/*«,. JC.X.J. SAINT LEGER, THE THREADS OF LIFE. aiCHARD B. KIMBALL. 1 Quicquid agunt homines, votum, timor, ira, voluptas, Gaudia, diseursus, nosrri farrago libellj." TMIKD F.TTTIOJT. N E W Y O R K : GEORGE P. PUTNAM, 155 BROADWAY. 1850. .CO % ■ Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, By G. P. PUTNAM, the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Southern District of New York. STEREOTYPED BY C. C. SAVAGE, 13 Chambers Street, N. Y. At the age of twenty-three years I find myself upon the threshold of two worlds. The Past summons the thousand incidents which have operated to determine me as a responsible being, and presents them before me, with fearful vividness. The Present seems like nothing beneath my feet. And the Future, no longer a shadowy dream, throics open its endless vista, and whispers that I must soon enter upon all its untried, unknown realities. Here I am permitted to pause a moment, ere I commence upon that new existence which ends only with the Infinite. I have finished my life upon earth. The ties which connect me with the world have parted. I have to do now only with eternity. Yet something which I may not resist, impels me to retrospection. I look back over my short pilgrimage, and feel a yearning which lean not restrain, to put down a narrative of my brief existence, and to mark the several changes tvhich have come over my spirit, in the hope that the young, with whom I chiefly sympathize, may profit by the recital. But ivhat will this avail to youthful spirits, flushed with the glow of health, secure in their fancied strength, determined on enjoyment 1 To them the world is everything. Alas, they know not that the world will reward them with infamy, if they trust alone to it! Yet it is to such I make my appeal. I would arrest them, before they cease to have sympathy with every saving influence, because of their habitual opposition to it. But I will not anticipate the moral of my life. Let this be gath- ered from the record of it. BOOK I. — Oviiv CfiKtSov, aXX' onus tf KVKeoiva navTa avvtiXiovTtit, xai tori raitird rtpxpis drcpipin, yvtiois ayvwairi, piya jitKp6v, ai/oj kutu ircpi^opciovTa, Ka\ ajiuRdptva iv rfj rov aiiZvos xaitiitj. Lucian, Vitarum Audio, 303. — Where nothing was fixed, but, as in a mixture, all things were con- founded ; where pleasure and pain, knowledge and ignorance, great and small, were the same ; where all things up and down were circling round in a choral dance, and ever changing places as in the sport of eternity. laint 3Ceger. The Saint Leger family have resided in Warwickshire for a long period. My father, who was fond of tracing genealo- gies, affirmed that the estate upon which we lived was be- stowed upon Bertold Saint Leger by Richard the lion-hearted, for the conspicuous services which he had rendered that mon- arch in his war with the Saracen. How such an uninter- rupted possession had been maintained for so long a time, and through every successive revolution, my father did not explain. The task might have proved difficult. At any rate, if was well to rest satisfied with an account which appeared every way authentic. Be this as it may, our family was cer- tainly an ancient one. My grandfather, Hugh Saint Leger, by his marriage with a lady of large fortune, became possessed of the valuable estate which joined Bertold Castle, and was considered one of the wealthiest gentlemen in Warwickshire. This large patrimony fell to my father, who was an only child. Bertold castle was a singular, grotesque-looking pile, half ancient, half modern, in its appearance. Up to the time of my father's marriage, it remained as it had stood for genera- tions. The castle was built upon the very brink of the Avon, and its foundations were deeper, it was eaid, than the bed of 8 --T fcEfiER. the river. The old moss, which covered its walls, extended down into the stream, so that the castle seemed to rise directly from the water. Many were the dismal stories which were told of Crungeone far under ground, of secret passages, be- nc.iili the bed of the river, communicating with the other side, h ti.1 of cruelties practised upon the unhappy prisoners con- fined in them in days of yore, and especially in the time of the famous Guy, Earl of Warwick, of whom my ancestor was a firm adherent. It was said, too, that the spirits of these unfortunate persons still haunted the neighborhood, and made the green banks of the Avon their place of meeting. The low murmur of the stream, as it swept gently under the walls of the castle, was said to be the voices of these spirits, as they breathed their lamentations over the waters which had been the oily witness of their sufferings. I speak of nursery tales and neighborhood gossip, not of course credited by the en- lightened, but which served to fill my infant mind with terror and awe. And as this sketch is intended to give the history of my mental, as well as of my external life, I dwell with the more minuteness on those things which first affected it most powerfully. On my father's marriage with a daughter of one of the no- ble families in Warwickshire, the castle was almost completely metamorphosed. His pride would not permit him to throw down a single stone of the stanch pile which had stood so long a tower of strength for his ancestors ; while the improve- ments of the age required a mansion more in accordance with its refined and peaceful spirit. It was consequently resolved to add to the pile a splendid modern structme, which was to become, par excellence, the residence of the family. The old dining-hall and the state-rooms were however allowed to re- main in all their sombre grandeur. The library was not quite dismantled ; but all of the handsomer books were re- SAINT LEGER. 9 moved into the new room, built for that purpose. Enough nevertheless remained to save it from utter neglect, although the dusty cobwebs around the walls gave evidence of the slight attention it received. The older servants saw with dismay the preparations for enlarging the establishment ; looking upon it as a virtual abandonment of the " Old Castle." This was considered a bad omen, and to augur the termination or downfall of our house. A prophecy was quoted relative to the dreaded event, now about to take place, which was said to be of great an- tiquity : " When ye Saint Leger shal marrie a virgyn fair, Shal build a new eastel both wondrous and rare, Lett him warnynge tak, for ye last of his race Shal hee meet in y* eastel, face to face." My grandfather held this prophecy in high veneration. He was wont to say, " With so plain a warning in view, the Saint Legers would stand an unbroken name for countless genera- tions." The consequence was, that nothing was done to the old castle, except what came strictly under the denom- ination of repairs. Improvements were not thought of. At length, Hugh Saint Leger was gathered to his|fithers, and the great gong of the castle struck his requiem amid the weeping and lamentation of relatives, servants, and retainers'; for he was a man of many virtues ; both generous and kind, though stern in his manner, and possessing somewhat of the haughty bearing of the preceding age. My father was educated at a more enlightened period, when improvements waxed rife ; when distinctions began to soften, and changes to be thought necessary. He affected to disre- gard the prophecy which had been always so religiously be- lieved. He maintained that the old castle was built mainly with a view to defence, in case of attack ; that it possessed great conveniences for a garrison, but comparatively few for 10 SAINT LEGER. a family residence ; and while he revered it as the home of his fathers, regarding with just pride the frowning battlements, wlrieh had resisted every assault, still he maintained that there could exist no reason why improvements should not be made, which might accord with the present state of things. The " addition" was consequently resolved upon. My father was particular always to give it that name, secretly deciding, per- haps, that by so doing he avoided the letter of the prophecy. The new mansion was built. My father married. Years rolled happily away. He was blessed with three promising children ; and everything went on joyously and well. My own recollections are of my home in the improved state I have described. From the old servants however I learned at an early age the existence of the prophecy, and the fearful construction which superstition had given it. Little was said openly ; but the deprecatory air, the sombre, melancholy look, which two or three of the old crones, who had become super- annuated in our service, constantly wore, were always a sore interruption to our childish sports. Did we meet them while full of the elastic, happy, feeling which children so much enjoy, it was jlways : " Poor children ! God preserve ye : Who knows what ye may come to! God send ye an easy death !" and the like. My brother — I had but one, and he was my senior — seem- ed but little affected by these prophecies of evil, while upon my own mind they produced a chilling and lasting effect. Like the insect that flutters nearer and nearer the flame which is to prove its destruction, I used to steal away and hold daily conferences with these old creatures ; and hour after hour was wont to be entertained with stories of the bloody wars in which old Bertold Saint Leger figured; of the exploits of the famous Guy of Warwick ; and of my brave grandfather, Hus;h Saint Leerer, the last worthv of the race, as thev were SAINT LEGER. IX pleased to style him ; always concluding however, by quoting the dreaded prophecy, and assuring me that I was doomed. These lessons, so often inculcated, began to produce their impression. Somehow I took to myself the whole force of the prediction, regarding my brother and sister as exempt from its influence. The result was, that in my very childhood I became serious and thoughtful. Life, in its spring-time, was losing every charm. The world looked no longer joyous and gay. I had begun to suffer. II. Strange season of childhood ! marked by cloud and sun- shine ; foil of light-hearted pleasures and fresh griefs ; yet how fraught with consequences when the new-created being, ushered into life, commences upon immortality ! Precious season, when every new object makes an impression, and every impression is indelible ! And what fearful issues hang upon each ! issues which reach through time, and peradven- ture into eternity. III. In order to present a proper narrative of my life, I should give some account of those who exercised most influence upon it. My father was in many respects a singular man. He possessed in a great degree the stern nature of my grandfa- ther, which was nevertheless considerably modified by a natu- ral urbanity of manner, which old Hugh Saint Leger never manifested. He had a warm, generous heart, and was devo- tedly attached to his wife and children. Although a younger brother, I never could perceive any difference in the treat- ment of his sons. He was equally affectionate toward both, 12 SAINT LEGKR. yet never familiar with either. His urbanity was manifested in social life with his friends and acquaintances ; but when any one sought his intimacy, a repulse was certain. Yet he was neither haughty nor overbearing. Pride he certainly possessed ; yet it seemed a just and honest pride, rather than the vain conceit of a weak mind. From his children he not only expected obedience, to the letler, but he never suffered his commands or wishes to be questioned. I well remember once unconsciously asking him why, I must do some act which he had commanded, and the withering sternness of his re- sponse as he re-echoed the command, without deigning any explanation. In justice I should add, that his requirements were reasonable and proper, although to a wayward child they might seem otherwise. In his religion my father was strict and devoted. He hated with a pious indignation, and early instilled in the minds of his children an abhorrence of the Romish church. Frenchmen were another aversion, and it was with difficulty that he could bring himself to treat one with civility. Possessing in the main sound views, he enter- tained violent prejudices, which it was impossible to change. He was not ambitious, except for his children. He omitted nothing which might insure to them every advantage, as well in education as in personal advancement. For them he la- bored and planned. No expense was too great, no sacrifice too large. But if my father was ready to do all this, much did he expect in return. What he thought we could accom- plish, we were compelled to accomplish, no matter though the task were difficult, nay overwhelming. No excuse was accepted. In vain we sometimes pleaded that our compan- ions were not tasked so heavily. With something like a sneer, he would reply, " If you ever wish to be anything, do not talk about what others do, but set your mark away beyond them all. and when once the mark is fixed, let there be no SAINT LEGER. 13 drawing back. Try, and the thing will be done." And try we did, until it seemed as if no labor was half so hard as ours. Yet after all, we generally fulfilled what was required, and had the satisfaction of making glad a parent's heart. I do not think I could have borne so cheerfully all that my father imposed upon me, had it not been for my mother. What a world of feeling and tenderness is in that name ! Though still living, let me pay her the tribute which I can not withhold. I should think my duty but half accomplished, did I omit to record what I owe to her. In disposition she was angelic. I think I never saw her ruffled in temper, or dis- composed. She was mild, yet dignified, and possessed a sweetness of manner which was perfectly fascinating. Above all, she was devotedly pious, and it was her first care to instil into the minds of her children a love for sacred things. Morn- ing and evening did I lisp my infantile prayers to her, and it seemed as if she sent them up for me to God. " Come, William, it is high time to be up, if you wish to go out with Roger to the Park, across the Avon, and see the new rookery. The sun is up long before you. Do not you hear the larks singing 1 It will soon be breakfast time, and Roger can not wait." — " Dear mother, I am so sleepy." — " You are ! and how long has my son been in bed 1 Eight hours, and sleepy yet. You must not become a sluggard." — " Moth- er, mother, I want to whisper to you ; I forgot my prayers last night. You were away, and I fell asleep without saying them." — " My son, you should be careful never to forget them. You should remember who keeps you alive, and makes you so happy ; and you should always put yourself under His care before yoit sleep. But God will forgive my little boy, for he was very tired last night." — " Mother, let me say my prayers now." All this comes upon me with the freshness of first ideas. And it is just what my dear mother 14 SAINT LEGER. said to me — I remember it so distinctly. Day after day she would impress some religious truth upon my mind, and so kindly, so tenderly, that it would have melted an older heart than mine. How she loved me : how she loves me still : perhaps with a difference in the feeling too. IV. To my mother I came with my troubles ; to her I repeated all my grievances, save one. I never could name to her what sat heaviest at my heart — the belief that I was doomed. Of- ten did she perceive that something afflicted me ; and most soothingly did she attempt to discover the cause ; but my tongue refused to do its office, if I desired to tell her ; and my only relief was in tears. My mother sometimes thought that my fears were of a religious nature ; and she would ac- cordingly attempt to comfort me by the merciful promises of the Scriptures. But in vain. The prophecy haunted me. And to the one of all others who might have afforded me con- solation I could not speak of it. My brother Hugh was more than five years older than my- self, and of course was rather a protector than a playfellow. He was a noble boy ; kind in his nature, quick in his feelings, forgiving and generous. We loved each other fondly. Evil betide the one who dared offer indignity to me when Hugh was present ! He took a pride in defending me, and fancied himself a man, as he fought battles and achieved victories in my behalf. He was intelligent and apt in his studies, though not of a thoughtful turn. He had a fine voice, prepossessing manners, and a rapid flow of language, to- gether with a commanding energy of character, which over- came every obstacle. My little sister was a general favorite ; and though in great SAINT LEGER. 15 danger of being spoiled in consequence, yet by the judicious government of both parents, she was preserved from such an unhappy fate. She was like her mother in disposition, and being educated at home, under her immediate direction, it was no wonder that the resemblance daily grew stronger. I will mention one more, and our family are all told. There resided with my father a maiden aunt, many years older than himself, who had always lived at the castle. She was a younger sister of Hugh Saint Leger, and had occupied one room in the old castle for many years. This was a small but neatly finished chamber, on the river side, commanding a fine view of the Avon, and the country beyond. This singular woman, at the time of my birth, was at least sixty. In appearance she. was tall and commanding. Her hair was perfectly white, and she wore it short over her head. She had gray eyes, which sparkled with the bright- ness of youth, and retained all their original quickness of vis- ion. Her habits were peculiar. She required but little ser- vice, although one of the old crones I spoke of was always in attendance upon her. "With the family her intercourse was singular enough. She rarely came to the table, and never sought the society of any one ; yet when addressed, she would mingle freely in conversation, showing remarkable accuracy in matters of history, and especially in chronology. She spent most of the lime either in her own apartment, musing and reading, or in wandering along the banks of the Avon, plucking a flower here and there, or picking up small pebbles on the shore ; talking to herself the while, with great earnestness. The usual occupations of her sex she never engaged in for a moment. - I know not if she knew the use of the needle. She rarely retired to rest until the night was far spent, and seldom rose before mid-day. As may be supposed, such a person produced upon my 16 SAINT LEGER. mind a lasting impression. When a child, she was a mystery to me ; and as I became older, she was no less an enigma. She appeared to have no sympathies; yet she seemed, judg- ing from her acts, to be attached to us all. If I deemed my- self slighted by any of the servants, I had only to tell Aunt Alice, and without investigation or question, the offender was subjected to the severest reproof. If I was ill, I found my way to Aunt Alice's apartment, and received every attention which it was in her power to bestow. Nothing asked of her was refused, and she never tired of our importunities. Yet in all this, no feeling, no sympathy, was manifested ; all was cold — without heart, without life. Yet she was roused to anger by the slightest opposition. Seldom indeed did she meet with it, but when she did, the storm and whirlwind were fit emblems of her wrath. These paroxysms lasted but for a brief space : and in the exhibition of them there was the same want of feeling, of vital passion, as in her calm mo- ments. Passionless ; possessing nothing like affection in her heart, with no apparent ties on earth ; she seemed to regard everything around her like shadows on the wall : they came, they went — but they were shadows still, while she remained the same. Often have I crept close to her, as she wandered out on some of her long walks, and listened to the conversa- tion she was holding with herself. This was sometimes in a foreign language, of which I knew nothing. "When she spoke in our own tongue, her subject was generally of things long past, of which I could understand but little. I could perceive that she often kept up an imaginary conversation with two, and sometimes three persons, with great volubility ; and I could in consequence very rarely make out a connected link of what was said. Again I would steal unnoticed into her room, and listen as she recited strange events of history, which made my young SAINT LEGER. 17 blood run cold, and my heart beat so violently that I was glad to discover myself, and ask some favor at her hands. At last I came to spend a great deal of time in her apartment ; and Aunt Alice would relate to me, in the same passionless style, long-forgotten stories of our house ; marked passages of history relating to it ; and a minute and almost tedious narrative of historical events, relative to any subject I chose to start. These were always free from the ordinary gossip with which lovers of the marvellous are apt to lard their sto- ries, and therefore produced the stronger impression. Of course Aunt Alice was familiar with the prophecy to which I have alluded ; but she only spoke of it as an historical fact, and by no persuasion or artifice could she be induced to give an opinion of its application ; neither would she listen to any from another person ; so that my morbid fears found no re- lief from her. Treated with marked respect by my father and all the family ; allowed to have her will in everything ; this remarkable woman lived among us like a spirit from another world. She came and went unquestioned; contin- ued year after year, pursuing the same round of strange em- ployments ; solitary and soulless ; having apparently no sym- pathy with her sex, no feeling with her kind. 18 SAINT LEGER. I have always been disposed to deny that our early days were intended to be our bappiest. True it is, tbat most look back to them with pleasure, mingled with feelings half of regret, half of sadness, that they are passed. Tbe reason of this is, that those days are free from the anxieties which ma- ture life is sure to bring. The man, pressed down with busi- ness, loaded with care, even though his coffers are filling with wealth, looks back upon his childhood as a green spot in his existence, while all around is drear and desolate. And if business engross him not, if he knows nothing of the drudgery of acquiring riches, but lives for his own pleas- ure and amusement, how soon these pall upon him — then he, also, sighs for the careless, thoughtless, happy feelings of early days, when time needed no destroyer, and the hydra-headed monster Ennui found no place of attack. Is it a wonder that such as I have mentioned, the slave of pleasure as well as the slave of toil, should look away across the dreary waste of years, and seek to recall the past 1 But it is too late : youth will not come back, and they have no talisman to compel it to return : " Non enim gazae, neque consularis Summovet Hetor miseros tumultus Mentis ; et curas laqueata circuni Tecta volentes." When I hear friends conversing together of " good old times," closing their conference with, "Ah, well ! those were happy days, sure enough ; the happiest part of our lives, if we had but known it :" I feel persuaded that they have made SAINT LEGER. 19 but a poor use of existence. What ! has God made us with such rich preparatives for true enjoyment, such noble powers of mind and sense, and yet designed us to retrograde through life 1 Yielding us a few hours of questionable happiness at first, to be succeeded by days of weariness or wo 1 It is not so ! Who would be contented always with such happi- ness 1 Who does not know that it is but the pleasure of an- imal existence ; an existence gay indeed as the bird's, and like the bird's thoughtless too 1 The man who wisely employs himself about things imper- ishable, must grow happier each succeeding day in time, and so on through the period beyond, which we call eternity. The goodness of God ordains this ; the wisdom of God pro- claims it. My own childhood was peculiarly thoughtful; and the thoughtful child must of necessity be unhappy. Too young to understand the great mystery of existence, everything in life seems strange and inexplicable. A heavy burden hangs at the heart of such, and I felt its full weight. My greatest relief was in active exercise ; for although not addicted to the ordinary sports which children love, I was fond of ex- posure and fatigue ; and my constitution being robust, I could indulge in these without danger. Yet I was solitary, even in my associations. In hunting I took peculiar delight. At the early age of ten, I was the owner of a small gun and shoot- ing apparatus; but I never took pleasure in scouring the country after a pack of hounds, in company with a score of noisy sportsmen, pursuing to the death a poor fox or hare. There was no excitement to me in leaping ditches, clearing hedges, or in a scamper across the plain ; but I loved to take my gun, and without even the assistance of a favorite pointer, make my way to the great forest which lay across the Avon, before the sun rose, and spend the whole day in traversing it. 20 PAINT LEGER. Not that I was eager for the reward of the sportsman. Ma- ny a time has the woodcock crossed my path unscared, and often have I lowered my piev. e, raised against the life of the timid hare. I defy you, reader, to go out hetimes into the green-wood, and catch the inhabitants just waking from their slumbers, and commence your bloody work, without some qualms of conscience against taking life so early in the day. The night, however, generally sent me home with a well-filled bag. The wild-cat was often to be found in the most extensive forests. This animal was in size considerably larger than the domestic cat, while its teeth and claws were tremendous. With these creatures I waged a war of extermination. This was not carried on without, risk, certainly. Yet I loved the hazard, and felt no hardship in the toil. But after all, when the excitement of the chase was over, tlwught was once more in the ascendant. My father (erro- neously perhaps) determined to give his children a private education, affirming that public schools and universities were alike destructive to mind, manners, and morals. So at home we were kept, and furnished with erudite teachers, who knew everything about books and nothing about men. I had in all this abundance to foster the unhappy feeling which burned within. Thought, how it troubled me — and I had so much to think about. But beyond all, the great won- der of my life was, " What life was made for V I wondered what could occupy the world. I read over the large vol- umes in the old library, and wondered why men should bat- tle it with each other for the sake of power, when power lasted but so short a time. I wondered why kings who could have done so much good had done so much evil ; and I won- dered why anybody was very unhappy, since death should so soon relieve from all earthly ills. Then I felt, there was some SAINT LEGER. 21 unknown power busy within me, which demanded a field for labor and development, but I knew not what spirit it was of. I wanted to see the world ; to busy myself in its business, and try if I could discover its fashion, for it was to me a vast mystery. I knew it was filled with human beings like unto myself, but what were they doing, and wherefore 1 The what and the why troubled me, perplexed me, almost crazed me. When I came to learn something more of the world ; and it was a strangely important crisis in the affairs of man ; the world seemed like a mad world, and its inhabitants re- solved on self-destruction. How I longed to break the shell which encased this mystery. I felt that there was a solution to all this : but how was I to discover it 1 Not that I was kept so perfectly secluded ; I had often accompanied my fa- ther to London ; I had seen much of the outside form and fashion of the world, but I did not get into it. I had so edu- cated myself, that I could not. The pageant passed ever be- fore my eyes, a pageant still. I had no friend to clear up my difficulties, for these were difficulties I never mentioned. Firm in the idea that some fearful destiny hung over me, and believing that it was connected with this general mistrust of all I saw, or read, or heard of, I kept these feelings to myself, and thus lived two* lives at the same time. Had I but told my mother, how readily might I have been relieved. Had my instructors at the first attempted to gain my confidence, and sought the reason of the premature anxiety which brooded around my young heart, even then I might have forgotten these first fearful impressions ; but it was now too late. The habit was formed, and it could not undergo an easy change. Have not many who read this page exclaimed, at one time o. another, " Would that I could rid myself of my early im pressions ! Would that I could overcome this fostered pro. pensity of my youth !" Too late ! too late ! I warn ye ; fo? 22 SAINT LEGER. impressions are never effaced from the young mind ; a rooted propensity never eradicated, beyond danger of evil. Reform may come, it is true ; reason may show the folly and the sin- fulness of yielding to fancied images of ill ; repentance may bring forgiveness after it ; and the soul be happy in the as- surance ; but There the action lies In his true nature :" and though repented of, and forgiven, there it must lie for ever ! Thus I continued, until my sixteenth year ; when an inci- dent occurred which gave a new direction to my life. VI. Off the coast of Scotland, but far out into the Atlantic, lie, as all well know, the outer range of the Hebrides, a cluster of rude islands, made up of rough rocks, wild mountains, deep and unsightly valleys, while toward the ocean their rocky cliffs assume a form of peculiar grandeur. Here the storm- king holds perpetual revel. Here the elements continue, without intermission, their incessant strife. The deceitful eddy, the fearful whirlpool, the perilous strait, are here. Here too are dark caverns, across whose entrance the waves beat continually ; while the tops of the threatening cliffs are lost in gloomy clouds, and against their bases, roll with its restless heaving, the everlasting sea. These islands, although so near to England and Scot- land, have retained all the simple and homely manners of a ruder as:e. It is probable that the dangers of the seas, and the horrors of the tempests which prevail there, were sufficient to deter any from venturing thither, unless urged by a peculiar necessity. Barren rocks and a bleak cli- mate presented no great inducements to the rapacity of the bucanier, or the ambition of the conqueror. Yet the people were by no means left undisturbed in their unenviable pos- .-ACT LEGER. 23 sessions. Each island was originally governed by its own chief! But it is related that Harold Harfiger, the light-hair- ed, in A. D. 870, pursued thither several petty princes, whom he had driven out of Norway, and who had taken refuge in the . Hebrides, whence they made descents upon his territories. His attack was successful. These pirate-chiefs were put to death, and all their followers either slaughtered or dispersed. On regaining their ancient seats, Ketil, the flat-nosed, was sent by Harold with a large fleet to subdue them. This he easily effected, and then openly declared himself independent, assuming the title of Prince of the Hebrides. The islanders: continued, under Ketil, to be little else than rapacious pirates. After his death, the kingdom of Man was formed out of them. The islands then became tributary to Norway, and were governed by princes sent from that country. They af- terward shook off the yoke ; or according to some, were ceded by the king of Norway to the king of Scotland, about the year 1263. Still the government was in the main an independent sovereignty ; for the warlike chiefs who ruled there, although nominally under the Scottish crown, were too far removed from the power that might compel obedience, .to regard it with much awe. These chiefs were descended from Somerled, of Argyle, the ancestor of the great clan vf the Macdonalds ; and so in- dependently did they exercise their authority, that they took upon themselves the regal title, and assumed the name, of " The Lords of the Isles." These chieftains continued without intermission, and with various success, to make furious inroads upon the main land ; where, after devastating to a considerable extent, they would be driven back to their island-homes : there they would, for want of other occupation, make war upon each other. This troublesome state of things continued into the present cen- tury. For after the commotions in England and Scotland 24 SAINT LEGER. were allayed, the heads of the island-clans (to whom had been allowed an importance which they did not deserve, and which only served to foment insurrection) broke out in rebellion. This was speedily put down. The act of 1748 for abolish- ing heritable jurisdictions was passed, which destroyed for ever the power of these petty tyrants. The inhabitants of the Hebrides were, at the time I speak of them, in the main fishermen, hardy and robust, from constant exposure to the vicissitudes of ocean-life. Sheep and black cattle were raised in some of the islands in considerable quantities. The soil was owned by one or more lairds, to whom the occupant paid a small rent from its productions. But little attention was paid to its cultivation, the stirring life of the fisherman being much preferred to the quiet and less exciting occupation of agriculture. No country or region, of all that I had heard or read, made such an impres- sion upon my imagination as the stormy Hebrides. Not from anything peculiar in the history of the inhabitants ; not from any childish fancy or association by which they were impress- ed upon my mind ; it was simply their natural position ; so near to all that was beautiful in scenery, yet so wild and rug- ged ; so near to the great commercial marts of Christendom, yet so repulsive in their aspect that no adventurous trader from other lands ever ventured there. I never could think of these islands as inhabited, but de- lighted to regard them in gloomy grandeur, companions of the tempest and the storm ; a spot where Nature might tri- umph over the arts, and schemes, and contrivances of man. I ought, however, to mention that Aunt Alice was the first who led me to think of them. Whenever she indulged in historical details, of which I was very fond, she generally made mention of the Hebrides. There was evidently some secret connected therewith which she did not wish to discover, and I never presumed to inquire about it. SAINT LEGER. 25 My mother was nearly related to the noble family of the Venachoir, in Argyleshire. Some of my cousins of that fam ily had passed a considerable portion of the sporting season at Bert old Castle, and we were all invited to visit Glencoe the following summer. As the year came round, the invita- tion was renewed. My brother had no relish for the visit, as he began to take an active part in the affairs of the day. In short, he was becoming a thorough man-of-fact ; such a one as society, with its irresistible and enslaving influence, makes and moulds. He was full, to be sure, of ambitious hopes and brilliant expectations, in which certainly there was little room for disappointment ; but these hopes and expectations were such as belong to the man who trusts all to this world, and who seeks and receives his recompense from it. Let me not do injustice to my brother. He was to me the same kind broth- er still. He was whole-souled and generous ; but he had committed himself to a certain course. The chains of con- ventional form and habit were fast fettering his spirit, and the natural man was becoming the artificial slave. A ramble in the Highlands, though attractive enough to a youth who knew nothing about law, politics, and public speeches, and cared less, was the last thing my brother would think of undertaking. It would break off his plans for pres- ent action, and interfere with his schemes. In brief, he did not wish to be brought back to the natural and the romantic, having put on the armor of earthly strife, and engaged in that restless action which belongs peculiarly to it. He had not, be it understood, become hackneyed in the contests of the arena ; all was new, exciting, and alluring. His brow was unclouded ; his heart beat hopefully, and his mind was as yet free from the selfish considerations which after-life presents. To me the invitation opened a world of enjoyment. I was an admirer of natural scenery. I yearned for some 26 SAINT LEGER. change that should serve to give a new direction to my thoughts. I longed to mix with the world, not as an actor in its scenes, but as a student of its mysteries ; to divine its va- rious forms and phantasies, if indeed I might discover their meaning. I would fain oppose myself to its ever-shifting, endless changes, and ask- how and why they occurred. The time had arrived when the Man began to develop, and some sphere, place, opportunity, was absolutely necessary for natural growth. The direction had been already given, it was of the dark and sombre cast ; yet I had not quite for- gotten how to enjoy. I was sixteen. Our friends in Scotland were pressing in their invitation. I asked and obtained permission to pay the visit. How happy the thought of striking out into life made me ! my heart seemed fresh again. SAINT LEGER. 