, in a soothing and con- siderate manner, holding up his hand to enforce attention not only from the Pirate but from others also, "this l)erson who has delivered you into our hands is not under my authority, I am not answerable for any unworthy insults he may choose to inflict upon 3'ou. If 1 were," he turned a severe and reproving look on Brien, " I would prevent your being tormented by them. Nevertheless, I niay observe that Mr. Brien certainly shows very bad taste, and worse feeling. Have you any friends on board, •5 , ■ J w ;t3 H 33^ TIIK CANADFAN (IIRL. I\Iai(iiiis ? TIka" cannot i'l; cc^nccalcd, }oii knoW' — only to spare myself trouMc 1 nKiuirc of you." "This was one of my best friends," said tlic Pirate, movinj^'ly, dra\vin<^ off the canvas from tlie reinains of Ilaverstraw which lay by his feet, and stoopin;^^ on one knee to peruse the J^'oiy features. The officer shuddered, and drew nearer to the hoary corjise, as did his men also. ** This old man has been with me upwards of t\venl\' years," mournfully pursued the Pirate. " All my past life was known to him. He luis more than once risked his own life for me and those who belonj^^ to me. lie had a heart less tainted by the evil example of his companions than any man of his station I ever knew. He was not learned, but he was sin^ailarly clever in the practice of many useful arts, lie was not a professor of relij^don, but piety and charity were enwo/en with all his thoughts and feelings, lie was straightforward in his motives — upright in his actions — and preeminentl}' single-hearted and dis- interested at all times and under all circumstances. Such an unoffending, kindly, useful, old man, he must have been a devil who could nmrder, merely to vent an old spite." Speaking with stinging emphasis he looked full at IJricn, who evasively exclaimed — '* Toby was the man my gunshot hit when I fired from the cruiser." ** Ah, you meant him to lie the man," returned the I^irate pointedly and bitterly. " What ought to be your punishment for such a deed think you ?" and his counten- ance was charged with stern reproach. " I fired in defence of the law," cried Brieii, discon- certed, " this gentleman knows that." " 1 know the law can take no cognizance of this act, sir," observed the chief officer ; but 1 am equally certain that some private motives of your own, Mr. Brien, induced you to wing the fatal shot against this wrinkled victim. 1 was standing by you observing you closely, sir, and your looks and exclamations of triumphant glee when you noted the effect of your lire inspired me with disgust. But this does not immediately concern me. Men, go down and search the cabmS; and bring up whoever you may find there." The Pirate asked leave to commit the body of Tol)y with his own hands to the deep. l-*ermission was granted him ; and with the help of one of the fishermen, the old in IK I'l.K.IIT AND CAI'TL'ki; n\- Tlli: riUAl'l!. .I.V -only to Pirate, lains of on one uldcrcd, en also. twenty iiy past e risked He had ipanions was not ictice of njion, but ■rjits and -upii^lit and dis- s. Such lavc been spite. at lirien, ired from rned the be your counten- discon- this act, ly certain H, induced ictim. 1 and your you noted But this lown and may find of Tol)y s granted n, the old sailor was speedily sewn in a lianunock and brought to tiie edge of th(> vessel. •' Stop, JMaKpiis," said the chief officer, " I am not in sucli haste as to see a fellow mortal consij;ned to ids •,'rave, whether that be of earth or water, like a soulless beast. I am an attached Protestant, sir, and with your leave, ^part of tlie service for the dead used in my church shall be read before these relics are put out of sight." " I am an attached Catholic, sir," returned tiie Pirate; " but as I hav(^ no priest at hand to perform the service according to the ritual o( iuy church, I shall be very happy to hear yours." The officer, who was a worthy, middle-aged gentleman of the naval profession, immediately drew from his pocket a prayer book. " 1 always carry this about me," he gravely observed, noticing the facetious smiles which sat on the faces of the irreligif)us party around. " Let me tell you, sirs, there is no book in the world to be compared with the Churcli of Juigland Common Prayer, except the Bible itself." He cleared his voice, looked about to see that all were un- covered and in an attitude of attention, then deliberately proceeded through the whole of the service, while the calm and wide-spread \ atcr — the majestic sky, vast andcl'- ir — and the deep hush which pervaded the t^vilight atmospliere — imparted to the touching rite additii i' solemnity. The Pirate listened with closed eyes Never liad words fallen before on his ear with such deep and aw ful empha- sis,, The fervent tones of the good officer, coming is they did direct from the heart, gave full effect to every sentence tiiough unaccompanied v;ith any tortured harmony of recent, any studied inflection of the voice. " Such words I may shortly hear said for m3'self on the scaffold," thought the Pirate. '* And where shall I be 2 concluded ? Where ? — O God ! — where !" wnen tney t There was now a then there were seen an heavy plunge heard in the water , upon its surface a spreading circle d a f(jw ripples, and ancient Toby was gone for ever out of the sight of the battling world. ni " Now we must depart," said the chief officer. " Come y men, bustle — bustle ! Marquis, you must submit to he handcuffed, and enter the boat with the black and your valet. The fisherman must go with us too." il '■ ■■ i! 15 f r ^Ll 1 ii i I -y 338 Tin: c.WADi.w (ilia. ciiArri:k xxiu. T II K PIRATE IN P R I S O N. ^T^FIIC widowed mourner, Madame IJarry, was 1)riKight I from the convent to the prison in wliicli the I'iratc hiy. She was concUicted to the ;ilu;rirf's room, where tlie Lieutenant-governor Markham, and certain subordinate magistrates, sat round a table. Tlie Pirate was brought into the room unfettered ; and the excellent lady, immedi- ately fixing her eyes on him, became excessively agitated and almost fainted. lier wounds bled afresh. Tin; presence of the man whom she belie /ed to be the author of her sorrows, was intolerable to be borne. ** Let me go hence, your worships !" she panted, keeping her head ttirned from the 1 'irate as from a monster too liid(H)US to be beheld — ** I cannot — cannot stay in tlie same room with the murderer of my husband !" The Pirate was at once taken back to his cell, which he continued to pace with feverish and hurried steps until the turnkey went his midnight rounds through the passages of the dreary building. " To bear the reproach and hatred of the good is dread- ful !" murmured the Pirate. " It is this which was Cain's punishment, and it is mine. Tr^dy can I say with him •' It is more than I can bear 1" hese fearful walls which hem me in from light, air, and happiness — the dreadhil ordeal which awaits me in the shape of my trial — the deep, dark abyss which is before me as the final con- clusion of my 'Strange, eventful lii.-tory, — * whence arises their chief power of torturing me ? — why from their scandalous notoriety ! Could I sulfer private!) , unknown, and without involving others in m^^ fall, 1 think that I should be more of a stoic. That abhorrent look INIadame Barry gave me, planted a thousand daggers in my breast. Kather than bear its repetitio ^ I would rusli of my own accord to the gallows ! Let me think.— Did 1 not murder her husband? I have said N> , but now 1 feel in doubt. A strange mist hangs over tJie past, and I can hardl}^ distinguish my own actions from those of my com- TiiK riRATr: tn rnisoN. r^o panions. Was not my hand staiiuil witli bloxl liIen and ink, with a quire of paper, accompanied it. I'lilil the dawn he wrote and read, the turnkey havin;; on the pre- vious day obliged him with several books of divinity and criminal recortls. With the fust feeble gleam of daylight lie became another man. Tlu; shadows which had harassed his spirit dispersed like mists before the sun. Until the return of evening again he was employed in preparing his defence, and then he r.ad several hours, and afterwards slept, lie awakened suddenly, disturbed by the pattering feet of a number C)! rats which were sporting al)out the dungeon enjoying a high holiday. I.' the Pirate had a deep-seated antii)athy for any breathing thing, that (jne was the rat. No other venomous, unclean creature, whose instinct it happily is to hide from the face of man, was in his idea so loathsome as this. Slowly he raised iiimself to a sitting postuic. One of the rats was drag- ging a boot of his to its hole; another was gnawing a mouldy crust with horrid fierceness of appetite ; a third was consuming an end of candle ; and the rest frisked about, looking greedy and strong enough to devour him. IJold as he was his flesh tingled and crept with verj' nnpleasant sensations. lie instinctively felt about for some weapon, but remembering that he had none, griped hard the handle of an earthen pitcher, and would have levelled it without a moment's rellection at the l)Oot- l)lunderer, had he not just then felt something stirring and scratching close at his back ; he sprang to his feet, and an enormous rat bounded from the mattress into the midst of its merry companions, who cleared off in a second as tlie pitclier fell in shivers from the hand which liad hurled it at their ill-fated comrades. By the feeble light of a meagre oil wick, the Pirate sur- ve)ed his bleeding victini, whose expressive squeaking took a plaintive tone, and almost moved him to repent w hat 111' had done. " Poor rat !" he philosophised, '* why shouldst thou be <( i 342 Tin: CANADIAN C.UiL, aMiorrcd ? (Iidu has not sinned aj^Minst superior knowlodpo — tlioit iiast n(jt basely yielded Id lust of power — thou hast not l\no\vin{,dy invaded the rights of thy fellows — i/ioii hast not plautt'd eoriodiii}^ sorrow in hearts that loved thcc — thou wilt not leave in thy connnunity after thou hast drawn thy last paiiihd hreiilh a branded name. No — poor rat! betwixt ine and thee thou art tlu: worthiest animal of us twain. "S'es!" he exclaimed, with gloomy bitterness, "rather would 1 be this expiring rat that 1 have killed than what I am !" His c(;ll looked on a court in the midst of the prison. Tile dull, unceasing plash of rain on the stones, came with dismal monotony on his ear, which listened thirstingly for some sound of life. The wind kept up a low, contnuious moaning. A raven belonging to the turnkey ever and anon startled the silent hour with its evil boding croak ; and an owl, which had found its way at some secret hour to a time-worn part of the prison, deserted for the present, and had built its net^t there, in a nuirderer's vacant and ruinous cell, echoed the notes of the raven with her own liarsh sbriek. The Pirate drew a bench under the window, and, mounting on it, looked through the iron bars into the court, wliose tall coniined bounds were -endercd imper- fectly visible by two lam])s burning drearily one at each end of the paved space. The guard was not there. Sud- denly something flitted past the window. The Pirate was startled. His imagination had been fairly roused during the two preceding nights. He scarcely breathed, scarcely moved a finger ; but there was no more ktnv in his breast than served to impart keenness to the thrilling expectation with which he maintained his watch. Again there flitted something past, swift as an arrow from a bow — to the eye like a beam of unearthly light. A third time it came, and more palpably ; white garments rustled against the window-bars, but in the twinkling of an (!ye the vision was gone again. The Pirate had rallied his firm nature to its utmost strength : he kept his wauli still. The guard appeared, paced the court awhile, and passed out of sight. The rain, the wind, the cry of the owl and raven, were all the sounds that could be dis- distinguishcd until the prison-bell rung Lwo o'clock. Then the Pirate returned again to his slumbers. The next day brought his children to his presence. loti liast 'loH liast tlicc t (haw 11 tor rat ! il of us Lc'nu'ss, l; killed prison, lie with i^'ly for timioiis fur and croak ; st hour )rcscnt, mt and cr osvn /, and, ito the iui[)er- it cacli Sud- ite was during :arccly breast ctation arrow ht. A rments linj,^ of rallied watch le, and of the be dis- :)'clock. cLcnce. TIIK PIUATK IN I'KISON. 343 Clinton wrung his hand in cxprossivo silence, and retained it long, while Jane threw herself dissolved in toars on his neck, t;.\claiiiiing in an agony of alllietion — " ( ), father, has it conu; to this I" 'I'he i 'irate looked on l)oth with a forehead ccntracted ill inteiisi' gloom, and with (ompressed lips that sh!)wed the workings of a heart wrung by a thousand i)angs. *' ^'es, my Jenny," he hoarsely articulated, " it has conic to this. I ha\c disgraeed you lor (!\(.'r I" "Do not think of that fatluT," iinplortHl Jane — "all will yet be well if you should be ac(|uittetl at ytMir trial." "iff should be acquitted at my trial, my love, I know all will be well. l]ut 1 am fully convinced that my triil will have but one result." He sj-oke in such a manner that in his voice his tender daughter heard the knell of all her hopes on Iiis behalf. " And that result ?" iiupiired Clinton. " Will be my death," firmly rejoined the Pirate. Jane instantl}- fainted. " What have I done 1" exclaimed her father. " I spoke too abruptly. (lentlcj soul ! how will she bear the event itself if she thus quails at the bare hearing of it I llriiig that water, Nicholas! Carry her out into the air I Turn- key, open the door." vShe was carried out, and with the kind aid of the turnkey's wife recovered soon. A violent gush of tears relieved her overcharged spirit, and she returned to her father. " My Jenny, 3'ou are but a coward, though you lived with me so long among a set ni men who thought no more of life and death than of eating and sleeping," said the Pirate, seating lier by his side, with a forced smile, on a chair which the turnkey had brought from his own room. " \'ou are not much of a heroine, Jenny." " AI\' dear sir, Mrs. Markham is warmi_y exerting herself on your behalf," said Cliiit( n. " We saw her yesterday morning in P.Iontreal, when she told us that she had seen two of the passengers who escaped from the wreck of P>arry's vessel at the same time as myself, and their testi- mony in your favour wdll be very important. She had also seen the Pirate Gilpin, who is also to appear on your behalf at the trial. On the other hand, Ihic n had hir- uished the Governor wilh a great man}' details of robberies 4 £ 344 Tin: ( ANADIAN i.l\<\.. i! nnd murders (oinmittcd by the l).ind you liavc ^ovtrncd, for \vli()S(! actions yon wcru responsible, and lias daily introdneed some of Ins companions to his ICxeelU'ncy, who is fnrnishin^ the advocate lor tlu- crown with a ^jrowin},' mass of erson in a white mght- (lrt!ss, but whether male or female 1 could not discern. And the night before I had such dreams as made me feel myself like an mhabitant of another world — there was you too, Nicholas, scaring me out of my five senses." " No—" '* You, or your angel. As I opened my eyes on awaking out of sleep there stood your figure beside me — not in the dress yon at present wear, but in your former hunting array, at the time when you ranged the woods. A pale light was quivering about you. My cell had been in dark- ness, and as I lifted my eyelids I was surprised to see this light, which was the first thing that attracted my notice, ^'oiir face looked chalky, and thin, and melancholy, but the appj'arance was before me no longer than an instant, it pas;,ed completely as the turnkey opened the door and 34^» Till- CANADIAN <.IUI,. rainn in to inr. \V'li;it it betokens p(.'rliaps Jane ran t( II us. •• ( ), it must liavc Ix'cii an illusion, " ejaculated line " /\ l)( am of nioonlif^lit, sonic ol yoni own c lotlics liuiij^ np, and an excited imagination, made ii]) )()nr vision, depend on it." " I do not know," said Clinton, f;ravely, turning ;i sliad(; |)al(r. *• I am not altoj^'ellier a sceptic in sn( h tliin;;s. Milton says — " Millions of spiritual ercatiircs walk the t'artli, ITusiTii both when we wak«; and when \\v. sleep." Sliakspearc says — " There are more thinL,'"s in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in \'oiir phiioso|)hy." and the l>il)le, I believe;, gives us to understand that we are surrounded by spirits of a different n:\tur(.' frf)m our- selves, both good and bad. 