37 VII. It was the month of June. I had finished the little preparations necessary for my tour, which I had deter- mined to make alone ; not even accompanied by Thomas, a faithful servant, who had from my childhood been devotedly attached to me, and who was always my companion and ready assistant in every adventure where I required his aid. So alone I was permitted to go. I farther determined to take the mail-coach in preference to a more secluded though im- posing means of conveyance. My mother dismissed me with gentle cautions as to my general conduct while away, entreat- ing me to be careful of myself; not to forget my daily devo- tions, if I expected the protection of Providence, and to be sure to let her hear from me often. My father gave me letters of introduction to various fami- lies of distinction in the different towns through which I was to pass, and a well-filled purse, with directions how I might re- plenish it if necessary. Aunt Alice had not spoken to me on the subject of my excursion; but on the morning of my de- parture she put in my hands a small parcel, and immediately turned away. I had not then time to examine it ; so I placed it carefully in my portmanteau, intending to open it when more at leisure. The " Fly Dragon" royal mail-coach passed through War- wick about ten o'clock. Proceeding thither in our own car- riage, I had not waited many minutes before it made its ap- pearance. I chose an outside, and secured the seat of honor next to the " whip." Several passengers got on at Warwick. 28 SAINT LEG EH.. There was the usual show of idle, Jo-nothing fellows around the door, increased by a number of lazy grooms and lacqueys, to whom the arrival and departure of the royal mail were the principal events in their existence. The horses were pran- cing, impatient of delay. By each, stood a groom ready to lift the blanket that covered the animal, when the signal should be given. "All right?" asked the coachman; "All right!" responded the guard; "All right!" echoed the groom ; and away flew the horses, leaving the four at- tendants with arms outstretched, each having retained his blanket. What glorious excitement filled my bosom, as we coursed along ! The balmy breath of the morning ; the sweet fra- grance of the hedge and of the field ; the bracing air, added to the newness of my situation, made me feel like a new crea- ture. My identity was almost gone ; hope, and the various emotions that hope gives birth to, swelled my bosom ; I felt a thousand new ideas springing up within me. Just then I could have shouldered the universe, so strong did I feel, or " put a girdle round about the earth in forty minutes," I felt so fleet. What can equal the energy of untried youth ! Among the passengers that took the stage-coach at War- wick was a young man, apparently about one- and- twenty years of age, who in several ways attracted my notice. He was rather tall and slender, of an Italian cast of features, with long dark hair, piercing black eyes, and beard trimmed after the peculiar style of the Prussians. There was nothing English in his appearance. Much to my surprise, however, he spoke the language without the slightest accent, and seem- ed perfectly familiar with the ordinary customs of the coun- try, and with the localities we passed. He conversed with considerable freedom with those who sat by him, though they were evidently acquaintances of the road. His servant, a sin- ister-looking fellow, of foreign appearance, occupied a back SAINT LEGER. 20 seat, and had charge of divers sporting implements, which betokened a relish for the chase in the master. Yet the latter was not a person to be suspected of such a propensity, or of belonging to such gentle craft. In spite of myself, I felt an instinctive antipathy to the stranger ; and the more I tried to dispel it, the stronger it became. He had apparently been long abroad, and from the suspicious glances cast ever and anon around him, was evidently accustomed to scenes of clanger, perhaps violence. Still there was nothing of the frank, open bearing of the soldier in his manner, but rather the wily caution of the intriguer ; and I wondered the more that one so young should bear such marks upon his brow. At one of the stopping-places, the stranger alighted, and on regaining his seat, his body came almost in contact with mine ; and as he bent over to pass me, my eyes glanced in- voluntarily into his bosom, where I beheld a stout leathern belt, in which were thrust a dagger and a brace of pistols, so disposed as ordinarily to be concealed from view by the vest and the light mantle worn over it. At that moment the stranger's gaze met mine ; as if aware of the discovery I had made, he gave a scornful smile and took his place. Half ashamed at seeing what I certainly could not help observing, and piqued at I he assumption of the stranger, whom I had by this time put down for one no better than he should be, I settled into a moody silence, considerably unlike the buoyant feelings which signalized our starting. I did not long maintain this feeling, but entered into con- versation with Walter, the "whip," a veteran roadster, now some fifty years old, whom I had known since my childhood. He had for many years been in the service of a family who were on terms of intimacy with us, and had afterward left them for the more lucrative employment of the road. Of course I recognised him at once on mounting. 30 SAINT LEGER. " The young Master Saint Leger travels alone, I see," said Walter, in an inquiring tone ; " nothing amiss, I hope ?" " Nothing," I replied ; " I am just going to shake hands with the world', and prefer an incog, to a formal introduction." "And that 's the way to make the most of the acquaintance, if you are wise, and the shortest route to send you to the devil if you are foolish," answered Walter, confidently. Remembering that my old acquaintance was somewhat of a moralist, I felt like giving him his bent, and asked : " How is that, Walter?" " Why," replied he, " if the young Saint Leger should drive into the world with a load of introductions to all the high-born and honorable, the rich and the noble, he might be courted, and flattered, and fooled, till he would become as great a fool as any. But if he would know where he stands, and the road he travels, let him take his first start without any help, just as you are going to do, I hope, and then he will find out what he is good for, and what his friends are good for ; but, young man, if this is done merely to throw off the restraint of the governor's presence, and the proper curb of experience and good advice, why then, as I said before, you will soon be posting to the devil, and all the governors and friends in the world can't hold you up." I was struck with the homely soundness of Walter's speech, and told him that I fully agreed with him ; but that the pres- ent excursion was to be a short one, and that nearly all my lime would be passed with my relatives. " So much the more need, then, of making the most of what time you have ; we shall be at Oxford present- ly, and there ' The coachman leaves you, sir,' " said Wal- ter, touching his hat, and mimicking the tone used when the ctistomary shilling is expected. " Now take my advice ; stay a day there instead of hurrying on to Loadon. Old Nancy, the housekeeper — I suppose she is alive yet — will SAINT LEGER. 81 only look a day longer for you, and that will harm nohody. You have been in Oxford a hundred times, no doubt. You have seen all the fine buildings and the grand colleges and halls ; so you need waste no time about them ; just stop at the ' Hen and Chickens' instead of going to the 'Angel,' where you will be recognised, and served accordingly. But at Modier Christy's all you have to do is to sit still and see the world. Depend upon it, 'tis the only way." Walter's advice to me was most opportune, for I wat just in the mood to receive it ; not from any wish to escape proper restraint, but I longed to break over, for a time at least, the bounds which my birth and the rules of society im- posed, that I might say to my fellow : " Man, we meet in common together. God made us both. "What say you? what are your thoughts, your impulses, your sympathies V I assented at once to Walter's proposal. Just then we slopped to change horses, and most of the passengers alighted. I was somewhat tardy in getting up, and on mounting found, greatly to my surprise, that the foreign-looking stranger had taken my seat, and was coolly looking the other way, as I thought, purposely to avoid me. In a very civil though determined tone, I suggested to him that he had my place. He pointed with a careless air over his shoulder, and remarked that there were plenty of seats above. His contemptuous manner set me completely on fire. The blood boiled in my veins, I was so angry ; and taking a step toward the stranger, I exclaimed, " You may take your choice, either to vacate my seat instantly, or be pitcued off the box." What might have been the end of the controversy I can not tell ; for Walter promptly interfered, saying : " Patience ! patience ! Master Saint Leger. The young man is foreign-bred, and does n't understand the custom of the English road. So T must tell you, sir, that seats on a 32 SAINT LEGER. stage-coach are like beds at an inn ; and as you make your bed, so you must lie in it, you know." "A plague on your roads, your customs, and your imper- tinence !" said the stranger, addressing "Walter, but resuming his old seat at the same time ; " for the present I bear with all three. As for my young master there, I have no desire to quarrel with him unless he forces me to it. His fangs are not grown yet, and I dislike to have too great an advantage." " With all submission," retorted Walter, " I would advise you to seek no matter for quarrel with a Saint Leger, for though the cub may not know his own nature till he is roused, you will find enough of the tiger there before you have fin- ished. These are peaceful times, letting alone the cursed Frenchers across the water. We have done with feuds, and quarrels, and bloodshed, since the time I was a baby, I may say ; but I will uphold, till I see the difference, that a Saint Leger is a Saint Leger so long as a drop of old Bertold's blood remains, which they say is having its last run, but of that I don't pretend to know." During this harangue, the stranger's countenance had set- tled into its usual contemptuous expression which seemed for a moment excited at the mention of my name, for he mutter- ed, half to himself, without appearing farther to notice the coachman : " Saint Leger ! strange enough too ; we shall see." In the meantime, I maintained a determined silence, quite ashamed at the violence of my passion, and fully resolved not to embroil myself in a disreputable controversy with an un- known adventurer. My thoughts, in the meanwhile, were none of the most pleasant. All my wise philosophy had van- ished. Where, I asked myself, were the strong yearnings to make acquaintance with humanity 1 where the desire to meet my kind on common ground ; to knew men ; to know my- self? A moment of foolish excitement had dispersed all; aud I felt that I was but a child. Alter a time, however, my Saint legkr. 33 natural equanimity began to return. I reflected that I had to school myself if I expected to pass profitably through life, and that every incident must serve to teach me something. The stage-coach rolled rapidly on. We had passed the old town of Woodstock, and the splendid palace and park of Blenheim, and were in sight of Oxford. The country in the vicinity is enchanting. The day was fine ; the season the loveliest in all the year ; and as we approached this famous seat of learning, the sun, which had enriched the landscape with its declining rays, sunk gently out of sight, leaving be- hind a canopy of gorgeous clouds, which were full of change- ful beauty, as each succeeding hue threw a new aspect over the scene. How my young heart enjoyed what was before me ! How like a very paradise it seemed ! I lost for the moment the thought of everything earthly ; of everything unpleasant, and gave myself up to this new influence. My revery was broken by Walter, who exclaimed : " I have been waiting for you to speak first, but I see Master Saint Leger is not disposed to make free with his tongue. So I will just say, that I suppose I was fairly enough to blame for not sending that jackanapes to the seat which belonged to him, when he had the impudence to take yours. But to tell you the truth, I wanted to see your mettle, my boy, and by St. George and the Dragon ! I came near rousing more than we could have carried. I do believe you would have thrown him under the wheel if I had not stood between ; and what a scandal that would have been to his majesty's royal mail ! You saw, though, I gave him a settler. But it did do me good to see your blood up ; not that I counsel brawls and swaggering and all that ; no, no ; Walter Roland is a peaceful man ; but it requires a man of spirit to be a man of peace and no coward." " I feel ashamed of such a sudden show of passion," repli- 3 34 SAINT LEGER. ed I, " and I candidly acknowledge it ; for that stranger, whom I can not help disliking, might not have been aware of the affront put upon me." "He not aware of it!" exclaimed Walter, with a grin. "Hush!" said he, speaking in a lower tone, for fear of be- ing overheard, and making what was intei.led to be a very significant gesture from one side of his face ; " I have seen him before, or my circumspection goes for nothing." " Seen him before 1 why what do you mean 1 ?" inquired I. " Nothing," answered Walter, " except that you will prob- ably see him again, and that he knows as much of the rules of the road as either of us : not a word more, for he is watching us. You will part company at Oxford, and here we are already ; just over the bridge, then two squares, and we are safe at the Hen and Chickens." There was the usual blast of the guard, the usual bustle of attendants at the inn, the usual questions and the usual answers. The "Fly Dragon" threw off her passengers, and forthwith rolled away to her resting-place. I remained quietly at the Hen and Chickens, a respecta- ble inn, frequented by the regular "traveller," men of count- ing-house importance and the like, but of a stamp entirely different from the Cross, the Star, and the Angel, which were in high repute. I had at least the satisfaction of feeling that I was not known. I observed that the stranger seemed astonished when I ordered the porter to take in my luggage, but nothing was said, and I was heartily glad to be rid of his presence. At the door a pretty, rosy-cheeked chambermaid asked if the young gentleman would be shown to his room. I assented ; and after shaking off the dust with which the ride had en- cumbered me, I proceeded to the traveller' s-room and order- ed refreshments. I had ample chance to look around me. Here were seated several mercan le men, some enea^ed in SAINT LEGER. 35 conversation, others over their port, or reading their newspa- pers. Two or three mawkish-looking young fellows were talk- ing largely about the Newton races, which had just come off; and a small knot of town's people were discussing in a corner divers subjects over sundry flagons of ale. T took a seat near the window, to command a view rof the passers-by. The twilight continued far into the evening, and tempted out the most recluse ; now a student from one of the colleges would pass with cap and gown ; next came tripping by some trades- man's daughter, dressed for an evening out ; then the sturdy laborer, covered with dust and sweat, going home after his day's toil to meet his wife and children, and be refreshed; some servant girls, in their Sunday's best, were talking and laughing very loud, as they sauntered along the pavement, watched by three or four young men, who might have been students, though they had doffed the garb of the college ; car- riages rolled along the street ; the hackman was soliciting a fare ; and the beggar was whining out the customary petition ; while occasionally the rigid, unearthly sound of a passing Is- raelite would startle me with its never-ending, " Clothes ! old clothes !" The very town was agog that evening. Pres- ently a Frenchman made his appearance with two little dogs which he had taught to stand, the one upon the shoulders of the other '(each upon his hind legs), while the by-standers, by offering inviting morsels, first to one and then to the other, endeavored to disturb their equilibrium. The poor an- imals, although evidently very hungry, maintained their posi- tion, casting ever and anon longing looks toward the tempt- ing bribe, and then despairingly toward their master, who only scowled at them, shook his head, and muttered, " De (hue!" After the performance was over, requisition was made for pennies ind sixpences, according to the liberality of the donors. The old man could speak no English be- 36 . SAINT LEGER. yond the " var' good,"' "tank-ee," which he used most gen- erously, whether his suit was favored or rejected. As he ap- proached me, cap in hand, leading his little dogs, I thought I could discover traces of deep feeling under the air of mendicant entreaty which he assumed. A strong sense of pity came over me ; and as lie passed, I dropped into his cap a half-crown piece : " Dix in ill e graces — ah, mon Dieu /" exclaimed the poor fellow ; and then, as if remembering him- self, repeated with great energy, three or four times, " Var' good; tank-ee, tank-ee !" As the old man turned away, after receiving the contribu- tions, I walked up and addressed him in his own tongue. Had I cast a handful of guineas into his cap, it would not have had half the effect that was caused by a few familiar words in his native language falling upon the poor creature's ear. He stopped, clasped his hands together, lifted his eyes to heav- en, and poured out a torrent of exclamations, blessings, and thanks, as if it were by some direct interposition of Provi- dence that I had crossed his path. After this Avas over, Pierre, for that was the old man's name, informed me that he was valet to the Marquis de , a distinguished nobleman of France ; that his master, having fallen under the displeas- ure of the government, was obliged to fly his country, with his wife and only child, a beautiful girl, seventeen years of age ; that, by the assistance of humble friends, they had found their way to the seaboard, and thence on board an English vessel, bound for London, where they landed about two months previous ; that the marquis was too proud to make any application to his English friends for relief; that madame was in delicate health, and that the whole charge devolved upon Mademoiselle Emilie, who took care of her mother, sang and played for her father, and wrought at embroidery every leisure moment, from the proceeds of which a consid- erable sum was weeklv realized, Pierre, in the meanwhile, saint legkh. 37 fulfilled his usual duties as valet to the marquis, to which were added those of steward and cook. Beside this, whenever an opportunity allowed, and as Pierre confessed, without the knowledge of the family, he stole away with his two little dogs, which had been trained to innumerable grotesque feats to please his young mistress in happier days, and exhibited them in the manner T have de- scribed. The additional sum derived in this way was abso- lutely necessary to support the household, although they oc- cupied a miserable little hut in the suburbs of the town. I was deeply affected with Pierre's narrative, which was detailed with great effect, in a most forcible manner, but re- sisted his earnest entreaties to accompany him home, believ- ing that the natural pride of the marquis would overcome any other feeling he might have in seeing a stranger, no mat- ter under what circumstances. So, pressing a guinea upon poor Pierre, who went into another fit of ecstasy on the occa- sion, I bade him adieu. Here was a new train given to my thoughts, and for the ' first time in my life, sentiment came into play. As I walked slowly toward the inn, I revolved Pierre's story over and over ; every word that he told me of the unfortunate family was full in my mind. But the thought of the young girl, so dev6ted, so cheerful, so persevering in her efforts to provide for her parents, in this their hour of adversity and distress, was uppermost in my thoughts. How I regretted that I had not accepted the mutation of the valet, and thus obtaiued an interview. I will see her yet, I exclaimed ; I will show her that an Englishman can sympathize with her, and she will understand my feelings. I had wrought myself up into a fe- ver-heat of enthusiasm by the time I reached the inn. Around the door were collected another group, intent upon the mum- meries of an old gipsy, who, bent nearly double with age and pretended infirmities, was soliciting fortunes from the by- 38 SAINT LEGER. standers. The old creature was apparently well known, and consequently, although there were numbers ready to listen to her predictions, few cared to be the subject of them. As I came up, the hag cast her black eyes upon me, which were still bright and piercing, and exclaimed, " Here is a fine youth, that I warrant me never has had his hand crossed by old Elspeth. Try a sixpence, now, and see if you do n't have a fortune with it." I do not know what devil prompted me to assent to this appeal. I knew the gipsy habit well, and had a thorough contempt for the jugglery ; but the crowd gave way, and the old crone hobbled up to me ; almost with- out my knowing it, she had my hand. First, she crossed it with a "silver sixpence" — of course of my bestowing. "A strange hand !" muttered she ; " I must cross it again with a silver shilling; it must needs be, young master," she continued earnestly. I was prepared for this, and as I had commenced I determined to go on ; so the silver shilling was produced. Another cross followed, and again old Elspeth was in a quandary. " Indeed, I can say naught," she mut- tered ; " my tongue is strangely tied. God wot what it means ; but if I had a half-crown piece to get the right angle with, you would hear something worth knowing." By this time the attention of the crowd was attracted, for the fortune- teller's demand was exorbitant, even for a gipsy. Determined to end the scene, which was becoming anything but agreea- ble to me, I put a half-crown in her hand, and said, " Take what you will, only have done with this foolery." The old creature took the money, without paying any notice to my remark, crossed my palm with it carefully several times, till she seemed to have struck upon the right line, then stopped, drew herself up till her form was erect, and looking me full in the face with her keen sharp eyes, she uttered slowly : SAINT LEGER. 39 " When ye Saint Leger shal marrie a virgyn fair, Shal build a new castel both wondrous and rare, Lett him warnynge tak, for ye last of his race Shal hee meet in y l castel, face to face." Had every possible calamity of earth been at that moment announced as about to happen to me, I could not have been more completely overwhelmed. All the gloom of my life-time gathered around my heart ; nothing could exceed the blackness of darkness that succeed- ed. But pride, that pride which afterward supported me un- der so many emergencies, came to my relief. I forcibly with- drew my hand from the hag, and turned quickly away, ex- claiming as I left her, " Pshaw ! I have heard that doggrel a thousand times before ; if this is all you have got to say, it is hardly, as you promised, worth the knowing." — " If you have heard it before, heed it now ! heed it now !" quoth the crone. "Ah ! ah !" continued she, " give but one golden guinea, and old Elspeth will reveal wonderful things — fearful things — and perhaps a way to get by the doom." I had by this time reached the door-way ; without noticing this last appeal, I turned neither to 'he right nor left, but sprang to my cham- ber, locked and bolted the door, and threw myself upon the bed, in a state of frenzy and despair. VIII. In this situation I slumbered long and heavily ; yet, in my slumber, I was conscious of a great weight, which hung like an appalling calamity over me, just ready to fall. Sleep is wonderful ; but at times it comes so strangely over the sen- ses, locking up some, unlocking others, and giving to them such unusual vigor and acuteness, that we are perplexed and baffled in forming any rules for this universal but mysterious 40 SAINT LEGER. phenomenon. I can even now distinctly remember the mis- erable, unhappy slumber of that night. The appearance of the room ; the bed and curtains ; the window overlooking a garden ; the very chairs and table, stand directly before me, just as they appeared when I opened my eyes the morning after the incidents I have narrated, and saw the sun stream- ing in through the casement, which had not been closed dur- ing the night. The sight of everything made me heart-sick — home-sick. Every article in the room which looked cheer- ful and inviting the day before, now appeared sad and som- bre. I started from the bed and threw up the window. The air of heaven was no longer fresh, but sultry and oppressive. I glanced into the little garden. The shrubs and plants and flowers looked lonely, and I pitied them. I next unlocked the door of my chamber and went down to the public room. It was early ; too early for the appearance of any but the servants of the house, who stared at me as if I had made a •mistake. I went to the street-door and looked out upon the scene of the last night's occurrences. There was the spot where stood the old Frenchman and his dogs; and here, close by the door, that accursed gipsy had gone through with her mummeries. Neither the one nor the other was now there. All was quiet, save the occasional jolting of heavy market-wagons, or the monotonous call of the milkman. I could endure this no longer: "What, oh, what will be- come of me!" I exclaimed aloud. The sound of my own voice had a salutary impression. I reflected a moment ; I thought of my mother and her kind counsel. I returned to my room, took my Bible from my portmanteau (for my de- votions were neglected the previous evening), and sat down, determined to be calm. Uttering a short prayer to my Maker, I opened the Holy Book. I turned unconsciously to the Epistles, and commenced reading the fifth chapter of the SAINT LEGER. 41 First Epistle General of John. I read on to the sixteenth verse, which is as follows : "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death ; I do not say that he shall pray for it." On reading this verse a tremor seized me. Sweat in large drops stood on my forehead; my limbs trembled, and I was so utterly unnerved that I dropped the book, and sank back into my seat. Here then was the solution of the whole mys- tery. Here was an explanation of all that seemed strange before. I was indeed the doomed of Heaven, and there my condemnation stood recorded. Could I gainsay it? Could any one gainsay it? The awful words were written, and stood forth in letters of fire. I took up the Bible again, but dared not open it for fear that place should meet my eye. How I longed to read it over once more, and see if I had read aright! Presently a new idea struck me: perhaps the English version was incorrect, or bore too harsh a con- struction, or was open to explanation. I hastily drew from my pocket a small Greek Testament, which I usually car- ried, turned eagerly to the verse, and read the latter clause : i(TTiv a^apTia irpds Qavarov ov Trepi CKeivtii Xsyai Xva ipttiTi)rrr]. Hope, which had been kept alive for the time, was com- pletely lost, as I examined critically the words of the original Greek. There could be no doubt as to their literal sig- nification. Indeed there was nothing on which to raise a question. To be sure, I half started a doubt about the reading of }qmtij;i] • but I was familiar with the language, and knew that f owtkoj answered to the Latin interrogo, oro, and the ren- dering of that was unimportant to me so long as the first part stood so clear: 42 SAINT LEGER. " There is a sin unto death /" I groaned aloud. I was alone, and dared not even ask my God to have mercy on me. I am aware that this narrative may appear insignificant to the reader, but to me it is invested with an importance com- mensurate with what I suffered. I know too that many will exclaim: "What folly;" "victim of his own imagination;" "nervous excitement;" "monomania," and the like; but if I can not reply satisfactorily to such, I will hope that there are others who understand that imaginary evils are the worst that can fall upon man; that nervous excitement is more to be dreaded than any other; and that the narration of what has actually happened may prove of some benefit to others who may run the risk of like suffering. Be it understood also, that my misery was such as no person, though posses- sing never so great strength of mind, but trained as I had been, could throw off. No matter what my reason told me ; no matter how strong were the dictates of judgment and common sense; I could not get rid of the terrible convic- tion. The fact that no human being knew of my agony, not even my mother, added to my wretchedness. I felt like a wanderer upon the face of the earth. It is curious how such kind of suffering levels all distinc- tion in our feelings toward others. That morning I was eager to get a courteous look from the most ordinary travel- lei' at the inn ; I was anxious to speak and be spoken to ; and yet intercourse with any one made my heart still heavier. I wondered if those I saw had not some secret sorrow. Could they be happy and unconcerned as they appeared? Sudden- ly I thought of Emilie ; and the thought gave me a new im- pulse. I longed to see her — I determined I would see her. But how could I find my way to her humble dwelling, or what apology should I give, if I found it, for the intrusion % SAINT LEGER. 43 As I have before remarked* the story of Pierre gave (for the first time in my life) scope to sentiment ; and it now seemed about to prove an antidote to my present distress. Not that this last was extinguished ; it was only quieted. But quiet is a great relief sometimes. Emilie ! it was a word of enchantment. Could I leave without seeing her 1 Should I not watch for the coming of the old Frenchman to give his daily exhibition, and then accompany him home? I hesitated, notwithstanding this appeared an easy way to accomplish my object. What, after all, could I say to her, or how should I address the mar- quis ? " No, no," thought I ; "not now — not yet." I will remember her, but we meet not in this way. When I am • something more than a puling child, she shall see me — shall know me ; at present, adieu ! I was now in haste to leave the town, and took accordingly the early coach for London. I secured an inside; there were but two other passengers with me ; I scarcely noticed them. Retreating into one cor- ner of the coach, I became absorbed in reflections of varied character. Passing through (unconsciously to me) a beautiful region, after some four hours, the wheels struck upon the pave- ments of the metropolis. I was soon at my father's mansion in P^ussell Square, and found old Nancy anxiously expecting me. The kind creature had lived from a child in our family, and had been successively promoted, until she was in- trusted with the charge of the town house. It was early in the afternoon, and feeling no fatigue from my journey, I made preparations for a saunter about the city. London was just then a scene of extraordinary excitement. The quarrel between the colonies of North America and the parent state was so far advanced as to oe almost beyond hope of recon- ciliation. Besides, the king and his particular adherents seemed determined to redi.cc the colonies to submission at 44 SAINT LEUER. any sacrifice ; while the Rockingham party, who had obtain- ed an honorable fame by the acknowledged integrity and high character of their illustrious leader, maintained that any farther attempt to bring back the colonies to obedience would be only attended by loss of men and means, and expose the country to the successful attacks of foreign foes. This party was in favor of acknowledging the independence of the new- styled United States of America. The Earl of Chatham had been for some time in strict retirement. It was well known, however, for his eloquence had forcibly proclaimed the fact, that the earl opposed the wretched policy which had placed the government and her American dependencies at variance. He had glowingly depicted the unnatural war; had alluded with scorn and indignation to the employment of "hireling troops and merciless savages," and had thundered his denun- ciations against the authors of this inhuman policy. But his eloquence was in vain. The war continued, till by the inter- ference of France, the result to a calm observer appeared doubtfid. The Rockingham party were in favor of a cessa- tion of hostilities, and of acknowledging the independence of the United States. And it so happened that the Duke of Richmond had given notice of an address to the throne to that effect, which was to be debated on the very day I arrived in London. This I learned from the first journal I took up at a coffeehouse, which I entered shortly after leaving Russell Square. It was rumored also that Chatham would appear in his place in the house of lords and oppose the address. His pride for his country had overcome every other considera- tion; and though he objected strongly at the outset to the policy by which government had been guided, yet now that issue was taken, and a foreign power had dared to side with the rebellious colonies, he would consent to yield nothing ; not an inch of territory, not the slightest privilege ; until those SAINT LEGEK. 45 colonies were taught submission ! It may easily be imagined that I felt a great desire to be present on so remarkable an occasion. I had not, as I have observed, taken any interest in the every-day politics of the time. The notorious profligacy with which they were managed, and the unblushing venality which pervaded office, from highest to lowest, made me turn dis- gusted from the study of present legislation. But Chatham I had always admired; even in his foibles, I almost venerated him, for I believed him pure. My father was a strong adher- ent of William Pitt, and, unlike many of the friends of the great commoner, he did not turn against him because his sovereign had granted him a peerage. This night the great man was to speak. I had never seen him, and it might be the only opportunity I should have, of witnessing that sur- prising eloquence of which I had heard so much. Without farther delay I hastened home, dressed, and proceeded to West- minster. By the courtesy of the Duke of , I procured admission to the house of lords, just as they had assembled. I glanced eagerly around, but could see no one who an- swered to the desci'iption of the earl. The house was full, and the ordinary business was going forward. I thought at first- that I had been misinformed, or that the public rumor was unfounded. Still there was an evident looking for some- thing to come. Expectation seemed to wait upon every word, every motion, however insignificant. There was some- thing in the very atmosphere which told of the approach of a scene. The common-place business went on ; motions were made and carried ; and so far, everything was of course. At length the ordinary routine was over. The Duke of Richmond rose to move the proposed address to the throne. At the same moment, a slight confusion Avas noticed near the entrance leading to the chancellor's room. The confusion 46 SAINT LEGER. increased ; when the Earl of Chatham appeared, supported by his son and son-in-law, and made his way with great diffi- culty to his seat. How different did he look from the pic- ture in my imagination. Where was the erect form, the commanding air, the fearful frown, the noble bearing, for which Pitt was so remarkable? Alas, how changed! he was emaciated and sallow; his wig covered nearly all of his face; his limbs were closely wrapped in flannels, in consequence of gout, and his whole form appeared worn out by contin- ual pain. The house was hushed to a death-like stillness. It seem- ed as if respiration would disturb its repose. At length the Duke of Richmond, who had paused until the earl was seated, commenced the debate. The duke's speech was sensible, and to the point. He took a full survey of the causes which led to the war; of the policy of the mother- country toward the colonies, and of the subsisting relation of things; and concluded by showing most forcibly, that no benefit could possibly be expected by a further prosecution of hostilities. When the duke had taken his seat, Chatham slowly rose. Expectation now reached its highest point. Every eye was strained, every ear excited. Breathless, I leaned forward to catch the first tones of his voice. But I could hear nothing save a low, inarticulate muttering, of which I could not un- derstand a syllable. My heart sunk within me, out of sym- pathy for the man upon whom "senates had waited" so submissively. I could not bear to feel compassion for Mm. The same anxious attention, the same solemn death-like still- ness continued. By degrees the earl's voice became less incoherent, and his words, spoken slowly and with difficulty, could be distinguished. It was evident that he was reviving as he advanced. One great idea seemed to be at his heart, and that was a sense of the degradation which had come upon SAINT LEGER. 47 his country. As this idea became gradually developed, his voice assumed its natural tone ; his eye once more gleamed with its ancient fire; his form despite of disease and age, dilated, and Pitt stood up, commanding and impressive. There he rose, in proud elevation, his left foot advanced, his right firm, his left hand clenched and resting upon his hip, his body slightly bending forward, and his right arm extend- ed, his hand open downward, with a half-menacing, half- deprecatory air. "My lords," exclaimed the earl, "where is the majesty of the throne 1 where the dignity of this noble house 1 where the power of the legislature ? where the honor of England % Gone ! lost ! shamefully yielded up to a he- reditary foe, who boasts of her power to humble us in the dust; ay, boasts of it; proclaims it at foreign courts, and taunts us with it at our very doors. I call upon the noble duke to bear me witness, that none deplored the unhappy differences with America more than I ; that none opposed the obnoxious measures taken to subject and oppress her, more than I : but, my lords, the die once cast; the honor of the nation at stake, and rebellion, aided by the most odious of foreign interference, lifting up its head to brave the lawful and salutary restraint of government, there is no longer room for debate. When the question is degradation at home and abroad, or war, let us have war ! War with all its horrors, all its evils, all its iniquities, but not dishonor. Ay, let us suf- fer anything, all things, rather than disgrace and ignominy!" It was said that some parts of Chatham's speech on that memorable night equalled the best efforts of his best days. Certain it is, that for several minutes he showed no signs of debility, or any loss of his natural vigor. But in a short time his strength failed ; his mind appeared to wander from the subject of debate; and his voice again fell so low as scarcely to be audible. In this he way he continued, occasionally 48 SAINT LEGER. rousing himself for the moment, but again relapsing into a low and indistinct tone. The earl sat down. Deep silence pervaded the house. There was a sadness upon the spirit of every one present, for every one felt that the great man had spoken for the last time. There was little inclination to proceed with the debate. After a long pause, the Duke of Richmond rose, and in the mildest manner defended his own opinions. During this second speech, Chatham, upon whom all eyes were still turn- ed, appeared nervous and impatient. The duke closed; Chatham immediately rose, as if to reply; but he uttered no word. He appeared to be struggling with his strong emo- tions. Suddenly he placed his hand upon his heart and fell back into the arms of his friends. The earl had been struck by apoplexy. A scene of confusion ensued, which it would be impossible to describe. The excitement was intense. The earl was immediately conveyed away, and the house broke up. I left the place, and drove to Russell Square, deeply impressed with the solemn scene I had just witnessed. It had done me great good. It brought my mental energies into action, and drove away the mists which like a foul miasma had poisoned my soul. I had now something to think of, which was real and practical. I had read of greatness, and here was its end! My mind was carried away with the reality. I found there was no pomp, parade, nor circumstance, in bare truth. I be- gan to reason more clearly : I turned my thoughts inward, and asked myself if I had anything to do ; and my conscience troubled me when I tried to answer the question. Full of these ideas, I lay awake nearly the whole night, revolving in my mind the events of the previous evening. How strange the constitution of youth ! I had quite forgotten the distress of the preceding day — I had forgotten Emilie. SAINT LEGEtt. 49 IX. I remained in London but four days ; and each successive day brought a change in my feelings. The salutary impulse given to my spirit by the scenes I had witnessed in parlia- ment, soon yielded to the old disease. The sight of the crowd, the bustle and noise and tumult of the metropolis wearied me, for after the first excitement was over, my mind was ill at ease. Have you not at different periods felt a sense of misery steal over you, without being able to account for it I Have you never awaked in the morning, feeling an unhappy sensation at your heart — a sort of half-smothered pang — which you could not shake off, but which you could not ex- plain I I do not stop to examine the cause of feelings which the experience of most will at once recognise. I have at present to do simply with narrative, reserving such reflections for a future chapter. I was now every way unhappy. It seemed as if the elastic spring of childhood had resisted and resisted the insidious approach of the fiend, until no elasticity remained. If, therefore, I ceased to feel as acutely, I also suffered less acutely ; but so much greater the danger that my disease should pass the limit of recovery. Prayer was no relief to me — so I ceased to pray, altogether. Yet I was only sixteen ! I felt many years older; and my frame, owing to the vigorous exercise to which I had subjected it, was al- ready well developed. I was tall, well formed ; and as I be- fore remarked, athletic ; yet the mental anxiety which I had endured gave a thoughtful expression to my countenance, quite at variance with my natural buoyancy of feeling, I say 4 .50 SAINT LEGER that I had ceased to pray. But I could not give up my hold upon sacred things without remorse, while I felt that I was only more miserable by thus putting off the evil day. It ap- peared that nothing remained for me but to lay hold of the world, and give myself up to it ; not in wickedness, nor in excess, but " till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life." The world seemed a world to enjoy : that is, if one could bring it to pass, and I resolved to try. I had begun to answer my old question about the what and the why. Yet the answer gave me no satisfaction. Enjoy- ment ? pleasure 1 gratification 1 The sounds were empty ones ; yet I determined to listen to them. Within five days I was thus metamorphosed. Three separate incidents had thrilled my soul, and were all working together ; Emilie, the specta- cle in the house of lords, and those fearful words of holy writ. Although the last seemed to have lost their effect up- on me, they were perhaps in reality more powerful than either of the former. A vague ambition to know and be known, was kindled by my visit to Westminster, but this soon yielded an equal place to the recollection of the young French girl. But the three, considered as mere incidents, were shortly banished, although all exercised a latent but powerful influ- ence over my coming destiny. X. Four days I had been in London. The fifth saw me on my route toward Scotland. Thougr miserable enough, I was determined. What there might be uf happiness in the world, I was resolved to know ; and I threw myself, without further thought, upon the trial. I reached Edinburgh in safety. This was my first visit to Scotland, and I stopped two or three SAINT LEGER 51 days to view the interesting objects within the town. I pro- ceeded next to Glasgow and Stirling. As I advanced into the Highlands, my admiration gradually increased at the wonders of nature which I beheld on all sides. The lofty mountains, the deep and dark glens, relieved often by delightful valleys, produced an impression of grandeur never before excited in my breast. The beautiful lochs enclosed within the recesses of the mountains, crowned with every variety of verdure, had the t'ffect of enchantment upon my enthusiastic mind. How I gloried in that Highland tour! Oh, Nature, Nature, in thy deep solitude, what heart of man can retain a feeling of evil ! what imagination can conceive a thought of sin ! I had reached Inverary, a small neat town, at the head of Loch Fyne, the capital of the Western Highlands. This brought me near the end of my journey : for Glencoe, the seat of the Earl of Venachoir, was situated in the beautiful valley of that name, about thirty miles distant. Here I determined to take horse. I procured a strong and serviceable but not very fleet nag, and refusing the aid offered by mine host of the Three Herons, of a stout, sandy-haired, bandy-legged urchin, called Swankie Benjie, to act as guide, I departed, after many injunctions that " I maun gang the right gate, or mickle waur wad it be for me." As I was particular to take minute directions about my course, I felt that I had a pretty good knowledge of the route, and was therefore the less in- timidated by this caution. Leaving the town, I struck at once into a part of the Highlands more grand and impressive than anything I had yet beheld. As I advanced, new and unexpected objects presented themselves. Now, as I climbed the side of a mountain, there would suddenly burst on my view a silvery sheet of water, full of picturesque beauty, re- posing quiescent and unruffled in the very heart of the old hills. On one side the rocks were piled upon each other, 52 SAINT LEGE II. forming precipices which it was frightful to behold ; deep chasms or ravines lay far below me, at the bottom of which flowed small streams of water ; and these, after winding and turning around the bed of the mountain, found their way into some loch or river. Again I would emerge into a long val- ley, diversified with fine woods and rich pasturage, equal in beauty and fertility to any region I hat. ever beheld. The air was cool and bracing ; and as I spurred on my horse, my heart beat full within me once more, and I felt what sup- port real solitude, Nature's solitude, could bring to the soul. As the day declined, I approached Glencoe. The spot was famed for its picturesque beauty. The sun was just melting away into the small but beautiful loch in the vale of Glencoe, when I came in sight of the castle. It was a fine antique pile, situated at the head of the loch, and commanding a view of the delightful valley beyond ; while on either side a range of lofty mountains extending beyond the sight, cast their dark shadows far across the vale, and gave to the scene an air of gloomy magnificence. I pushed on with what speed I could ; and spurring my horse into something between a pace and a gallop, I soon reached the entrance to the park which sur- rounded the mansion. The ponderous gate stood open, as if to invite the traveller to enter. A small but strongly-built tower stood on each side, commanding the entrance, and the road wound through the grounds, turning in every direction before it reached the castle. The walk I had just entered bore frequent marks of horses' hoofs fresh cut into the gravel ; and as I proceeded, I heard sounds of laughter and frolic, at no great distance, while the thick foliage by which I was sur- rounded prevented a view of the merry-makers. In a mo- ment, however, I emerged from the thick seclusion of the wood, and came in sight of the castle, which was directly be- fore me. Around the portico were gathered a company, of both sexes, on horseback, apparently jus: returning from au SAINT LEGER, 53 excursion. I felt the awkwardness of my situation ; travel- worn as I appeared, upon a dull horse, which was now thoroughly jaded from his day's labor. But there was no al- ternative : so I pushed on. My pride was always my pro- tector. Although a weakness in my character, it supplied the place of a severer virtue. My approach was not unobserved ; and as soon as I came near enough to be recognised, one of the party dashed forward, galloped rapidly up to me, and exclaimed : " Cousin William, upon my word, you have come at last ! Welcome to Glencoe." " Thank you, thank you, dear Hubert," said I ; " I am right glad to get here, I assure you. Let me tell you in ad- vance how I love the Highlands. What a glorious country ! — what " " Stay," said Hubert, interrupting me, " till you and I have had a grand hunt over ledge and rock, through the moor and across the mountain, glen, and morass. None of your gentle park -hunting, such as you find among the woods of War- wickshire ! Wait till we have had a hunt, such as I call a hunt, and then admire as much as you like. But come (for we had not advanced a step) come ; yon group will think 1 am keeping you all to myself. We have this moment return- ed from a ride of four hours ; you have arrived just in time, for we are all as hungry as wolves, and you will be none the worse for breaking your fast, which I dare say has lasted since the morning. Come on." " Not just in this plight : look at my horse ;" said I, throw- ing myself off, and pointing to the animal, which exhibited decided signs of the discipline I had subjected it to. " Ex- cuse me f< )r not venturing into your company under too ma- ny disadvantages." Hubert laughed at the appeal, but immediately dismounted. "Well, you shall have your own way," said he; "Charlie will see to the nags. Now come along." And thrusting his 54 SAINT LEGER. arm within mine, we proceeded to the mansion. " Pray, tell me," I asked, " before we get any nearer, who you have there V " Nobody," replied Hubert, with nonchalance ; "just our own family, and a friend or so." " Your family, then, have marvellously increased of late. You have two sisters and a brother : but there are some half dozen mounted." " Well, then, Mr. Englishman, if you must know, the young man in front is the young laird of Glenross ; the lady on the gray horse, is his sister : they have only joined us for the ride. The youth behind, whose face you can not see, is a forty-fifth cousin of yours and mine : at least my father says so. He is from foreign parts, I believe ; he has spent nearly a week with us, and will stay as much longer as he pleases. My sisters and my brother Frank you know without an in- troduction." The party dismounted as we approached. My cousin Frank came forward, and again I was welcomed to Glencoe ; while his sisters advanced and greeted me with the greatest cordiality. I was then formally presented to the young laird of Glenross and to his sister. There remained but the " for- ty-fifth cousin" to be disposed of; he had lingered behind the rest, giving some orders to his servant, so that I had not as yet caught a glimpse of his features. But as Frank called out his name, he approached, and my old stage-coach acquaintance from Warwick — the foreign-looking stranger — stood before me. I was taken by surprise, but I was not confused. My fel- low-traveller, on the contrary, seemed aware in advance, of my presence, having no doubt recognised me at my first approach. He appeared under some restraint, which he endeavored to conceal by assuming an openness of manner quite at vari- ance with what I believed tc be his real character. " Count Vautrey, this is my cousin, William Henry Saint Leger," said Frank : " Saint Leger, Count Vautrey!" SAINT LEGER. 55 The count bowed politely, or rather with assumed polite- ness. " I think we have met before," said he, attempting some- thing like good humor, while a half-malevolent smile strug- gled for expression on his features ; " and if I owe you an apology, I will make haste to tender it, pleading for excuse my ignorance of the masquerade coach-dress, and supposing, from your familiarity with the whip, that you were some near friend of his, especially as you stopped at the quarters he recommended." " I accept your apology," replied I, in a similar tone, " with the same readiness that I allow your excuse : so let the mat- ter be put at rest. If I discussed ethical subjects with old Walter, or passed a night at the Hen and Chickens, it has neither lowered my standard of morality nor weakened my self-respect." Farther speech was interrupted by the appearance of the Earl of Venachoir and lady, who received me with warm greetings, and extended the proffers of true Scottish hospital- ity. Without more ado we entered the mansion, when I ob- tained leave to retire a few moments to adjust my dress, pre- vious to appearing in the dining-hall. This done, I has- tened to join the company, who were just ready to set down to a most bountiful repast. I need not describe the en- tertainment. It is enough to say that it was just such a one as your sportsman loves — where a preference is decidedly given to the substantials, and which delights the appetite of the traveller, sharpened by hard riding, long fasting, and lean fare. It was cheerful and lasted well into the evening. In- deed, I did not wait to the conclusion — claiming the privilege of a weary man, to retire early. Accordingly, when the la- dies had left the hall, and the young laird announced that he must depart — adding, by way of apology, that his sister was under his protection — I also took leave, and found the way 56 SAINT LEGER. to my apartment. This was a moderate-sized room in a wing adjoining the northwest part of the castle, connected with the main building by a long corridor, or hall, and it was evi- dently of modern construction. The room on one side look- ed out over the silvery loch upon which the castle was built, upon the other, the high range of mountains frowned fear- fully down. I threw open the casement and let the air have free passage through the apartment. My breast was filled with singular emotions ; my ideas were confused, my brain troubled. "Count Vautrey — Count Vautrey," 1 re- peated : " the name is familiar- to me ; a distant relative, too ?" But soliloquising on the subject brought no nearer the solu- tion ; yet the name awakened a train of associations, confused and indistinct, but which carried me back to infancy, and then, running still farther on, became lost in that unremem- bered world of fresh images, fresh ideas, and fresh wonders — the first days of human life. Feeling thus, I retired, and af- ter wearying myself in endeavors to become satisfied of some- thing, at length sank into a sound slumber. XI. Francis Moxcrieff, Earl of Venachoir, was of ancient lineage, and one of the most distinguished men in Scotland. He was full cousin to my mother (her own and the earl's mother were sisters), and in consequence of their having no other cousin, the relationship was the more cherished ; so that their children were taught to regard each other as near kinsfolk. The earl was about fifty years of age. He had a commanding figure, and a face expressive of firmness and de- cision ; and his ample forehead betokened thoughtfulness and benevolence. He was known throughout the country for his prudence and integrity. Ever firm in adherence to his king, his mild and liberal views, added to extensive influence, SAINT LEGER. ^ had done much to conciliate those of his countrymen who had engaged in an unhappy and fruitless contest against the crown. He stood high in the esteem of his sovereign and of the court, and was respected as well as feared by the most audacious cateran. The countess, his wife, was a daughter of the house of Argyle, and in her youth was famed far and near for every attraction of her sex. She had been educated in France, and it was in that country that the earl, then Fran- cis Moncrieff, met by chance the haughty daughter of the great duke. Whether the foundation was there laid for his future successful suit, I can not say ; but it is certain, the lady frowned upon every lover until young Moncrieff appeared, and he was never known to pay devoirs to any save his future bride. She was about five summers younger -than the earl, and did the honors of the castle with a grace I have never seen excelled. Of the children, Francis was the eldest. He had only pass- ed his majority by a year or two. He inherited the sedate and dignified manner of his father, and at an early age was called by the rest of the family the young philosopher. He was uni- formly courteous, and although living in a country where it was difficult always to sustain such a character, nevertheless preserved it. Margaret, the next, was nineteen. She had grown up, elegant, sensible, and unaffected, without the ro- mantic notions one would suppose a young lady might imbibe in the Highlands. There was a quiet reserve in her manner, which might be mistaken for hauteur, but a farther acquaint- ance would convince one of the error. Her education was received at home ; both the earl and countess being of opir - ion that the fashion in Scotland of sending the youth upon the continent for mental training was injurious to the interests of the United Kingdom, as they were sure to imbibe strong prejudices against England, which it was all-important now BB SAINT LEGER. to put at rest. My cousin Margaret possessed a mind of no ordinary cast. She was neither earned away by the circum- stance of her birth, nor elated at what too often excites the female heart, the constant adulation of the other sex ; and, as I have said, possessed too much sense to be spoiled by flat- tery or led away by mere tinsel. Hubert came next in age, being something more than a year older than myself. He was a daring, head-strong youth, alike fearless on every oc- casion, and with all the courage and hardihood of a true high- land chief. I always loved him as a brother. Not a shadow of selfishness ever crossed his heart. Open, straight-forward, and resolute, he scorned an intriguing, crafty spirit. Pas- sionate perhaps he might be termed ; but if in error, there was none so quick as he to acknowledge it. He was short and muscular, and his forehead was expansive and profusely covered with light brown hair. Ella, the youngest, was a per- fect fairy. She was nearly sixteen, just old enough to be very romantic, and to be very full of fun and frolic. She had good sense, too ; but as she was situated, did not find it always ne- cessary to tax this somewhat praiseworthy quality. She bade fair to be a great beauty and a great wit ; and in the incipi- ent exercise of her vocation, manifested so much real kind- ness of heart, that, in spite of petty caprices and a mischief- loving spirit, she was a general favorite with all who visited the castle. The reader has now an idea of the family in which for a short season T was to be domesticated. It should be remem- bered that I speak of them as they appeared in their inter- course with each other. The world might have formed a verv different opinion in many respects; for the Yenachoir were of a haughty lineage as well as noble, else one of the house could never have mated with a daughter of MacCallum More. How much the world would have been mistaken in the estimate. I leave for those to determine who have SAINT LEGEIL 59 so often felt the injustice of its censure and the shallow- ness of its praise. yi. I was awakened in the morning by a loud knocking at my door, which was continued until I was fain to shout that I was neither asleep nor deaf, and to demand what was wanting. " Thanks for a response at last !" exclaimed a voice which I knew to be Hubert's. "Here I have been making a tumult for at least five minutes, and not one word could I get from you. I was going to take a run across the glen after moor- fowl, and if you care to go along, we have no time to lose. The sun will soon be peeping over Ben Cruachan, and then it will be too late." " I will not detain you three minutes," I exclaimed ; and hurrying on my dress without ceremony, I proceeded to join Hubert, whom I found in the court-yard, almost impatient at my delay. " Good morning," said he ; " you have rested well, I hope, and are ready for a little ramble before yon sluggards are out of their beds. Excuse my rousing you, but I knew you would like the excursion." We mounted our nags forthwith, attended by Christie, an old huntsman, who enjoyed the sport with a keen relish, and a small boy to take care of the horses when we should dis- mount. We had some half-dozen miles to ride before reach- ing the glen, but I was perfectly recovered from the fatigue of the previous day, and felt invigorated by the fresh breath of the morning. Would I could depict the glories of early dawn in the highlands ! The bracing atmosphere, so pure, so invigorating ; the awful silence of the old hills, and the stillness of the valley ; the beauty pTthe ever-varying scenery, SAINT LEGER. now mcd enchanting in repose : all these can never be ade- quately described, even when they are realized. We rode on for B time in high alee, putting our horses to the jump, and then checking them into a slower pace. As we turned down a ragged path, which brought us close to each other, I toward my cousin, and said : "Hubert, pardon my abruptness, bul pray tell me who is that Count Vautrey?" •■ 1 sometimes think,'* responded Hubert, slowly, "that he is the devil, li' 1 am mistaken, 1 beg pardon of the evil •• No jesting, I beg of you, because I am concerned to know," 1 replied. " Tell me what you meant by saying he was our forty-fifth cousin, and what does he at Glencoe, and i lie claim your hospitality V "\ !"•< tty si of questions I am to answer, and all to be done fasting !" quoth Hubert. " I detest genealogy, so you must apply to Margaret. You know there is a French cross m our hue for back; Heaven send us no more specimens of it ! What lie does at Glencoe you will soon see for yourself. I can DOf discover that he does anything except talk nonsense to Ella, when the girl will listen to him, and that is far too " 1,, '" : ; "" 1 ' confabs with that treacherous-looking Wretch, hi. servant, whose pate 1 fear I am doomed to break if he .stays much lon^r. Why he claims our hospitality, 1 know not. ( >,, that point I must refer you to my respected father, if you chose to question him." •T.ut why do yon speak so strongly," continued I, "if you know so little about him V "Cousin William." was the answer, "you probe me, but 1 '' a" I can say. You detest this Count Vautrey— I kmnv >"" ,l "- ' ^ e il lu your manner; I saw it last even- ing. It seem, you have met— casually met— and you can not bear the sigh, „,- ,,„„. r , n Jm ^ g ^^ fc ^ f Neither can 1 give any." he added, seeing T remained silent. SAINT LEGER. gj " for my own determined dislike. But here we are at the glen ; and now for the sport !" We returned to the castle to a rather late breakfast, but with the zest and spirits of successful sportsmen. The de- lightful change of situation, and the bracing exercise of high- land life, told at the outset upon my mind. Hope was again in the ascendant. XIII. As we returned from our excursion, we encountered my cousin Ella, a little way from the castle, standing alone, as if waiting for our approach. I at once dismounted and bade her good morning. "Upon my word, Hubert," she exclaimed, addressing her brother, "this is a new kind of civility ; to drag a visiter from his repose before daylight, the first morning after his arrival, to follow yourself and Christie wherever you choose to lead." "Our cousin Saint Leger a visiter! Shame on you, Ella!" retorted Hubert ; "he is no more a visiter at Glencoe than 1 am ; and as to my leading him a ramble, on my word, we have hard work to keep up with him, either in the ride or the hunt. ' Visiter' forsooth ! A lad that will do what Saint Leger has done since daybreak, kinsman or no kinsman, is at home at Glencoe." " How you delight to turn everything to my disadvantage," replied Ella, good-humoredly ; " I but desired to show that 1 was mindful of our cousin's comfort, and you at once torture what I say into an appearance of inhospitality, or something worse." " Because, because, Ella," said her brother, "what you said was not heartfelt ; you knew that Saint Leger enjoyed such excursions. You knew that he would enjoy this ; and yet, with the petty affectation of the day, which by the way is my 62 SAINT LEGER. especial abhorrence, you accuse me of dragging him out against his will." "Hubert!" exclaimed Ella, half reproachfully; as she spoke, her brother at once dismounted, and running up to her exclaimed :■ " Now do not be serious, Nell, for if you get into that strain T am done; but," he added quickly, "who did I see in the distance as we rode up V I had now an opportunity of coming to the rescue ; and not waiting for Ella's reply, who was looking indignantly at the question, I turned to her, and said : " Let me advise you to answer nothing which is so unrea- sonably put. As for Hubert, I believe hunger has made him arbitrary. I prescribe a hearty breakfast for him instanter." "That will I have," said Hubert; "and what is more, my physician is invited to partake of the meal. Good-by. It shall be ready by the time you arrive ; that is, if you come with Ella, for she has the art of making gentlemen walk very slowly in her company." So saying, he mounted his horse and galloped rapidly on. "Ella," said I, when Hubert had left, "let us become bet- ter acquainted forthwith ; if your madcap brother is in the habit of teazing you, it is quite necessary that you have an astute champion." " I do not know what is the matter with Hubert of late," said Ella; "but since- — that is, within a few days, he takes occasion to criticise every word I say, and to inveigh against French foppery, as if I were better pleased with it than any- thing else : then he accuses me of being affected, and I do not know what else." •An.l know you of any reason for your brother's conduct?" 1 Msk.d. "Hubert is a noble fellow, fond of fun, to be sure, but not so thoughtless as to hurt his sister's feelings by his nonsense. Really, Ella, s >mething must be at the bottom of SAINT LEGER. G3 this; that is, if you are serious in what you say of him." "I am not mistaken, I assure you," replied my cousin; " and what vexes me more than all is, that instead of receiv- ing his speeches with good humor, and so disarming him, 1 lose my temper at once. Surely I am changing too ; but Hubert looks at me so sternly when he speaks, that I can not help it." And as she said this the eyes of the laughing, light- hearted girl filled with tears. I saw that her feelings were touched ; but I felt convinced that she could account for Hubert's conduct if she chose to do so. There was then something which she wished to keep back. My heart beat quickly but with steadiness as I mused upon what she said, and I felt that I was taking my first practical lesson in the knowledge of woman's nature. Eager was I to learn it, for my long and lonely studies had sharpened the desire. I paused a moment. I saw Ella would not speak again, and that she was desirous to change the conversation. Looking at her with earnestness, I said : " If you are serious in what you relate of Hubert, let me warn you to do him no injustice. Are you not conscious of giving him some occasion for his conduct? In other words," I added more playfully, "do you not teaze him as much as he teazes you ? Confess, confess, cousin, before I ask further particulars." Ella burst into one of her merry laughs, which almost dis- armed me of my suspicions. "Behold," cried she, "my new champion! A moment since, ready to set lance in rest against all the disturbers of my peace, and now that he has the field to himself, coercing his 'ladye faire' into a humiliating confession." " The reason, then," continued I, with mock gravity, and without noticing this last sally, "why Hubert teazes Ella is — because Ella, with all proper perverseness, will laugh and talk, and walk, and look sentimental whenever she pleases, and as much as she chooses, with " g 4 SAINT LEGER. "Count Vautrey !" you were about to say, interrupted my cousin, half angrily, and with a slight sparkle of her fine eyes; " and if I do, is Master Hubert, a mere boy, to dictate to me on such a subject V And the little beauty beat her foot upon the ground in all the consciousness of offended dignity. "Count Vautrey!" returned I, with aifected surprise; "in- deed you mistake me ; I was going to name — the young laird of Grlenross. But if you insist that it is Count Vautrey, I must not gainsay it." An impatient "Pshaw !" rose to the lips of my cousin as I made my last response ; but her good nature prevailed, and she replied with an excellent humor : " Since, Cousin William, you have discovered the cause of our bickering, I will frankly tell you all about it. About a fortnight since, a foreign-looking personage made his appear- ance at Glencoe, bringing letters to the earl, my father, which, whatever their contents may be (and concerning this I have never presumed to inquire), were sufficient to insure for him the hospitality of our house. He was presented to the family, my father announcing him as distantly related to us. More of him I know not; although Margaret, who knows everything, can tell all about him, I believe : but I always tire listening to her genealogical stories ; and about our pres- ent guest she has seemed to be particularly mysterious, so I have purposely avoided making any inquiries. Well, Count Vautrey remained. My father and mother treated him from the first with politeness. Frank has done the same, although he seems to force it altogether. Maggie has been very re- served and very dignified whenever the count approached; and as for Hubert, he took a dislike to him the first day of his arri- val, for no other reason, I believe, than because Vautrey's servant lamed one of Hubert's dogs by throwing a stone at the poor creature, out of pure mischief. Hubert was terri- bly angry, and the servant would have received a severe SAINT LEGEK. (55 punishment had not Vautrey appeared and interceded for him. But he did it so haughtily, treating Hubert so like a child, that it only turned his resentment from the servant upon Vautrey himself. Of course there were no words between them, for the count was our guest. Well, well ; as the count had apparently fallen into disfavor with all the family, and as I was blessed with a fair share of benevolence and good feel- ing, and quite a lone maiden beside, without a gallant to flat- ter or offend me, I could not help commiserating his unpleas- ant situation, and so concluded to be civil to him. He, on the other hand, seemed determined to make up in attention to me for his lack of general courtesy. So affairs have con- tinued. Hubert grows daily more incensed against Vautrey ; wherefore, he admits he can not tell ; and at the same time more out of humor with me. If the count's visit results in spoiling Hubert's temper, and my own along with his, we. shall certainly have occasion to remember it." "And do you like the count ? Is he then so agreeable," I inquired seriously, "that you prefer vexing your brother to giving up his society, or rather foregoing this intimacy ?" "What would you have me do?" said Ella; "shall I yield to the foolish humor of a boy, and act discourteously to a guest who claims our hospitality, and is entitled to it besides ? Hubert shall not teach me what I am to say, and what not, when I am to walk and when to sit." "Pray, Ella, which is the elder, Hubert or yourself?" was my answer ; " and tell me truly, who besides yourself calls him a boy?" The young girl blushed to her temples at my last question ; I perceived that I had touched a sensitive point ; but she an- swered with dignity : " I hope you do not consider me on trial for any grievous offence ; if so, I shall insist upon the privilege of the ao- cused, and refuse to answer questions. It is but natural," 66 SAINT LEGER. Bhe continued, "that Count Vautrey should feel Hubert's daily conduct toward him, and if he alludes to it when talking with me, it certainly can not influence a sister in her feelings • i a dear brother." "Are you sure of it?" replied I. "Sure of it, Sir Englishman." " Then am I content. But where is Vautrey, and why did he leave you so suddenly?" Again the face of my cousin crimsoned ; again her eye flashed ; again I knew that all was not told. " William Saint Leger, between Hubert and yourself, I shall be demented. Pray what have I done to excite your suspicions ! "What if Count Vautrey had been walking with me, and did leave me when you approached, or if you please, because you approached ? Why should it excite your won- der or alarm, and why should you catechise me so closely? ]> it courteous? Is it fair?" " Neither the one nor the other, my dear coz, if you speak in that tone. Not a word more shall you hear from me ; but I love Hubert as a brother ; I could, nay I do, love you as a sister. I am young, younger than Hubert, whom you call a boy ; but here throbs a heart whose restless pulsations beat with a manly force. Accuse me of no conceit for speaking as I do. It is a word I care not for. I did but think that happi- ness was at stake between you two; and " A loud shout from Hubert, bidding me hasten to breakfast, as lie would positively wait no longer, prevented the conclu- sion of my sentence. I was glad to be interrupted ; I felt that farther intercourse would be awkward and unpleasant; so leaving unfinished what I was about to say, I replied to Hubert that he should not have to wait a moment, and hur- ried into the hall. As we separated, Ella repeated in a low but distinct tone : "You do not know me, Cousin William." SAINT LEGER. q*j XIV. I beg the reader, who has followed me thus far in my nar- rative, not to be impatient at this record of minute and appa- rently unimportant incidents which throw around it more of the air of romance than of fact. I have before intimated the course I should pursue ; namely, to put down everything which operated upon me as determining influences ; and who that has studied his own heart, and the several changes which come over the spirit, as one period succeeds another, but must acknowledge how trivial are the circumstances which from time to time control our destiny. Again ; if the men- tion of the fearful apprehensions which oppressed me, of the impending doom which seemed to overhang me, and of my severe religious struggles, should appear inconsistent with the enjoyment of the stirring sports of the field, with the rel- ish for youthful pastimes, and at variance with those feelings which had taken strong hold upon me, which youth ever pro- duces and reproduces, and which have sentiment for then- source — and by sentiment, I mean that peculiar appreciation of the sex in man which nature has implanted, and which so- ciety with its refinements changes into almost every phase and shade of feeling — if, I say, there seems to be an incon- sistency in all this, I can only reply, " The record is true." It is true — true to the life — to myself. And I appeal to the experience of every thoughtful man, to say that I recount no peculiar history. Bare your own bosom ; have courage to tell the truth of yourself; confess every hypocrisy and every deceit; every secret sin and every error ; publish the inconsistency of a lifetime ; out with the whole " damning- 68 SAINT LEGER. record :" and then say, if you can, that I have drawn a fancy sketch. I have commenced the work. I will go on ; I speak of vague fears; of religious superstition; of thoughts of God; of serious brain-tasking study, of relish for hardy exercises and the chase, of love of the sex, and of society and of the world ; nay, of everything that tortured and perplexed my soul and made me what I was, and what I am, and what I shall for ever be. Ha ! — pause one moment ere we go on to- gether: didst thou ever think that what thou art now, per- chance thou mayst be always ? Stop ! catch thy shadow up- on the wall and mark its outline ; will that content thee for an eternal portraiture ? And when with a strong brain, a healthful heart, with veins full of the best blood of youth; thou biddest defiance to the arch destroyer, and dost wel- come every enjoyment of sense, every gratification which the world can bring — Death grins a more ghastly smile at thy de- lusion ! Satan himself smiles complacently on thy fancied strength, and fain would spare thee a few more years of life, for more certain would be thy endless destiny. XV. "You do not know me, Cousin William !" The words rung in my ear. They were delicious sounds to me ; they intimated a growing confidence, and they told of heart. I was thrown into the society of two beautiful females ; one, just my own a^e, and the attractive graces of the girl just ripen- ing into womanhood. While I, a boy in years, felt a spirit and intellect beyond those years. I had no thought for my cousin which a relative might not confess. I only sought her confidence and sympathy ; the sympathy of a softer, gentler being than man ; yet a sympathy different from a mother's SAINT LEGER. 