'I'hese are high authorities — I cannot venture to differ from them." " The turnkey woukl have it that you had died some- where about the time when I saw your figure, Nicholas," said the Pirate, giving tlu; eoversation a playful turn. '• An; you sure; that you did not ? Are you certain that your veritable ilesh and blood is before me ?" " I am not conscious of liaving made a journey to the shades," returned Clinton in the same tone. *' And ni\- spirit lodges in so comfortable a habitation, that I am inclined to think it is the one it has always been used to. There comes our summons, Jane." ♦' Time for visitors to go. Marquis," cried the turnke\', throwing open the door. " i shall take these papers of yours with me, father, and return them to-morrow," said Clinton, [)uttiug the l^irate's defence in his pocket. " And remember the priest will be here," said the I'irate pointedly aud firmly, kissing his ilaughter's cold cheek as she embraced him at parting. TIIK (ANAhlAN «.IKI« 347 CII A !• r i: \i \ \ IV. TWO MAUUIACK CKKI'.MONIKS IN PRISON.' AFTI''f\' a raliiur nl^'Iit tlian he had yet spent in the piisoii, ihf rirati- arose Irom his bed to iiccivt; a priest, who had been iiu iti-d by his earnest desire to hear his confession, and to impart to him r( h^'ioiis instriu lion. IJnfok Innately the man was not suitable to liis olliee, mheritin/^' a fierce spirit of bi^fotry for every popish tnrm, without any of the milder anil holier traits of the gospel, which are found sliiuinj; in all their intrinsic lovelin<'ss in some professors of his pompous f.iilh. Hence tile I'iratc, whose ima^mation iiKjre than iiis judf^mi'.nt cluuf^ to Catholicism, found little real l)(*neiU from the spiritual exercise in which he was eiiga^'ed. However, he made a clean breast as far as his crimes against the laws were concerned, and acknowledged himself to have broken all the Ten Commandments, h(> joined too in the prayers of 'he priest, ami answered Amen to his forin.d exordium and peroration ; but that root of the matter had not been planted in him, and he was still left at the mercy of his wild and wanderin;^ thou;;hts. Tlu.'se soon presented to liim an awful idea replett; with fascination: he recoiled from it, but it came a«,'ain and aj:;ain with increasing; force until he grew familiar with it, and entertained the danger- ous guest within the innermost sanctuary c)f his soul. Self-dcsiyuction ! rather than incur the odium of the scaffold ! Si'lf-dcstruction ! rather than it should be ever said to my children! *♦ \'our father was hung!" Sclf-dcstyuction ! rather than that my last movements should be embittered by a vile rabble gathered together to glut a brutish cnriosity !" Thus muttered the Pirate, compressing his lips firmly, and folding his arms on his breast in an attitude of calm resolution. *' Hrien, you shall not consummate my disgrace by bringing me under the hands of the executioner !— you shall not feast yourself by beholding me in that extremity of degratlation ! 1 will cheat your prime hope, fellow! — I will f(jil tlu:e tlierc !" Having thus said, he became silent, but his eye and his countenance showed the fierce workings of his spirit. PresentK they too grew huslied, as it were, in their lone, and till 11 might you see in him 348 Tin-: CANADIAN GIRL. " Clostures proud and cold, And looks of firni dcfi.ince, and Cidin hate, And such di-spair as mocks itself with smiles, Written as on a scroll." All this ho tiircw off upon the entrance of his children with their intended partners for life. " My dear Lady Hester! — Mr. Lee! — you are come I hope intending to fjratify my nearest wish !" These were his first words to those whom he addressed as they greeted him witli the warmth of true friendship. •♦ We are," replied Arthur, unecpiivocally. '* The cere- mony can be afterwards performed by my grandfather when we all return to the lodge together." ** Ah ! that will be a happy day indeed !" ejaculated " May we live to see it !" exclaimed Clinton. The Pirate resj)onded an emphatic Amen, and then s})oke ^vitll the turnkey at the door, who brought the priest back to the cell (for he had gone to take dinner,) and tiie younj,' lovers were soon united in the indissoluble bonds of hymen in that ill-omened place. As the priest was in the act of pronouncing tlie closing words of the ritual, a sudden gloom darkened tlie cell, and a peal of thunder reverberated awfully through the prison. Jane trembled. The Pirate was startled. The priest crossed himself. To make the adverse influences of the hour more impressive, the turnkey's raven lighted on the stone and saluted the nerves of the bridal company with several loud croaks from her "hollow beak." Lightning flashed vividly into the cell every minute ; the thunder boomed, and burst, and rumbled, and rattled, with incessant violence, then came down the rain as it might have done in the beginning of the great deluge — not in a pattering fall, but rushing, sweeping, smoking, headlong from the heights of heaven to the pavement, and rebound- ing upwards from it with the violence of the contact. *' The elements are more congenial with my fortunes at present than with yours," moodily observed the Pirate to the brides and bridegrooms. "Joy is a brief prison guest. Nevertheless, may heaven bless your marriages with long years of peace and bliss I" A bright beam of sunlight shot into the cell, and suddenly exhilarated the spirits of the newly wedded. r»li.r:..! I I TWO MAKRIACK ri'RKMOXn'.S IX I'KISOX. .U9 children :: come I icsc were as they Phe cere- mdfather jaculated on. The )()ke Nvitli t back to lie youn<,' bonds of e closing cell, and 16 prison, le priest es of the d on the any with .ightninj; thunder ed, with it might -not in a headlong rebound- act. rtunes at Pirate to on guest, long ,vith :ell, and wedded. 'riie rain ceased aluiust inslantaucously. Tiie raven llcw oil'. The turnkey's wife hung outside her parlour in the court a woodlark in a cage, which sung so rich and joyous a strain as nothing coidil excel. It was inexpressibly touching. Jane went ([uietly as she listened. The Pirate looked towards the window with a softcMunl eye and lip, wishing that the; black idea now coiled up in his soul had never been admitted there, and longing for some wise teacher to lead him to the arms of his forsaken Maker. The Paster occurred to liim. Jane had often described his benignity-, his excellence, and his skill in healing the wounds of the sorrow-stricken and the guilty. He would have him sent for. He would have his instructions though he was a Protestant. Perhaps they might bring i)im peace. He asked Mr. Lee to write and say that it was his earnest desire to see him. Mr. Lee 'replied that lu; had written to desire his grandfather to come, and that he had no doubt he was on the road. Clinton barkened to the bird's torching melody with all his " rapt soul sitting in his eyes." •' This is our hymeneal anthem, Hester. Is it not an incomparable one ? Where is my pencil ? I must fix the feelings it creates in an impromptu verse or two." With ga}' rapidity he scratched down a few lines, and, carried away with the thrilling impulse of the moment, sang them to a low, old air, as the woodlark ceaoed her measure : — Sing on ! sing on ! sweet bird In thy captivity ; Some who thy song have heard Are prisoners like thee. They weep to hear tliy strain, Wooing them back again To woodlands fresli and free, Where thou, sweet bird ! should be Renew — renew thy l.i)' ! O, bird of soaring wing ! Though thou immured must staw Yet do not cease to sing ! Thy voice is sunshine heard ! Flowers turned to sound ! Sweet bird Sing! Full thoughts cannot meet Outlet, save thy warblings sweet. "That is all I could manufacture," said the vocalist. ISO TIIK CAXADIAX CTRL. J :,,!, i! ^-^ brcakin;.; ofTliis mellow tones. "The lead of my pencil broke; as I was nsing it, and I am not clever enough to cuniposc as 1 sing. Ah ! the woodlark begins again." The turnkey interrupted tlieir enjoyment of its song. ** I have news for you, Marquis," said he. " Your trial is put off for a week." " This will enable our lawyer to prepare better for it," said Clinton, with gladness. The lawyer was the same who had assisted the Pirate to obtain his inheritance ; he was talented, as well as honest- minded, and was throwing the whole of his mental powers into the case. He had now gone to Montreal on purj)os(; to have a secret interview with Mrs. Markham, and had taken with him an outline of the Pirate's defence. '* He thought it likely that he might return this after- noon, in which case he was to come to my lodgings imme- diately," observed Clinton. " We have much to do together before 3'ou appear in court." " Nicholas, leave him to his task," whispered the Pirate, earnestly. *' You have a wife now who demands your most delicate and watchful tenderness. Her position with regard to her father is painful, the cloud which lowers over your fortunes must naturally tend to depress her ; and tlie novelty of her change, together with the unexhilaraiing circumstances that have attended it, will require all y(Hir skill as a lover to deprive of their uncomfortable inllu- ences. Leave me now. P'or her sake, dissemble your own anxieties. Take your Hester to a more cheerful lodging than you say you have at present ; and for a day or two at least trust my concerns wiiolly to him we have spoken of." Clinton did as his father advised. He took rooms in a villa situa<^ed in a beautiful spot a little without Quebec, and thither conducted his fair bride. Close by, the romantic recesses of a wood invited their steps, relieved by a profusion of lucid streams and sparkling waterfalls, leaping and dancing from rock to rock among green and yellow moss and banks which retained their verdure al' the year. To this lovely and retired spot they often went, happy — supremely happy — in each others confidence, esteem, and passionate love. Clinton took such pains to buoy up his wife's hopes for his father's destiny, that he not only succeeded in raising them to a pitch hardly warranted by the stubborn facts of the case as viewed by I TWO MAKKIACK < KKKMONII'S IN IMsISoX. •> " r calm reason, but liis own also. IJoth pLMsuadiHl them- selves that he would meet with a punishment more moderate than transportation. They entertained little doubt, too, that wliat imprisonment might be deereed him would be for a limited term, and that his estates would be allowed to remain in the possession of his faniil)^ Jane was less deceived by imagination than her brother and sister-in-law. She was almost constantly with her father dining the hours allowed for the visits of friends by the prison regulations, when from his manner, and from words he oceasionall)' let lall, she could not but perciiivo tliat he was anticipating the worst. She did so likewise. Instructed and supj)orted, however, by the sensible counsels of her husband, she rose superior to the indulgence of her own feelings, and by the elevated tone of her conversation, strove to inspire her parent with such h(jly thoughts .as might illm^iine his soul in the darkest hours that could befall. With such a purpose; it was no wonder that she grew elo([uent, tliat her words fell with a subtle lire from lier earnest lips, and that the extreme mildness which was wont to characterize her gestures yielded to a chastened enthusiasm such as the meekest angel need not have blushed to own. Arthur listened to her with the approval of the Cliristian, and the fond admiration of tb*' lover, occasionally seconding her by his own judicious and unanswerable argumiMits. The third day after their bridal, they were with the Pirate when the priest entered the cell, and, rather in a surly way, warned the Pirate from holding too many conferences v/ith his heretical friends. He took no further notice of the two present than by a very nncourteous scowl, tempered with the slightest possible movement of the head. After questioning his penitent somewhat abruptly concerning his performance of the acts of })enance lie had prescribed to him, which having been somewhat lengthy and rigorous had been but remissly l)erformed, and telling him he should come to confess him again when he was alone, went out, scowling on the young Protestants as at his entrance. " I should be very glad if my grandfather had arrived," said Jane, " I must think, father, you would better like his counsels than those of this priest." " Not now," said the Pirate, evasively. " I have lived a Catholic, I believe I must die a Catholic." ii iJl k 'i Ih-fi.^ M' 352 Tlir. CANADIAN ClkL " IJclicvc nic, i\Iar([iiis, 1 kiunv tlit; great jiowcr which long clicrislicd ui)inioiis ac(|iiire over us," said Mr. Lcc ; ** l)ut permit iiic to say that it is the pr()j)er work of reason rei^'ing upon tliat divine assistance which is HbcTally j)r(jniised for her aid, to dispute the sway, when convinced that It is to the prejudice of tlie soul they retain it." •' Of course," rejoined tiie I'irate, obstinately clinging to his prejudices in opposition to dawning convictions in favour of a simpler and less sensuous faith, and speaking testily, "and were the ties which bind me to my failli those of reason only, I might be inclinc'd to rend them away ; but it is not so. You must speak to me no more on this subject." This interdict sealed the lips of both. Their disappoint- ment was great, but they strove to hide it ; conversed about ancient Toby with the Pirate, dilated on several remarkable passages of the deceased mariner's life, and afterwards withdrew. As they were passing across the court they again saw the priest. He was conversing with a Catholic prisoner who had been allowed to take the air here daily on account of weak health. The father threw a frowning glance towards the pair, and sa'd with virulence to the man beside him, loud enough for them to hear — " Heresy stalks abroad in our once Catholic Canada with a bold face. By Jesu's mother, friend, it was different in the worthy days of our good forefathers ! Would we had such days now !" " And if we had," said Arthur to his bride, who shud- dered at the priest's persecuting tone, ** this man would be the readiest to light the funeral pyres of Protestant martyrs. What a fearful scourge is ill-directed zeal !" Entering their lodgings beside the prison, the same they had occupied before their marriage, Deborah threw her- self into Jane's arms and kissed her without ceremony. "O my darling Miss Jane!" she vsobbed, "I wish 3'ou jo}' with all my heart ! and that's as thrue a word as ever I said in my life. God bless you for ever, and your hus- l)and too ! Little I thought to see the day when you two would be man and wife. Yet Pll be bound there were never two better matched in the world. You'll forgive my freedom ? — it's the fault of my heart. I am so glad to see you married, I could cr}' a day and a night !" When Arthur had shaken her warmly by the hand, he i,'^:. TWO M.