69 feelings. I thought again of Vautrey. There was something in him that excited almost my detestation ; something which made my blood turn, as it might, from sudden contact with a serpent. And the idea that he should so far insinuate him- self into favor with Ella, as to be privileged to walk by her side and whisper confidentially in her ear, was to me horrible. I believed there was danger in such intimacy. . I felt that I knew my man. An instinctive aversion could not deceive me, for it never had. I determined to warn my cousin, but what reason could I give for my prejudices, as they would be call- ed ; beside I had said enough to put her on her guard, and anything further might be' misconstrued. Moreover, I did not believe that her own good sense could be entirely over- come, although I knew that Vautrey employed the most re- sistless of all weapons with which woman is assailed — flat- tery. I resolved, therefore, to watch and wait ; I resolved, ' besides, that nothing should induce me to quarrel with Vaut- rey, so long as I could possibly avoid it. XVI. The time passed delightfully at Glencoe. Week succeed- ed week until midsummer had come. We rode and hunted, shot at target, and played at the sword exercise ; made ex- cursions of two or three days into the highlands ; lodged out among the forests, and drank of the pure breath of heaven from the summits of the everlasting hills. In the mure ardu- ons excursions, Hubert and myself went alone. At times, Frank and Margaret joined us. Ella but rarely, and Vautrey never. His countenance wore the same ironical, heartless smile whenever we met, or exchanged the courtesies of the day ; he had some excuse for declining every invitation ; he occupied himself with an occasional stroll into the woods, 70 SAINT LKGER. where his servant accompanied him, or he would sit with Ella in the drawing-room, telling- her tales of foreign tiavel, and discoursing of the pleasures of a life spent under an Italian sun. Since the conversation between us, on the day succeed- ing my arrival, she had carefully avoided any recurrence to the topic. This was singular, after what had passed. I felt chagrined j I accused her of fickleness, but I had too much pride to say anything to her. We continued the best of friends ; but there was no confidence between us ; and while she seemed frank and open, I felt that she was not so. Still, what I had said was not lost upon her. She had a strong mind, as I have remarked, although vulnerable at certain points. I knew the part that Vautrey was playing. I knew that he reported us as engaged in juvenile occupations, wor- thy of children only ; that he attempted to act the man and the admirer, throwing around his character that appearance of mvstery which always charms the sex. He spoke French and Italian fluently, which he offered to teach to Ella. How I began to hate him, that Vautrey ! Hubert had managed very well to restrain his impatient temper, but daily he had to encounter new trials. The earl of Venachoir was obliged to leave for Edinburgh, and his absence removed the natural restraint his presence produced. Public business of urgency took him to the cap- ital. He had a confidential conversation with his eldest son before he left, and giving us all a good-humored charge to demean ourselves properly in his absence, he departed. The departure of the earl was an evident relief to Vautrey. In his presence only the latter could not maintain his sardonic character. Although the countess remained behind, and none knew better than she how to maintain the dignity of her sta- tion, yet she could not from her position, exert the same re- straining influence for which her lord was remarkable. Be- SAINT LEGER. 71 fore this, intercourse had come nearly to an end between Vautrey and Hubert, and the feelings of both were much embittered ; the more so, because there had been thus far no vent allowed to them. Vautrey in everything treated Hubert as a child. He would show him marked respect, or disre- gard him, or, on occasion, yield to him as one would to an in- ferior, carefully abstaining from direct offence, which made such a course the more unbearable. Toward me, Vautrey pursued a similar plan, at times treating me with an air of pretended deference, when he thought nothing else would carry him out. I had learned to look upon him as something beneath me ; and I resolved to bear myself toward him with calmness and dignity: my chief care was to avoid intercourse with him. Hubert, though one year my senior, was much the younger in those feelings which the man alone acquires, and could not curb his impatient spirit. Several times he resolved to quarrel with the count, when Frank and myself restrained him. Ella's conduct toward her brother had not improved, and she continued to walk and talk with Vautrey, although I believed that my conversation had not been forgotten. Young, impetuous, gay, and full of spirits, and full, too, of that deep romance of which poets love so much to write, I felt, be- cause something instinctively whispered it to me — for where had I gained experience ] — that if she ever loved, she would stake her existence, her happiness here, and her hope of hap- piness hereafter, upon her love. I did not believe that Vaut- rey could compass this, but I feared. I gave him credit for more than he chose to exhibit. His education was highly ac- complished ; his mind well stored with the lighter literature ; he had an ear for music, a fine voice, and the power of seem- ing to feel when his feelings should be touched. He was in- sinuating and designing; a flatterer, who knew well when and how to act his part. I gathered thus much of Vautrey's 72 SAINT LEGER. character from close observation of him when in Ella's soci- ety. Indeed, no one seemed to know him. Was I not right then, in believing him to be a most dangerous person to as- sociate with an innocent and unsuspecting girl 1 He was heart- less, crafty, without feeling, subtle, and remorseless ; one who could smile on the desolation which he had himself produced : to whom the world was nothing, save as a minister to his ends. And yet I could not perceive that he had any ends in view, or that he acted from any motive. He would have made a perfect hater, but his was rather the character of the mocker and de- spiser ; one who sneered at everything, at goodness and at vice, at the pure enjoyments of the innocent, and the unhal- lowed pleasures of the vile. He affected to be beyond the reach of accident and of circumstance, of misfortune or of favor, and cared not for censure or praise. I say he affected all this ; for I could not bring myself to believe him quite a devil. I gave him credit for assuming the peculiar attributes of the fiend, reserving my opinion as to any characteristics he might claim, savoring of the human. Not content with studying Vautrey's character, I appli- ed to Margaret for information regarding him. With her [ had become more and more pleased, as our daily intercourse elicited the higher traits of her character. Her native dignity of manner was so beautifully adorned with a genuine benev- olence, that I both respected and loved her. What wonder then that she had won much upon my confidence, especially as she sympathized in all my purposes and plans, and seemed interested in my future. Yet in my intercourse with Mar- garet, there was none of that super-sentiment which invests woman with unreal attributes. She was agreeable, particular- ly so, she could appreciate the finer feelings, and understood ev- ery truthful emotion of the soul ; nevertheless she was matter- of-fact, and dealt with these feelings and emotions as one SAINT LEGER. 73 would deal with a truth in natural philosophy, or a fact in history. They were analyzed and examined, and commented upon, until the gossamer texture in which they were woven was entirely dissolved, and nothing remained of the fanciful drapery but a few practical remnants. My cousin was un- conscious of the ruin she caused. She did not understand that she could express sympathy and yet give pain while she sympathized. I observed this almost daily in her intercourse with Ella ; and almost daily would poor Ella exclaim, " Margaret can not understand me." Yet Margaret did un- derstand her sister, but each attached importance to different objects. To me, the former was a delightful companion : but I was careful, when I did soar in fancy to a wild world of my own creation, to remain its sole occupant. There can be no participation in the deep romantic, even with a kindred spirit. Into these high and inscrutable paths the soul must enter alone — as it must alone pass through the valley of the shadow of death. They admit of no companion — no confidant. As our appreciation of the sublime is lessened by the presence of another — for the soul to be greatly impressed must be solitary — so the enjoyment of the deep romantic must be a solitary enjoyment, for the presence even of a loved one dis- tracts and divides the feelings, and prevents the highest con- centration. I hope I may not be misunderstood. I who speak, could love ; and not a thought, not a feeling, would I keep from my chosen one. But when I should summon the deep emotions which well up from the hidden springs — when I should survey my never-ending destiny, and thank my Gnu that it was linked with hers, and pause and dwell upon I he mysterious relation which unites two hearts, and calculate its effect upon all time and all eternity — in those solemn moments, T would be alone. How would I delight afterward to recount all that I had felt to her, and bless her as the inspiring cause of all ! 7 t SAINT LEGEF XVII. As I have remarked, I took occasion at a fitting opportunity to speak to Margaret of Vautrey. " Cousin William," she said, " I dislike the theme you have chosen, but that is no reason why your question should not be answered. You must have patience with me if I go back a century. Your grandfather, Hugh Saint Leger, had a younger brother, Wil- fred ; he was a wild and headstrong youth, impatient of whole- some restraint, refusing all control. He did not possess a bad heart, but his violent and ungovernable temper always led him into difficulty. In consequence of disagreement with his father, he left his home when he was twenty, and fled to Scot- land. He there became acquainted with Julian Moncrieff, cousin to my grandfather, the old Earl of Venachoir, who had been brought up at Glencoe, and passed most of his time there. This Julian was no fit companion for Saint Leger. He was three years his senior, was most tyrannical in disposition, yet subservient in his manner where he desired to make an impression. In person he was elegant. His features were regular and handsome, and were it not for the dark smile which played around them, a stranger would have discovered ! in his appearance to indicate his true character, which in a word comprised all that was fiend-like and malignant. Dissatisfied with his own position, jealous of his cousin's rank and title, yet too crafty to quarrel with him, he remained at the castle as a near ally to the house, professing faithful adherence to the earl. His intrigues the while were remarkable. He was the cause of many a bloody feud be- tween the highland clans, who were then open to the least SAINT LEGER. 75 occasion- for a rupture. To the ear! he was the source of constant uneasiness. The former would gladly have found a pretext for getting rid of so troublesome an adherent, but nothing could ever be proved against him. Only satisfied when causing all the mischief in his power, he took good care not to appear himself as its author. Before he reached five-and-twenty, he became extensively known, dreaded, and hated. "Just at this time, Wilfred Saint Leger appeared at Invera- ry, and Julian Moncrieff made his acquaintance. Strange to say, an intimacy sprang up between them. I can not account for such a connection. It is probable that Julian saw, in the hasty and uncontrollable spirit of the Saint Leger, fit matter to serve his own plans and intrigues, and in the youth himself a ready (though unwitting) instrument of their accomplishment. Wilfred was brought to Glencoe, where he was made wel- come, without question or ceremony. The two young men at length grew dissatisfied with the narrow range of the highlands, and planned to leave the country together ; but before this, Wilfred Saint Leger had made an indelible impres- sion upon the heart of the beautiful Isabella Seward, a young ward and relative of the Eai'l of Venachoir, an innocent, con- fiding girl, to whom the young Englishman confessed a pow- erful passion. I pass over particulars. Moncrieff" and Saint Leger left G-lencoe together. A few days after their depar- ture, Isabella not appearing at the breakfast table, a servant was despatched to her apartment, and found it vacant. She had fled to join her youthful lover, and soon the seas separated her from her home. The earl, as may be supposed, was deeply incensed at this gross violation of the privileges of hospitality ; but the fugitives were beyond his reach, and his anger was unavailing. Arrived h. Paris, the friends of Saint Leger' s fam- ily, who were among the nobles of France, came forward and received Wilfred and his bride into their society. This was 76 SAINT LEGER. done no doubt through the influence of his father, who, al- though he refused all communication with his undutiful son, felt a parental anxiety in his career, and had, without his knowledge, bespoke for him the favor of his friends abroad. For a season, everything passed off happily, and it seemed as if the young Saint Leger was about to redeem his character, and become worthy of his race. Julian Moncrieff, in the mean- time, had been absent from Paris, and he was left free from his pernicious influence. After the lapse of nearly a twelve- month, Julian returned, bringing with him a young and beau- tiful bride. She was an Italian, and possessed all the warmth of feeling, all the passion, all the imaginative fancy, which the soft sun of Italy gives to those who dwell under its influence. The return of Julian was an unhappy circumstance for Wil- fred Saint Leger. The effect was at once perceptible and most lamentable. He began to neglect his wife, and report whisper- ed that he was seen too often in company with the wife of Moncrieff. If this was the case, it was passed unnoticed by Julian. Time rolled away. The story is a long one ; it is the record of unfaithfulness on the part of man toward woman, who clings to and loves him; of infidelity on the part of a passionate woman toward a husband who loved her not ; of bitter jealousy and of broken hearts ; of quarrels between friends ; of strife unto blood ; of a too late repentance ; and of death. I will not go over the history ; some other time you may learn it all. " Julian Moncrieff had one child, a daughter. That daugh- ter lived, grew up to womanhood, and married Henri Laurent de Vautrey, the father of the individual of whom you question me. At present I can tell you nothing more; you have heard enough, I am sure, for one sitting, and Hubert has been in- quiring after you half a dozen times since I commenced. Let us go and find him." SAINT LEGER. 77 XVIII. My cousin arose ; while I was half stupified at her rapid nar- ration, which although entirely new to me, did not appear un- familiar. But there was no room for farther remark, and as Hubert was not within call, I left Margaret and proceeded toward the old tower, a spot where the young men staying at the castle usually congregated when nothing more agreeable called them elsewhere. Here they were accustomed to jump, leap, pitch the bar, wrestle, fence, and go through every spe- cies of gymnastic exercise. On the present occasion there were assembled several young men, friends of the Moncrieffs, and the sport went on with great spirit. A young highland laird seemed about to carry the day with the bar, which at the last throw had fallen full a foot beyond Hubert's cast, though the latter was not willing to yield without another trial. At this moment, Vautrey was observed emerging from a thick copse, and coming toward the old tower on his way to the castle followed by his servant. As he passed the spot, he cast toward us one of his most contemptuous looks. In so doing, his eyes rested a moment on Hubert, who, nettled per- haps at his late failure, was more ready to take offence than usual : " You are particularly gracious this morning, count," cried Hubert ; "I feel flattered by such a mark of, I may say, royal favor, that you should deign to pass so near us. Per- haps you will condescend still further, and consent to take your turn at the bar." " When I try my strength, I prefer to select the place and opportunity ; and then my antagonists must be men," replied Vautrey, slowly. 78 SAINT LEGER. " Now by the best blood that ever ran m your veins, or in any of your race, I will not bear such insolence !" said Hubert. " Count Vautrey, what mean you by saying that your antag- onists must be men?" Simply, that in age, in temper, and in character, you are a boy, if you must know," retorted the other, coolly. No more of this to me, count !" said Hubert, in a changed tone, and with a great deal of dignity. " I have borne with you too long already, and were you twenty times the guest of my father, I would not hesitate to call you to an account." "Well, what do you wish?" asked Vautrey, in an affected tone. " Wish !" sternly demanded Hubert. " Wish 1 I wish for satisfaction for repeated insults ; and after that is afforded, I desire that you would rid my father's house of your detestable presence." " To the former, I suppose, there may be no objections," said Vautrey ; " the latter may be more difficult of accom- plishment." Frank now came forward, and taking his brother by the arm, endeavored to appease him. " Do not," he said, " forget the count's position with us. Bear with him, therefore, for that reason, if for no other. Count Vautrey, I appeal to you," continued Frank, "not to put my brother in a situation where his feelings as a man con- flict with the conduct due to a guest under our roof. In the absence of my father, I control ; and there must be no strife between you." " Who was the aggressor 1" replied Vautrey, sneeringly. " I do not meddle with the young man, but he must keep clear of my path, that's all." So saying, he turned and went his way. "Brother," said Frank, "you have been over-hasty in this matter. I regret it. Do, I beg of you, make amends by a SAINT LEGER. 79 considerate forbearance. Let us have no brawls while the ear] is absent." " Be it so," answered Hubert, deliberately. " You are in the right. But we must not meet. My friends," he contin- ued, addressing the young men near him, " which of you will call me your guest for a few days, and thus relieve me from this dilemma?" There was a most hearty response to this appeal from the lips of every one present ; but the young Highland laird, who had come oft* conqueror in the last trial of strength, insisted on his right to a preference. " Moncrieff," said he, " it is no weary way to Kilchurn Castle, and 't is mony a day sin' the banks of Loch Awe ha' seen us in company; and — and my bluid is up, and I canna say more. I ken your position, my lad, but ye shall na be bearded in your ain castle, your hands tied the while', and your true friends ganging their' ain gait as if nothing had happened. By the tartan I wear, na'ne shall control me, and I'll question nabody of what I'll do ; so you will gang with me V "This instant, Glen!" cried Hubert; "here is my hand on it ; only let it suffice that I become your guest ; forget the cause, together with the prime mover in this matter," added he, fearing from what the young laird said that he intended to take up his quarrel : " come, let us mount directly." " Stay but a moment," answered Glenfinglas, for that was his name, (called familiarly by his companions " Glen"), " I have a little business at the castle, but I'll soon join ye." "Follow him, Hubert," said Frank, " and prevent farther scandal in the absence of our father." " It is of no use, Frank," said his brother. " You may try your hand if you like ; but Glen, with a generous, honest 80 .SAINT LEGER. heart, is as obstinate as a goat. You can do nothing with him. I would rather undertake the count." " That will I never do 1" said Frank, sternly, and in a tone which surprised us. " It is enough that I have interfered as my father's representative, when interference was a duty. I would still preserve peace, but not by asking a favor from him." " That may I, nevertheless," said I, " and without dishonor." For I felt alarmed at the turn affairs were taking, not that I cared for Vautrey, but I apprehended danger in some way to the honest-hearted fellow who had so promptly stepped for- ward to cover a friend's insult. So leaving the group — Glen- finglas had previously departed — I directed my steps toward the quarter where Vautrey was last seen, thinking that he might not have entered the castle, in which case I should meet him before the former would arrive. I was not mistaken. Among a clump of trees, in the rear of the castle, T discovered the count in close conference with his servant. The conversation was carried on in a low tone, but was rather animated, at least on the part of the latter. Disliking to appear as having stolen upon them unawares, I put myself in view as soon as possble. As I came up, the servant disappeared. Vautrey regarded me for a moment with surprise, but quickly regaining his ordinary sardonic manner, bowed stiffly, and looked as if he would ask, " Well, what is coming now V I spoke at once : " Count Vautrey," said I, " we do not profess to be friends ; indeed, we are not ; but I have taken almost a friend's liberty in saying to you in a word, that a young laird, by name Glen- finglas, angered at what he considers an insult from you :u Hubert Moncrieff, is determined to seek you and make it a cause of quarrel. I have come, unrequested by any person, to desfre that, while you remain at Glencoe, you will avoid any encounter with him. This is all I would say to Count Vautrey." SAINT LEGER. 81 While I was speaking, I could not discover that Vautrey's countenance changed a muscle. One of his habitual sneers played over his face, as I concluded, and then he asked : " May I inquire the reason of Mr. Saint Leger's solicitude in such an affair?" " Because," I replied, " under the circumstances, it would prove particularly disagreeable to the Earl of Venachoir, now absent, as well as to every member of his family." "And is that all V said Vautrey. " Plainly, no," continued I, deliberately. " In the event of an encounter, I fear, for the honest-hearted Glenfinglas, your superior skill and experience in the use of deadly weapons." A grim smile played across Vautrey's features, showing that he acknowledged this doubtful compliment, while my avowed anxiety for the young laird carried with it such an indifference toward himself that it filled his bosom with rage.- " Boy !" he exclaimed, " you have come on a simple er- rand ; simple every way. I am no brawler. I seek not to quarrel on slight occasion, much less would I bicker with children. But let them beware how they put themselves in my way. I shall not turn aside; they must — or be gored. And, William Henry Saint Leger," added Vautrey, coming close up to me, and speaking between his teeth, " you who as- sume to be more than the child you are, know that henceforth I will take you for what you wish to be considered — a man. You said that we were not friends. I say more than that. I tell you something you will have cause to remember your whole lifetime ; therefore forget it not : We are enemies !" " Fool !" replied T, indignantly ; " you forget that you are not practising a part to overawe some thick-skulled clown, or to astonish a young girl, grown romantic but not sensible. Bring your wares to a market where they will serve you." At this instant, and before Vautrey had an opportunity to 6 82 SAINT LEGER. reply, Glenfinglas came up, and in considerable haste, ex- claimed : " Now, Saint Leger, if you anticipate me, it will ria be the handsome thing. Count Vautrey, I ha' the honor to wish your lordship gude morning, and to say, sin' my young friend Hubert Moncrieff, is not at liberty to answer you as he would, I claim the privilege of standing in his place." " You may stand where it pleases you, sir," retorted Vaut- rey, sneeringly, " so long as you stand not in my light." " Na, na, count ; you canna misunderstand me, and you shall na. I ask satisfaction of ye for the insult which ye ha' given to Hubert, I ask it, and ye shall grant it." " Children, all of you !" said Vautrey, impatiently, using his favorite term of opprobrium ; " I have no cause for dead- ly quarrel with Hubert Moncrieff, and you I know not except as a stranger ; therefore beware how you put me at bay." Thus spoke Vautrey, evidently vexed at the serious com- plexion matters were taking. He was doubtless astonished at Hubert's sudden outbreak. Knowing that he had borne so much, he had mistaken his character, and treated him real- ly like a child. He gave Hubert no credit for the considera- tion which he really possessed, and he was consequently the more vexed by the incident at the old tower, which certainly took him by surprise ; although his imperturbable indiffer- ence of manner had brought him thus far out of the difficulty. But here was a new obstacle, in the shape of the honest and determined, not to say obstinate Glenfinglas. Although too scornful to admit it, Vautrey was nevertheless desirous to get off without further quarrel with the laird. The latter, on the other hand, began to mistake the character of Vautrey. In- censed at his insulting manner, he was ready to charge his desire to avoid a rencontre to a lack of courage. He changed his tone somewhat, as Vautrey concluded his last sentence, and said : SA-INT LEGE] 83 "I dinna understand such excuses, count. In the high- lands they do not pass for ready siller. In a word, will ye gi'e me the honorable satisfaction I demand, standing in the place and stead of Hubert Moncrieff, or will ye not ?" " I recognise no right which you claim to represent young Moncrieff, and it will be time enough to answer you further when I am satisfied of it. I shall not say more at present:" and with this, Vautrey turned to depart. Glenfinglas, doubly incensed by this response, stepped toward him, and laying his hand lightly upon his shoulder, said, in a low tone : "I did na think Count 'Vautrey was a coward!" Rapid as lightning, Vautrey drew his dagger, which was concealed under the folds of his vest ; rapid as lightning, and almost before Glenfinglas had uttered the last word, did the blade descend into his breast, and he fell at full length, car- ried down by the force of the blow. Astounded as I was by the suddenness of the action, I sprang forward, and bent down over the prostrate youth. At the same moment Vautrey coolly drew his weapon from the wound. "An escape, after all!" he muttered; "my hand is out. Six months ago my weapon would not have served me thus." Turning to me, he added : " Remember, young man, that I was not the assailant ;" and disappeared among the trees. Glenfinglas had fainted. I immediately gave the alarm, and he was carried to the castle. On examination, it was found that the blow was planted so as to penetrate the lungs, but was turned aside by a large buckle which the young laird wore, and which served him for various uses when sporting. It had served him now. The weapon of Vautrey had glanced from the outer edge of this buckle, making a deep though not danrrei'ous wound in the breast and shoulder. 84 SAINT LEGER. The whole house was in commotion. I related the occur- rence calmly and minutely, The youth present were for in- stant vengeance, but Frank and Hubert both interfered : "He shall leave the castle," said they, '-instantly; but he must leave it unharmed, and without danger of harm, while in this vicinity." This was finally agreed to, and Frank went to carry the resolution into effect. It was unnecessary ; Vautrey had left ; his servant remaining behind only long enough to announce his departure and secure his luggage. XIX. The day closed. It had been an eventful one to me. I had witnessed the strife of human passion ; I had my- self participated in it ; I beheld upon how slight a cause blood could flow ; and I trembled when I considered what my own thoughts had been, and how envenomed my own feelings had for the moment become ; and I murmur- ed, "Oh, my Father, are we made for this!" I could not control myself. I hastened to my chamber, and there in its solitude I prayed once more. It seemed as if I was launched upon life ; breakers were before and around me ; I could not recede ; on, on I must gc ; and again I pray- ed — and was comforted. Had I found abiding peace, or was it rmly the first recoil of the heart's emotion upon itself, before the untried world of strife on which it had entered 1 Had Faith led me to prayer, or did Conscience, tremblingly alive to the realities of existence, flutter like a scared bird, and seek to return its trust to God ? SAINT LEGER. $5 XX. Time went on. The young laird recovered slowly from the wound received from Vautrey, but a deeper wound rankled in his heart. The disgrace of being struck to the earth by an antagonist, without the power of resistance, was the all-ab- sorbing idea which filled his mind. For myself, I was not versed in the code of honpr, and could judge of an insult or an affront only by its natural effect upon my feelings. A cowardly and assassin-like attack upon my person I should have resisted as I would the assault of some dangerous brute ; but to suppose that such an attack could bring with it insult or disgrace, seemed preposterous. Not so reasoned Glen- finglas- A true Highlander, he possessed the faults as well as the virtues of his race ; one of the former was, never to forgive an injury : a supposed insult was remembered even to the third and fourth generation. What a strange attribute ! Whence did man derive it 1 Of a certainty not from God his creator. Here was matter then for deadly feud for a century to come, should the instruments survive to carry it on. The moment he was sufficiently recovered, Glenfinglas was conveyed to his home. The laird had a servant who usually attended him, a young, shy, wild-looking highland carle, named Donacha Mac Ian. He belonged to a roving robber clan which had for years infested the vicinity of Glencoe, and became, by their numerous depredations, a constant source of terror to both highland and lowland, until the Duke of Argyle, under commission from the crown, undertook their extirpation. This was carried out almost to the letter. The clan was surprised while reposing in fancied security in one 86 SAINT LEGER. of their most secluded fastnesses. This retreat had been dis- covered by the capture of one of their women, who by threats of instant destruction if she did not disclose the place where her people were secreted, and by the promise that her own life and that of her child should be spared if she would point it out, was prevailed upon to betray it. Glenfinglas, then not much more than a boy, had accompanied his father on the expedition, and was present when the woman bargained for the life of her child. The assault was made and the surprise most successful. The devoted clan, cut off from all means of escape, their weapons having been first secured, were massacred without the power of resistance. Three or four of the assailants accompanied Jean Mac Ian (for that was her name) to protect her boy from the general slaughter. They did not find the lad in the spot where his mother had left him, and almost frantic with apprehension, she flew from place to place, urging the men to follow her. Young G-lenfinglas, who had joined the party, was the only one who felt sufficient- ly interested in her fate, or that of the child, to keep pace with her. Of a nature somewhat sluggish, he was energetic and daring when roused into action. At length, Jean Mac Tan discovered her son at a distance, surrounded by several of Argyle's men, who having driven the lad from one retreat to another, were amusing themselves, before putting him to death, with aiming at him rapid blows and thrusts with knife and broadsword, in order to witness his singular dexterity in avoiding them. The poor boy was unarmed, and almost naked ; he had retreated tc the angle of a rock, where he stood penned up by his assai. ants, now turning adroitly to one side, now bending dexterously to the other, as successive thrusts were made, while his eyes flashed that peculiar fire which is produced only by the feeling of intense and deadly hate, coupled with mortal despair and desperation. Tired of the sport, the soldiers were about to despatch their victim, SAINT LEGER. S7 when the frantic mother burst through them, and casting her arms around the boy, sunk senseless at his side. Glenfinglas came up a moment after, and just in time to save both mother and son. Turning aside their weapons, he exclaimed in a fierce tone : " Ye fause cullions ! is this the way to keep faith and obey orders ? Ye cowardly knaves, to be torturing ane of your ain kin as if he were a wild beast, just in a word like the bluidy thieving karnes ye come out against ! The lad is safe by MacCallum More's order, an' he were not, ye suld ha' pit him to death like braw men, and not torture him like brute beasts." It is most probable that the remonstrance of the stripling would have been wasted on the fierce highlanders, now be- come excited by strife and bloodshed, had not Argyle's name been mentioned ; as it was, they desisted sullenly from further prosecuting their Cruel sport, and left the ground, after re-' marking that " it wadna be mickle gude to keep the skeen fra the hause of siccan a skellum." It would have been in- human to have left the poor wretches to the chances of further violence ; so the youth resolved to continue his protection ; he took them under his charge, and finally brought them to Kilchurn Castle. Here the woman died in about a twelve- month ; enjoiniug upon her son, who had not in the least changed from the wild untamed savage he at first appeared ; to be always devoted and leal to the house of Glenfinglas, and especially to the cause of the young laird, who had saved his own and his mother's life. The boy listened with heedful attention to all that she said, and never left her until her eyes were closed in death. Not a tear did he shed, not a sigh es- caped him ; but that same night Donacha Mac Ian left the castle and was not seen again for more than a week. "When he did return, he was emaciated and haggard, and in the last state of destitution ; his clothes were nearly torn off from his , body : and his hair, always in frightful disorder, looked more S8 SAINT LEGER. frightful than ever. On being questioned about his absence, he only exclaimed "the worriecow ! — the wraith!" and avoided all farther explanation. The fact doubtless was, that Donacha, overcome by his passionate grief at the loss of his only surviving relative, and not wishing to give vent to it in the presence of others, had fled into the wilderness, where for a time he was in a state of frenzy akin to madness. No further notice was ever taken of this strange incident, and the lad soon recovered from the effects of it. He now attached himself to his young master, after the most devoted manner. Fierce and vindictive in his passions, the latter could always curb and control him at will; but to every one else he was the same wild savage as at first. As the young laird grew up, he began to have a pride in the relation which subsisted between Donacha and himself. He had beside a real affection for the lad, for never had he swerved in his devotion, or proved recreant in moments of peril. More than once had he saved the life of his master by freely periling his own. He would endure fatigue, hunger, privation of ev- ery kind, in his service, while he continued wild and intracta- ble in every other respect. The above account I obtained from Hubert Moncrieff, who narrated it to me as I have now written it. On the day when Glenfinglas was struck down by Vautrey, Donacha had accompanied his master to Glencoe. I remem- ber to have seen him near the old tower while the sport was going on, and he must have heard what passed between Vautrey and the Moncrieffs. He left the ground at the same time that Glenfinglas started to find the count, and no one saw him afterward. He came not to render his master any as- sistance, neither did he return to Kilchurn Castle. The sup- posed defection of this strange but faithful adherent was a 60urce of deep mortification to the young man, and preyed strongly on his mind dining his illness. Suspicion would at SAINT LEGEH. 89 times whisper that Dotiacha was after all a traitor, and in some way leagued with Vautrey or his servant ; but as there was nothing reasonable in so idle a supposition, it was not long entertained. Again the thought would occur that Donacha might have fallen in attempting to revenge the supposed death of his laird, but this seemed hardly possible, considering his extraordinary strength and agility ; besides, no one could tell whether Donacha knew of his master's hurt, as he was not seen near him at the time. The matter remained in mystery, and some time after, upon inquiring if anything had been heard about the fugitive, 1 was told, that although search had been made, and the most diligent inquiry instituted, no trace could be found of him, and no clue -to explain his ab- sence could be discovered. XXI. Ella Moncrieff — Thou wert indeed a bright and beauti- ful creation ! Looking back, as I do now, over eight years of existence ; years, some of which seem to have been ages ; for duration of life is measured by events, and not by min- utes and hours, as some suppose — looking back, I say, over all these, I call thee still as I have written it, " bright and beautiful!" Thou hadst more of soul than to an ordinary observer would be apparent ; thou hadst somewhat less than should satisfy a deep, fond, manly heart. Yet that thou hadst less, proved perchance thy safety. I hardly know why I have paused to con over these hidden memories. It was a natural outburst, and I did not restrain it. XXII A few more weeks elapsed : my stay at Glencoe could not be much further prolonged. After Vautrey's disappearance, 90 SAINT LEGER. everything went on delightfully. The earl returned, and seemed greatly relieved both that Vautrey had taken his de- parture, and that Glenfinglas was convalescent. Ella and myself became more intimate ; for a few days, to be sure, she was quite distant, but I soon succeeded in restoring her to good humor. Now that the count was gone, and not likely to come back, I took the liberty of telling Ella my opinion of him with great frankness. "Cousin William," said Ella, when I had finished, "I agree with you in all that you say. I believe you are among the few who know Count Vautrey, so far as he can be known. You were angry with me — nay do not deny it — because I seemed not to heed your warning ; but I told you (have you forgotten it, and how abruptly you ran away from me just as I was about to confess all?) yes, I told you, cousin, that you did not know me." "And surely," interrupted I, "you have afforded me very little opportunity to improve the acquaintance during my stay at Glencoe !" "Not so fast, Mr. William," retorted my cousin; "suppose I should now make you acquainted, in one grand lesson, with more than you could have learned by constant intercourse for the past six weeks, would not that be making an honora- ble amend?" "Alas! not quite," I answered; "who can restore to me the loss of that same intercourse you speak of? Not Count Vautrey, of a certainty." "A truce to farther jesting," said Ella; " let me try to be serious. Of late it has not been so difficult a task as formerly. You were kind, very kind, to speak to me as you did, and I was wayward, very wayward, to receive what you said so unhandsomely ; not that I doubted the goodness of your mo- tives ; not that I believed Count Vautrey to be a true man; no, no ; how can I express what I wish to say ? how can I SAINT LEGER. 91 explain to you why I should, knowing him to be false and hollow-hearted, permit him to be so much in my society, and allow his assiduous attentions ? William Saint Leger, have you never read, in descriptions of the wonders of the East, of a serpent with glossy satin coat, strange lustrous eyes, with double tongue, curiously forked, that shot out ever and anon like lambent flame ; a serpent, cold and glassy, deceitful and treacherous, which, in very wantonness — caring not for food — seeks the place where the singing birds rear their young ; and first lying quiet and motionless, then gently rear- ing its head till its presence is perceived, then swaying from side to side its bright shining crest, as the poor bird flies round and round, in giddy circles, now uttering faint cries, now ap- parently attempting to dart off in another direction, but forced still round, and round, and round, nearer and nearer, to the fatal centre, until at last the poor creature falls fluttering into the very fangs of her tormentor? You have read of this?" exclaimed Ella, with nervous emotion; "how to the very life, how exact the similarity between this Vautrey and that same serpent ? I can compare him to nothing else. Do not interrupt me," she added, as I was about to speak, '• till I have said all I was going to say, and then we will have done with the subject. You saw, I am sure, that I was not ingenu- ous with you ; you saw that, with an air of candor, I was not really candid. When Vautrey first came to Glencoe, he seemed to select me as an object of his attentions. From the very first — what word can I use? not hate, nor dread, nor fear, nor loathing ; none of these ; but I felt, as it were, an instinctive, inner shuddering at his presence, as if he were some lost malignant spirit, going to and fro upon the earth to mock and sneer at poor humanity. And yet he was always so courteous, so polite and civil, so interesting, nay fascinating, when he strove to engage the attention, that it was impossible to resist his influence. But, while I labored under the charm, 92 SA.NT LEGER. I was not deceived. Like the wretch who, oppressed with horrible visions in the night, has yet a dreamy consciousness that he does but dream, and that when he wakes, all will be Avell again : so I, though I was charmed, yet still abhorred, and felt a consciousness that I should one day be freed from the baleful influence. Surely, surely, some evil spirit has possession of that man ; for it was not what he said to me, it was not his manner, it was not he himself that produced this fearful impression, for in his conversation there was nothing directly exceptionable ; his manner was always decorous, and so was his speech. It was the atmosphere of his presence that disturbed and poisoned all. Do you understand me, AVilliam V continued the young girl. " I know you under- stand me ; for you have read this man aright. I feel freer and happier now that I have told you this. Thank God ! he has left us ; and yet if he should return, it seems to me that I should again be charmed — again become a victim." " Fear it not, dear Ella!" said I, with earnestness ; " you are safe. Believe me, I had little fear for you ; yet I could not refrain from a word of caution ; and while I admit that Vautrey is still a mystery to me, I am sure that so far as I have spoken, I have not mistaken him. In this you cor- roborate me. Now I feel that we are indeed better ac- quainted." "And now I feel," said Ella, " that you are beginning to know me." How buoyant were my spirits when I left my cousin, after the foregoing interview ! How did my young heart throb with renewed joy! And wherefore] Why did my pulse quicken ; why did my mind become animated by a thousand cheering thoughts, as I left her presence ? We had only an explanation — nothing more. And although I have put down but little of what was said, still it went simply to the better understanding of each other. There is something in the SAINT LEGER. 93 lovely graces of early womanhood, that partakes of all that is desirable on this earth. I mean not the influence of a di- rect passion : to the lover I know that everything wears a charmed aspect. But I was no lover. Ella, in this way, cared not for me. Yet there was confidence between us ; two youthful souls, believing in each other. What were ages of plodding, calculating, dusty existence, compared with the golden moments, which I then enjoyed ! Just, too, before I expected to leave Glencoe, my real happiness was com- mencing. Is it not always so 1 Just when blind Man im- agines that he has secured some certain lease of joy — the curse, alas, "not causeless" — cometh, and he is miserable. Would this be so, were God his Friend? XXIII. 1 heard frequently from England during my stay in the highlands; each succeeding letter was read with increased pleasure. I began to value the privileges and enjoyments of home, in consequence of my temporary absence from them. Everything about Bert old Castle was regarded with a new interest, and the slightest occurrence was charged with unusual importance. From my brother I did not hear directly, but the accounts of him received through my mother, awoke in my breast something like a spirit of emulation. I felt that I was little else than an idle dreamer ; but what could a youth of sixteen do ? This question I asked myself over and over again. Too young for action, certainly, and for that matter, not sufficiently educated for practical effort ; the preparation itself seemed but drivelling work. "Preparation for what V I would ask ; and then Destiny, with her pale face, seemed to whisper : " Thy labor shall come to naught !" Besides, I could not think of entering upon any of the cus- tomary pursuits of the world. Political life had no charms 94 SAINT LEGER. for me, for I dreaded to bring its unhallowed intrigues inlo collision with my moral sense. The law, as a profession, I abhorred, because I perceived that while it sharpened men's minds to a wonderful acuteness, it narrowed their intellects, after a peculiar manner, until no universality remained. I was too conscientious to quarter myself on the church, so long as I could lay no claim to a religious character. A military life I detested more than all. Yet I was a younger son ; and although my fortune, in right of my mother, would ultimately be ample, and while I knew my father to be just toward his children, still I must resolve on some course. I always strug- gled against the doctrine of fatality. Early in life I took for my motto : — " Sed milii res, uon me rebus submittere conor." But I felt that without some direct purpose in view, circum- stances would control me instead of being controlled by me. Again I pondered over the business of humanity, inquiring what man was made for 1 Was it for political intrigue and chicanery — for intricate, acute but belittling special plead- ing — for dishonest peculation from the church — for war and bloodshed 1 For none of these, assuredly. Then was he made for seclusion ; to sit and think and wonder and be still, or to labor and delve and toil like beasts of burthen ? And if either, cui bono ? One generation succeeds another, each teaching its successor the tricks and the devices current in the world, while everything is managed badly enough. Such were my reveries, as I anxiously stole away from ob- servation, and seated myself in my chamber, in view of the lofty peaks which frowned down upon the castle. The solemn presence of the old hills, so still, so awful, in their repose, must have had no small influence upon my sensitive spirit. Yet while I felt a determined repugnance to enter upon any course which did not commend itself to my conscience, I was SAINT LEGER. 95 fast coming to the conclusion that there was no work for man upon earth suited to his true desires and his true capacities. Desiring to pursue a right course, I was insensibly losing all native benevolence of feeling, and giving way to a morbid spirit of fault-finding with the affairs of the world. This made me intellectually selfish, and cut me off from a happy com- munion with my fellows. I am now chronicling my feelings as they were when I was about to leave Glencoe. Bear with me patiently as I put down these apparently unimportant changes in my inner life. I trust that before I close I shall be able to furnish an in- structive lesson. And let me now say to those who may have followed me thus far, in hopes that my dry detail might lead ultimately into the flowery land of romantic fiction, that they are sure to be disappointed ; and unless they can find matter of interest in this very detail, having in view my ultimate ob- ject, we had better part company here, instead of voyaging on together, with the certain prospect of disappointment in the end. XXIV. I had concluded my visit, and was busy packing my port- manteau for my return to England. Having emptied its contents, I was proceeding to assort them, when my eye lighted upon a small package, which till now had been over- looked. I took it up. It was the parcel handed me by Aunt Alice when I left Bertold Castle, and which had entirely escaped my recollection. Upon the outside my name was written, as follows : " "William Henry, Youngest Son if Saint Leger." I opened the package : I came to e /elope after envelope, 96 SAINT LEGER. but discoveied nothing save blank paper. At length I found an enclosure, which read : " My child, deliver these as directed." I. rapidly unrolled the parcel, till a small but massive ring of gold, curiously wrought, dropped out. I found that the cover which enclosed it was addressed : " To THE WCEDALLAH OF St. KlLDA, " These !" This was the last enclosure, and was unsealed. I took the liberty of seeing its contents, for the exterior certainly gave no clue by which I could ascertain the object of the writer, ot the destination of the parcel with which I was intrusted. So I opened the last envelope and read these words : " To dweller on the Ocean Rock Where the storm-sprite rages but harms he not The Wcedallah ! " His heart is lone, his mind is free, Patient, he sits and waits his destiny; The Wcedallah!" On the other side I read : " This too is a Saint Leger; receive him, Bat poison not his soul, for it may not be." I stood contemplating these singular and apparently inco- herent sentences in utter astonishment. Although I was ready to expect from Aunt Alice something strange and un- common, I could not fathom this to me inexplicable jargon. " Aunt Alice is certainly crazed :" I exclaimed ; " and yet there is something in these lines which puts my brain upon the whirl. St. Kilda — The Hebrides! I have it! Here have 1 been nearly three months in their very neighborhood, SAINT LEGER. 97 without giving them a thought ! England sees not me till I have seen those storm-isles of the ocean!" Without farther reflection, I ran down to the court-yard, where I had left Hubert shortly before, half angry because, as he said, I insisted on leaving G-lencoe so soon. " Ho ! Hubert !" I shouted, " what say you to the grand tour of the Hebrides 1 I have made up my mind. I set off to-morrow morning. Go with me you must, and we shall want Christie for helmsman." Hubert looked at me for an instant, as if he was not quite positive whether I was jesting or beside myself. He soon discovered that I was neither, and believing that a sudden enthusiasm possessed me for a wild and romantic excursion, he whirled himself round three times, clapped his hands, struck me heartily on the shoulder, and, when he could find breath, exclaimed : " Glorious ! We are off on the instant ! Grand idea ! capital thought ! How did it come into your head ? We will get ready at once. But my father ]" said Hubert, stopping short ; " I fear he will not consent to it." " I will answer that he will," said I ; " pray go and ask him directly." In a few minutes he returned with a joyful countenance, raying that the earl, so far from making any objection to the proposed excursion, expressed his approbation of it, as evin- cing a love of hardy adventure, which he did not like to see altogether laid aside, in the happy change of the times from disturbed to peaceful. The freedom of Scotland had often depended, the earl remarked, upon her wild mountain fit- nesses and the rude islands which formed a part of her terri- tory. In his day, the youth boasted of their skill in navigating the perilous channels between these islands : he had himself twice narrowly escaped with his life, in passing the dangerous strait of Corryvrekan ; " and doubtless thought it proper," 7 98 SAINT LEGER. added Hubert, " that his younger son should be exposed to a similar ordeal. But," continued he, " I am no novice at channel-sailing, to say nothing of my dexterity in a whirlpool; for what with frequent passages between Mull and Skye, with an occasional visit to Coll and Muck island, together with a pretty intimate acquaintance with the storms that are always howling about Islay and Jura, I count myself (Christie being present to aid and abet), something more than a mere fresh- water sailor." What a bustle did we create during the day in our prepar- ations ! Old Christie was summoned to a confidential con- ference. I have already spoken of this veteran. In age he was nearly fifty, though his hardy frame, his alert step, and the quick glance of his eye, told of one in the very prime of physical existence. His beard was, however, somewhat grizzled, the only revenge Time seemed to have taken upon him. In person he was tall, bony, and muscular, with not an ounce of superfluous flesh to encumber him. He was a sort of major-domo at the castle, in consequence of his long ex- perience, well-tried fidelity, and great good nature. He was born at Glencoe, and was, if I mistake not, foster-brother of the earl. He had always been near his person, had accom- panied him abroad, and had served him in cases of extremity. As the young men grew up, Christie seemed to renew his youth, and entered into all their sports with as genuine a zest as if he was of their own age ; they, by the way, always de- ferring to him, in matters of practical expediency. In this way Christie would often make excursions with them to the neighboring islands to hunt, fish, or explore, " it being very necessary," as he would remark, "that the education of the puir lads suldna be quite negleckit ; for wha could tell what mightna just happen ony time yet?" The earl, it would seem, tacitly approved of Christie's reasoning ; he certainly SAINT LEGER. 99 made no objection to it ; so that the young men were initiated into all the hardy exercises of their race. The summons for Christie was shortly followed by the ap- pearance of the old fellow himself, who had no sooner en- tered the room than he was seized by Hubert, who, after ineffectually endeavoring to give him a whirl round (a famili- iarty exercised toward no other servant), shouted merrily : " Rouse yourself, my old lad ! Did you know that you are getting so rusty that the earl has ordered you banished from Grlencoe, and I am commissioned to see the order put into execution % You have till day-break to-morrow morning to make ready. So lose no' time ; off we must go, I am to be along, for fear you will be stealing back before your time is up !" During this edifying discourse, the old man stood regard- ing the youth very much as an old, sagacious, and well-trained mastiff watches the pranks of a favorite young dog Avho is cutting gambols around him, and although well pleased with the capers, is hardly willing that his own dignity should be entrenched upon by them. When Hubert therefore paused for breath, Christie very coolly turned up his gray eyes, ex- claiming : " What's in the wind 1100 V " Pshaw, Christie ! don't affect so much indifference, when you know you are crazy for a scamper of some kind ;" and thereupon Hubert pro- ceeded to give the detail of the proposed excursion, which comprised a visit to some of the adjacent islands, and after- ward a bold stretch out as far as St. Kilda, the most remote of the Hebrides. " And now, Christie, you know all about it ; keep our plans secret. We have the earl's permission, remember ; we shall leave everything to you. We can ex- pect nothing fit to eat after leaving Skye, so see that you lay in a good stock of small stores, and — 100 SAINT LEGER. " But, master Hubert," interrupted Christie. " I dinna ken an' I can be spared just noo at the castle, and ye ken weel I am getting just ower auld for the like o' this. I wadna mind to ferry ye over to Skye, but when ye talk about St. Kilda, it is quite anither thing, ye suld mind ; for I wadna care to catch a blast o' the hurricane outside o' Lewis." Christie's countenance, during this harangue, would have been a model for a painter. From the first, I perceived that he was only practising upon Hubert in return for his speech; and to see the old fellow's endeavor to assume an expression which was so unnatural, was ludicrous enough. Hubert, on the contrary, at first mistook it, and was about to express his impatience and astonishment at such an extraordinary dis- closure, when a humorous twinkle of Christie's eye explained matters in an instant, and Hubert was himself again. " Ah, Christie," said he, " you are the true metal, after all, but — " Christie here cut off all further superfluous discourse by in- sisting that we should proceed to business. First, a plan must be drawn up, to be followed explicitly ; then a consul- tation about the craft we should go in, and who to select for the crew. The first was soon settled ; about the second there was more difficulty. Donald MacCae's fishing smack (belonging to the earl) was not quite the thing, in Christie's opinion ; " she was ower wet in a gale of wind," though that was not to be minded, but she was withal a lubberly sailer. The earl's new yacht would do for a trip to Mull in fair weather, and poorly enough at that ; (it had been ordered without taking Christie's opinion on the subject). Finally, Donald Lairg's craft was selected as best qualified to perform all the offices required ; but Christie feared that Donald was not yet home from the herring cruise ; he would send down to the loch and see. After long hesitation, an i after discussing with himself the «s vied him at once back to the ancient Rutulians, when, as I have 108 SAINT LEGER. remarked, Mr. Alexander MacLeod paused; whether for the purpose of taking breath, or because he was getting involved in the mazes of his own discussion, I do not presume to say. Wishing to gain something to repay me for listening so long, I asked my host abruptly, " Pray, Mr. MacLeod, can you tell me the meaning of " Wcedallah?" "Wcedallah!" said the steward, peevishly, looking at the same time not a little disconcerted ; " Wosdallah ! It is a word never used as a compound. ' Weed' is simple enough ; ' allah' is well understood ; but they are never put together. Unless you use it as a corruption of the good old Norwegian, ' Udaller,' signifying the original chief or possessor of the soil." " Then you never have heard the word before V said 1, in- quiringly. " It is not used as a compound, my young gentleman," re- torted the steward, quickly, and without answering my ques- tion ; " but I have puzzled your brain enough for once, I see plainly. And now," continued he, looking at me significantly, " pray let me ask, since you are so determined on a visit to Hirta, what it is that takes you there 1" " Curiosity," replied I, slightly piqued by the manner .pi the questioner ; " curiosity, now still more active to witness the wonders you have described to me." Mr. Alexander MacLeod slowly placed the fore-finger of his right hand up- on the side of his nose, giving the latter member a slight de- flection to the left, nodded knowingly, as much as to say " I understand it; never mind an explanation;" then took his finger down and remained silent. It was now my turn to ask a solution of such conduct, which in this connection ex- cited my interest to the highest pitch ; but just then the stew- ard was summoned to attend to something requiring his im- mediate presence, and much to my disappointment, our con- SAINT LEGER. 109 versation was not again resumed. I felt satisfied, however, from what had passed, that the steward knew more about the mysterious word than he was willing to admit. But I had no opportunity for explanation, for the next day we took leave of our hospitable host, who gave us a letter to the minister, Mr. David Cantyre, commending us to his especial care. As we were departing, Mr. MacLeod came close up to me, and taking my hand, whispered : " Have a canny care of yourself, my young friend ; you will not find the coast so clear as you imagine perhaps; take care — take care/" And not wait- ing for an answer, the - steward, with a hearty " God bless you!" turned hastily away. XXVII. We now set sail, and after touching at North Uist, stood out for the stormy Hirta. During the voyage we had constant occasion to admire the promptitude, the coolness, the ready wit and able seamanship of old Christie. I could not but reflect how little we can judge of an individual, until he is placed in a position to call forth his real powers. It occurred to me more than once, during moments of peril, when our lives depended upon the self-possession and presence of mind of one person, how lit- tle the wisdom of the statesman, the devices of the political intriguer, the subtlety of the lawyer, or the craft of the scholar, could avail to save life and limb, as we were situated, with the sea lashed into fury, and the winds howling around us. How rapidly men's relations to each other change under circumstances of danger. I learned many lessons of practi- cal utility, which I shall never forget, from old Christie in that vovage. , to At length the wished-for point was made. We had expe- HO SAINT LEGER. rienced a terrible "blow" which had shortly subsided, and about three o'clock in the afternoon the sun came out ; when suddenly Hubert exclaimed, " Land ho ! Huzza ! huzza ! huzza ! See, see, Saint Leger ! There is old Hirta herself." I looked in the direction indicated by Hubert, when I be- held what appeared to be the point of a high rock, rising ab- ruptly from the ocean. •'Why don't you look, Christie!" continued Hubert; " there is St. Kilda. She bears by compass just as our friend MacLeod told us ' northwest by west half-north.' Do n't be in ill-humor because you did not see it first. Look ! look !" A smothered exclamation of contempt, escaped from Chris- tie, at the mention of the name of Mr. Alexander MacLeod : but he simply replied : " Not quite so fast, Master Hubert : I see nothing of St. Kilda, though I do see, and have seen for half an hour, the great rock of Boreray. We have two leagues of southing from there, at any rate, compass or no compass; and after that, we must double Livinish (another large rock) before we make St. Kilda." Christie was right, as usual ; but the gale had abated and the wind was happily in our favor. We rapidly passed both of these stupendous land-marks, when St. Kilda itself actu- ally came in view. I can not describe my emotions on be- holding the towering cliffs of this storm-beaten isle. My ideas were indistinct ; my thoughts were confused ; so I tried not to think at all, but turned my attention to the localities of the spot which were becoming more and more visible. We passed near an immense battlement of fearful rocks, and laid our course to the landing-place, which was no more nor less than a solid rock sloping down into the sea, and called by the natives " The Saddle." We were espied by. the inhabitants long before we were ready to land. A large party of men, women, and children, had assembled to receive us, the arrival SAINT LEGER. Ill of a " boat" being a remarkable event. Among the number was the worthy missionary, Mr. David Cantyre, who hastened down, on learning that a strange boat was approaching, in or- der to render all necessary assistance. By the exertions of the men on shore, we effected a landing, though with consid- erable difficulty, not unattended by danger, as the sea still ran high, and the "saddle" was covered with a species of Lichen Marinus, called in Scotland, slawk, which was so slippery that it was almost impossible to take a step upon it without falling. Our arrival was a matter of considerable surprise to the natives, when they perceived that we had not put in in dis- tress, or come upon any business of the steward. The first thought which struck me, on observing these people, was, that they were warm-hearted and hospitable. The habitation of each was freely offered to us so long as we chose to stay ; and we should have been puzzled where to have made choice, had it not been for the missionary, whom we soon discovered, and to whom we presented the letter of Mr. Alexander Mac- Leod, which served at once to procure for us the warmest re- ception. Proceeding a short distance from where we landed, we came to what might be termed " the village," where all the inhabitants of the island dwelt. It consisted of a double row of square stone huts, not over nine feet in height, with flat roofs, and which certainly gave no very striking indica- tions of good cheer within. Hubert cast a rueful glance at the prospect before us, for it was near night-fall, and we were much fatigued and needed repose ; but the good missionary, guessing what was passing in bis mind, remarked : " We have few inducements here to tempt visiters ; but I have an abundance of room in yon habitation to accommodate you all, and plenty of homely fare to stay your appetites, if you will consent to become my guests. 112 SAINT LEGER. The invitation was thankfully accepted for ourselves ; but Christie, with his usual tact and good sense, said that he had already made arrangements, for himself and his two follow- ers, with a Harris man, with whom he had once sailed on a herring cruise, and who had taken up his abode at St. Kilda. Leaving Christie, therefore, to take care of himself and his men, we followed the minister to his residence. Passing through the first apartment, which was unfurnished, we came to the next and only habitable room in the dwelling. Here, it. seemed, we were to eat, drink, and sleep ; although I could discover no accommodations for performing the last-named function, unless upon bare floors. A smoking supper soon put the apprehension to flight, by appealing to my present wants. It consisted of a roasted solan-goose, stuffed with gibain ; eggs, cooked and raw, in several varieties, but all of wild fowl ; tulmers, fried in their own oil, and hot cakes of oat- meal. Our sharp appetites were a sufficient incentive, and we did ample justice to the minister's board. Drowsiness succeeded the repast; whereupon our host threw down a little door in one side of the apartment, and discovered to us a wide bed, inserted as it were in the very heart of the wall. This was so much better than I had anti- cipated, that I did not stop to scrutinize ; but telling Hubert to follow me, I crept through the narrow door-way, and throwing myself upon what proved a delightful down-bed, was soon in a sound slumber. XXVIII. I awoke early in the morning, notwithstanding the fatigue of the previous day. I lay for some time in a dreamy rev- ery, revolving every incident which had occurred to me since 1 entered the highlands. Then my thoughts strayed back to SAINT LEGER. 713 Warwickshire, to my home in "merrie England;" and a chill came over my spirits when I thought how far I had wan- dered, and where I was. I asked myself what had brought me hither ; a youth little acquainted with the world, making a tour of pleasure to this wild and almost inaccessible region ; how strange the conceit — how singular the motive ! And then that same pale-faced Destiny which so often haunted me, whispered that something should come to pass in this island which would tell upon my future : what it was, I dared not surmise. Was I then at the wished-for spot ! Was the hour so soon at hand 1 My mind rallied under these exciting thoughts, and not caring for longer repose, I rose, leaving Hubert still sleeping, repeating as T arranged my dress the words of Prospero : " Now does my project gather to a head : My charms crack not ; my spirits obey ; and time Goes upright with his carriage. How's the day 1" As I had no "dainty Ariel" to answer the question, T step- ped boldly out to see for myself. The morning had just dawned, and the rays of light emerging from the east were fast extending over the horizon. None of the inhabitants of the village were as yet visible ; so I stood upon the lofty Hirta solitary and alone ! I walked at first toward the sea, keeping to the southward of where we had landed. Here T had a good view of the whole northeastern part of St. Kilda. How grand, how terribly impressive, was the scene ! On all sides, so far as my view extended, the island was girt about with an immense perpendicular breastwork of solid rock, to look down whose toppling height the head swam, and the brain grew dizzy. Defying storm and wind and ocean, ages upon ages it had remained a representative of earth ; an out- er sentinel, successfully resisting the enemy ; casting back triumphantly the waves which sought to overwhelm it, and do- 114 SAINT LEGER. fying the utmost fury of the tempest. During every change of season, by day and by night, while its inhabitants slumbered, and while they were awake, the towering cliffs of Hirta stood unshaken and immoveable. After sun-eying for a time this impressive scene, I turned back to the village. My first impulse was to call Hubert, and propose to him an immediate exploration of the whole island ; on second thoughts I determined to go by myself. I had got from the steward a general idea of the different local- ities, and as the island was but some three miles long, and only two broad, I had little fear of losing myself. Ascertain- ing, therefore, as near as I could, the points of compass, I took a course nearly west, as the prospect was more inviting in that direction, and appeared less obstructed by hills, which in some parts of St. Kilda rise to an immense height. Proceeding about a mile, I encountered one of these eleva- tions, which by dint of extra exertion I soon passed, and de- scending from the other side into a most delightful valley, found myself within half a mile of the ocean. 