\KKI\(;f, CI'.kl'.MoNIKS IN I-KISOX. })()iirctl i)i;t a l>; iiniuin^' ';Kiss kA wine ahil liaialcil il to her, cor(li;ill\ smiling as he cxchiimcd -— " J)i.iiii it, Dchby!" "That I will, Mr. Lie, and lave not a drop. Here's to your hi'altii, happiness, and lung life, and in)- Lord Mar- quis' freedom !" *• In return I wish yon ma)- yet meet with O'lveilly, and lind him anxious and able to atone for his past incon- stancy." "Small hope of that," ejaculated Deborah, her good humoured face turning red all over. " lUit 1 won't tell a lie about it — I shouldn't be migiity sorry, Mr. Lee, if things were to come about in that way. And it's not altogether unlikely." '* Oh, you have seen him then !" "That I liavn't. I have heard of him though," " Let us hear the how and where, Debby," cried Jane, with interest. "You must know, darlin iMiss Jane — " "Or Mrs. Jane," interrupted Arthur, archly. " I beg a thousand i)ardons. Och, but Lm always blundering; 1 wouldn't be Irish c;lse. Well my darlin Mrs,. Lee, as I was saying, a little before the NLir([uis was taken, I spies one of ni\- own country at work in the little temple where the last Marcpiis and ^larchiniss was to be buried. Up goes I to hun as he was polishing a block of marble, and asked him the news from darlin ould Ireland in his mother tongue. Down drops his tools, lie wrings my hand almost off — and kisses me into the bargam with- out asking lave. " And is it you yer own s. If, my Debby!" says he. "And is that you, O'Reilly!" says I. And so I burst out a cryin." "You said you had not seen him." " Sure, ]\Irs. Lee, he was so altered, 1 might well say that same. He was like another man intirely !" " Deborah is the same as ever," remarked Arthur, amused. " She still retains her o>"n peculiar notions of truth and falsehood. But pray, DeL:)by, what said your inconstant of his wife ?" " He nivir was married at all," answered the Irish girl with a beaming look of pleasure. " 'Twas all a mistake. I will tell you about it another time, ma)be." " But is it a match between you ?" asked Arthur. W t L I M ' l..'ou will coiiline the ktiowledj^c; of it to oursclvt.'S. I'er- i.ips you had hctter say nothing of it to your wife even until you have the wine in. then you may hiibe her with sonu: of it to be cautious." *' Women never keep a secret, IMarcjuis," said the j^ratilied tui nke)', with a shrewd smile. '• No, no, I shall tell h(>r nothing about it. There will be the wine and the iifty ilollars, and I shall say you have made me a present of llu'in, that's all. M3 little girl is playing in tlie court now, linish the note, sir, I will give it to her at onct;," 'I'lu' Tuate wrote a few additional W(jrds and again jm'sented it to the turnkey, eyeing him with a io\crt glance of j)enetr.itinn as he brought his spectacles to (u-ar upon tlu.' conclusion of the page. '• I can't make out this," saitl the lan. " Sal — salara — salira— what is it ?" The Pirate boldl)- vo/m] the names of several poisonous ingredients for his tonic wine. " Well, I supp(JS(i it's all right —fasten the note u)). 1 never heard of those things you have written down, but I suppose they arc all very good." ** Admirable nuMlicines for my purpose, friend," returned the Pirate v.ith marvellous steadiness. "Jlere is the watch. Kemend)er you are not to give it until the bottles liave been delivered to you. He will bring them to your room." "And the dollars?" said the turnkey, going. ** Depend upon having them when I receive the tonic wine." Away goes the turnkey, supposing that he was going to do himself a benefit at no one's expense. The note had been shown to him with such openness that any mis- givings he might have been likely to entertain regarding the errand he was upon were completely disarmed. The ]Mar(]uis Itjoked ill, and what was more likely than that this medicine he had written to his friend for had done him good formerly and would be likely to do him good again ? The little girl was dispatched with the note, and returned with an answer in French for the IVIarquis, which the turnkey, after he had made out all that he could of it kr your , friend, ,'n sake, ^. I'cr- ifc even icr with iiiil the . I shall and tho present ic court 'e " d a^^'ain I (ONClt to [>ear — salara Disonous i up. I n, but I returned is the bottles to your le tonic ,ming to ote had ny niis- gardin^^ 1. The lan that id done m good te, and ?, which lid of it TWO MAKKIAdi: (KUr.MOMIlS IN I'KISOX. 7,$0 to assure himself that all w.is riglit, took lO the cell liitu- selt. The I 'irate smiled witli stern satisfaction as ho scanned th(; lines — • •• Mr. Andrt: will bring tiio nu'dicine for his frienil after dark to tlx tiiridxcy's rooms, and rtciMvc the watch and seals. The do/.t ii of wiiu; will be brought at the same time; but as they arc lirst-r.itc importations, and M. Andre is at present short of money, he feels himself umUr the very uncomfortabN* necessity of recpiesting that live loiiis-d'ors I)(! paid for them «>u ildivery." " Your friend writes rather ccjolly, Martjuis," observt^J the turnkey, a little surprise^!. '*() it is his way — Ik; is an odd fellow," returned tlu; rirate, •* blunt but kinddiearted. Ifer(.' are the louis- d'ors for him. I hope llu; wine will please you." •* Von are very generous." ** Ihiiig the ujedicine to me as soon as ever you get it, turid-cey." " Directly, INIanpiis." **And then there will be the fifty dollars for you to clothe and api)rentice your son with." *' True --many thanks to you !" The man disappi'ared once more. In his presence Ihc 1 'irate had maintained tlu; most abscjlute self-master)-, I le had been calm and cheerhd to a wonder. Now ho changed. Mis mind was on the rack until the rc-appear- ance of the turnkey. He did not ilinch from his dread intentions, every moment saw his rc.'solutions morj; knit to them ; he only feared their being frustrated by a discovery. ]\I. Andre had been formerly a privateer, in liis service, but for some time past had been living as a practised gamester in Oucbcc. The Pirate had seen liim only a short time before his arrest, and M. Andre had laughingly j)romised that if the M.u'fpiis should g(!t "cribbed," Uv. had only to send to him for a dose of poison and it should be at his service with all the pleasure in the woild. M. Andre was sagacious enough. He knew well the juide of the Pirate, and, in making this offer, he had the iullest conviction that it would be accepted some day or other, and ])rodnce him a golden advantage. When tin; turnkey's little girl brought the note to him, he at once saw through the contrivance, and remembered », ' *) 3^o Tiir. cANAhrAN (ilia.. ID liis own promise. It happciUHl, as tatc would havi- it, that lie hail been very iiiihu ky in iiis profession lately, having; been expelled two eelehratj'd K.iniin;,' resorts Ini iisin^j loaded di( <• and marked canls, lit ik <• he was parti cularly needy at present ; all his snperlhioiis < lollies li.iil heen converted into meat, and drink, and lod;;m;;, hy the process of pled^'inj(, his ^\h chain was still ixhihited, Inii, alas! no watch remaini'd there unto appiMided ; his dress coat still ^doried in the most fashionahle cut, but it was his oiliest one ami very threadbare ; his shirts were rednicd to rnflles, wristbands, and collars; his showy cveniii;; waistcoats to one th.it was donbled)reasted, of shabby check ; while his hat was completely destitute of wool. Under these pressing; circumstances he proceeded, with- out pity or remorse, to obtain the fatal compoutid the I'irate desired, and when darkness closed over the j)ris()n, presented himself at the turnkey's door with it under his cloak. The little ^irl who had brou{:;ht the Pirate's note to him opened thi: door, and, seeinj^ who it was, noddfd her head very knowinj^dy, for she was proud of beiuLj trusted with anything like a secret by her father, ami winspered — ■ " If )'ou i>lease, sir, give mo the bottle, and 1 will carry it to my father." " No, no, my pretty little girl," said the wary gentle- man, *'goyou first to your fatlier and tell him to bring the watch and seals — he will understand what 1 mean." "Very well, sir; only please to come in anil sit ilown \\\ this little kitchen here till I come back — I shan't be a minute." She was no longer. The turnkey came with her. '* Sir, yon have brought tlie medicine for your old friend, the poor Marquis ?" " Here it is," said M. Andre, setting on the table a wine bottle, "and much good may it do him. It is prime stuff. Whoever drinks of it once will ail nothing after." "is it so good! Really I I should like to taste it," said the turnkey, holding the bottle to the light with some curiosity. " 1 wouldn't advise it," observed the gentleman, drily. ** It might not agree witli you." " I thought you said it would cure every person's com- plaints?" *' So it will — hem ! — one way or other — hem ! Observe TWO MAUKIACi: n.urMONIKS IN I'UI^ON. T^^l now, //it a^'rcc with a person it proves his nir*' hy making,' him live l, charmed at the prospect of an evening's gratuitous entertainment. ** lUit where are the watch and seals.?" They were handed over to him, together with the louis- d'ors for the do/cn of wine, with which our adventurer (kparted. On the outside (jf the door policy began to whisper that no farther profit was to be reapt'd from the ailair. Ifc had the watch and gold, but if he bought the wine he should have to part with a considerable portion fBT" 7 -^Oz TllK CANADIAN GIRL. Ml of tlic f^old — a thoiif^dit not to be clicrislicd for a momrnt. M. Andre pulled liis hat over his brows in a decisive manner, drew his cloak close up to his chin, turned off into a bye street, entered a place infested with sharp(!rs, and emerged no more into the open air until the sun hatl again risen and had ascended far up the eastern sky. The turnkey brought the poison to the Pirate, wlio then put into his hand a note for iifty dollars, together with a breast-pin containing a stone of value, " \Vl:ich," said he, " if I should be condemned at ni}' approaching trial, you must look upon as a dying man's token of acknowledgment for the kindness with which you have softened the rugged hours of a dreary confmement." The turnkey was affected by these words. "Ah, poor gentleman!" sighed he, as he walked back through the wards on his way to the supper, " he is not long for this wovld, I can see. He has had death-tokens once more. God help him at worst! He is a genmous nobleman. I*erha[)S he wouUl have dc^nt^ more gocxl if ho had lived than ever he did harm. A Pirate they say he lias been. Well, I don't think for my part he ever could have been a very cruel one 1 hope to my heart he m:i\- get off!" Arrived in his own snug jiarlour, where his liul(> girl was ])ufliiig with a pair of bellows at a sl(.-)ve half full of burning chips and coals, he hastily incjuired if the gentle- man had come back with the wine, and if mother had all ready. The answer was satisfactory with regard to the supper, i)ut no gentleman had made his appearance }'et with a dozen of wine. " lie will i)e here presently," said the turnkey, settling in for a jovial evening. " Light up two mould camlles, my little girl, and let me have a pipe to pass away the time till he comes. Poor IMarquis ! how I do seem to feel for him !" Supper time came, and the supper with it, the candles burnt brightly, so did the fire — but no v.'ine — no gentle- man. '' I will step to the inn," said the turnke}^, " it is not five minutes wall. Keep the soup hot." He came back without the gentleman. M. Andre had not returned to the inn- — had not purchased any wine of the landlord, I TKIAT. OF Tin: I'lRATK 3<^^3 noment. dccisivo rncd off liarpc^rs, Sim had /ho then ■ with a said he, rial, you L>d,i;incnt ; rugged :ed back le is n(jt h-tokens fjjonerous )od if h(^ iy say lie 'cr could he may little j^irl f full (.f j/entle- Vad all supper, with a settling candles, iway the m to feel 3 candles 3 gentle- 5 not five Q dre had wine of " And they tell uic," said the turnkey to his wife, with a very red face, ** that he is a scoundrel who lives by gaming, and no gentleman at all ! It is very strange. 1 will go and speak to the Mar(piis directly, and know what that stuff was in the bottle I carried to him." *' Why what do you think it was ?" asked his wife. " Poison !'* was the brief answer. CHAPTh:R XXV. TRIAL AND CONDF.MN'ATIOiN OI- THE PIRATE. E\'KRY approach to the prison was crowded with a dense mass of people from the lirst dawn of light on th(> day of the trial. The case excited an interest uupar- allclled in Canada. The noble and anricMit family from which the pris(juer was tlescended, and the munificent hand with which he had scattt>red blessings on the poor and needy since his adojition of his inlietitaiice, moved the muliitude strongly in his favour, csixjcially the I'^rendi- Canadians, who w(Te more zealous f()r the honour of their old nobility than for the strict administration of JUiti.sii justice, to the worth of which, indeed, they were little alive, clinging rather to the old forms of society as they existed under the feudal system. All the tenants of Kcnigeiuoiit and most of their class, the Jiabilans, or small farmers, resident round .about, had left their respective employments and hastened to ( )uebec, anxious to learn, as soon as it should be given, the decision of the Englisli juvlge, which was to decide the fate of the seignior whom they greatly honoured for the s.ike of his brav French ancestors, and whom they had begun truly to love for his own nobleness of disposition. 'bhese pet- sons, with quick and ardent temperaments legibh' written on their saddened countenances, were gathered together close to the place wherein the trial was going on, and as varying news reached their eager ears from persons pass- ing in and out relative to the progress of the case, the liveliest feelings of hope and apprehension, joy and gloom, became apparent in the workings of their dark features, and in their vivacious gestures. The .'British-Canadians were far indeed from sharing in I it I V n: v.i » ^4 TFin CANADIAN C.UlL. tlu; lu\'li-wrou}:;ht and romantic snntinients of tlicir neigh- bours. In all the jMidc ot superior cnlij^litennitMit the\- looked down with (hsdain on them as enshived to ignorant prejudices, and took a mean pleasure in the humbling of one of their most venerated families on the present occasion, anticipating the public hanging of the seignior Marcpiis witli manifest delight. The wags among the latter party could not let so excellent an opportunity for annoying the bVencli pass, they soon began to taunt them in a manner most galling. The high-spirited hahitans returned looks of keenest wrath, but for some time unanimously restraincnl themselves from giving an)^ other utterance to their feeling. The ICnglisli, instead of allowing themselves to be taught by this noble forbearance, only g ^ew the more insolent. It was not in nature to endure more. A stout farmer, in vgiey capot and bonnet bleu, began tiie retort by an argument banilitiiini, as logicians say, which silenced his wordy assailant by knocking him down. This was the commencement of a serious affra}^, which did not end until many lives had been sacrificed to national and religious animosities. 'J he military for some time only made bad worse, by their mjii- dicious violence. The French fought desperately with their stout sticks, and with wood knives that some of them carried in the sashes around their waists. " Vivat the Marquis of I'LOUgcmont ! Vivat the noble Marquis ! Death to the Protestants I" shouted the excited French. The English retorted with cries of equal animosity. *' Force the prison ! Let us free the Marquis I" at last rose stunningly on the hearing of the alarmed authorities of the British, who strove in vain to prevent this proposi- tion from being carried into effect. The wall was scaled at once by hundreds of the French, the doors burst open, and the Marquis brought out from the very court of justice. "Ride, Marquis! — ride for your life!" shouted the hundreds of habitaus who surrounded him after they had almost compelled him to mount a horse. " On to Rouge- mont ! We will defend you there against the Protestants! Let them who dare try to take you from your mansion ! We will sell our lives dearly before you shall be in their power again !" '* Hear me! hear me, Catholics!" exclaimed the Pirate, lit TRIAL ol Tin; I'lKATi:. it'nt tlioy ipfnoraiit jiblin;:; of ! present 3 seignior ot lot so ncli pass, ;t gallinL,^ .>st wratli, ;lves from ]Mif,disli, his iiobli! as not in nipot and 'iltniiiii, as lilant 1)}' iient of a lives liad ies. 'Jdu; :heir injii- tely witli e of them the noble e excited sit}'. at last utliorities proposi- as scaled rst open, court of iited the they had D Rougc- testants ! iiansion ! in their e Pirate, waving his hand to win attention, and elevating his mighty voice as f(unierly he had done on the sea, when the tnmnlts of his band, and tlu^ roaring of the elements, com- bined to (ill the air around him with deafening sounds.. •'Though the gallows were at this moment erected before me, and though the price of my return to the hands of those who were just now searching into my past crimes were instant deatli by the infamous li.dier on that gallows, yet would I not fly from here ! Friends of tlie Tope I you see this blessed symbol 1 elevate, this crucihx, you see me kiss it, while 1 swear in the presence of these open skies, which now for the last time I behold, that I will not ily except by compulsion !" The Canadians looked ama/ed. Everyone made a stop and spoke rapidly to his fellow. The next imi)ulse that swept across their excited spirits urged them to carry him off by force, which they a^.cordingl}' did, followed by the military who, firing upon them as they lied, marked their track with blood. The French body were re-enforced as they went by great numbers of volunteers belonging to the militia, well- trained, well-armed men, wluj encountered the soldiers boldly, while the hahitaiis were placing the Marquis in a carriage and with four horses. It was not until the Frencli liad advanced several miles beyond Quebec that they were overcome, and the prisoner retaken. Thirty or forty men were left dead in the road, pierced with musket-balls and bayonet wounds. The whole time occupied with the disastrous riot was about ff^ur hours only. It ended with the Marcjuis being taken back to the court, and the town being guarded with soldiers from end to end, as if anticipating an invasion. Governor-General Markham rode through all the streets with his staff-officers, and his sword drawn ; the shops were shut up with haste, and the liritish trembled at the storm they had rashly and wantonly drawn upon themselves. The trial began anew. The indictments were read a second time. The first charged the Marquis of Rouge niont with having been an aider and abetter in the mutiny of the sailors under the command of Captain Ikirry, with having shared in the plunder of his ship, and been acces- sory to his murder, having been present during the per- !.■'»! m \ , ■ kf. 366 TTIE CANADIAN r.IRL. m d pvtr;\Unn of the net. This iiuliclnicnt was fcjundcd on tiio fatal writing Clinton liad former!)' given to I\lr. Lev. The second indictment charged him with having headed a party of Pirates, who, for many years, had been in tlie practice of robbing small vessels on the great lakes of tlie Upp(,'r Trovincc. In connection with this charge a nuuibcr of acts of plunder and violence that had been from time to time committed by the gang of wretches were laid agamst the prisoner. The i)rincipal witness for the prosecution was Brien, who had been admitted king's evidence. His statement ran thus, when divested of its sea phrases and its cumber- some detail : — • " 1 was second mate on the Antelope at the time Anderson was first mate. I first made him accjuainted witli the intended mutiny, and he agreed to take the com- mand of the men as a smuggk;r and pirate on the lakes. I had a small sum of money at the time, and proposed to buy a vessel suitable for our purjiosc, the money to be repaid to me afterwards by Anderson. After I-Jarry's death I found on his cabin table this paper," handing to the bench the list of mutineers he himself had given the old captain, under which the latter had written some affecting remonstrances to Anderson, whose name was first on the list, and in whom he confided. " Anderson was present while Barry was murdered," continued Brien, "and made no effort at all to save him, but, on the contrary, offered to me while he was dying, before him, to take command of the band as I had proposed." A shudder here ran through the veins of the listeners in the strangers' gallery, and there was an audible murmur of horror. One universal gaze was turned on the dock, where the prisoner stood drawn up to his full height, his eye fastened on the witness, and his lip curled in supreme disdain. *' Barry's ship was sunk after it had been emptied of all its property, which Anderson took charge of for the band ; the passengers lives were spared, but Anderson took possession of all their goods." He went on to give a circumstantial account of the several cases of robbery afterwards committed by the Pirates on the lakes, under the direction of Anderson, and then bore a sharp cross-examination very cleverly, con- TRIAL OI- Till': riKATF ;^7 x\ on the cc. g headed ;ii in the 2S of the harge a ad heen wretches s Brieii, tatcnieiit cunibcr- .he time quainted the com- lic lakes, •posed to Liy to be Barry's .nding to nvcn the en some uiic was irdered," ave him, LS dyinj;, I had :encrs in murmur le dock, liglit, liis supreme 2d of all band ; took siderinti that lie had swdiii Id .so n'.an\ l.dsit le I Diuea led on t of the by the son, and rly, con- so many facts of importance that would have told f.ivonr- ably for the prisoner, and had in his d( tails so einbellisheil and acKled to the real circumstances (^l the case. A long succession of witnesses substantiated the impor- tant testimonies of IJrien, and the strangers present l(;oked upon the IMartpiis as lost. Jhil now the prisoner produced his evidences, and defended himself in a most able manner, so that th(.' tide of feeling turned in his favour, and the heartest wishes were breathed, and the liveliest hopes entertained for his ac(]uiltal. The jury withdrew to consult upon their verdict, after the judg(! had given such a charge to them as too plainly showed his opinions were unfavourable- to the iMar(iuis. In this solenni pause the court was intensely hushed, and all eyes were fastened on ihv man who was awaiting the fiat of life or death. Close by him stood the graceful, slender ]•' ison of his son, whose agitation excited the pity of all. The Marijuis himself appeared remarkably col- lecteil and lirm exc(!pt wlu;n he looked on his son, or towards one seat at the lower end of the court, where sat his daughter with her husband and her sister-indaw, thiii, his powerful frame visible trend)led, his eye was clouded, and his forehead grew wrinkled as if with some spas- modic agon}'. The jury returned. The foreman spoke low, but his whisper reached the farthest listener, and the dread word was — GUI LTV ! A harrowing female shriek rang awfidly through the assembly from that seat to which the Pirate had so often looked. " It is his daughter," was whispered aliout, and some tende: iiearted won]en wept for her as she was carried out. The forehead of the prisoner contractc d itself still more P-'inful until the door was closed uj^on his wretched child, then he once more braced himself to the occasion, and stood listening with deep attention to the soienui and affectmg distress of the judge, and to his final condemnation^ which was so worded as to extinguish every ray (»( hope. At the conclusion he grasped the hand ol Clinton, who looked as one that in old days had seen a comet, bewild- ered, horror-struck. '■^i^i:S %-<>,?"!-i ii' f^'^' 308 Tin: C.W.NDfW (ilKf. "JJcar lip, Xichol.'is," said Iif ; "do not llinch from tliis great trial. Stand firm under the sliock, and help nic to endure it bravely !" "Clod of lieaven ! IJcar it!" muttered Clinton, wildly ; and that was all he could say, for he was well nigh eh'jk( cl with th«.' agony of his disapp(jintnient. •' JJring Jane to me iniinc-diately," said the Pirate, and, pressing his son's hands once again, he turn( d with renewed cahuness to follow the turnkey to his cell. CHAPTER XXVI. FAR M E K JOSHUA S R K V E N G E . '^piIE execution was to take place on the sixth day from J^ the trial, and yet the much looked for Pastor had not arrived, neither had he answered either of the letters that had been sent to him. " I could have wished to see 3'our mother's father," said the Pirate to his children, as they sat wiiii him absorbed in excessive grief. " It would have coinlorted me to hear him say he forgave me for the sorrows 1 brought upon his daughter." *' 1 will go to the valley if you wish it," Clinton proposed, in a scarcely audible voice. ** By what time do 3'ou think you could return ?" " 1 should travel all night," was the reply, " and there- fore you miglit expect to see me here the next morning but one, at the latest with or without the Pastor." The Pirate reflected, and then decided — "You shall go, my son. I will send a letter by you. I need not say do not linger there — your society now is precious to me, and my time is sh<;rt." Clinton's sensibilities were wrought to their lughest pitch by this allusion; he leaned on the top of his chair for hllppf)rt, while his courcenance changed, and a groan esc.'iped him. The sight of a man overcome by the pangs of feeling is heart-rending indeed ! The turnkev , who stood by the door, wiped his eyes twice, and the condemned was powerfully moved, though he retained his lirm bearing. P lAinrKR IOSIIUa's klAKNGK. /;< 'J )ni tliis » inc to wildly ; choked tr, and, d with ay from had not crs that }r," said ibsorhcd to hear ipon his reposed, there- morning you. I now is igliest hair IS c a groan :ling is by the d was 3caring. Jane's tears and moans of agony broke out afresh, until the scene beiime too overpowering to be endured. Mr. Lee then bon: iiis fainting wife in his arms from the cell to the open air, whither Lady Hester and the turnkey assisted Clinton, who was convulsed and nearly insensi- ble. Medical aid was immediately resort('d to, but who kn ows no t tiiat medicine can be of little service to a (( mnu Idi^ seastM 1?' However, Cdinton was soon preparing for his journey to the valley. It was arranged that Lady Hester should stay with Janci until his return. He refused to take his servant with him, but set nut alone on horseback, near ighlfall, intending, as he; told his anxious wife, to hire a n guide at the first village he reached. l''or live hours he rode without stopping at the swiftest pace his iiorse was capable of. The road tlu;n became so dark and rough that he was comi)elled to make a pause. In the sky, clouds intercepted the weak beams of a new moon ; on one hand stretched a dismal swamp of immense extent, whc:e onlv a few scattered si)ruce trees, melancholy and spectre-like, broke the monotonous level ; on the other, iippcared a low range of stony heights, destitute of trees or verdure. The wind howled over the cheerless scene, and screaming carrion birds lent to it a fitting voice. In Clinton's present frame of mind he ratlier liked the dreariness that surrounded liim than otherwise, and might have said — "It suits tin; gloomy habit of my soul." But he was impatient to proceed; and, seeing a glim- mering light at the foot of one of the stony heights, turned the animal he was upon in '.hat ^iirection. "Hollo! Who is within?" hf cried, striking the narrow door of a dilapidated cabin with his riding-whij). The light instantly disa})peared from the window, and the footstep he had just heard became silent. " They must have heard me, and do n(jt choose to open the iloor," said he to himself, after lie had waited on his horse full five minutes, anel had knocked repeatedly. He threw^ himself from the saddle herewith, and liftetl the rude wooden latch. The door inuiiediately swung hack on its hinges, and that with such suddenness as to e.inse him to start back in some surprise. A few sickly gleams of light from the moon then fell directly upon a X J/ n Tin; <• ANA III AN (.Ikh. \1 ■< i ^' -' n tall, sloiK liiii;^', uciiIk r-lK:.il(;ii ri;,Mirc, l)ilaying in his ill-meaning glance. *♦ It was not in natur' that I should expect to set." yon heri', so ^on must not be affrontc'tl at my keeping y<>n outside the door awhile. This is an ugly, ilesolate sjjot. I was on my way back from a lumber-yanl overland to the west, where I have been changing some maple boards into dollars, when I came in the way of this tumble-ilowii cabin. I was tired and lumgr}-, and did iu>t o\-er-mu( h miiul crossing the swam[) after sundown, so I pitched camp here, shot a turkey, lit a lire, made a supper, and was just settling in for a sleep in my blanket on the ground when you disturbed me. I hit come in, Mi. Clinton, come in, and let me know where ycju come Iruiii, and where you arc going." " 1 should as little have expected to meet yon here, Farmer Joshua, as you expected to meet me!" exclaimed Clinton, in accents of an unpleasant surprise, wiping oil some of the Hakes of foam from the panting siiles of his liorsc, then stroking and jiatting it as it turned its head allectionately toward its master, responding to his kindly caresses. " Cover the cretur from tiie night air, it is sweating all over," said the Settler. *' You have ridden hard and far to bring it in that condition." " I have come from Ouebec since six o'clock," was the rej(3inder. The Settler stepped backward in surprise. "That beats all that ever 1 did !" he ejaculated. " I'd wager my right arm now there's a sweetheart in the case!" His attempt to be jocular did not sit very easily upon him — there was something for':ed in it — or ])erhaps it was Clinton's distressed state of mind which made it to jar upon his car. Tile straw roof of the cabin projected considerably out over one of the side walls, and under its slielter reposed the tired limbs of a rough black pony, looking as wild and uncivilised as the Settler to whom it belonged. U was tied to the sole remaining branch of a decayed tree, whose lower parts composed a mound of roots, earth, and I \U\II.K |<»Mll.\.s KIAIAt.i:. 3rt Indian s.'vva;,''! s, tlial with .1 <^lancL'. ee you n^ you tc si)()t. land It) boards Ic-down jr-nuH li pitched )c'r, and on till- in, Mi- le troll 1, 311 IkMC, scclaiiiicd iping oil' s of liis s head kindly itin^ all and far was tlio "That ■agcr my ily upon )s it was it to jar ably out reposed as wild ged. It yed tree, .irth, and I moss, wliii li li.id been internnu;;lin;,' there beside that desolate cabin, under the inlbience of sun and shower, for a ceiitiirN, and whi( h now helpeil to shield the pony from the bl( ak unid, Ili-re Clinton also tu-d his iiorse, then ( ntered the iniserabli: abod<' with the S«ttlei, and drew near to a dull fire of sticks, whiih the latter speedily rekindled. It did not seem that Farmer Joshua knew anything; of the bliL,dit that had fallen on tlu' family to which Cliiiton belonj^ed, thouf^h he was well acquaiiitevith inwartl agitation. The Settler took up his favourite position on a worm-eaten chair, one of three found in the cabin, with his long rille ujnight between his knees, and his chin resting on his h;:nd on tht; barrel end. Clinton looked toward him, and was staggered by the wild and fierce glitter of the eye which met his. There was a con- centrated hatred, and deadly revenge in it. Clinton rose to his feet alarmed, and plucked from a breast-pocket a small sheathed dirk. ** You travel armed, I see, j\Ir. Clinton," sneered the Settler. *' Your book larning won't protect us against robbers and Indians, you think." " I do travel armed, Farmer Joshua," returned Clinton, meaningly. " That's well. No one can liav(.' any objecticjiis to it, I suppose ? For my part 1 have only my tough old rifle to guard me,'' — he knocked the end of the shaft on the ground. " Ihit wh}' do you stand flourishing your dirk before me as if / was a robber ? If you have money about you I can tell you I want none of it. 1 have nrjney ilk \7^ tin; (\N,\r)rA\ c.iur. iny.M'lf sec," — he ciiiplicd on the j^roiind a piust' coiitaiii- iii«^ sixty dollars, wliic li lie dij(( tly jmxcdcd to pick up slowly and dilibcratdy, and replace in the receptacle from which he had cast them. iJoth he and (Clinton had their hacks to the door, there- fore neither saw the swarthy visafj(! of a J,'ipsy thrust withirj it at this critic al instant and withdrawn a^'ain. A little ashamed of his hasty impn-ssion of rdarm, Clinton sal down a;,'ain. He knew well that the heatt nt the Settler was enihittered a^^ainst him, and he diil not wonder at it; but he could not entertain the helief that any injur)' was meditated a;^'ainst him hy the latter. They now talked with a tolirable appearance of cf)rdi- ality of Farmer Joshua's crops, and his otlujr domestic afTairs. Iwery one of his family Clinton intpured after hy name, c.