1 followed a small, winding rivulet which flowed through the valley until it emptied itself into the sea. Here the soil was exuber- ant; the ground was covered with an almost infinite va- riety of the richest plants, including the white and red clover the daisy, crowfoot, and dandelion, and plantains of every sort. I was surprised to find a spot of so much beauty where I had expected to see only wild and uncultivated hills, or bleak rocks and waste ground. I stood near the edge of the shore; for where the stream fell into the sea there was some appear- ance of a landing-place ; indeed the steward had told me that on the northwest part of the island there was a spot where the inhabitants, when forced to so dangerous an experiment, made shift to put in, and I believed from his description that this was the place. So much, however, was I enchanted by SAINT LEGER. H5 the exquisite beauty of the little valley through which I had strayed, that I turned away from the bold and magnificent view of rock and ocean to gaze upon it; and so abstracted did I become in the contemplation, that I did not notice a boat which had in the meantime approached the shore, and was attempting to land. Not wishing to be seen by those on board, I stepped aside and took a position where I could have a fair view of them, without being observed. There were but three persons in the boat, two of whom managed the craft, while the third steered. From the distance at which I stood, they did not appear to be inhabitants of St. Kilda, and apparently they were not fishermen. As the boat approached the shore, it was hid from sight by some rocks which were brought between me and it. I still kept my position, and awaited the issue of what now looked likely to turn out an adventure. After several minutes I per- ceived two of the party clambering up a steep ledge, some distance below me ; and on reaching the top, proceed in an opposite direction from where I was standing, and conse- quently not in a way to gain the village. My curiosity was aroused ; so I followed slowly after, carefully keeping out of sight, yet endeavoring not to lose track of my men. I went on in this way for some five minutes, when they disap- peared behind the cleft of a huge rock, and I saw them no more. I walked cautiously forward till I passed the rock in question, but found no one ; I still persevered, but without making any discovery, and was on the point of giving up*the search, when I noticed a small grotto, partially in ruins, the walls and part of the roof of which were still standing, so as to afford sufficient protection from storm and bad weather. Through an aperture on the side toward me, I beheld the figures of two or more persons, but could not decide whether they were those I had previously seen. I stole cautiously up 116 SAINT LEGER. till I reached the grotto, and looked in. I saw two persons ; the one whose face was toward me was a beautiful girl, ap- parently about nineteen ; she was engaged in earnest conver- sation with a man, whose countenance was turned from me. The girl was considerably above the medium height; she wore a Spanish mantilla, richly ornamented, which was thrown entirely back, displaying a face of great beauty ; deep, dark, passionate eyes; regular features, and a mouth the most expressive I ever saw. Her hair, which was black, and parted plain across her forehead, was exquisitely braided and secured behind by a ring and arrow of gold. The man — but I need not describe him, for as he turned partially round I saw his side-face, and perceived that it was — Vautrey ! I stood petrified with astonishment. I could not believe the evidence of my own senses. I began to think I was dreaming, and that I might presently awake and find myself upon the bed in the minister's dwelling. But no ; this was no illusion. I could not mistake ; the scene before me was real ; and at the risk of being discovered, I leaned forward to get a better view of the parties ; as I did so, these words met my ear : " Remember, count, this is the last time." "Unless, signora, you can be persuaded to change your mind," was the reply of Vautrey, in a tone so soft and so in- sinuating that I scarcely recognised it. "Never, so help me Heaven !" exclaimed the girl, impetu- ously ; " I can not, do not, will not love you ; and you shall no longer persecute me. What if my father knew of these meetings ? What if he knew that you had come hither after what he has so fearfully sworn 1" '•What if he did?" interrupted Vautrey, in his natural, sneering tone; "what if he did ? Is the Wcedallah my keeper ?" "Enough," returned the girl, with dignity; "enough: SAINT LEGER. 117 such a tone and such an answer best become you. We part," she added, as she turned to leave the grotto, "never to meet again in this way." "Not thus, not thus," replied Vautrey, in a gentle tone; "you must not, you can not leave me thus. Remember what we have been to each other. Have you forgotten the season spent in Genoa? Do you never think of Naples'?" "Never without a shudder, Vautrey," replied the girl, for the first time calling the count byname; "and it is despicable in you now to allude to the past. Away ! I despise you." A bitter exclamation escaped the count. He raised his finger in a menacing attitude: "Leila," said he, "though a woman, you may provoke my vengeance. Beware !" "A woman derides your vengeance, count, even while you threaten it," said the maiden, scornfully ; so saying, she turn- ed again to depart. I stepped hastily back in order to escape observation ; as I did so, I met a pair of wild, sharp-looking, piercing black eyes glaring intently upon me from behind a thick clump of low bushes, with a gaze so fixed, that it seemed to belong to some spirit of darkness. As may be supposed, at the first sight of this unlooked-for apparition, my blood ran cold ; but I was not daunted, although surprised and shocked. It was evident that I had been noticed ; yet I endeavored to be cool. Keeping my eye, therefore, boldly on this strange being, I slowly made good my retreat. The savage, as I took him to be, moved not, stirred not, till I was about disappearing, when he made a significant gesture toward the grotto, nodded his head, and waved his hand impatiently, as if to hasten me away. I did not need such a hint, but ma- king what speed I could, I turned back the way I came, nor did I slacken my pace until I was in sight of the village. At the door of the minister's dwelling I met Hubert, who exclaimed, " Thank God, Saint Leger, you are safe. Pray tell me where you have been, and what has happened to you. 118 SAINT LEGER. I missed you when I first woke; we have inquired at every house, or rather hovel ; have searched at the landing-place, and everywhere else, and I had begun to be seriously alarmed. This was unfair to steal away from me, and take the first sur- vey alone. But, tell me ; something has happened, I know. What have you seen? Come, out with it." " I have seen Vautrey," said I; and thereupon I related to Hubert minutely all that I had witnessed that morning, al- though I was first tempted to keep the matter to myself; but I thought it was not treating my cousin with the ingenuousness he deserved. Hubert looked very serious for a moment ; then his boyish love of adventure got the better of every other feeling, and he clapped his hands with delight : "Now for something that is worth the chase," cried he; " now, Count Vautrey, have a care. We are no longer at Glencoe. Three in the boat ? we will match them : Christie is a host, of himself, and the two MacDonalds are no cow- ards. Yes, I was right; Vautrey is — yes, he is — the devil! No embodiment, but very Satan ! Come, Saint Leger, here is a compact for you : the girl is yours, by right of discovery; besides, you have got a clue to that ever-to-be-remembered Wcedallah, which strengthens your title. But Vautrey, mark me, is mine, and you are not to interfere with me there." " You meditate no violence, Hubert !" I replied, alarmed oy his emphatic tone. "I am a Moncrieff ;" replied my cousin, proudly. " Enough ;" was my response ; " there shall be, as there ever has been, confidence between us." " We have said it," cried Hubert, "and now let us break our fast, for I have waited for you, and am hungry enough to devour a solan-goose alive. First, let us satisfy our hun- ger, and then, come Vautrey, Wcedallah, Circe, Syren, Cali- ban, and the foul fiend !" 3AINT LEGER. H<) XXIX. I must go back a little, to resume the history of my inner life. Bear with me, though you may have become more or less interested in the incidents of the last few chapters. Recollect our compact when, declining to pait company with me, as I advised you many pages back, you ran the risk of suffering the penalty of a dull companionship, if you should uot be able to sympathize in my feelings. Once more I give you an opportunity to bid "Adieu!" — once more I say; expect nothing but facts. When Glenfinglas was struck down by Vautrey, my whole moral nature was strongly affected. Fearfully impressed by the malignant passions manifested by the latter, my soul in- stinctively sought refuge in God its creator. Like an inex- perienced child which has strayed fur the first time out of sight of the parent, enjoying from the novelty, everything within its observation ; till, frightened by some untoward oc- currence, it runs hurrying back, oppressed and terrified, de- siring only to be secure in those loved arms, never again to wander away ; so it was with me : I poured out my heart unto God afresh ; I prayed and was comforted. How happy was I in forming new resolutions for the conduct of my fu- ture. Earnestly did I pray to be guided aright ; earnestly did I supplicate not to be abandoned to temptation. For a few days I enjoyed a serene peace of mind ; then something like ennui began to take the place of it ; then my old heart- pangs slowly returned, leaving their leaden load in the very centre of my young heart. Then I sought relief in my Bible and in prayer in vain ; and then again I ceased to pray, seek- ing to cheer my spirits in a thousand exciting ways. The 120 SAINT LEGER. voyage to St. Kilda had broken in so completely upon my former habits, both physical and mental, that good appeared likely to grow out of it. Yet I had no opportunity in such a voyage for reflection. But I did think sometimes. There were occasional texts of Scripture which would for weeks be ever present to my mind, and which, in spite of me, I could not help almost constantly repeating. I distinctly remember the following to have been among the number : "O Ephraim, what shall 1 do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? For your goodness is as a morning cload, And as the early dew it goetu away." " And the last state of that man is worse than the first." These solemn passages of scripture were at that time con- tinually in my mind. They stood out in my imagination like the handwriting upon the wall. I felt condemned; my for- mer terrors revived; my soul was in darkness. I found my- self suddenly thrown back to my old ground. I had travelled through so many mental changes only to find myself at the starting-place. In the meantime, I began to understand the world something better. I saw pleasure and enjoyment in it. Sin, to be sure as did Satan, came also ; but there was gratification nevertheless. I now felt the seductive influence of the god of this world creeping slowly upon me. It was as yet only the foretaste of what I was to experience, but the poison had begun to work. The fiend Vautrey had roused strange feelings in my bosom. I hated him and despised him ; but with all that, I envied him. Yes, I envied him his knowl- edge of the world, of life, and for all that he had seen and ex- perienced. Besides, my soul longed for gratification, and I envied him for what he had enjoyed. So strictly had I dealt with myself that it seemed as if sinning with a high hand would act upon my nature as a moral alterative, and prove SAINT LEGER. 121 of healthful influence. Like the convalescent who has been confined for weeks to a low diet, and who hankers for high- seasoned and rich-flavored food, even so I yearned after the flesh-pots of Egypt, longing " to roll sin as a pleasant morsel under my tongue." Alas ; what had become of all my good resolutions ; my enlarged plans for benevolent action ; my earnest desires to benefit my kind ; my rules for self-improve- ment 1 How strangely vanished. How suddenly forgotten. "How is the gold become dim! How is the most fine gold changed !" was the lamentation of the prophet, and bitterly did I after- ward take it up. Bear in mind that I am inditing this story several years subsequent to these events. I do not wish it to be understood that I came to an open avowed res- olution to commit or to live in sin ; such nevertheless was my private secret conclusion, kept secret even from myself; for the arch enemy, when he would most successfully enslave the soul, inculcates the Christian rule : " Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth." Now that all has come to pass, I can speak understandingly. As I have before said, I write for the young ; for those whose sympathies are not yet destroyed. Hearken, then, to my ap- peal. Read and reflect upon my history, and pray God it may prove to thee an instructive lesson ; and may that lesson not have come too late. Thus much at present of my inner life. It may appear in- consistent with what I write of my external. But again I re- oeat. the record is true. 122 SAINT LEGER. XXX. After we had breakfasted, Hubert and myself sat down to a protracted conference, rendered necessary, as we thought, by my report of the extraordinary occurrence of the morning. In this conference we discussed matters of high importance. We certainly had many difficult questions to pass upon. In the first place, who could that beautiful girl be 1 What had sent her to this remote spot ? Who was her protector ? Then, what had she to do with Vautrey ; what was Vautrey doing here ; and who and how many were in his company ? .Such were the points canvassed over and over by ns, but about which we could come to no satisfactory conclusion. I now told Hubert why I had been so inquisitive about the word " Wcedallah," and we both agreed that the package of Aunt Alice might prove of much assistance to us. In the meantime, we undertook to get all possible information from the missionary and the inhabitants of the island. Christie also was to be put on the scent, and his two followers if necessary; and thus the campaign commenced. We spent part of the day in the company of the worthy, Mr. David Cantyre, whose hospitality had been so freely tend sred, and who did all in his power to render our visit agreeable. From him we received a minute account of the island and its inhabitants, which would have afforded me at any other time abundant source of entertainment; but after the exciting events of the morning, I found it difficult to fix my attention upon anything else. I forbore to question the minister about that which I most desired to know, until I had gained further upon his intimacy. To this end I asked him SAINT LEGER. 123 about his own personal history ; and, in order to draw him out, ventured to express my wonder that he should have consented to bury himself in such a remote spot, cut off from all communication with the world, and enjoying nothing like refined society, or the pleasant intercourse of friends. To this the minister replied, that no sacrifice was too great which the cause of Christ demanded; and that in the performance of his simple duties he derived a lively satisfaction which to him was beyond all price. He recounted much of his past life, gave an account of his first landing at St. Kilda, and of what he had done and hoped to do among the inhabitants. Altogether, the minister was a man to be loved and respected. And the contemplation of such a character might, under other circumstances, have deeply impressed me ; but now nothing coidd divert me from the pursuit in which I was embarked ; ■ I do believe that nothing, not even the fear of everlasting perdition, would have forced me to abandon it. Hubert, in the meanwhile, had conferred with Christie, and Christie had promised soon to give us all the information we desired. His opinion was, that Vautrey, had taken possession of some one of the small rocky islands near St. Kilda, perhaps Boreray or Soay. He was told that a strange boat had been seen for two or three weeks past hovering about the island, and it was at first supposed when we landed that it belonged to us. Hubert communicated nothing further to Christie, except his desire for immediate information; and in such a case where, as the faithful old follower believed, the honor of his young master was al stake, to hear was to obey. The next day, Hubert and myself set out on a tour of observation. We visited some of the prominent localities of the island. We climbed together the lofty Conagra, which rises with fearful abruptness from the head of the bay to a height of nearly six ■ thousand feet, commanding from its summit a view of nore 124 SAINT LEGER. than one hundred and fifty miles in extent. Thence we took a survey of the entire coast. There was nothing which could be called a harbor belonging to the island, and but two places where it was even possible to land ; the first was near the village, the other was at the spot where I had seen Vautrey put in. The island was full of little cells or grottoes, like the one I have mentioned, which were evidently of great antiqui- ty ; at least we could learn nothing of their origin ; none of the inhabitants could give us any information about them ; and Mr. David Cantyre, to his praise be it spoken (in view of what I suffered from Mr. Alexander MacLeod), was no an- tiquarian. In making our circuit, we came to the place of my previous adventure : we looked about over rock and valley, and into every secret nook, in hopes to discover something — we cared but little what — to throw light upon the strange scene I had witnessed. But our labors were fruitless. The grotto where Vautrey and the maiden had parted, was de- serted, and nothing within betrayed that it ever had been the trysting-place of lovers. We were both disappointed, and in consequence began to feel the fatigues of the day more sen- sibly. The route to the village would complete the circuit we desired to make ; so we returned home, wearied but not dis- couraged. Full of resolution and youthful ardor, we retired to rest, determined on the morrow to continue the search. XXXI. What a wonderful impression had Leila (yes, that was the name Vautrey had pronounced) made upon me. Nev- er had I beheld so beautiful a creature ; never before wit- nessed such grace, such exquisite perfection, such incompara- ble charms. I remembered with singular minuteness every look, and every expression, every feature and every linei- SAINT LEGER. 125 ment of her face ; and the more I thought of her, the more impatient I became to solve the mystery. A young maiden, dressed in a style adapted to the most refined society, alone in St. Kilda 1 Impossible ! Again, she was known to Vaut- rey, and the count had intimated in what he said to her, that they had formerly been friends ; how my heart beat at the thought : but it was evident they were friends no longer. The more my mind dwelt upon this strange enigma, the more excited I became, until I resolved to speculate no further, but await the result of our investigation. Hubert was up be- times the next morning, and roused me. His determination to find Vautrey was after all occasioned, as I believed, more from a natural desire to solve the mystery of his presence at St. Kilda, than from any feeling of revenge for the old affront. Indeed, what to a youth of eighteen could be more exciting than an undertaking of this sort ? As Hubert had waived all interest in the beautiful Unknown (not having beheld her, he could do so, as I thought, the more readily), we made an equitable division of our labors, be undertaking, with the aid of his followers, to find Vautrey, " dead or alive," as he ex- pressed it, and I agreeing, by no means unwillingly, to dis- cover the fair maiden of the grotto. Leaving my cousin to his plans, I set out once more to visit the delightful valley, which the minister told me bore the name of the " Female Warrior's Glen," from an amazon very famous in the tradi- tions of the island. I was resolved this time to be thorough in my search, for I was sure that there must be a habitation of some sort near at hand. Nor did the result prove me mis- taken ; for after traversing the valley in every possible di- rection, I went around a small ledge of rocks, which were apparently so near the coast that it had not occurred to me there could be any considerable space beyond. I was much surprised to discover there a miniature valley or glen, 126 SAINT LEGER. remarkably beautiful, in the centre of which stood a small stone building. 1 tiis picturesque little spot was presented so suddenly to my view, that I stopped short in amazement, and was for a few moments lost in admiration of its beauty. Presently I beheld a man come from the hut, for it was little else, and leisurely advance a few steps, as if to take the air. Whether he saw me or not, I could not tell ; at any rate, he took no notice of me whatever. Observing him closely, I per- ceived that he was a man past the prime of life, perhaps fifty years of age ; he was of middling stature, of rather spare habit of body, having a bold, prominent, but narrow forehead, thinly covered with gray hair. What was remark- able, he was dressed with scrupulous exactness, and in every respect after the English style, and his garments were made in the fashion of the then present season. My resolution was taken : I determined to accost the stranger. Walking toward him, I did what I could to attract his notice, but to no pur- pose ; his eyes were turned in every direction but toward me. It was not till I had come close upon him, that he recognised my presence. Begging pardon for the interruption, I asked him the nearest route to the village. "On your honor, young man," said the stranger, "have you lost your way, or has an idle curiosity brought you hither V " Neither," returned I, boldly ; " but " " Pass on, then, pass on ! annoy me not with the sight of my kind. It is burthen enough to endure myself. Pass on, pass on, and molest me no further!" exclaimed the stranger, waving his hand as he spoke. " I will not pass on," said I, roused by his tone, " till J have said what I have to say to you." " What sends you here V interrupted he, pettishly. SAINT LEGER. 127 " Destiny," returned I. " Destiny," muttered the other; and then continuing, as if to himself: " To hear the world prate of destiny : as if destiny were a god to direct and control : destiny, forsooth : why, destiny is what is." Then turning to me, he added, " You rave, young man." I now narrowly examined the speaker. His appearance indicated the misanthrope ; not the misanthrope by nature, but one who had been soured with the world, perhaps from good cause : one who had endured the " slings and ar- rows of outrageous fortune" until there was no sensibility left in his bosom T looked once more at the clear sharp out- line of forehead, boldly developed (though narrow), the deep-set, expressive gray eyes, the dignified though slightly petulant air : and in all I saw — shall I say it ? — some strange,- mysterious resemblance to — myself. I paused — I trembled; I resolved on one more trial : " In the name of all that you hold sacred, tell me," I exclaimed, " are you called the Wced- allah V "There is nothing I hold sacred, young man," answered the stranger ; " you adjure me in vain ; but if it will satisfy you to learn the fact, so that you will then leave me and pass on your way, I answer that I am called the Woedallah." " Stay one moment, and I have done," I exclaimed, per- ceiving that this singular man was returning to his dwelling ; "stay but a single moment" — and drawing forth the little package with which Aunt Alice had intrusted me, I handed it to him without speaking, and awaited the effect it might pro- duce. He took the parcel, examined the superscription with- out emotion, and proceeded to open it. When he beheld the ring, his countenance changed, first to deep red, then to dead- ly pale ; his whole frame was convulsed, his limbs trembled, his lips quivered ; he was evidently laboring under agonizing emotion ; but he recovered somewhat, and proceeded to read 128 SAINT LEGEK. what was written. This done, he turned and looked at me witli a gaze so earnest and so penetrating that I almost shrunk from it. As he looked, I thought I discovered tears start in his eyes ; his countenance changed to an expression of deep melancholy ; and pointing toward the door of his dwelling, he said to me, in a low, indistinct tone, " Enter." I obeyed the direction, and on going in, found myself in a small, but neatly furnished apartment, in which was, among other articles, a well filled bookcase ; over it were suspended a musket and small-arms : a sword and several daggers. There was no one in the room : of this I took care to assure myself when I first entered ; and despite the excitement of the mo- ment, I felt disappointed. My host pointed to a chair, and I sat down ; he also took a seat beside me, and examined my countenance with searching scrutiny. As there was no ap- pearance of impertinent inquisitiveness in his manner, I re- mained quiet, resolving that I would not be the fii-st to break the silence. " It is even so," observed he, at length, as if communing with himself; " it is even so ; my eyes again behold a Saint Leger ; one of my own flesh and blood is before me ; and although I have forsworn all, ay, everything upon the earth, and all above and all below, yet since the race began, has never a Saint Leger met a Saint Leger face to face un- acknowledged or uncared for, nor ever shall. But why came you hither V As this interrogatory was addressed to me, I replied: " Why I came I know not, nor can I give any satisfactory rea- son. I was about to spend some time in the highlands, and as I was leaving Warwickshire, Aunt Alice put in my hands the package you now have. I nave told you all." "Warwickshire," exclaimed my kinsman; "beautiful, lovely Warwickshire : its gentle Avon, its enchanting land- SAINT LEGER. 129 scapes ! Accursed be they," continued he, in a lower tone, " now and for ever. Did you leave all these, and to come here V " I did leave all these, and to come here,'" was my calm reply. I was about to add something further, when the door of the adjoining apartment opened, and the beautiful Leila stood upon the threshold. XXXII. Yes — the beautiful Leila stood upon the threshold. There could be no doubt of her identity with the maiden I had seen with Vautrey. She stood motionless, and for a moment seemed lost in astonishment at beholding a stranger. She was about retiring, when her father — for so he proved to be^ prevented her retreat. "Leila," he said, "come hither." The latter slowly obeyed the summons, advancing, without, however, in the least noticing me. " My child," said the Wcedallah, as I will now call him, " this is our kinsman, Wil- liam Henry Saint Leger, from Warwickshire ; you will re- ceive him as such." The maiden drew herself up, made me a distant salutation, which I returned with equal hauteur, and said to her father in Italian : " I beg you will not force upon me a new acquaintance ; pray let me retire." To which I immediately replied, " Un- fortunately, mademoiselle, I am sufficiently acquainted with the Italian to comprehend what you say ; I am equally un- lucky in understanding French, German, Spanish, the dead languages, and my mother-tongue. If you will have the kindness to select any other, I promise you I can not play the eaves-droppcr." The girl was fairly taken by surprise at my impudence, and 9 130 SATNT LEGER. seemed for a moment at a loss whether or not to receive it in good part. The oddity of the whole scene, I think, turned the scale in my favor. Extending to me her hand, she ex- claimed : " Since our kinsman has so many weapons at command, submission on our part is discretion. Welcome, Mr. Saint Leger, to the rocks of St. Kilda." "And since," replied I, warmly, " I have at last received a kinsman's reception, I beg to make an apology for my rude- ness." " Enough," interrupted the Wcedallah, much to my chagrin ; " enough for this once, or you will exceed bounds. So it is ever with youth ; one extreme or the other ; now all ice, then a burning heat ; ecstasy or despair ; frowning like Medusa, or smiling like Helen. Why should it not be so 1 What would the world come to, if the young had experience 1 To an end, speedily. So, go on — go on; freeze and seethe, bubble and boil, till life has ended, and not even the vapor remains." I stood regarding the speaker in mute astonishment during this strange harangue. When he had concluded, I turned to witness its effect upon L eila, but discovered that she had taken advantage of it to effect a retreat to her own apartment. Feeling no desire to encourage conversation of this sort, I resolved if possible to put an end to it. "I know not," said I, " to what such remarks tend, nor why they are addressed to me. Indeed, why I thus meet you I can scarce tell. You invited me to enter, and I did so. If you are my kiusman, treat me with the confidence our relationship merits." "If you are my kinsman !" echoed the Wcedallah, rising and regarding me with a searching, anxious look : " misera- ble boy, do you doubt it 1 Or — is it possible ? — can I have been deceived ?" he continued, again scrutinizing my features. SAINT LEGER. 131 " No, no — it can not be." Taking the ring, which I had de- livered, from its envelope and again reading what was within, he exclaimed, in a louder tone, "Ay, ay, receive him — receive him ; but — but poison not his soul — for it may not be." His appearance all this time was so like a madman's, that I turned away my face in horror. The Wcedallah paused, and then addressed me precisely as if not one word had been uttered by him, and I doubt much if he was conscious of having spoken. " The confidence you ask," he said, calmly, " shall be ex- tended to you. Indeed, you have a right to demand it. But first tell me how fare all at — Bertold Castle. Your father and your mother ] You have a brother and a sister also ; are they well] And — and Aunt Alice, as you call her — bears she her years bravely ] Has time left many marks' upon her frame]— but her spirit will resist the spoiler for ever and for ever — tell me, how is she] Then she knew of your coming hither, and gave you these V One question had followed another in such rapid succes- sion that I could not reply to any till the questioner paused. I then answered particularly as to our family, stating, as I had previously done, that my visit to St. Kilda was almost accidental. "Did she not tell you that I was here]" was the next question. " She did not," was my reply. "It is strange; yet not strange," he continued; "but I embarrass you. I am in fault. And so you struck boldly for Hirta. A hardy enterprise: how old are you V I staled my age. "So young — I pity thee: I supposed thou hadjBt fewer years in which to suffer ; but I see thou hast not begun to experience. Hast had any misgivings, any doubts ?" 132 SAINT LEGER. It seemed while I heard these words from the lips of a kinsman, words which echoed back my own secret distrusts and fears, as if the arch enemy stood before me, luring me to destruction. I shrunk from the tempter. My better na- ture rallied to resist the insidious attack, and by this I knew how necessary was temptation to a salutary state of mind and heart. I answered calmly and with courage : " Who trusts his Maker knows neither misgiving nor doubt. His providence protects from both." "Wait a while," returned the other, sneeringly, "and you will tell a different tale. Does Job fear God for naught ? Have you not youth and health and senses — a full capacity for earthly enjoyment 1 Does not the blood go beating through your veins in the very heyday rapture of young life ] Con- fidence in your Maker, forsooth : say rather confidence in your own glowing energy ; but energy will wane by-and-by, and confidence with it." I was startled at such bold and impious language; but my heart grew firm under the attack, and I answered, " And why should not man trust his Creator ] Why should he have any misgivings, any doubts, as you call them, when he knows that Creator to be all-wise, all-just, and all-power- ful ? And why should not confidence increase with years V "Because — because," returned my kinsman, impatiently, " neither in youth nor in early manhood do we enjoy the fruits of our labors ; because we are put off, put off till old age, before the reward cometh ; until the reward is known to be vanity, and we care not for it ; and therefore do distrust and apprehension creep gloomily over the soul." " We should carry the reward daily in our bosoms," said T. " He is a supremely selfish being who looks to the reward merely as a reward and selfishness itself is very desolation to the heart." SAINT LEGER, I33 "Ho, ho," shouted the other, scornfully; "a philanthropist, I perceive ; and universal benevolence your rule of action. "Wait till Sin has turned Virtue out-of-doors, and Folly has sent Benevolence to keep her company ; till Ingratitude has soured your mind, and you have found in your bosom-friend a viper ; till you have spent life's progress in that utter toil of the hu- man spirit, and you awake, as from a dream, the victim of delusive, presumptuous Hope, and find yourself borne down by a stern, unaccommodating, unyielding Necessity into deep interminable perdition, while the Maker whom you worship- ped — ha, ha — mocks 'at your distresses, or coldly regards the helpless struggles of his victim, as if he rejoiced at his agonies! Ay, wait — and the time is short — wait till then, and you also will exclaim, even as do I, ' Oh, humanity, humanity, how truly do I pity thee.' " During this harangue, it seemed to me as if I was en- countering Satan in bodily presence. At the same time all the strength of my moral nature rose within me. I came close to the speaker, and boldly met his sarcastic sneer. " Man !" exclaimed I, "tempter! fiend! avaunt — I defy thee. If I choose to do right and be virtuous, it is not in the power of Omnipotence to make me miserable. If I choose to do wrong and be sinful.GrOD himself can not make me happy." As 1 pronounced these words, the Wcedallah started up and turned upon me a countenance in which a thousand evil spirits seemed struggling for expression. Rage and hate and tlark despair were stamped upon it, but he spoke not. Just then the scroll which Aunt Alice had sent by me fell acci- dentally open upon the floor. I took it up and handed it to him, at the same time placing my finger upon the words he had before repeated, " but poison not his soul." The poor man turned his eye upon the paper. All trace of anger and hatred vanished. Deep melancholy again took possession of 134 SAINT LEGER. his features, and lie exclaimed: "True — ha! true; too true ! No — I will not — I will not :" and rushed into the ad- joining apartment. I stood in strange perplexity. Curious fantasies flocked through my brain. I began to believe that I was in the abode of some powerful necromancer, who had chosen this storm- beaten island for his habitation, and that the fair Leila was but the sorceress through whose blandishments I had been lured to it. I should not have been much surprised to have seen her step forth a wrinkled, ill-favored, shrivelled hag. In short, I would most gladly have changed localities with old Gonzalo, whose isle, though "full of noises," " Of elves, of hills, brooks, standing lakes and groves," was also filled with "Sounds and sweet airs, which give delight and hurt not." How I wished for something to destroy the horrible illusion which was stealing over me. Had Hubert then made his ap- pearance, or had old Christie thrust his head through the nar- row doorway, it would have been an indescribable relief. What was I to do ? Should I leave in silence, and if so, was I privileged to return ? At this moment, the beautiful Leila, the influence of whose name had certainly caused the last interrogatory, again open- ed the door and came into the room. " Mr. Saint Leger," she said, " my father desires that you will excuse his not seeing you again to-day. He has sud- denly been taken ill, and requests that you will visit him to- morrow." " 111 ?" said I ; " nothing alarming, I hope. Can I not ren- der some assistance V "None, I assure you," replied the maiden, "yet I must SAINT LEGER. 