\ce{)tin^' only the wronged Dan. At last C'linton could refrain no longer from asking after him. " He is dead I" was the steady answer, though the voice was hoarse that pronounced it. "Never till this moment was I truly hundiled!" siid- (Undy ejaculated Clinton, breaking from a painful reverie, and sjieaking in broken acci-nts. "Humbled befcjre man and (iod! Until latc^ly I have lived a life of continual error! Pleasure iias been my sole pursuit! And what have I gained? — A conscience that is a j^erpetual vam- ])ire, drinking m}' life blood ! a devil staining every peace- ful moment that arises from me with accursed images of ])ast wickedness, and future retribution! a scourgi; of scorpions in the hand of a pitiless fury ! O, damntcl hours in which I yielded to temptation !" As with passionate energy he thus spoke he pushed the chair back and paced the cabin, while the Settler's whole nature was gathered up in one terrible purpose of ven- geance iii)on the destro)'er of his son. " Have you ever done anything to trouble 3'our con- science, Mr. Clinton ?" he asked, in affected wonder. " Ves, l'\irmer J(jshua, 1 have !" firmly rejoined Clinton. " I frdsely accused your son \-~Jiis tale was the true one — mine was false !" Heir curses on you, 1 know it !" thundered the Settler, breaking all at once from his assumed (piietude. " You gentleman-rogue you, I know it ! The poor boy was broken-heart ; through }our soft sounding lies! 1 I: i: V w lAUMI.U IOSIII'A's KF.Vr.Xi'.F. .V turned liiiii out of doors as a tliitf! ami .ift'-r lu; liad wan- dtTrd I ddii't know where like a va;onil lor two yoar.s or more, without a iivinf:,' son! to say a ^ood word for hitu, he eatne hark willi hardU' a ra-,' on him! ill! dyin;^ 1 lannslucl! in the miilst of a stortn that I wouldn't have turned a cat out in ! and died as soon as he was inside my do(»r!" " It is a ilreadful stor\ !" nnittered Cdiuton, " and 1 havo more rij^dit to the ^'allows than my father ! h'armer Joshua, It is too late now to make a recomptMisi! to ////;/ whose p( ace and life it seems 1 have heen the means of destroying, hut if I could make jv/^ aii\ kind of comiu'iisa- tion, 1 should he hut too happy. 'I'rust me, I shall never, thou^^h I live a thousand yi-ars, he hajipy a<;ain ! My ]»nnishinent will he within! there, though outwardi} I may appear perlei tly at ease, will ever hum a ilauie ol remorse, ilieadhil, unintermittin<^^" " Will that restore Dan to the mother who |)or<^ him? to the hrothers and sisters who hav(.> heen hred up with him ? to the home where he Inst saw li^dit, and where ho Avas happy for twenty years, until yon -you j)oisoiions snaki; ! you thievish fox ! -came ? Will your remorse that you talk ahont hrinj; him out of his grave ? Tell me that ! If it won't, talk to me no more !" '* Vour animosity against me is, 1 perceive, too d(!eply seated to he at all shaken with anything I can say," (piietly returned Clinton, so si)ltened hy late occurreiucs as not to he easil)- roused int(j pride or ir(?. " I am sorry for it, hut I cannot hlame you. The injur}' I have donci you is, I am (]uite ready to acknowledge, irrejiarahle. Nevertheli!ss, should you, or any of youi family in time to come, he disposed to gratify me hy accepting, indi\idually or unitedl}', a sum of money of any amount within the scope of a moderate fortune, you may have it by ai)plica- tion to me at the bankers of either Montreal or Toronto. More than this is not in my power ; if it were, you should jirove, beyjud :) doubt, that my sorrow for what is past is sincere anc' deep." " Will jGiir .'orrow bring Dan out of liis grave?" was the stern and forcible interrogation. *' Would that it c:oukl ?" exclaimed Clinton, with pathos. '•So sa}' I!" echoed the Settler, sj-xaKiiig fpiirk and short. "Ihit it won't — it won't! And I.XI'.CUTIOX OF FARMF.R JOSIITA. AT the close of the Inst chnpter the reader was left to imagine the fearful deatii of ("hnton by the hand of an assassin. Prematurely he passed from this mortal life to "The undiseovorod country Froin whose bourn no travcllor returns." As the mother of Sisera looked out of the lattice won- dering why tarried her son's chariot wheels, so the bride of Clinton, a second time widowed in an appalling man- ner, but ignorant of the dire event, watclied away the weary hours at her window, looking eagerly and fondly for him who would never return more. " I had an impression of evil upon my mind when he went away," said she to Jane, wlio had endeavoured to jiersuado her that he must now be close at hand. " Last night was the time he appointed for his return, now it is nearly eleven of the forenoon, and still he is not come. Where I oh, where is he I" She clasped her hands in an agony of apprehension on her knees, her face still turned to the window. " He will be here soon," said Jane, encouragingl}', pass- ing her arm in an affectionate manner around the swan- like neck of the peeress. " O, Jane, feel how my temples throb I and how my heart beats!" She took the hand of her sister-in-law as she spoke, raised it to her hot forehead, and lowered it to her left side. ** They do indeed !" exclaimed Jane in the softest tones of sympathy. "But, my dearest Lady Hester! suffer me to entreat j^ou to be calm. Heaven can witness how I love ni}' brother !" — tears gushed into her eyes. " If I I Mil 1 ' f. II ^U,.!' 3;<^' TIIK CAXADIAN (.Iia,. could entrrtain one serious fear lliat any liarni liad li.ip- l)ene{l to liiui, do you think I t(jnld look thus ? and s;)eak thus? Hul we nuist discuss the shocking' idea alto^ji liicr. My poor father demands all my thou^dits." Her voice \vas choketl by eniolii^n. " \'()U are gifted with an c;.\lra()rdinary deforce of jiatienee, oi 1 slujuld ha\(! received a nuich stronger reproof," said l^ady ll(stir, turning to embrace her. " Here am 1 indicting u[)on you my foolish fears, founded uj)on nothing probable, while you are weighed down with re.d distress. 'J'here, 1 have shut the blinds again. I will not sit here longer conjuring up all sorts of frightful ideas to torment myself and you. Nay now, my dear j\Irs. Lcc ! where ii^ your fortitude ?" for Jane; was sobbing with her face buried in her hands. *' In the word of God, not in myself," replied Jane, devoutly, wij)ing her streaming eyes. " My nature is too weak to bear the sorrows which are before me without strength imi)arted from above." "Happy should I be," exclaimed Lady Hester, forcibly, " if 1 could receive some of that heavenly strength ! 1 feel that I may yet need it much ! J hit there again I am indulging in weak fears as before." " Cast them, with my sorrows, on Him who careth for us!" ejaculated Jane. It was just tiien that four Indians, bearing a litter of branches with a body stretchetl tluTcon, stopj^ed at a door under the window at which Lady Hester had been keeping watch. IJefore the melancholy and dark-visaged group the curious passers-by behild a venerable ICngli.^ii clergyman, with woe-struck features, mounted on a small liorse, and by him the gaunt, slouching figure of a back- woodsman, with a grim and wild countenance spotted with blood, his hands tied behind his back, his arms secured by ropes passed many times around his body, and his feet made fast to the saddle girths of the ragged pony lie was upon. The rear was brought up by a male gipsy on foot, and two servants of the clergyman, farming men as they seemed. A crowd rapidly collected, and a dreadful whisper was speedily circulated — ^^ found munh'rcd in St. Antony's forest!" "Who is he?" was then heard from a hundred sub- dued but excited voices — "Who is he?" i ; I r.xFcuTioN or i\\kmi:k j<^siiu.\. m m m 3// small back- P(jttC(l arms V, and pony gipsy men "The only son of tin- condemned M irijnis of l\()n*;r- mont," was tlit.' answer to tliis (piery, wiiile the inmates of tin.' lionsc before which the stnall procession halted wtre coming ont to inquire what had happeneib "Holy mother be tlu; consolation of his poor yonng widow then!" cried a female in the crowd. "He was only married a fortnight ago." " I'oor thmg ! poor thing!" ejaculated anotlier woman, monrnhilly, shaking her head. " 'J'his will be a ilismal sight for her. Sanita Maria! what a shocking thing! Tlie Marquis is to be hung next ^bJnday, and his son murdered to-day !" "l[ush b'rances !" said a baker's wife i)eside her, "there's the window opcMiing, perhaps that beautifid lads- is his wife. Intensely curious is human nature at all times to know wliat passes in its kind under circumstances of strong interest, hence principally are places of execution thr(jnged, and hence on the present occasion, there was a hasty pressure of the eager crowd towards the front of the house as soon as the sash began to be raised. A piercing cry from the lady thrilled through every heart, as she glanced down upon the leafy bier beneath. A coarse Italian blanket was thrown over it, concealing the person of the murdered, but her heart told her too plainly that no other lay beneath its folds than her own husband. A moment her white hands were elevated in liorror, and her eyes Hashed in distraction, before; the pitying multitude. Then down stairs she rushed, scream- ing to Jane to follow her. The hostess at the door in vain strove to hold her back. She sprang out over the thresh- old, animated with unquenchable love. " Set d(nvn the bier !" she commanded, confronting the IncHans with a manner that admitted of no denial. The Pastor threw himself from his horse in a moment, and took hold of her arm. " You were the wife of my grandson I believe," he stammered. *' Pastor Wilson is my name." *' Were the wife, sir!" she frantically repeated, "I mii his wife ! — Clinton's wife ! He left me three days ago to fetch you hither." " 'I"he providences of God are sometimes mysterious," obseixcd the Pastor in a voice full of soleum ])athos. "His wa^s are past finding out. Put, my dear lady, let 1 i \ f I , , p I f ■ 37«^ TIN-: CANAhl.W CIIJ,. ' tlic moil enter into tlie lioiise Ik lure yrxi look at Iiiin wlrj lias Ix'C'ii taken fioin you so awiiiil)- aiitl siukionly." " 'J'lii'n it is my love wlioii) these men arc bcariiif; ?" gasped Lady Hester — " it is he ?" 'J'he latter were lc)V( r. ing the bier to carry it into the house, she spruiij; close to it, raised the blanket, and, with a harrowing shriek, li 11 insensible on the pavement. A carriage was proceeding along the street at a slnw j)acc on accojuit of the throng, at the moment when Lady Jb.'ster shriek(;d so piercingly in the iirst distraction of her discove.^. An aristocratic ICnglish gentleman put his head out of the window, and en(piired of tlu; bystanders what had happened. A youtliful fem.alti face, expressive of concern, also appeared as a reply was made in J''ri;ncli. '* (/ood (iod !" (exclaimed the ICarl of Wilton, for he was th(! i'vUglish aristocrat, "(luod (lod! the son of the Marquis of I^ougemont found nuirdered !" and sank back on his scat, looking at his daughter with horror and amazement in his eye. The blood curdled in Lctitia's veins. I'or a monunt she was dumb ; then violently pulling the check-string, she seized the handle of the carriage door, and threw il open. " Stay a moment, Letitia !" exclainu-d her fatiier, "let us consider what we had best do. Ciood God ! what a dreadful event !" JUit Letitia was not to be kept back from her sister now even by a father's coi unand. She broke from his trembling grasp and sj)rang out, followed by him. Lady Hester recovered with great difficulty; hysteric gaspings for breath were attended by convulsions, and followed by heavy sighs. At length she arose to her feet, and fastening her eyes, that were wildly dilated, on the Earl, raved of her husband in a state of perfect frenzy. " Why do you return in this sad plight, Clinton ?" she cried, with livid lips and cheek. •' Why is there blooil upon your head and breast ? Tell me who has done it ? 1 am your wife ! You are precious to me as my own soul ! Speak to me then ! and tell me why you come back so changed I Ah I how he melts away — away — and I cannot follow him ! He is gone ! He has left me alone for ever ! He has been murdkred! Ring the horrid sound through this world of devils! ^Ldiir.\. J/ . tliTcil ! Let luavcn know of llu' ilainnccl dci-d ! Sound it abroad ! W'liy stand yon all j^a/inj; upon mk', as thon^di the l)low liad stricken my brain arid made nx* mad! I liad a luisl)and on( e who shot ///.'//:>(/// 1 (hd not ^'o mad then- shall I ^'o mad now? Would to (i(;d 1 could, or die with him 1 loved! I low often have wt; sworn not t(j outlive each otlu-r ! Ah ! ours was love iniUed !" •* Hester! beloved sister! tlo you not know me?" cried Letilia, bathing' her fac(! with strcamin}^ t(\'irs. *'(io -go," nmttered Lady Hester, pushinj; her away — "my father will maki; your life miserable if he knows )ou are with me." ** Not so — I am come to be reconciled with you, Lady Hester," said the i'.arl, by force restrainiu}^ the emotion ]u) felt. " My dear daughter, forgot what is past, ami let me take you to my own residence innnediately, my carriage is here." "If you are the ICarl of Wilton 1 have nothing to say to you," said Lady Hester, instantly bcroming more rational, and her face changing from lividness to a flush of vehement anger. " It was you who caused the arrest of the Marcpiis, and embittered my husband's bridal hours with grief for his father. I owe my present anguish to )Ou ! for his fatal journey would not have been under- taken had not the Marcpiis been condemned. Do you call me your daughter ? I abjure the title. Vou will never more, sir, iiave a daughter in me — I shall never more acknowledge you for my father. Do not stay here I beseecli you, for your presence adds fury to my grief! (jo away, and leave me with the dear remains of him whom, when living, you disdained. I ask not your sympathy for my loss." '* But me, Hester," pleaded the weeping Letitia, ** you will not send me from you ? I have not grieved you knowingly." Lady Hester's reply was an agonising embrace, which was accompanied with groans and sighs. The Earl of Wilton was pierced to the soul with the repulse he had received ; he felt acute pangs at having lost the love of his eldest daughter, but could not stoop to argue with iier as his feelings prompted. Distraction again swept over the mind of the peeress. She would n(»t be hindered from going to the disfigured body u hich now lay \\\ mi adjuiuing chamber^ Th(ue she • i ii 38o 'Illi: CANADIAN (,IUI,. sees the forclicad, the luc k, and tlu; heart of her hclovcd j)i(!rccd witli f^Min-sliol wounds, about whic h the c(iii;4(aUil hlood hiy thick. 'Vhv. tcetli are svt as in tlie hist lierce panj,' of (hssohition ; th(! hands arc clenched; the eye, lialf oj)en, still {^dart>s a desperate defiance from its over- spreading' film. A mortal sickness shoots through the heart of the In.'reaved bride, and again she falls into a swoon. Out ol this she revives as before to a state of fren/y, which no medical skill is able to overcome, or even to subdue. Meanwhile, Jane is little less wretched, but slic throws lierself ou that heavenly Comforter who alone is able to sust.ain the mourner in an hour like this. Her watc hfiil and tender husband also is nigh to soften the violence (if her anguish by his heartfelt participation in it. ** Leave me alone awhile, Arthur," was her r(Hji,( si after the first shock was a little subdued, "let me give free scope to my misery, and pour out my soul before God, then I shall be calmer." He left her, accordmgly, and she joined him in an hour self-possessed, and able to listen to her grandfather's account of his finding of the body, and the taking of the murderer, as well as to discuss with both the best means of breaking the dreadful tidings to her father. Illness had prevented the jKistor from setting out from the lodge as soon as he could have wished, and he had not answered the letters because he anticipated that ever\' morrow would see him sufficiently restored for the journey. When at length he did set out, two farming men, and four Indians, belonging to the village, t.bat had sprung up in his valley, accompanied him, having errands of their own in (.)uebcc. They travelled partly in the night as well as through the day, the Pastor being extremely anxious to reach the city before the execution. The forest of St. Antony divided that gloomy swamp in the midst, along which Clinton had been journeying the fatal night of his death. It was early in the morning and still dark. Their torches alone illumined the tangled patii whose track they were pursuing. To beguile the (heari- ness of the hour and the way, they conversed upon sacred subjects, and the peace and conhdence these subjects instilled into their minds rendered them proof against all fears. When nearly through the forest they were startled b) a i:\i:< I'TION Ol I'AKMI'K |Ms|ir\. ;>«^i ^'ipsy, wlio I'.iiiusll)- ii (lUL^itcd lli.it llir l'.i:U)r \v>til(l follow liim to a great tret; wiiicli stood a little way off the path, trlliiij^f liiin a shocking (li'cd had Ixcii done, and as a magistrate, which he knew I'astcjr Wilson was, he called upon him to investigate it. The I'astor turned oil' from the i)ath accordingly, lol- lowed close by his fi lends, .and, to liis utter dism.ay, saw in the hollow of the vast tree a de.id hodv, which he pre- sently discovered to he that of his gr.'indson, Clinton. The gijisy then pointed out the Settler, who stood in the grey darkness leaning against tiie stem of .i cedar clusi' l)\'. '* Th.'it is the nunderer," said he, "secure him!" which was done, but not without great dilficult\'. While the I'astor .and his grandchildieii are ion verging, the vSettler is carried forward to prison amid the groans, hootings, and threats of the people, ulioin the gipsy informed of the jiarticulars of his guilt. "1 saw him drag the geuliem.in hom his horse afti'r he had fired at him once; when he had him down he shot him twice, ;is delii)erately as if Ik; had been putting a mere animal of the woods out uf its dying torments." The ujiroar was ver\' great in the streets. The prisoner was unbound from his ragged jiouy .it the prison door, where he returned the eager gaze; of curitjsity that was bent on him with a savage glare that made the b.hoKk.-rs shrink, and then, assuming an aspect of dogged iniiilfer- ence, entered the gloomy i)arricrs which had been a living tomb to th(jusands. It was upon this same da)- that the fisherman Jacques, who had rescued Jane from the t!c;ep in the early part of this story, and whose wife first ]Momi>ted her to seek shelter in tlu; settlements over which I'.istor Wilson pre- sided as magistr.ite, hearing of the d(X)m of the; i'lr.ite, liis old captain, came to see him in prison. Afterw.irds he sought out Madame J)arr\', and ga\e her such an account of tlu; manner in which Anderson had been tro j')aimed into joining the mutineers of \\v.v husbaiul's sliip, and of his total guiltlessness of a parlic ipation in tin,' plunder and murder of J5arry, that she became convinced she had v>ronged him in lier mind, and inmiediatel\- visited him, assuring him of her entire forgi\eness ; not content with this, she immediately set about endeavouring to obtain a commutation of his punishment. ;^ iiih ■■n .1.^-' Tin: < ANAhiAN n;;;(^((l .1 {>.i:ii«,i;;c it) a Vcssi | ImmiikI to l',u;;l.iMil, his nativ(! (oiinti), paying' fnr it with in(»iirs ^'iv( II liim l)v I'.istor Wilson; .iiul from this tiim lu* i('s(iiiK(I the haliits ami tlu* o( ( iipatioii ot his carl\ (lays, as a incmhcr of civili/id six icly, l)rin^;iti|,' ii)) hi . ( hildri-n to the same. I hit his son ii.itt'cl hitii, and nrv«'r ceased to reproach him with the fact of having.,' kiiltd hi niotiur. Ill the end the Nom);^ man deserted his lalliir to dwell in the (amps \vli< H-in he was hoiii. The ;4ij»sies received him joyfully, and he pieiiuKd over them as llicir kiii^', accordiii}; to the oath they had made to Nina. It was loii^; hefore the notable wife and tho famil)- <»l iIk Settler knew of his fate. When they diii it was too late to recover his body, which, after haii<;in}^ nntil it was hiL;hthilly disli^iiKil by (anion birds, had been hnmatielv hidden beiiealli the eailh by the Indians who had asijiskil in capturing him. The ronj,di children of the wilds mourned not their father or their brothir with out-ward si^'iis of j^tief. The farm alfaiis went oi as beloic, no dinereuce was lo be per- ceived. It was only when the family were j^atheicd, re- mote hom stran;;ers, on the hearth in the winlr)- eveiiin.Ljs; when tlie daughters and their mother sat by their sugar troughs under the maiile trees in the early spring morning, or the suns in their lishing luxits at midnight ; it was onlv at such times that they spoke together ot tlioS(,' they had l(jst, and let lall a tea'', or breathed a sigh to their memory, cursing the hour winch luid liist biuu;^ht Clinton tu their house. ClIAl'ii:K XXVIII. suiciDH oi- riii'. I'iKA'ri:. ''piII''. ivory miniature of Lady I lesler which CJinton had I always worn was found slialtered on his heart. At tlu^ back of it was a piece of worn pap('r, on which appear- ed the affecting farewell verses of Lucy Lee, in her own handwriting. Under them Clinton had penned, api)arently recently, these words : — *' Sweet, ill-used girl ! living I c )uld nut be thine, but- in death thy grave shall receive me. My boues ihp.lL si;i< iDi: 1)1 iiii. I lUATi.. >^5 numltlcr on iljc « i>l\\\\, Lik\ , in \\lii«. li lli'-n !' ,t, v.Lm I<»\ih| nw: luit to«) \v« II ! I was the ( .lusc of thy i.irly (K-.itli, foruhiili I In 1 ihi'ic is y»t rcsciv* il jur inc some iinlt)i- seen piiiiishincnt. Hut ini inr, thnii ini^htcsl have Hvcil t«> M< ss some l.iillili:! hi.ut with th\ yolln^; luauly, tliy iinsiilhid iiiiiociiuT, and ihy cMinisitc tt inlirness. J>nt for nir, the f.iir Mossotn of th\ ;.;ii UkmhI ini^^hl have ripen* eil into the tiill lltiwer <)♦ wonianU perlei limi, wlmse Ira- j^iaiu (• shoiild now liav<' h«'en shid around sonu* hiisslul hower whit li an^jels ini<;ht have looked upon with deli;4hl. Vcs, I U'M it »anii'it lie that I, wiio wilhiliy broke the heart «il her who loved me, slu)uld he allowid to live happy lonj,' with lii-r whom I love." This lor( hiHJin^' oi a resth ss conscience wc iiavc S( i n hut too teal hilly realised. And now the terrihle event made known to the J'iratf, he felt half the bitterness «)f dialh past. So stronj,' a tie' to earth cut, he held it w ilh a looser grasp. All the day after li( sat meditalinj,', not willin<^,d\' nllowiu',' himself t') he distmhed e\en to speak to the I'.isior. At the sii^ht of him the },'()od cler;^3nian hrt>ke into ti'ars, Memorv lli-w hack (Mi win';s as swift as li^iit ihrou^^h the long vista of years to the hour wIm n he saw this man in the eaily prime of manhood, hearmg away his daughter whom he was ne\ti to meet more. '• My I''anny ! — I thiid-c 1 .^.ee her 1)\- your side," faltered the old man. " Ah ! had she lived to see this day of misery! Ciod was merciful to her, and removed lier out of the way of the heavy sorrows that her less fortunate father is called upon to hear in his old age. Ves, (iod be thanketl ! — He does all things well." " I wish yon could persuade me of that," said the Pirate, abruptly. ** Is this murder well ?" '* Let us upon our knees, my son, was the Pastor's in- eirect but solium rejoinder, " and pray that li(,'aven will give us faith t(^ trust in I'.ternal love even while all is darkii'.'ss arouutl. ('ome, let us throw ourscKcs beft^re the throne of grace, for nothing but Almighty graci: can jire- serve us from impious distrust and des})air under our present painful trials." With eyeballs dry and bnrnitig, with parched tongue and llaming brain, the Pirate reluctantly knelt down by the side of his aged father-in-law, who })oured forth a broken but fcr\enl supplication for his ccndenniLd son and Y m 386 Tin; (ANAhi.w (iiur. liis afllictc'd ^aandc liildicn. At tlu: conclusion the Pirate gradually bowed his lu ad on the bench i)efore wiiich he knelt, and the.e burst h'oni hini a storm of tears that seemed to opvn up all tin; long-sealed llood-gates of his heart, and to shake his strcjng nature to its base. 'JIk: I'astor l)rokc off, and supi)orted the sufferer in his arms. Long did that storm of grief continue, and when it passcij away the I'irate's soul was softened and relitived. Tin ii lu; listened to the ])ersuasive arguments of the I'astor for repentance, faith in the Son of Ciod, a resurrection am! everlasting felicity. "Would that I ioiild ]ioi)c!" exclaimed the i'irate, des{)airingly. Here his countenance grew black and dis- torted, he ground his teeth in some acute bodily agony, and rolltnl over and over on the ground. The I'astor summoned the turnkey in affright. The man looked conscience-stricken, and his knees knocked together. ** (iood sir," said he to tire clergyman, " pray do not betray me. The Marquis managed to get some poison in here, and when I found it out he begged so hard for me t(j let him keej) it that 1 — 1 — could not clcny him." " Poison .'" interrupted the Pastor, " has he taken poison ?'' " I have," groaned the Pirate, speaking between the fierce paroxysms of his pain. " Nothing can save nie. Alarm no one. Turnkey — father — do not stir. I am beyond the reach of medicine— let me die, therefore, in quiet." "What horror is to light next upon my hoary head !" cried the Pastor, staggering to a scat. "O for a grave, my God! that 1 may S( e no more of tL -i wretched world. Now I am quite overcome ! 1 have hitherto struggk d well against the pressure of alamity, but this is the end of my patience, if more grief comes my worn out heart will break under it." " I\Iy daughter ! — my Jenny! — fetch her hither, I must speak with lier. Hasten ! or it will be too late," gasped the Pirate. She was already in the prison and approaching the cell. The turnkey met her in the passage, and acquainted her with what had happened. She immediately rushed to her writhing father, and fell into his arms, as he reclined on his elbow on the floor. I "I 111 siiKihi': oi' rm; itkatk «7 •irat( h lie lluit of Ills Tlu; arms. )assL(l Thdi or for n ami L'iratc, 1(1 clis- a<,'ony, . Tlu: nocked do not ison in r iiic to taken en the vc nie. 1 am ore, in ^ad grave, NVorKl. uggled \c end heart I must gasped he cell. cd her 1 to her ned on " A few words are all 1 can say to thee, my darling Jenny!' he pathetically hut with difticulty articulated. " ^'ou have been the halm of my life! The comfort you have given p.ie, may it be returiu^ti into your own bosom ! Mr. Lcc, on that bench is my will, which I have written since I heard of my son's death. Jane inlierits all my estates, excepting only the mansion itself and its furniture, which is Lady Ilester's in right of her husband. 1 can say no more. Tliese horrd)le tortures prevent — " The turnkey re-entered to say, that a messenger had just come from Madame Harry to inform the Mar(iuis that she liad positive hopes by her intercession, and with the assistance of the IC.'rl of Wilton and the Ciovernor's lady, who were warmly inttsrc^sting themselves on his behalf, of obtaining a connnutation of his sentence.. She had already hatl one interview with the Governor, who seemed now favourably disposed, and the Governor's lady gave her secretly the most encouraging expectations. *' It comes too late," muttered the dying I'irate. "My foot is on the very threshold of death. Had I heard this a few hours ago — but what can recall that which is done ?" " O father, father ! how could you have acted so rashly ?" expostulated Jane, almost upbraidingly, in the bitterness of her anguish. " Do you reproach me !" L'xclaimed the Pirate in piercing accents, rising with a hasty effort to his feet. " It was for your sake I did it !" "For my sake?" echoed Jane, faintly. "Yes, for yours!" returned her father with majesty. " I have destroyed myself that you might live without dis- grace. The world may say I have been a Pirate — that I was condemned; — but that is all it can say. And while it stops short there you may live in quiet. Put if I came upon the pid)lic scaffold — if I died by the halter — the stigma on y:^u would be deep and irremediable. Go into what retirement vou would, the hnger of scorn would point at you. Your parentage would be as notorious and as infamous as if the daughter of an executed felon were branded on 3'our face. 1 thought to have spared you some misery by my self-destruction. This was my motive! If, therefore, events have conspired to make me partly regret what I have done, still you should rather speak peace to me than reproach." " I meant not to reproach you, father," said Jane, in ii \h N 388 riii: r'ANADiAX (.fkl. (U'cp (listt'c'ss. " iJul oil! to lose )()ii now whin hope is—" " Think not of Matlanie I>arry's message," said he, earnestly. "The hope she holds out I feel persuaded is delusive. That fatal paper of your p(jor brother's could not by any means be set aside. It was that which roti- dennied me, and nothing could save me while it remained in existence." " That is my own opinion," said the Pastor, trein- ul )usly. "And mine," saitl Arthur, decisively. "You hear your grandfather," — urg(>d the Tirate — "you hear your husband — credit them if not me. Do not add to the suHeriiig (jf this hour by imagining that if 1 had not anticipated my sentence I might have been spattd to )()u. 1 ni)*self was inclined to think so, but my judgiiieiit now persuades me otherwise." " Jhit suicide is a great cr-imc, jny son," interposed the Pastor. " I fear it is," gravely returned the Pirate. " Heaven pardon it! Put still, to my mind, the circumstances of my case partially excuse the deed. I have never slu d blood except in self-defence. I have not deserved a j)ublic death. Perj)etual imprisonment, exile, any pun- ishment short of dccifh I had deserved— but not death. 