135 no1 leave him ;" and with rather a formal salutation, she dis- appeared. Nothing was left for me but to make my way back to the v'.-lage, where I found Hubert impatient to see me. XXXIII. It required, I acknowledge, a great effort to turn from the exciting and intensely interesting events of the morning, to give attention to Hubert's vivacious account of his doings and discoveries. At firs't, I could not bear to have the image of Leila displaced for a moment from my mind, and I listened with so bad a grace for the first few moments, that Hubert be- gan to lose patience. This brought me to my senses ; and promising to pay better heed, I soon became interested in his narrative, which I shall condense, leaving out nothing of importance. He had seen Vautrey. He had discovered his whereabout in the following manner : Christie, having been informed that the " strange boat" was in the habit of putting in at the north- west side of the island, proceeded with Hugh and Aleck to watch its movements. They saw Vautrey and two others leave the shore and steer due north. Christie at once set sail after them, and managed to keep in sight till he saw the adventurers land at Boreray. Returning at once, he inform- er] Hubert of his success, and the whole party embarked again, taking in three natives of the island, with whom Christie had become well acquainted, through his friend the old her- ring cruiser. It being but some two leagues to Boreray, and the day fine, the latter place was quickly made, when all hands landed except one, who strayed with the boat. Ac- cording to Hubert's account, the isle was " full of wonders ;" a little more than a mile in circumference, and girt about !3G SAINT LEGER. with rocks piled upon each other to a prodigious height. A considerable number of sheep and an innumerable quantity of sea-fowl were its sole occupants. The St. Kilda men in- formed Christie that there was a large stone dwelling in the island, which Vautrey had undoubtedly converted to his use. Thither Hubert and his company repaired. As was antici- jiated, they found the place inhabited ; and on seeking admis- sion, Hubert and Count Vautrey met. The latter was com- pletely surprised, and for the first time almost in his life lost his self-possession. He evidently supposed — for when does guilt ever rest undisturbed in the human bosom — that Glen- finglas had not survived his wound, and that highland retribu- tion had followed him thither. He scarcely recognised the presence of the intruders, but waited for Hubert to speak first. The latter, forgetting for the moment their late quarrel, at once relieved Vautrey from his embarrassment. "Count," said he, "we have met strangely enough. My voyage to St. Kilda was made without the slightest suspicion of meeting you here ; and we have to-day visited Boreray from curiosity, understanding, I admit, that a strange boat had landed in the island." " Hubert Moncrieff," returned Vautrey, " as I have said before, I have no cause for mortal quarrel with you. I have felt no hatred toward you, neither had I any enmity against that dull fool, Glenfinglas. He bearded me ; if he perished, he provoked his fate." "Not so fast, count," said Hubert, a little piqued; "the life of yon highland laird is not so easily struck from his body, although I admit your skill, and doubt not that you did your best ; but believe me, Glenfinglas is as good as new ; ready to wage his feud with you for ever and a day ; so take heed how you go near Kilchurn Castle." "I am c;lad," said Vautrey, "it is no worse. As for his SAINT LEGER. 137 enmity, why, if he provokes me, I shall strike surer next time. And as for you, Moncrieff, if you choose it so, here is my hand, in token that the past goes for nothing." It was with no little surprise that Hubert perceived the count adopt a tone so different from his character ; but as he had no time to consider the subject, he received his hand and assented, with what readiness he could, to his friendly over- ture. During this conversation, Vautrey's followers had en- tered the apartment. One of them proved to be the same sinister-looking fellow that attended him at Glencoe ; the other was, as Hubert 'expressed it, "the most perfect speci- men of goblin-ugliness" he ever beheld ; " the very imper- sonation of all that was wild, savage, and malicious." " It was amusing," said Hubert, " to witness Christie's demeanor during the interview. He was doubtless anticipating violence of some sort ; and when Vautrey's men entered, yon might have seen the old fellow take a firmer position ; his eyes di- lated, his muscles seemed braced up for duty, and his whole person was evidently on guard ; while Hugh and Aleck closely watched his motions, prepared, if need be, for instant service. The two St. Kilda men stood directly behind ready for anything that should be required." Without doubt, Vautrey's consciousness of guilt, and the presence of superior numbers, caused him to pursue a course which he knew would not fail to be successful with one of Hubert's manly and gen- erous character. "As you say," remarked the count, quietly, "it is strange that we should meet here, and by mere accident. Pray, when do you return to Glencoe V "Oh," replied Hubert, "we shall be off in a few days ; in- deed, I am ready now, for I have had enough of climbing rocks and tasting salt water ; but I wait Saint Leger's move * ments. He planned the voyage, so I defer to him." 138 SAINT LEGER. " Saint Leger," exclaimed Vautrey, starting as if a serpent had stung him; "Saint Leger, is he with you?" Hubert nodded assent. " Saint Leger ! Death and damnation ! Hell and furies ! am I to be doubly thwarted 1 A pretty story you have trumped up, to deceive me as to the object of your voyage. You think to circumvent me, and you would accom- plish this by a low deception. 'Met by accident' — ha, ha. This, then, is the boasted faith of a MoncriefF. A petty sub- terfuge, and a lie with a circumstance." "Vautrey," said Hubert, pallid with suppressed passion, but at the same time very calm ; "Vautrey, I repeat what I have said: and I add besides, that neither Saint Leger nor myself had the slightest suspicion that you were in St. Kilda when we landed here. And now, unless you retract upon the spot the opprobrious words you have dared to utter against my honor and my name, mark me, Vautrey, you die — ay, you die like a dog; for I will not contaminate myself; but you shall be ignominiously put to death by my followers ; overpowered by numbers, if you choose so to call it, as a noxious animal is hunted down, and his carrion carcass thrown out to feed the vultures." While Hubert was speaking, Vautrey stood like some ma- lignant fiend, whose plans of wickedness have suddenly been discovered and frustrated. He even ground his teeth with rage, but did not change his position, except to glance toward his men, only one of whom remained near him. The savage had just before retreated into the next apartment. Quick as thought Vautrey's whole demeanor changed. Again he assumed a frank and open, though calm manner : "MoncriefF," said he, "you were right — I was wrong. In this case, I was the first to provoke you by unreasonable and improper accusation ; still, as you may perhaps know, this same Saint Leger and myself are no friends : and, excuse me, SAINT LEGER. I39 there was a particular reason why the mention of his name just then should annoy, nay, very much disturb me. Let it pass. You were excited, and threatened me. You were in the right ; so let that pass. I believe you will not deny to me personal courage ; and that, fearing as I do, neither man nor devil, you will credit the concessions I make to the right motive. Tf this does not satisfy you. come on; the stag is at bay : Laurent de Vautrey will die as he has lived, defying his enemies." " There was something about this speech," said Hubert, "there was something about Vautrey's manner, which almost convinced me that he spoke as he felt, although I remember- ed your explanation of his character : that he had no feeling, and spoke only as he ought to feel. Still, I could not appear otherwise than satisfied with his retraction. I therefore told, him I was glad to hear him take back so foul a slander, and that what had passed between us I was willing should be for- gotten. So, after a little unimportant conversation, carried on with restraint, we took leave of this forty-fifth cousin of ours, who was all the time, I know, secretly cursing me from the bottom of his heart. Depend upon it, we shall have trou- ble with that fellow. But he need not think to deceive me by this hypocritical reconciliation. His eyes were full of the venom of the damned, while he was pretending a great desire for peace and amity. He came near his end, I assure you. Christie had advanced half a pace in front, and was longing to begin. But it is best ended as it is — if we have indeed seen the end. Now, Saint Leger, what word from you? What of our beautiful storm-nymph, and the old surly storm- king, her father 1 See if you can surpass me in the recital of the marvellous." 1 was particularly disinclined to give to any one an ac- count of the scene between my kinsman and myself, so I 140 SAINT LEGER. treated Hubert to a general outline, concluding by inform- ing him that I was to have another interview on the morrow. "Well," said Hubert, "for my part, I have had enough of St. Kilda. Our adventures appear pretty well over, unless you are yet to make something out of yon dark-eyed damsel, or the old pshaw, I never can remember that word. Who knows, by the way, but he keeps the young girl pent up in this desolate place against her will ? What say you to ef- fecting her deliverance, and then ' up stick' and away 1 Seri- ously, though, when shall we be off? I want to witness a hunt for birds'-eggs, which I am told is a wonderful affair ; and we shall have one, Christie says, in two or three days ; after that, what say you for Glencoe V I mechanically gave my assent to whatever Hubert sug- gested, for my mind was so full of the events of the day that I could do little else. XXXIV. In my perplexity I resolved to apply to the excellent Mr. David Cantyre. I readily entered into conversation with the worthy man, which very naturally turned upon what I had seen new and interesting during the day's ramble. I men- tioned without hesitation my meeting with a " most singular personage," detailing however nothing of what had passed, except that I spent some time in his company. I concluded by asking Mr. Cantyre to tell me the motive, which caused such a person to sojourn here, apparently without occupation or inducement. '•My young friend," said the minister, "I do not wonder at your curiosity ; but I very much wonder how you could have prevailed upon this strange man to converse with you, especially at this time, when he is not alone." SAINT LEGER. 141 "You refer to his daughter," said I. "Yes," replied the minister; "you certainly did not see her ? " " She came into the room," I replied, " without being aware of my presence there. But, excuse me, I am eager to hear all you know about them." "It is a long story," said my host, "but I will make it as brief as possible. Some six years ago, a boat put into the landing-place, containing, besides the crew, a man, a little girl, and an old female servant. After remaining here but a day, the boat again put- to sea. Our people are hospitable, and food and shelter were at once offered to the new comers. The man was somewhat past the prime of life, and had evi- dently experienced that wear and tear of spirit which never fails to bring on premature old age. He seemed to carry within him a restless, unquiet soul, which had long sought for tranquillity, and found it not. Yet there, was no shrinking from intercourse with his fellow men, no expressed desire to live apart from them, or in privacy ; on the contrary, giving as a reason for selecting St. Kilda for his abode, the advan- tages of an exclusive sea-atmosphere, he interested himself in the various matters of the island, and appeared desirous to do what good he could. At this time our present worthy and most excellent steward was not the incumbent of St. Kilda ; neither was I then in charge of its spiritualities, nor was there, indeed, any minister here. The former steward had the name of being a hard-fisted, griping, tyrannical person. He employed a deputy of the same nature as himself to collect his rents. Not content with putting an additional tax upon sheep, this creature insisted upon receiving, as a special per- quisite, every seventh fleece and every seventh lamb, a certain number of eggs and a certain quantity of oil. Upon persons of so small means as the poor Hirta people, this extortion had 142 SAINT LEGEB, a most cruel effect. In the meantime the stranger hegan to feel quite at home in his new abode. He had been furnished with a comfortable dwelling, for which, however, he paid most bountifully in gold, an article the St. Kildans had very little acquaintance with, but of which they nevertheless knew the use. His little girl was a dark-eyed, sprightly, beautiful child ; and altogether, a deep interest was felt by these sim- ple-minded people for both parent and child. The cause of their coming hither remained a profound mystery, nor do I know if it has been solved to this day. Although the stranger evidently carried at his heart some heavy weight, which sad- dened and depressed his spirit, he manifested no misanthropic feelings, but availed himself of every means to be useful to the inhabitants. " In a short time he was looked upon as a superior being; his advice was asked and taken, he was called upon in sick- ness, and his remedies were almost always efficacious. As the stranger never had betrayed his name to any one, and as there was no way to discover it, he was called by the island- ers ' The Staller ;' literally, ' The Man of the Rocks ;' a name, in a St. Kildan's estimation, conveying a compliment of the highest kind. As he gradually became more esteemed among them, especially for his skill in the healing art, he received the superior title of Wcedaller, or as some write it, Wcedallah — literally, ' The God of the Rocks;' and by that name he is now universally known. As the autumn approached, the same boat which had brought this strange being hither, made its appearance, freighted with necessaries for its owner, re- ceived his child on board, and departed. Meanwhile, the tyranny of the old steward became nearly insupportable. He even objected to the stranger's remahiing in the island, and continued to levy tax upon tax upon the poor St. Kildans, with increasing rapacity. In their distress they applied to SAINT LEGER. 143 the Woedallah, and begged him to afford them some relief. He undertook to remonstrate with the deputy, hut the only consequence was, an order for him to leave the island. This produced a general feeling of indignation, but the in- habitants were so completely dependent upon the steward, that resistance appeared hopeless. Not so thought the stranger. He called the men together, advised them to sub- mit to such tyranny no longer, and offered himself to effect their deliverance. The St. Kildans were, as you see them, a hardy but simple race, bold and courageous ; nay, perform- ing the most daring feats in their ordinary avocations ; yet the idea of rebellion against what they considered the consti- tuted authority, to which they and their fathers before them had implicitly submitted, struck their hearts with fear. Al- though they regarded the Woedallah as almost superhuman, and felt that he had done them great service, yet the prestige of ancient dominion, no matter how unjust and oppressive, had so strong an influence over their minds, that they trembled to break through it. The utter helplessness of their situation no doubt lent a strong argument to this conclusion. The Woedallah heard their decision with mortification and anger ; pronounced them craven, faint-hearted poltroons, and de- clared that he himself would resist in person any encroach- ment upon his rights. " In this resolution he was joined by some ten or twelve hardy young men, who were devoted to him body and soul, and who now entered into the struggle for liberty with all the determination and ardor of young and stout hearts. The next time the steward's deputy approached the island, he was told very significantly that it would be dangerous for him to land ; and on his attempting it, he was repulsed without ceremony, and he himself narrowly escaped being drowned from an over-ducking. The Woedallah took no active part 144 SAINT LEGER. in this affair, but it was believed that he directed the entire movement. Soon after, his own boat, which came regularly to the island twice a year, arrived, bringing many necessaries now absolutely required by the inhabitants. These were distributed impartially among them without compensation, and the poor St. Kilda men began to feel all the privileges of freemen. But the steward was too influential a personage to allow the affair to rest in this way. He made a second at- tempt to land in person, but with no better success. Incensed by such open contempt for his authority, he applied to his cousin the Duke of Buccleugh,by whose influence a company of his majesty's troops were ordered to land in Hirta, and en- force submission among the refractory tenants. Even then, had the whole strength of the island united to resist the as- sailants, the latter might have been defeated ; but the appear- ance of a military force struck these ignorant people with awe and terror. Indeed, there was scarcely anything like resistance. But before the active participators in ' the rebel- lion,' as it was termed, could be discovered, they had safely effected their escape from the northwest point of the island, accompanied by the Woe d all ah, in a small boat belonging to him. The party, consisting of twelve men in all, took pos- session of Soay, a small island but a little distance southwest of Hirta, belonging also to the steward, which was uninhabit- ed, except by large flocks of sheep and bevys of sea-fowl. Here the fugitives built a strange kind of residence. We will sail across and take a look at it to-morrow if you like. It is some ten or twenty feet high, the top being level with the earth, by which it is surrounded ; thence it extends down- ward in a circular form, gradually enlarging and enlarging, until the bottom is reached ; while at the top it narrows off in the form of a cone, so that a single large stone covers it. By removing the stone, the habitation is ventilated. There is a SAINT LEGER. 145 large stone seat built around the paved floor on which some sixteen can conveniently sit, and four beds are built skilfully into the wall, each capable of holding four persons. To each of these is a separate entrance, the whole being most saga- ciously arranged to prevent discovery and to resist attack. I believe there were but two attempts made to dispossess the occupants of the curious home they had chosen. Each time the elements seemed to rise in their favor, for a storm sprung up before it was possible to effect a landing, and so carefully was the place guarded, that at any time it would have proved a dangerous experiment. " For more than a year the Wcedallah and his men main- tained this position, without any communication with the main island. He had sent his small boat off with two or three men, on first going to Soay, and in due time another boat landed there, freighted with necessaries. The inhabitants of Hirta began to miss the favors which they formerly received, and fain would have visited the Wcedallah in his retreat, but this the lat- ter would not permit. Meanwhile the steward of St. Kilda and its dependencies having gone, as was his custom at certain seasons, to Edinburgh, where he partook most freely of dinners, of suppers, of whiskey punches and brandy toddy, went home, and — died ; some said of a surfeit ; others denied this, from the fact that he was in the habit of indulging in this way at ldast twice every year. So the matter never was settled ; except indeed that he did die and was admitted to Christian burial. With his successor everything was changed. The rents were reduced ; a minister (my worthy predecessor), was again sent to the island ; for no minister would consent to remain under the old steward ; and the wants of the people kindly regarded. The change produced by this new state of things was instantaneous. Cheerfulness and prosperity again * reigned in St. Kilda, and happiness and contentment univer- 10 146 SAINT LEGER. sally prevailed. The men who had taken up their abode in Soay now returned ; but not the Woedallah. He had left that island as soon as his followers had landed in Hirta, and had sailed no one knew whither. At the end of another year he came back. It was the same season T myself came hither. He did not make the usual landing, but put in at the same place which he had left two years before, near the spot where you saw and conversed with him. He had land- ed and taken possession of his old dwelling (which remained unoccupied) before any one was aware of it. Mystery mark- ed all his movements. Report said that a beautiful female, though past the bloom of womanhood, had been forcibly taken ashore, and was detained a captive in the habitation of the Woedallah. The boat did not remain, so that no informa- tion was elicited from the crew. The only person ever visi- ble about the premises was the same old woman who had before been with the Wcedallah. Shortly after he landed, the old creature brought me a letter from the steward, de- siring that the wants of this strange man might be supplied, should he ever require any aid, and requesting that his pri- vacy might never (with a particular emphasis on the word) be intruded upon. " On his arrival, the whole island went to greet him, and welcome him back, for he was looked upon with affectionate regard by every man, woman, and child, in St. Kilda ; but the Wcedallah declined communication with any except his fel- low sojourners at Soay, whom he received kindly, and con- versed with a few moments earnestly. They then took leave of him, and never visited him again. After this, the most singular and absurd reports began to be spread about. The 6toryofthe captive lady gained ground daily; but the little glen and landing-place beyond were rarely visited. Regu- larly twice a year the Woedallah's boat made its appearance, SAINT LEGER. 147 freighted with stores and necessaries of every description. What is remarkable, the Woedallah became very particular in his dress : before, it always had a foreign appearance ; now it was plain, entirely English, and was newly replenish- ed every six months. With him personally I have had no intercourse ; and by thus humoring his wishes, have some- times been able indirectly to render him desirable assistance ; for there are things in St. Kilda, strange to say, that money can not command. In return, I have often received from the old woman a new and valuable book, or some little luxury or convenience not to be obtained here. I had nearly forgotten to mention that there was a report about a year ago that the captive lady had breathed her last. One of the St. Kilda men affirmed, that passing near the glen one day, he had the cour- age to steal near the dwelling and peep in, where he saw the- old woman standing by the neatly disposed corpse of the depart- ed female. Another affirmed that when the next boat left, it re- ceived on board something very like a coffin. These rumors it is impossible to place reliance upon ; the whole affair is veiled in mystei'y ; a mystery which I care not to pry into. All that I know about it you have heard." I thanked the minister for his narrative, and as the evening was advanced, I bade him good-night, and turned once more into my hole in the wall, my brain full of new fancies and new perplexities. At last I fell asleep. XXXV. The next morning found me up betimes; nor was Hubert behind me. He had planned an excursion with Christie, in which I was to be a party if I chose ; but my services were not insisted upon. As I was desirous to make one more visit > to the glen, have one more interview with my strange kins- 148 SAINT LEGER. man, and take one more last look (was it to be the last ?) at the enchanting Leila, I excused myself from joining my cousin. I could scarcely wait for a seasonable hour in which to present myself at the stone grotto. "When I did arrive there, I found Leila alone in the apartment before described. She received me almost cordially ; and to my inquiries about her father, replied that he had passed a restless night, and was far from well; she then stepped into the adjoining room, and after a few moments returned, saying that if I would have patience for a short time, her father would see me. She turned again to leave the apartment. As the present was the only opportunity I might have for a private interview, I de- termined to make a desperate effortto realize it. " Patience," said I, " is a virtue I have not of late particularly exercised, and it is especially difficult to practise it alone. Pray, my fair cousin (excuse my calling you so for the first, the last, the only time — here too, away behind the world), pray, my fair cousin, have you any very serious objections to gratifying my curiosity upon a subject nearly concerning yourself?" " What would you know V said Leila, quietly, yet as I thought, not indifferently; at the same time taking her seat. "At a last interview much certainly may be allowed." " Lovers at least say so," I replied ; " but I have a claim a thousand times stronger than that. A lover may be in de- spair ; but I am bewildered ; my brain is turned ; I am crazed — positively crazed. I came to St. Kilda through love for adventure merely, but I have been so completely baffled, perplexed, confounded, during my short sojourn, that I shall take advantage of the first fair wind, and — away." " I certainly regret any incipient symptoms of insanity," said Leila, rather tartly, " at least on your own account, and would recommend an immediate return to some place which can boast of civilization and a lunatic asylum. Still, I do not call some three or four weeks a very short sojourn at St. Kilda." SAINT LEGER. 149 "Three or four weeks," exclaimed I, in amazement; " three or four weeks 1 I have scarcely been in St. Kilda as many days." •'Nor in its vicinity'?" asked Leila, quickly. " Certainly not," I replied. " I jave not made a single landing at any of the contiguous isle ids." " Then you did not come " Leila suddenly checked herself, and left the sentence unfinished. " No, I did not," replied I, coolly. "Nay," said Leila, "you know not what I was about to ask. It was really of' no importance, and did not at all con- cern me." "You were about to ask," continued I, speaking very slow- ly, "if I did not come with one Vautrey, and I reply, No: I did not." "Hush — hush! not so loud," exclaimed the m.." 1 ->, in a low but excited tone ; " breathe not that name here. Yet tell me ; did you not really come in his company 1 Do you not know him 1 Are you not his friend 1" " Leila," I said, " I will answer your question seriously. I do know Count Vautrey, but I came not hither with him. I have no fellowship nor communion with him. I believe that he is a designing, selfish, cold-hearted villain ; a fiend in hu- man shape. I in his company ! Nay, I had rather go to the bottomless pit in company with the foul fiend. And now let me be questioner. Why do you avoid me, as if I were some repulsive object, to loathe and to shrink from 1 What have you to do with this Vautrey ? Why do you start and become agitated at the mention of his name, and bid me .' hush,' as if it were guilt to mention it ? Nay, nay : interrupt me not, but tell me — may I not ask this — tell me why you are here in this strange spot? — when do you leave it, and where do you go 1 There is some mystery connected with all this. Will you not explain it V 150 SAINT LEGER. " When I better understand your right to demand such ex- planation," said Leila, haughtily. " The private history of every one has its peculiarities, yet that is no warrant for the curious to pry into it." " None whatever," re' arned I, in the same tone ; " and I am not at all surprised at be rig refused that confidence as a kins- man which you would doubtless have granted to me as the friend of Count Vautrey." " What mean you V said Leila. "And," continued I, without noticing the interruption, " I beg to state explicitly that I claim no right to ask you a single question, nor to allude to a single event of your life. Surely I can have nothing to do with the affairs of yourself and Count Vautrey. Excuse the presumptuous boldness of detaining you for a moment." As I concluded, Leila turned upon me a look so desolate, so full of sadness, that my conscience smote me for what I had uttered. "And you hate this Vautrey," said Leila, slowly. " If ever man can honestly hate his fellow-man, I do," was my reply. " Then I love you," exclaimed the girl, passionately, start- ing up and advancing near me. "And, oh," continued she, bursting into a flood of tears, " if you knew me, if you knew my history — all that I have suffered and endured — what my fate has been, and what my destiny surely, too surely, will be — but why do I speak thus to a stranger ? Yet you are my kinsman. Alas, my kinsmen have ever proved my worst enemies. When shall I have peace 1 and whither shall I fly ? Even in this remote spot I am persecuted by the im- portunities of that wretch. And not one friend have I in the wide world. Tell me, what shall I do ] In this moment of agony, when a sense of utter desolation overshadows my soul — alone, alone — it is fearful to live always alone — even SAINT LEGER 151 at this moment, 1 come to you, to you whom I have beheld but once before — to you whose heart is young, and not like mine, burnt up within my bosom — to you I come ; I must, I will have one friend ; and may Heaven help me, if this last hope shall fail." The maiden abandoned herself so completely to her grief that it was impossible either to soothe or arrest it. Tears rolled down her face ; her dark hair, breaking loose from its fastening, fell dishevelled upon her shoulders ; her hands were clasped together, and her arms, partly upraised, were extended toward me. - Never have I beheld so beautiful and so affecting a spectacle. My astonishment and the novelty of my situation for a while kept me speechless ; my cold English temper could not immediately sympathize with the passionate exhibitions of a nature warmed and fostered under the influ : ence of a more genial clime, and to which circumstances had undoubtedly given additional cause for such violent emotions. But I soon found myself yielding wholly to the influence of so exciting a scene. A sympathizing chord in my own heart was struck, and it responded. For all that, my manner was cold ; I felt that it was cold ; and it seemed almost unfriendly when contrasted with the ardent temperament of Leila. I took advantage of the pause in her pathetic appeal to re- assure her. " Leila," said I, "judge me not from this cold habit that I wear about me ; it belongs to my race; but judge me by the heart that beats under it. And by its strong pulsations, by my faith, and by my hopes, I swear to you that I will be your friend henceforth. For your own sake com- pose yourself. Nay, you must be calm and tell me how my friendship can best serve you. Surely you forgot your father when you declared yourself friendless." " My father !" said Leila, mournfully, resuming her seat as she spoke, and burying her face in her hands : "Alas, I am 152 SAINT LEGER. doubly wretched, doubly sinful, in having a parent whom I can not love, and who loves not me." I shrunk at such an avowal from one so young and so beautiful. The words of scripture, " without natural affection," rose to my lips, but I repressed them. Leila per- ceived that I was shocked, and said : " Do not in your mind accuse me unjustly. When I speak thus of my father, I am unburthening the load that weighs heaviest at my heart. To him I owe everything that can min- ister to my personal comfort. I know not what it is to have a want ungratified. To him honor and obedience are due ; but if you knew my history — and you shall know it ere long — you would not judge me harshly for not adding, love." "I will not judge at all, till I do know," said I ; "but your mother — is she not living?" "May Heaven forgive you for mentioning the name," ex- claimed Leila, relapsing into her former emotion ; " mother, mother — I know not if I had a mother. Strange surmises crowd upon me ; dreadful illusions pass before me ; horrible suspicions force themselves upon me, at that word — mother! Never have I beheld a mother's face, never experienced a mother's love ; and now I would barter for a mother's smile all that I hold dear in life, even though the lips that smiled upon me were guilty and polluted." I saw that I had innocently touched upon a delicate topic, and, fearing the effects of further excitement, I attempted to calm her by assurances of sympathy and friendship. Expect- ing an interruption every moment from the father, I asked Leila when we should meet again. " I fear we shall not meet here again," said she ; "my father is strange, very strange ; it is owing solely to his illness that we are now so long togeth- er. No, not here. Yet, remember, we shall meet. I leave this gloomy island ere the moon wanes. Then you shall hear SAINT LEGER. I53 from me : only let me feel that there is one solitary being in the wide world who will sympathize with me, and I will he grateful. I ask no more." An old female at this moment made her appearance at a side door, and beckoned hurriedly to Leila, who quickly obeyed the summons without bidding me adieu, and the door closed upon both. XXXVI. At the same instant, another door opened from the adjoin- ing room, and the Wcedallah entered the apartment. His aspect was so completely changed that I scarcely rec- ognised him. His countenance bore marks of extreme physi- cal as well as mental suffering. He looked ten years older than on the preceding day. Advancing slowly toward me, he took my hand, and in a kind but saddened tone asked me how I was. I was touched by his manner, and in turn in- quired as to his indisposition. It was nothing, he replied, but the effect of heavy heart-pains which occasionally afflicted him, and which were past cure. As he said this, he sighed deeply, and inquired if I would take a turn with him into the frpish air. He put his arm within mine, and we left the dwelling. Passing out, we walked some distance along the coast, un- til it began to rise to a precipitous height. Here my kinsman stopped. The swell from the sea, under the influence of a strong west wind, was tremendous. The waves mounting on high dashed furiously against the cliffs, and then retreating, as if to renew their strength, returned again, and were again thrown back into their ocean-bed. We stood for some mo- ments contemplating the grandeur of the scene. At length, > my companion spoke : 154 SAINT LEGER. "My son, look around you and behold this isolated spot. Who should have thought that busy man would come hither to make it his own 1 Yet here Virtue may dwell secure and uncontaminated, for here is no place for the pomp and cir- cumstance of this world to triumph. But look away, yonder, far — far away: nay, you see it not, save with the mind's eye: behold, crowded together the habitations of the children of men. See the buildings, closely joined, as if all lived under a single roof. Must not peace, and brotherly love, and happi- ness, dwell there 1 Surely there can be no discords, no dis- sensions, no conflicting interests. Is it possible that those strong walls between each dwelling separate the bitterest enemies, divide the good man from the assassin, the innocent from the vile, the honest from the knave ? Men herd togeth- er for mutual concealment, and not for good. Those cities of the plain, mark me, shall be destroyed, and fire from the Lord out of heaven shall fall upon them, as it fell upon Sod* om and Gomorrah. But let us turn from the contemplation of so revolting a picture. Let me speak something of myself and you. Canst tell the relation we bear to each other?" I replied that I could not. "Then know," continued my kinsman, "that I am the son of Wilfred Saint Leger — of Wilfred the rash, Wilfred the unfortunate ; a younger brother, as you doubtless have heard, of Hugh Saint Leger, the lion-hearted, your father's father. William Henry, I am calm now," continued he, for the first time calling me by name. " I fear the unhappy effect of our last interview upon your mind, and I would do what I may to counteract it. As I said before, I have dreadful heart- pains which unman me. For what I say when suffering un- der this terrible affliction, I am not, I can not be, accountable. You carry truth within your bosom ; your sentiments I honor ; I bow to them ; would that I could make them mine, But it SAINT LEGER. 