1 did not feel bound, therefore, to render up myself to the gallows. No law of God required me to do so. Such being my view of the case, 1 felt at hberty to dispose ot myself in the way I have. The honourable name 1 ha\e inherited is hereby saved from some degradation, and yet 1 have suffered the full penalty of my misdeeds." Pie had rallied so much that Jane hoped he might yet recover from the effects of the deadly potion he had taken. She expressed this hope in lively terms to a doctor who had been summoned contrar}' to the Pirate's wish. When the professional personage, however, lieard from the prisoner what he had taken, a slight shake of the head warned her to expect no success from his endeavours. Again the Pirate sank upon the ground in bodily tor- ture, and his cries echoed through the numerous vault- ings of the prison with dismal effect. The Past^.r claspetl liis hands upward in vehement internal prayer, his silvery locks fluttering about his venerable head, and tears trick- ling down the furrows of his anguished face. Jane threw I I !' wile trcin- LMratc - Do not if 1 h,ul )artd Id idgincnt jscd tlic Ilcavcii ancL'S cf ver shed uTvcd a my pun- leath. I If to tlu' (. Such isposc (»t a 1 havL' and yet light yet id taken, ctor who . When Tom the the head ours, odily tor- us vault- r clasped is silvery ars trick- Lue threw I SUICIDK Ol" Tin: I'lI^ATi:. ;n hope ^ ;aid he, aded i-^ 's could ch cfjn- :niaineil t licrsclf on her kncos by hor dyiiij^ father, pazin*:;^ on him witli distracted looks, sliaring iu iiis panj^'s thouf^di unable to alleviate tluMU, and almost wishinj; for the monuMU that would put a period to his a^^)ny. Arthur supj)orted the 1 'irate, aided by the doct(jr, ulio in vain strove to pass an antidote through his close-shut teeth. Terrible retchings, shooting pains as if from reddiot arrows, spasms, and Kullocation, these were some of the dreadful sxruptoms of the operation of the baleful drug. The sufferer shortly became stui^ihed, and lay f(jr several hours upon the con- fines of this world and the next, without projierly belong- ing to either. At last he w.^^s seen to move iiis lips, and liis daughter, beniling her head down, distinguished a liw scarcely audible but haught}' words: — " No executioner shall touch me! — No, no! I am tlie descendant of a brave and illustrious race — I will not die upon a scaffold! The poison, turnkey! Nay, I h'ill have it ! If you take it from me 1 will kill myself by other ! I h; a\(? Ha! ha I consummating dis- means! Now I have done it! All is over drunk it ! The work is accomplished ! have saved the name I bear from tin grace !" He continued to mutter, but now inaudiblw After a while, he threw himself from his bed, drawing up his colossal proportions to their full height, elevating his arms, and shouting in deafening tones — *' Heave-to ! Down with the main-top sail ! Throw out another anchor ! Haverstraw, load my gun! 'Jdiat's it — fire away ! Board her ! — board her ! Gallantly done, brave fellows ! Hurrah! hurrah!" '* My dear son !" entreated the Pastor. "Who speaks ?" ejaculated the Pirate, sinking down in a sitting posture, and looking around with indescribable eagerness. " Fanny ! Is it you, Fanny ? is it you ? Have you risen out of your grave to reproach me ? Was it I who murdered your son, that you look at me so ? What! and Nicholas too with you!" His voice took a softer cadence, most affecting — " My son ! my accom- plished son! my heir! my gallant son! Hah! — how changed ! Can twenty-four hours of death make such havoc in a fine person ! Pale — pale — and sad ! Poor fellow ! He little thought he would die before me." He sat silent some minutes, then broke out again more wildly — I'M f ( ill ft ■'I ii 390 TIIF. CANADIAN CIKT. ! "The I'^'irl of Willou in iIk; water? — Tlierc.' let liim drown! (ireat men lorj^et l)t,'ii(!(its. If he was a ptMiiii- less cotta;:(er I would save him. As it is 1 will not! Let liim drown 1 say! IlanjL; uj) that Michael and Jonas to the yard-arm ! Tlu-y are bad fellows and will ruin us. Light a fire on yon heif,'hts to let my son know where- .abouts \vc. arc. I lark to that pistol-shot .again! Thai was my son's signal ! Our foes are near! Hoard her! - ])Oard her! i'ire, Toby! Hallo, (iilpin, fight away there? They cry (inarter ! They strike* to the I'iratc flag! Hurrah! hurrah! Victory! Victory! X'ictory !" Shouting thus, he waved his arm triumphantly over his head, staggered, and fell. In his last moments tin? deliriuiii passed away, and he; faintly said - " Jiur}' Clinton in the grave of Miss Lee, as he wished. Lay me with Marie Verche my mother, and the late IMarquis, in the mausoleum I built at Rtjugemont. Voiir liand, Jane — yours, father — Mr. Lee. I'orgive the dis- grace I have caused you — the griefs 1 have brought upon you. IVTy can.'er has beem a troubled one, and it ends in darkness and shame. 1 had hojied for better things. I liave felt within me aspirations which h'd me to hope that 1 should be useful to my generation, and perhajis leave; l)ehind a memory not .all unworthy. J-deeting visions! Deceitful creations of fancy! Fatal -fat.il delusions! 1 liave fejllowed meteors, and thought them beacons. Now 1 go down to the; dust dishonoured. Posterity will he.ir nothing of me. I shall be as though I had never lived. When my story is ever called to mind I shall be spoken of as a plunderer of ni}' race, instead of as a benefactor .and an ornament. Well, regret is useless now. Time is past with me. Another existence opens to my view, and I must quit for ever the scene of ambitious desires to enter upon it. Farewell ! Think of me sometimes, Jenny, when you are happy. Weep not. Two bereavements at once will prove almost too much for her. Mr. Lee, cherish her tenderly during her sorrow. I leave her in your care, and may you prosper in proportion as you are kind to her. Father, your grey hairs should have seen more peaceful days, but your last hours ma}' yet be serene. I hope they will be so. I can say no more. Death comes. Farewell ambition ! Farewell rank, and wealth, and power! Farewell the gnawing pains of con- science! I shall rest in peace!" i \ et Iiiiii pcnni- 'p ! l^K S ■)nas lo A\n us. where- Thai her! - tlicrc? • 11-'^'! vcr his Its th(! wished, he late Voiir ic (hs- it upon ends in nf;s. 1 LOSS AM) i|- ukason. 391 These were the last words of the " i'iratc of the Lakes." ClIAl'lTCK XXIX. r.OSS AMI Kl COVKKV (>!• KI'ASON. AT the coiniiienccMiient of the third smnnier after the death of the I 'irate and Clinton, the valh^y at the Pastor's lodge presented a beautiful and thriving aspect. The lodge itself — with its white walls, now decorated with the curling rings and the broad leaves of tin; wild vine; - its windows, filled with elegant plants in full llower- its circling garden, now onct; again so trimly kept by feminine care- was still the central object upon which a stranger's eye would rest. 1 lere dwelt still the aged Pastor, Arthur Lee, and his wife *' the Canadian (iirl," who, alter all tlu; sorrows, niivr all the varieties of fortune, she had experi- enc(Ml, at length tasted lu^re of a settk.'d ])cace near akin to happiness. The severe frosts in Maj' had been followed immediately by the splentlours of summer. The whole country suddenly becauK? verdant. Trees were all at oncepeopl ed with birds '* warbling their native wood-notes wild ;" streams broke from tlK'ir icy prison, and danced merrily along over pebbles and weeds. The orchard was arra3-ed in gay blossoms, its early fruits were fast ripening, and the wheat fields, now so extensive, dallied witli the sweet June xephyrs. On the banks of the stream which, below the lodge, fIo\v^'d through the midiUe of the valley, appeared a livel\-, bustling village, which boasted of its markets twice a week, Its stores and dairies, its tailor's shop, its milliner's shop, tavern, and, similar conveniences for a rising population. There was even talk of a news-room. A little farther on was a substantial saw-mill ; near it a large fiour mill ; the one with which we have been formerly acquainted still doing duty for the Pastor's household beside the lodge. The whole of the vale was the property of Mr. Lee, who, by his skill and liberality, promised to become a blessing to hundreds of his fellow beings. < I I \ ' H 1 n 592 Tur. r.\\.\r»i\\ r.Ti:!,. Two building's wc must especially notice — a rustic cliurcli, uj)()ii tlic: most simple :uul j)lcasiii^' ICii^lish model, and .'I small rectory-liousc; adjoining. The latter was no more than a pretty cottage of three rooms, fmisluHl with a nicety, and furnished with a taste- ful simplicity, rarely to be found in a newly sc.'ttled country. This was at present the residence of Lady ] b.'Ster, to whom the i*astor had rcsij:;ned it, prefi.rrin}; to spend his few remaining days in the; lodjjfo. I'vver since the death of Clinton L:id)' Hester's iutcUer t liad been clouded with the nifjht of insanity, and Jane desired to have her in t.ie valley that she might pay her tho'^.c necessary attentions her case rcv^uired. Letitia was left in America with her unfortunate sister by the ICarl, who returned to his parliamentary eng.ige- mcnts in ICngland, in which only he felt able to drown the painful rellections wherewith he was visitecL Letitia was now nineteen, just the age of Lucy when she died, and to Jane's partial fancy, not altogether unlike licr in person and character. It was a favourite employ- ment of her leisure to trace out imaginary resemblances between them and by this means lier heart grew attached to Letitia as it had to no female friend since Lucy's decease. Letitia was mistress of the rectory cottage during tlu> three years of Lady Hester's mental disorder; and here Jane often sat with her sewing, or performing some other domestic employment of a feminine character, coi versini( on bygone trials, while her prattling infant girl rolled on the carpet with its fatherless playfellow, a son to whom Lady Hester had given birth during her derangement. On these occasions Lady Hester would sit at her piano, from which she never stirred willingly, playing over all the melancholy airs her memory could furnish, and especially those to which. Clinton had written words. Hitherto she had been unconscious that she was a mother, the infantile loveliness of her child — Clinton's child — moved lier not. Often she looked vacantl}^ upon those sunny features, whioh already, in their pale and delicate contour, resembled those of him slie had lost, but they recalled no idea in her bewildered mind. The Pastor had baptised the infant by the name of Clinton, in addition to those names derived from the title he inherited; but neither did the repetition of th.s once dear T.n^^ AM) ur,rnvT;nv or rfason. 303 and faniilinr sound awaken in its niotli(u* the torpid Inl- iii<;s of nature. I'roni these rircnmstanccs her rase was judf^ed to be hojxli'ss. ICncmv one dc^jiaired of" her restoration. She was perf(>rtl)' harmless, however, and Dr. JJatluust, wlio had tlie ehar^'e of lier professionahN', placed her nnder no restraint whatever. She played on her instrninent from niorninfj to ni<;ht, month by month, season by season, exreptinLj only when affectionately renionslrat(!(l with by the doctor, and this was bnt on rare occasions; then slie strolled ont in passive submission to his will, always, it was observed, takin*,' the path to the burial enclosure;, and sittinj,^ down on her husband's tomb. Yd there she seemed unconscious of who it was that slept Ix'low. She wonld talk of "her belovc.'d husband! — h(;r own Clinton!" as if he were alive; and, in tl'ie midst ol th(!se pathetic exclamations, while her listeners were dissolved in tears turn to some frivolous matter, or be-j^Mn to sinj,^ some fraf^mcnts of his verses. "(), what a noble iniiul was liore o'tMflirown! Thf .i,dass ol" fasI)ion and the nioulil of form ! The observed of all obsi-rviTs ! (|uite, (|uite down; That noble and most so\i'rei,L;n reason, Like sweet bells j.ins^ded, out of tune and harsh ; J'hat unmatclu'd form .ind feature of blond youth, lilastcd with ecstasy." It was observed that she was ever loth to leave the sad spot. Some secret spell of feeling it was evident operated hke a niaj:,niet amid the wreck of memory and thought, and as Letitia and Jane commented togetlier u})on it, an occasional gleam of hope would break in upon their view, distinct, though distant. Doctor Ijathurst was fidly acquainted with his fair patient's history, and took a deep and zealous interest in the progress of her disorder. He never expressed either hope or despair of lier recovery, for he was afraid of exciting expectations perhaps not to be realised on the one hand, and of causing unnecessary pain on the other. *' Here Nature may be Lady Hester's physician," said he, " and a skilful one, and a generally successful one, we all know her to be. Here, in other words, our imfor- tunate friend has air salubrious as any in the world, fresh, ]nne, and mild ; here, she has perfect tranqiiillity, and m m 394 Tin: CANADIAN CIIU-. society such as is calculated to stimulate her feilinf,'s and ideas gently, without exciting' them; liere, therefore, she must ere hjng recover, or he indeed past hope." It was no slif^ht consolation to Letitia to have th(i assurance of a skilful medical man liUe J)r. IJathurst to this (.'Ifcjct. In her next letter to the ICarl she repeated th(! I)()ctor's words, and warmly thaidad him for haviu"^' yiekUnl to tlic wishes of herself and Mrs. Lee in leavin;^' h(;r sister in tlu; valley. The ICarl replied in a strain ei despondency that he now rejoiced that he had done so, as well for his own sake as his dau<,diter's. The polIli( al })arty to which he had all his lif(! attached himself had lately heen restored to jiower, and he had certainly expected some important oflict! in the cabinet ; but havinj^' b(!en disapj)ointed, he had conceived a disgust for pubHc life, anil was determined to retire from it altogether. I Iv. had .almost made up his mind to come to the valle}- him- self, invest his fortune in buihhng anil in cultivating land, hke Mr. Lee, and adopt a country life. Letitia smiled at the idea of her stately and aristocratic, j^arent turning farmer, but dutifully wrote to say that he would be indeed welcome here. lie came, and man)' plans occurred to him for getting up an estate in this neighbourhood commensurate with liis riches. Ihit an Abraham and a J^ot cannot dwell together. Mr. Lee was too substantial a settler for him to dwell beside. The flourishing estate would draw attention from the newly sj)ringing one. No, this would not do. Kougemont was then thought of. The Pirate's will had provided for that event which had really happened, namely, the birth of an heir to th.e mar- quisate after Clinton's death. In case of such an event the whole property was to be Jane's until the boy reached the age of twenty-one, when, with the title, it was to revert to him, on tlie consideration that he paid Mrs. Lee and his mother certain life annuities. The Earl, as a guardian of the boy, at length made up his mind to reside in the mansion of Kougemont, and thither intended to convey his daughters, w^hen Lady Hester began to decline in health so rapidly, that Dr. Bathurst interdicted the removal, and announced his fears of her speedy dissolu- tion. In the month of August she had reached the very P LOSS AND KKCoXKkV ()l kl ASoX. y)S borders of the toinl), ami every day was expected to be her last. She (lid not 1<( cp her bed, but still sat, supported b)- her sister and Jane alternately, at her instrnnienl, from which she coukl not bear io be removed. Dr. llathurst tlirectid that no contradiction of any kind or description should b(» (tlfered to her wishes, and his orders were strictly followed. One morning she seemed more silent than usual, as il sunk in meditation. She did not ask to be carried to her j)iano, but la)' on her bed, dress(,'d, without a word or a motion. ' What arc you thinkiiif,^ of, my dearest Hester ?" asked L(!titia, who sat by her, holding her hand. " Of dreams," was the melancholy response. " What dreams, dearest sister?" " Wretched ones. 1 will tell you all about them by<' and bye — don't disturb me now." Accordinjj;ly uo one spoke to her for some time, but Lf.'titia whisp(Te(l to Jant;, with a nutterin<; heait, "Did you ever hear her speak so rationally before — I mean since her mental disorder began ?" " Sh(! only said a few words, ni)' dear," replied Jane, cautiously. *'15ut were not those few very rationally uttered, both in manner and matter?" ejaculated Letitia, her colour coming and going as her heart lluttered with hope. " I was a littl(! struck with her st}le of speaking, 1 must confess," acknowledged Jane. Letitia burst into tears. "Who weeps?" exclaimed Lady Hester, turning her head sharply towards that part of the room where her sister and Mrs. Lee were whispering. " Letty, is that you ?" " O, Hester, Hester!" screamed Letitia in a transpf)rt, rushing to the bed with her arms uplifted, "do you know me once again ?" "Know you, my sister!" echoed Lady Hester in amazement, raising herself on her elbow, and putting her hand to her forehead, bewildered — " 1 hardly do, you are so altered. And I — where am I ? What room is this ?" "You are in the valley where Pastor Wilson lives, dearest ! This is his rectory house. You have been here three years, and I have resided with you .all that time. Mrs. Lee has helped to nurse you." iV: I, , '•■il v/^ Tin: f.\N.\i>i\\ ciur. II back Amazinpj!" faintly fjanil.'itfMl Lruly Hester, siiikin f» on tlu! bed, while her e)'es turned Upwards iinlii almost lost in their sockf.'ts Jane ( anie, and kissed her tenderly, hut felt imable to speak. The i-arl also approached, and trenndously sp(jke licr name. *' My father tool" nnirmnred Lady Hester, takin},' his hand with a tchle movement to her pale lips. '\\\v. JCnrl was overconu; by this act of reconeiliation, Ik; l)ent over her, and kissed her, his tears drojipin;; on lur (heck. Jane had sent off for Doctor llathnrst in haste, and now watched every moment's fbj^lit with extreme imi)atieiKc nntil he shonid arrive, lie was fortunately in the valley, and came with a sj^eed rather suited to a nimble youth than to the sixth staj^'e of lile. " Sir," faltered the ICarl, ^raspin<; his hand convulsively as soon as he appear(!d within tlu^ chamber, " 'tis to you I ow(! this blessed change in my daufj;ht(!r ! 1 admire the mode of treatment you have adopted and these art; its results. Command my purse, my ^'ratitude for ever, sir! Once I was un^natehd to a man who savid a chikl of mine from death, 1 will not be so a second time." 1 II Stay, my lord, be not too hasty in your rejoic 'r>» sau the doctor, gravtjly, " a return of reason sometimes jire- cedes — *' I will not hear you," intcrruptt^d the ICarl, with a shudder. " She musl recover !" " 1 trust she may, my lord," resj^onded the doctor. " Ihit has she mentioned her son yet ?" " .She seems perfectly ignorant of its existence." " Then keep him out of sight," said tlu; doctor, earnestly. " I can perceive at a glance that slu; has had as much excitement as she can well bear at one; time. This is a critical period, sir. Lady Hester's disorder approaches a close." The child had contrived to follow the doctor into the chamber, and at this instant it wound its arms about his legs, and, looking smilingly up in his face, articulated, \vith tolerable distinctness, as if sensible of the doctor's authority — " Clinton see mammy ?" Lady Hester sprung up directly, those imperfect sountls Jiad touched a secret chord in her heart. m:a« r„ ii.\i'I'Im:s>, and roNir.NTMr.NT. yj7 ** W'li.il diikl is that ?" sIk! ' \\ hat is your name, my sweet c hild ?" slu: tremulously as ked. athurst's advice. And with regard to myself, if any part of my estate is to be made more ornamental, convenient, or productive, or if any social regulation is to be made, I too must consult the doctor. l'r.A( i;, IIAI'PINKSS, A\h < (jNTDNTMliN I. .V>9 I I T conf«'ss I umld uni jjnKct'il witlioiil iiiiti. Il.ilf <»f the success Nvlii( li li.is < r<)wnc«l my c'\rrli'»u is nwiii^,' io tin? (Inctot's t.islr .111(1 t.il« Ills. Il(> is a mail itulisiirnsaliU: lure. All the •.r. Hallmisl." " iWil what lias hei oiiu' ot your allaclied Irish ^iil, Mrs. Lee?" asked Lady lls the blessings of those who were ready to perish follow her. Yet her right hand hardly knows what her left hand do(!s. Her eye is single — ^her heart is pure from motives of vanity or vain-glory — she seeks no reward but the secret whisjier- ings of an approving conscience — she is never heard to complain of the ingratitude of those she benefits, for she asks no gratitude ; what she does, she does from a sense of duty, and as the steward only of her earthly riches. A rather overdressed, portly lady, between the middle and closing ages of life, will be easily known as Airs. Markham. She is still the favourite friend of Lady Hester, and an ever welcome guest both at Rougemont and in the Pastor's valley. Her heart is as warm as ever — her disposition as kindly — her manners as free from fashionable formality. The children of Mrs. Lee (for she is now the mother of a large family) enjoy a visit of hers to the Pastor's lodge as a high holiday — even the servants are glad when they see her good-humoured face. Both there and here she is quite at home. She inquires into every arrangement with a pleasing sort of authority, and will even venture to dispute a point with the autocrat of all tTie servants, the housekeeper, who yields to her, and to her alone, with a good grace. "Whose carriage IS that ?" she inquired of a footman. ** Mr. Lee's, madam, from the Ottawa country," replied the man. "Ah! I must go to meet them." In the entrance hall she encountered the bluff and manly figure of Mr. Lee, now in middle age. "Welcome! welcome hither!" she warmly exclaimed. " But who is this leaninsf on vour arm ? Gracious venerable iij;i com :pectt yoi grandfather so far from his home ? Pastor Wilson, you 4o6 Tin: CANADIAN C.IRL are surely growii.^ backwards, or you never could have rcaclu'd liere in your nincty-ciglitli year!" " This is my hist journey, Mrs. Markhatn," said the aj^cd clcrp^ynian, takinj; his ri^ht hand from his grandson's arm to meet liers, wliih-' his left leaned upon a crutch. " And high time," returned the good lady laughing. "Oh, here comes my good friend ISIrs. Lee." "How- many of your family have you brought with you, pray ?" " My two sons, and the two bridesmaids, my daugh- ters," was the smiling reply. " Where are they ? I nuist have a word with them out of school, lux'lings are not to be shown in tlrawing- rooms you know." " They are with Lucy and Clinton in the plantation." " Is Lady Hester with them ?" " Yes — but see, here they come." ** Then I'll tell you what, my dear Mrs. Lee, let us shut ourselves up in a room apart from general company for half an hour. We have each uuich S(;ntiment stirring in our bosoms on this joyful occasion. We have a thousand kind of things we must wish to say to one another. We have memories of a tender nature, which for once perhaps we would mutually recall ; and feelings of joy which we desire to indulge witliout witnesses. " The breakfast room that looks upon the mausoleum," suggested Mrs. Lee. " The very place," assented Mrs. Markham. "Gather our friends together while I go and order refreshments to be carried thither for you." " Seldom can so large a circle of true friends meet on earth as this which I see here around me," said the aged Pastor, as he sat in an antique arm chair in the centre of his family, in the breakfast room, the patriarch of the scene. His eyes, glistened with tears of joy, glanced from one to another, resting with a more lingering gaze on tlie handsome pair who sat at his right hand. " My bonny Luc}'," said he, pressing his hand on her fail, ^urls, "thou hast been my chief favourite among all my granddaughter's children ! and dost thou know why ?" " Because I am like my Aunt Lucy whose name you gave me ? — so you have often said, dear grandfather." "That is the reason. Yes, thou art like her, or I fancy that thou art." " Talking of resemblances," said the young Marquis, I CONCLUSION. 407 have I low fancy *' how is it, that, excepting Mrs. Markham, none ot you tell nie I am hUe my father?" "Thou art exactly like him," said I^ady IIest( r, looking on her son with fond pride mixed with melancholy. •' When I see you I could fancy he stood before me." ** And I," said Mrs. Markham. " I think my brother Clintc)n was hardly so handsome as my ntiplunv Cdinton," said Mrs. L(,'t?. *'l»ut your brother was more; fascinating perhaps," suggested Lad)' Letitia. Lucy thought that could not be, but she did not speak her th(jught. *' I must difft-'r from both of j'ou," said T^ady Hester to lujr sister. " In my i'i-ni \ .'inciple, instead of being governed hy principle." And have you anjthing to teach nic from tin history of the aunt wlujse name 1 bear?" asked Lucy. •* That is what I would teach you, my dear," said the Pastor, " be devcHed and sincere^ in your affections and attentions to your husband. Depend on it, it is only by being so that you can render yoitrsc/f, as well as liim, happy. Were wedded persons more bent to fullil their marriage vows there would be more peace and joy in that glorious union than there is. If one party swerve from their duty the other too ofti-n makes that a plea for abandoning theirs. l>ut do thou, my Lucy, keep thy pro- mises to him made before (lod always in thy view, and thou canst not err. Thy husband, i lirmly believe, is worthy of thee; but whatever conduct he pursues, be thou sincere, for that will prove a balm to thy conscience, and a passport to the world to come. To your sisters 1 say let your aunt Lucy's example warn them to be exceeding- ly careful when they jierceive their affections becoming entangled, that the object is worthy of their choice." '4 You remember the ])riest who longed for the days of the incpiisition ?" said Mr. Lee to his wife. " In the prison of Ouebec ? ■ — he who attended my father?" '* The same. He died from tlic effects of an accident as he was travelling near our valley. The Pastor and I were fortunately able to be of service to him during his painftd illness, and he left the world in great charity with us and all Protestants." " When was this ?" "At the time when I was making my last timber sales." ** Deeds that bespeak a spirit of good w ill are never thrown away," observed the Pastor. "They appeal irres- istibly to the hearts even of those who hate us. Talkmg 4IO TflK CANADIAN CIKL. of Catholic ac(iuaiiitaiicrs, there was Maehimc Barry died ten years ago with the best leeling toward lis." " Yes, slie sent for ine to her convent," said Jane, •' that I nii;,'ht he with hi;r in her last ni(jnients. She professed to have a mother's love for tne, and so I believed slu? had. b'or this, and because; she was my first instructor, I truly honour her memory. It was iier desire that my third daughter, then an infant, should be calle«l by her nanw.'. Of course 1 complied. To this name-sake she made a singular befpiest namely, h(;r crosses, relicpies, and Komish missals, toge.'ther with a sum of money. Slu; also left a lette^r, in which she hopes that this child when of age would adopt tlu^ Catlutlic faith, and enter the convent in which she died. Dut of this I have at present littU; appre- hensions." ** It was chielly through her intercession that theestat(^s of Rougcmont are now in the possession of its lineal heir, instead of being confiscated to the state," remarked Lad\ Letitia, '* therefon^ there exist more than personal reasons why we should r(;spect her memory." "And it was she who was mainly instrumental in ob- taining till! Governor's leave for tlu? interment of the Marepiis' body on his own estate," said Lady llestei, "when by law it was doomed to lie witli common felons. " " Pray don't slight the living to inagnif}' the dead, good people," gaily interposed Mrs. Markham. " I believi- Madam ]>arry would not have accomplished what you speak of without my aid. I must not have my good (hieds forgot. 1 like to hear of them as you all know." This provoked a laugh from the junior members of the party, whose merriment it wanted little to excite. They were too happy to be grave long. Their hearts were brimful of delight, and the turning of a straw was sufficient to call a thousand " wreathing smiles," upon their faces. "What have I saici, pray, to set you all giggling!" cried Mrs. Markham, in assumed displeasure. There was nothing in these words to account for the jocund peal of laughter that succeeded, but then her manner v/as very comical, at least so people like these, who wanted to give a vent to their overflowing spirits, might be pleased to think. There was nothing for it but to laugh too, which she did as heartily as the youngest present. They all laughed, even to the hoar}' Pastor. After that there occured a jocund conversation, not impur- rON(^LUSI()N. •til taut rnf)n/>l\ ; tlivcrs louii^'in^ di.iirs, and couches, ol patterns (juite out of date, and all disposed witii inimitable art. After connnencing the tiances on tiic lawn, the nobli! bride^^'room and his bride h ft tlu! festive scene for a retired walk conductniK' to the briid\ of a lovely inlaiul lake. A j;r('(;n baid\, that mi;,'hl have formttl a ( oin h wuilhy of '• Titania's' choice, allordeil them a S(;al. lb ic tlu.'ir eyes, even more than lluir lips, iliscoinscd elo iv, riii;lil('d iMi llicii Inid.il d.iy. Now 'lis pIlMMIIf's Ill.llMC JIOIII, l*'v«MV l)»f.i>in owns lift pow(>f<>i(* {\\c iiMpntciuliiij; I.i\ w.i:; coin Iiidril Hu* y«Miii;; M.U(|uis pel t ("ivcii SKiuc liiciuls .ippin.u jmi;; liic)' pioNcil to Im' his iMutluM, his piitic'!; pariMits, aiul llic i'.isloi. I lusc .liso siMliHJ lIiiMHsrlvc '^; »>m the vcni.inl h.mk, cMjoy- iii;; ihi' lielicious i ooliu'ss aiul li.inipiiUily of [\\c hour, .ind lonvorsing in Misslul lomoiil. '\\\c ;uiy f;l;ul!i(>ss nl the tiislii' miiistid's rxpn-ssion pliMscil tluMii, ;is wi'll as iIk; };ooil wisiu's biciliu'il in iicr sonj; lt»r the newly wedded p.iii. The brid(>{;io(tm, wiio, il he did not iidieiil all his l.ilhei's j;(Miiiis, yet i'ertaiMl\ inhetilt>il his laste loi poiliA', ipuiteil iioxu C'oUins' "Ode on the rassions," with iMithusiasin - •' Ihi'v wnuld li,i\t' llu)ii.i;lit \vlu» '.le.inl the str.iiii, riiey s.iw ill lempo's vale 'ler n.ilivf maids Amidst tli(> It'st.il sdimdim' sli.ides, I o some imwiMiied mmslrei < lai.ei i'.i;", While .IS liis living linijiMs kisst>d 'lie striii.i;s, I.OM' liamed with mirth a ,i;ay iaiit.istie round." The spiiiis o( eaeii wcic rallicr lU-ep and full than lievatiHl. Lady Hester's eyes IreiiiUMitl)' rested on her son with a nu'l.meholy r.ipture, ami as Irecpiently turned away liiled with tears. Her memory was busy with its stores i^r sorn^w, and iancy borrowed Irom tiuMU to imaj^c; torth its ideal nietun^s. Shi> had but ri'cently been able t«> brin^ dislmetiy before her mental eye her long lost husb.ind; and now his faee, and figure, his graceful niiiMi, his smile, nay, the very cadence of his vcice, were pal- pably rcvili/ed Her son perceived the tears trickling down her cheeks, and claspi>d her hand ill tender anxiety. ti (< It IS nothing, my son. You would not w\op for noihijig, beloved motlier, returned he, still more anxiously. coNci.nsioN. •I'5 ** I wa:; thiiiKiii;', nl yoiii l.itlici ," s.iiil l.,i(ly I Ic .d i , in .i low, ticiniiloiis vt>ii <'. llcistMi w.issiltiil. \\{' loved lirr i»lmn:;l to ailoialinn, and iKidiiii;; (ended niote to ituicase that love than lid devotion to iiis I.iIImi's nie!noi\'. Ilei i'onsliiiil Kiiel lor one who had been so Ion/; l.iid in the j;ravi: expressed, iis h( lli c^i^.cr.^.C^ >-»tij5xH.r . i Jane in ,cr. istor, look- ne ! Lord face. c mansion, unbroken /■ tlie awful ^reparation jctlici '.vith traordniary riment, but ccling, pcr- nstances of k was soon only in the afterwards, lieving that umrnon the c summons idian Girl," sacefi ' ind iplied to an [ioly Writ, [er children .Iso, and lie iver, marks ars of those D.