155 is too late. Do not speak to me on this head I will not hear you." "But. will you not," said I, deeply interested, "tell me why you are here, and explain to me the strange selection you have made for a home 1" "Home," said the other; "home: my home is there," pointing into the abyss of waters which foamed beneath us ; " for no mortal shall ever tread upon my grave, nor shall any monument stand up to say, ' This man once lived upon the earth.' But you shall be satisfied. Sit we down upon these rough stones ; turn your face away from mine, and I will briefly sketch my life." I did as directed. XXXVII. "You doubtless have heard how Wilfred Saint Leger, my father, in company with Julian Moncrieff of Glencoe, made their way to Paris with the fair Isabella Seward, a rich heir- ess, and a ward of the Earl of Venachoir; how Wilfred Saint Leger wedded the young girl, and how they lived happily together ; how in some three years the lovely lady grew pale, saddened, and died, leaving one child, a boy — myself. I have no recollection of my mother ; sometimes I fancy I can recall her sweet, pale face, as she pressed me to her bosom, and, weeping, commended her infant to God. It was a sin to leave a guardian's roof and elope as she did ; but how sorely was she punished, and how surely. Thank God, she died. Yes, died, instead of carrying the crushing weight of a broken heart and an agonized spirit through a long lifetime. My father was always a slave to the gayeties of Paris. From my boyhood, on the contrary, I detested them. I longed to get upon English ground. I determined never to adopt any oth- 156 SAINT LEGER- er country for my own. At the age of ten, my father, more to avoid the restraint which a boy's observation would natu- rally cause upon such a parent, sent me to England to his brother, Hugh Saint Leger, your grandfather, having previ- ously got the consent of my uncle that he would take charge of me. I spent in England the only happy days of my life. Your noble father was about my own age : we rode, we hunt- ed, we read, and we studied, together. How I loved him then, and if my heart were not stone, how I should love him now ! For seven long (to children all years are long) happy years was England my home. Of these, three were spent at Eton, and one at Oxford. Previously to that time, we were attend- ed by private masters at Bert old Castle. Through the whole your father was my constant playmate and companion ; and never were there any serious differences between us. I con- sidered myself permanently located in England. From my father I heard three or four times a year ; his letters gener- ally contained some half-dozen lines, expressing his approba- tion of the course I was pursuing under my uncle's direction, with some commonplace remarks about duty, and the like. His remittances were always made punctually, and I soon re- garded one epistle but as the facsimile of another "I had been at Oxford a year. I was ambitious as a stu- dent, without bein? a book-worm, and I began to feel that I had laid a foundation which should lead to an honorable distinc- Unr. rvnong my fellows. My habits were good, and much did I owe to your father's influence that they were so. Still, there was that about me of which I trembled thoughtfully to consider. There was a latent desire to enjoy the pleasures of life, and to taste its follies. The Untried was constantly before me with its temptations, but I resisted them all ; yet I felt how neces- sary it was for me to keep as far as possible from their reach. Just then — mark me, for the devil's hand was in it — just then SAINT LEGER. 157 I received a letter from my father, written in haste, command- ing me to come immediately to Paris. I can not describe my feelings at this unexpected summons. For a time I wa9 completely beside myself. I raved, swore, and cursed my destiny ; nay, I fear I cursed my parent. At length I became calm. I sat down and wrote him a long letter, stating my situation, what I had accomplished, what I hoped to accom- plish ; and begged him to allow me to remain in England. I received in return a short, decisive note. He said the most urgent reasons had influenced his decision ; that it was unal- terable, and that he was already suffering through my delay. I left Oxford at once for Bertold Castle, and asked my un- cle's advice. His view of the relation of parent and child was severe. He regretted my father's decision, but advised me to bow to it ; perhaps it might be in my power speedily to return. Much more he said, which I need not repeat; and at length I was persuaded. " I left for Paris. Arrived there, I drove to my father's ho- tel in the rue Montmartre, and found it closed. A sickening apprehension came over me as I leaned against the ponderous gate which commanded the entrance to the courtyard. Not even the portier, who remains a fixture on the premises, was in his accustomed place to answer questions, and the door of the concicrgerie was shut and fastened. I knew not what to do. My mind was sorely perplexed. As I looked up at the high walls of the gloomy building, rendered more gloomy bv beincj tenantless, I felt that I was indeed a stranger in a strange land. " I had nothing to do but to drive to some proper place for lodgings, and find my father as I best might. I was about giving the necessary directions, when an old fellow with a patch on his eye hobbled up to me, and prayed that I would, 158 ■ SAINT LEGER. for the love of God, read a dirty paper which he thrust into my hands. I opened it and read as follows : " • This evening, at eight o'clock, Rue Copeau, No. 4, unac- companied. W. St. L.' '"There is a franc for you, my poor fellow,' said I, and without stopping longer, I drove to the rue Vivienne to find lodgings. Surmises were useless. I waited patiently until after seven, when I set out on foot, to elude observation, for the rue Copeau. This is a short street far off on the other side of the Seine, leading into the Garden of Plants. I passed slowly into the rue St. Honore, and followed it through its whole extent into the rue St. Denis ; down that to the Seine, thence along the Quai till I reached the Isle St. Louis, where I crossed ; thence along the Quai again to the rue de Seine, and up that to the rue Copeau. Do you wonder at this minuteness of detail ] I tell you that every step of that walk is as fresh to me now as on the day it was taken. I remember the faces of hundreds who passed me ; I see them now before me. There was a little old man with a long cue extending half-way down his back, whom I thought- lessly jostled as I passed, and who at once turned and begged my pardon. There were pretty giisettes, who stared at me with naive wonder as I pushed unheedingly on ; there were old women on the Quai ; there were soldiers about the gar- dens ; there, there are they all — and hark: just as I reached the appointed number in the appointed street, the chimes from the nunnery of the Sisters of Universal Concord, situ- ated just in the rear, pealed merrily the hour of eight." Here my relative paused for several minutes. I turned partly round, alarmed at his silence. Large drops of sweat were standing on his forehead ; his whole appearance was that of one in mortal agony. Shortly, however, he resumed. SAINT LEGER. XXXVIII. 159 "Ding-dong! — one, two ; ding-dong! — three, four; ding- dong! — five, six; ding-dong! — seven, eight.. Yes, eight was the hour. And there I stood before a massive, gloomy- old building, which presented a most forbidding aspect. There was not the slightest sign of its being inhabited. Not a solitary light gleamed from any one of the numerous apart- ments. It bore the appearance of desertion and decay. The entrance to the court-yard was open, but no porter was in attendance in the lodge ; though I could read by the uncertain glimmering of a lamp suspended across the street the half- effaced words Parlez au concierge. I had stood but a moment; anxiously scrutinizing everything within my observation, when a figure, muffled in a large cloak, approached from the court, came hastily up and exclaimed : " ' You are punctual — come with me.' " I followed my conductor across the court, up two flights of stairs and through several narrow passages and corridors, first turning one way, then another, till I was bewildered. The house was unfurnished so far as I could perceive, and the air was close and noisome. My companion at last stop- ped before a door, which he opened, and ushered me into a room of moderate size, but exquisitely furnished. It was also brilliantly lighted. A small table of beautiful workman- ship stood in the centre, upon which was laid a choice sup- per, flanked by wines of every variety and flavor. A cheer- ful fire of large logs blazed in the fireplace, for the evening was cool, and everything gave taken of good taste in the oc- cupant and abundant means to improve it. "'Welcome, welcome, mv son:' exclaimed mv father, 160 SAINT LEGER. throwing off his disguise and warmly embracing me ; ' and may God bless you for obeying the summons, though I feared it was too late. Why, Wilfred, you have grown up to be a man almost. Yet I should have known my child among a thousand.' " I was struck with the affectionate and subdued tone of my parent. The seven years which had made so great an alteration in me had scarcely changed him, as he was in the prime of manhood, and had not begun the melancholy descent upon the other side of the scale of life. Yet there was a se- riousness in his aspect, a something terribly calm in his countenance, quite unlike my father, which filled with me ap- prehension. " ' Come, come,' continued he, ' you must be faint and weary ; sit down. You see I have been expecting you. We have much to do to-night ; so fortify yourself with a hearty supper.' "We sat down together. My father made a show of join- ing me, but only, as I believe, to persuade me to eat free- ly. It must be a serious matter which shall prevent a youth of seventeen, after a day's exercise and abstinence, from do- ing justice to an alluring table. The healthful calls of hunger are rarely disregarded by the young. God forgive me the satisfaction I took that evening at that table. As soon as I had finished, my father bade me sit near him. " • Wilfred,' said he, ' would that I might now bid you to seek repose; but time presses, and the case is urgent. Can you listen to me V " I trembled, I know not why, but I answered unhesitating- ly that I could. "'It is well,' he continued; 'you are in time. Had you delayed another day, you might have found no one to call father.' SAINT LEGER. 161 " I begged an explanation. ' Listen then,' was the reply, ' and mark my words. You remember, or at least you have heard of, Julian Moncrieff?' I assented. ' Julian Moncrieff, whose fate has been linked with mine for the last twenty years. To-morrow morning, when the sun shall redden the towers of Notre-Dame, it will shine insensibly to one of us !' " ' For Heaven's sake, what mean you V I exclaimed. " ' Silence !' continued my parent, ' and do not interrupt me. Twenty years ago this night, Julian Moncrieff, with your father and his young and beautiful bride — thy mother, thy injured mother, boy— arrived here in this accursed city; came here to this very mansion ; entered here into this very room. See you that couch ? On it she reclined — the love- ly, the confiding, the virtuous. There she sat, and smiled, and loved, and smiled again. Wilfred, my boy, if I could con- . trol everything which is held enviable and precious on this round earth and in heaven above, and could add to it the price of my soul's salvation, I would give all, all, all, to re- call that scene once more, and see my Isabella for one brief moment, as I saw her then, and hear once, but once again, the sound of her sweet, dear voice. But she is gone — lost to me for ever. Have not years passed me since then ? No ; else I had not this fresh grief. When have I grieved before ? Do not people lose their wives ? Is it then so dreadful? Tell me, Wilfred, that there is yet hope!' " I saw that my father's brain was wandering, but I knew not what to reply. ""'Wretch that I am,' he went on without waiting for an answer ; ' the bitterness of this moment is more than I can bear.' He continued more calmly : ' This now gloomy man- sion we selected because there belonged to it a large and delightful garden, and because it was quiet and secluded. A brief year we made this our home. With my young wife's 11 162 SAINT LEGER. fortune added to my own, we were rich — for Paris, very rich. We took another hotel in the rue Montmartre, where we entertained our visiters and gave fetes and parties. But here were we most happy, because we lived most within ourselves. I have not time, I have not resolution, to tell my history. You will find whatever I have thought necessary to reveal among my papers. Search for nothing which you find not there,' pointing to a small box ; ' everything else has been destroyed. You know that your mother sickened, and then she — yes, she — died. True she died, Wilfred ! but not here. No, no ; not — here. She was happy here — she was happy here ! Well, I was a lost being, and I gave myself up to sin, — utterly gave myself to it. " ' This same Julian Moncrieif — he, my companion in in- iquity, my sworn confederate and ally, between whom and myself there is an oath which neither dare break — this same Julian Moncrieff has cause for deadly quarrel with me ; long has had cause. Ask no more. Everything is arranged ; to- morrow morning at break of day we meet in yonder garden, near my Isabella's bower. The place I selected, for there I will yield myself up a sacrifice. After so many years of criminal neglect, her memory shall be honored. We meet to-morrow — our weapons the rapier — the combat to cease only with the death of one of us — and I am that one.' " ' Never,' exclaimed I, starting up, ' never shall so barbar- ous a conflict take place. I have heard enough ; I am a boy no longer. If I have not the power to stop it, I will apply to the authorities ; I will go to the police. Father, father, I implore you recall your senses. Speak to me rationally, and not with such portentous calmness.' " ' Wilfred,' said my parent, ' sit down and be calm your- self. You can not prevent this meeting, for I have deter- mined that it shall take place. You are too young to un- SAINT LEGER. 163 derstand me. God grant that you may never do so by ex- perience. I am not a lunatic, nor have I lost my senses. But one thing I say — and think not, my boy, that I am lost to pa- rental feeling. No, my son ; had it been so, I should not have sent for you that I might once more behold my own flesh and blood — once more look upon her child. But this I say, that I will not live longer on the earth ; and I prefer rather to fall by the hand of an antagonist than by my own ; and most of all would I choose to fall by the hand of Julian Moncrieff.' " What could I say ; what could I do % Was I unmanly or pusillanimous in yielding to my father 1 Ought I to have resisted at all hazards ? You would think so, doubtless ; yet it seemed as if the avenging angel stood before me, frowning, as he uttered the word ' Forbear !' I was silent. " ' Now, my son, to business,' continued my father, calmly,, at the same time opening a large case of papers. ' I must give you such information as will enable you to act under- standingly.' " He proceeded to give me a detail of all his estate, with the most minute particulars ; directing me whose advice to take in Paris, what to do under this and that state of things, and so forth. The bulk of his and of my mother's fortune, was in England and Scotland ; but a very considerable sum had been invested in French securities, in the name of his friend and solicitor, Monsieur Coulanges. I was informed that every precaution had been taken, so that the cause of his decease should not be known, and that the funeral was ar- ranged to take place on the second day after the combat. My father made me promise sacredly that I would not attempt to revenge his death, or harbor malice against his foe. " It seemed my father's desire to prolong the interview till daybreak. This was a relief to me. I should not have dared to retire to rest. I might have been overpowered by fatigue v and slumbered. My father would not have called me, and I 164 SAINT LEGEB. should have waked and not found him. I sat the whole night giving a horribly calm attention to all that was said to me. At length gray streaks began to light up the sky, until it was apparent day. Presently the step of some one in the passage- way was heard. " ' It is time :' said my father, quickly. ' Wilfred, my son, remember what I have told you. And now, farewell.' " He took me in his arms and kissed me many times with great fondness. I was unmanned ; I wept like a child. My father stood calm. " ' This is not right, my son. This is not like a Saint Leger.' "As soon as I could speak, I entreated my father to allow me to accompany him. He hesitated a moment. " ' Will you promise to be composed V said he. " I bowed my head. " ' It is best so,' he added ; ' the sacrifice should be in your presence. Once more, farewell.' " He then took two rapiers from a side-table, and go- ing to the couch, he knelt before it, and drew a miniature from his bosom. " ' Here, here,' he murmured, ' my sainted wife, do I expi- ate my sins against you. At last, ah ! at last, I see you as of yore — at last we are reunited.' " He rose, beckoned me to follow, and left the room. We proceeded from one passage-way to another, down several flights of stairs, to the garden. I had no time to look about me, but followed close after my father into a secluded part of the grounds, until we came to a beautiful bower, the entrance of which was entirely overgrown with vines and evergreens. I could discern the figure of a man pacing impatiently up and down the walk. This figure attracted my whole atten- tion, for I knew it was Julian Moncrieff. As we came up he started on seeing me, made a slight inclination to my father, and hastilv exclaimed : SAINT LEGER. 165 " ' How is this 1 There were to be no witnesses.' " ' There are none,' said my father ; ' this is my son ; he understands our arrangement. He desires to be present, and I have consented.' " ' It shall not be :' said the other, hastily. " ' Nay, but it shall V replied my father ; ' if you wish ; go summon your daughter; it will delay us but a moment, and then both will be represented.' " ' Have it as you will,' said MoncriefF ; ' we are losing time.' " I had during this short conversation an opportunity to examine my father's Opponent. I had seen him often when a boy, and I knew his character. He was tall, well made, and in one way handsome ; but there was an evil expression about his countenance which experience and intercourse with the world seemed to have increased rather than diminished^ I looked upon him and trembled. He also brought two ra- piers, one of which was laid aside, and the parties, without exchanging another word, advanced toward each other. You are aware that the Saint Legers were always accomplished swordsmen and masters of fence. The sword-play is, and ever has been, a favorite pastime of the race. In point of skill I had not the slightest fear for my father ; but his ex- press determination to fall in the encounter struck me with horror. As the two became engaged in the combat I almost lost sight of the fearful result in admiration of the skill dis- played by both combatants. Do you wonder at this ?" said the Woedallah, turning partly toward me ; " you need not, for the mind of man is strangely constituted. I soon discov- ered my father's superiority over his antagonist, and hope re- vived in my heart, and I began to trust that all would yet end well. It did not occur to me that, in case Julian MoncriefF should fall, his young daughter would be left without parent or pro-, tector. Well, the conflict went on. My father was calm and 166 SAINT LEGER. unruffled ; Moncrieff, on the contrary, began to lose temper. This increased my father's advantage, but he evidently avoid- ed availing himself of it. Once or twice, when Moncrieff rashly exposed his points, my father would coolly remind him of it by a slight touch, but nothing more. This added to his impatience, and he used his weapon with a desperate rash- ness. I could see my father smile calmly as he managed with most admirable skill every stroke of his opponent, entering in spite of himself into the spirit of the combat. Suddenly his countenance changed ; it assumed a deadly, fearful, fatal expression. As he turned aside one of Moncrieff' s thrusts, he suddenly struck at the left arm of the latter. The stroke told, for the red blood followed swiftly from the wound. Smarting with pain, Moncrieff made a furious lunge at my father's breast. It was a stroke most easily parried, and when parried, would unavoidably expose the party to a fatal charge in return. What was my horror on seeing my father, instead of taking so open an advantage, deliberately throw his arms up and receive his enemy's sword through his body. He fell prostrate to the earth, directly in front of the bower of his ill-fated Isabella. I rushed forward, knelt by his side, and endeavored to stanch the fatal wound. Moncrieff was in a frenzy. " ' Oh, God,' he cried, ' what have I done !' " He approached to bend over the prostrate body. I re- pulsed him rudely. "'Wretch!' I exclaimed, 'dare not to come near him you have so foully murdered ; if you attempt it, you will find a Saint Leger, who not only knows his weapon, but has the disposition to use it.' " ' Youno- man,' said Moncrieff, in a subdued tone, ' I blame not your passionate feelings, but I pray you quiet them. In the name of your dying parent I adjure you to be calm, and SAINT LEGER. jg7 allow me to assist you. See,' he continued, eagerly, * he still lives' (my father groaned) ; 'let us haste to do something. The wound may not be mortal.' " I resisted no longer, and with the aid of Moncrieff conveyed my father to the apartment we had left but a few moments previous, and laid him upon the couch at which he knelt be- fore going to the combat. Moncrieff proceeded to examine the wound with the skill of an experienced surgeon, and with all a woman's gentleness ; but he soon shook his head de- spairingly. My father had swooned without uttering a word ; still we knew that life was not extinct. After I had administered a stimulant with my own hands, he faintly opened his eyes; and although he looked upon no one, I am confident he knew where he was. He spoke not, save in broken whispers ; and as I knelt to catch their meaning, I could only hear faintly articulated: ' My precious tvife — my Isabella — receive the sacrifice.' " My father survived not quite an hour. All of the time he ay nearly insensible, feebly holding my hand in his, and oc- casionally giving it a slight pressure. Suddenly he started convulsively — his lips moved ; I strained every sense to catch what he said. ' My Isabella, come nearer — lam happy now' were the words that died away upon his lips as the spirit parted from the body." Again the Wcedallah paused. I dared not trust myself to look toward him, but waited until he should proceed. XXXIX. " Three months after, I awoke in a sick-room. At last my brain was clear and sensible. Of nothing was I conscious during that time save that I was in friendly hands. I remem- ber that there was a stillness and a silence that wearied me ; 168 SAINT LEGER. relieved occasionally by noiseless steps and low whispers, but yet dreadfully oppressive. I was reduced to the lowest point, still I lived. My mind, under the strong and conflicting ex- citements which had been brought to bear upon it, had yielded to their force ; fever ensued; then delirium — then convales- cence. " I recovered. Would not my first steps be directed to England, eagerly, rapidly directed thither, to escape from the country which had proved the ruin of my sire I One would naturally suppose so ; yet delay succeeded delay. I was still in Paris. I had first to see Monsieur Coulanges. That cer- tainly was necessary ; then the friends of my father called to offer their condolences (for all supposed he had died a natural death) and invited me to visit them in proper time. Although you would hardly suppose an Englishman could find much favor at such a time in France, when all Europe was con- vulsed with wars in which France and England were enemies, still you must remember that intrigue was the great weapon of the day ; that I was born in France, and had powerful friends in Scotland, many of whom kept up a constant corres- pondence with the French court. I was admitted there with- out suspicion; and — shall I say it — after a short time aban- doned myself entirely to its influence. Need I tell you how, when I say it was at the profligate court of Louis XV., with youth and wealth, and the advantage of a fair exterior 1 So it was that I did evil in the sight of the Lord, even as my father had done. Oh, what abyss so deep that it can over- whelm the ministers of damnation who waited on that court! Yet the fortune of the young Saint Leger was envied, and he was pronounced the most happy of mortals. But what a hell reigned in my bosom. Ten thousand avenging furies were shrieking hourly in my ears, still I went on, went on my jour- ney to the deep perdition of the damned. I had become a SAINT LEGER. 169 wretched voluptuary ; and Pleasure, which retired farther and farther in the distance as I wooed her most, began to pall upon the senses. " I was at a masked ball given by the Duchess of . I had no less than six appointments there, and how to manage them, tasked my skill to the utmost. It was in the midst of the revel that a tall female figure in a plain mask approached me, and with a commanding air beckoned me to go with her. As adventures of this sort were by no means uncommon, I followed the retreating form of the lady out of the magnificent salon, through one apartment after another, till we arrived at a small door, to which my guide applied a key and we en- tered. " I found myself — not, as I anticipated, in an exquisite boudoir, fragrant with flowers and perfumes, to add to the • voluptuousness of the scene — but, in a small, gloomy, narrow room, without a single article of furniture, and with only one faint light glimmering on the mantel. I gave a hasty glance over this place of ill-omen. I thought I was betrayed by the intrigue of a rival ; but fear is not the foible of the Saint Le- gers. I was armed, and the struggle for life would be despe- rate. While these thoughts were passing through my mind, the lady had advanced into the middle of the room, after bolt- ing the door, and stood regarding me in silence. " • This is not exactly what you expected,' said the Un- known, addressing me in pure English. 'Not quite so allur- ing as an interview with the Comptesse , to which at this hour you were invited.' " I made no reply to the announcement of a secret known, as I supposed, only to the two interested ; but simply asked, in a quiet nonchalant way : " 'Pray, what is your wish?' " ' Nay,' said the mask, in an angry impatient tone, ' ask me 170 SAINT LEGEB. not what is my wish, but what is my will, for, by Heaven, it shall be obeyed. I have brought thee hither to hear my com- mands, thou renegade Englishman — thou shame of a manly house. Thou a Saint Leger ! Go, take the name of one of the strange women who make you their slave ; follow on your path even as the ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks ; go now to their bed which is decked with coverings of tapestry, with carved works and fine linen of Egypt, and perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon, and take your fill of love until the morning ; but by the Su- preme Power above, if you do this, and dare again to call yourself a Saint Leger, I will plunge this dagger into your heart!' So saying, the mask half unsheathed a small poniard which she wore at her belt, and went on before I had time to speak : " You have still another course left. Leave this place of abominations before the iniquity of the Ammonites is yet full. The days of the Jezebels and the Athaliahs and the Delilahs are numbered. In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat their flesh. Return to England ; go where you will ; stay here if you have strength to do it ; but I warn you, forget not again that you are a Saint Leger. Sell not your manhood at this debauched and infamous court : if you disobey,' again touch- ing the dagger, ' you know the penalty.' " The rebuke which these words conveyed, its truth — severe though it was — rendered me for a moment incapable of speak- ing. I stood discovered, stripped of the miserable dross and tinsel of unhallowed pleasure, in all the ugly and rude deform- ity of deteced guilt. Yes, I stood " ' And felt how awful goodness is ; and saw Virtue, in her shape how lovely ! saw, and pined His loss.' I felt piqued, nevertheless, at the threat of the Unknown ; SAINT LEGER. m for man will often listen to persuasion, when he will not be moved by force ; and the idea of abandoning even a course of sin, through fear of my life, struck at my pride. I wished from my heart that such an argument had been omitted. " ' Have you nothing to say V continued the mask, impa- tiently, as I was hesitating what to reply. " ' Nothing,' said I, coldly, ' to one who under a disguise seeks to frighten me into measures which a sense of right alone can make effectual or sincere.' " ' Spoken like a man, indeed !' said the figure, removing her mask, and disclosing the clear, penetrating gray eyes, the lofty brow and the haughty mien of the Lady Alice Saint Leger. ' Kinsman,' said she, ' I have come to save you from shame and ruin. I did not suppose threats would accomplish this ; but I wished to show my determination to preserve our name from further disgrace. Let,' she continued reverently, ; the dead rest in peace ; with the living there is hope. I come not to reproach or to direct, but solemnly to warn/ " ' The warning shall be heeded,' said I, emphatically, ' and ' " ' Enough,' said the Lady Alice, with dignity ; ' 1 believe you.' She replaced her mask, and notwithstanding my en- treaties that she would remain a few moments, unbolted the door and disappeared. Scarcely sensible whether this was not all a dream, I proceeded to find my way out. The thought of returning to the gay scene I had so lately left, filled me with disgust. I discovered a private entrance into the court- yard, and throwing myself into a carriage, was conveyed to my hotel. I went home a repentant man. 172 SAINT LEGER. XL. " The morning after the first commission of a sin, or after the first resolution to reform, is generally remarkable for se- vere struggles with one's-self ; and I had no small share of these. I rose as from a fearful dream. I was not certain that what I remembered of the previous evening was not an il- lusion. By degrees it all came back to me with distinctness. I summoned my valet ; he brought me a score of perfumed billets-doux, done up in exquisite taste. The moment had arrived which should decide my fate : my hand was on the seal of one which I knew to be from the comptesse. T hesi- tated : I called for a taper. If I opened the billets, I was lost — and 1 knew it. One by one I took them up and delib- erately held each over the taper until it was consumed. Somehow, although that of the comptesse was first in my hand it still remained there when all the rest were destroyed. ' Surely/ said the Tempter, 'there can be no harm in opening this one — this last one, as I have resolved not to answer it. It was too late : by a tremendous effort I brought the doomed thing across the flame. It turned and twisted into a thousand contortions as if determined to escape. As the heat caused the leaves to open, it gave a vividness to the delicately-traced lines, and I could distinctly read expressions of tender re- proach. I turned away my head, by a sort of nightmare ef- fort, but held the billet steadily in the flame, nor did I move, nor scarcely breathe, till the subtle element, creeping to my fingers, as if for a further sacrifice, told me it was all over ; I was saved. 1 started up and ordered horses for Bloissy. This is a small and beautiful chateau, about twenty leagues SAINT LEGER. 173 from Paris, which my father had occupied, though he rarely resorted to it. Once I had heen at the chateau since his de- cease, to find some papers which were deposited there. Re- port, I knew, had said the place was procured by my father to be a retreat for his young wife, too far from Paris for ru- mors of his infidelity ever to reach her. It was a pitiable de- vice ; as if a husband's dereliction can be long concealed from the trusting heart which has yielded all to him. Well, at night I arrived at this retired spot. How happy I was ; the battle had been fought, and a glorious victory obtained over myself. I determined upon a course of self-examination. I took possession of the chamber which had been my mother's ; I invoked her presence to enable me to preserve my purpose. I prayed to God — I could pray then — to give me strength. I have told you that my father destroyed all his private pa- pers. In searching, however, an old bureau, in my mother's room, I found at the end of a drawer one of her letters to him. It was written during the second year of her marriage, and, I presume, on the occasion of their first separation, when my fa! her, representing that his affairs called him to Paris, and would detain him there a considerable time, forgot her and left her alone in that sad solitude. She was still trustful and unsuspicious. Here is the letter," continued the Wcedallah, holding it out to me. I took it from his hands. It was writ- ten in a delicate hand, and blurred and blotted, apparently by tears; " Precious signs," the Wcedallah continued, "of my Wretched father's repentance." I begged the Wcedallah to allow me to take the letter that I might again peruse it, and as it may lend an interest to the narrative, I give some exl racls from it : " Wednesday Morning. "Deab, dear Wilfred: T can no1 realize thai you" ire gone, and to slaj from m< so 1 >ng . but oh! mv heart wants 174 SAINT LEGEK. something in your absence ; nay, it wants you, my Wilfred, at this moment to be at my side ; to clasp your arm around me and kiss me, and tell me over and over again that you love me. Do you miss your poor Belle, even now, dear hus- band, and are you almost tempted to turn back and bring her with you 1 How dependent upon you I have been since we were married ; but I must rely upon myself now ; and it is well : I feel that it is for our good that we are parted, and this reconciles me." .... Oh, gentle, loving, trustful wife! Oh, base, perfidious, deceitful husband. But she writes on : " Do you know, dearest "Wilfred, that I feel more like stay- ing here, quietly thinking of you, than mingling in the gaye- ties of Paris 1 Somehow, I can not feel that I am a mother in yon strange city ; and shall I confess it, dear, dear Wilfred, I have almost thought that you did not love your Isabella so much when surrounded by its attractions. Now, dearest, for- give me, for you know that I do not believe this ; the whole wide world could not make me believe it ; only I love to have you reassure me, Wilfred, and then — how confident I tTTOw ainun " Six o'clock. — My precious love, I am home-sick to see you. The day has been lovely thus far, but now it rains. All nature is so beautiful about me that I can not but be cheerful ; and yet metbinks this very loveliness of scenery, which so cheers us in bright daylight, lends a saddening in- fluence in sweet melancholy twilight ; sweet when we are to- gether, dearest ; melancholy when we are parted. " My chief solace is our dear babe ; all is new to him here, and he looks at everything with great surprised eyes, won- dering what it means. He has just gone to his rosy rest. Heaven make his slumbers peaceful ; for troubled waters sweep even over the bosom of infancy. SAINT LEGER. 17 "Eleven o'clock. — I am going now, my dear husband, to my solitary bed. I have been talking this evening with old Hannah. She has entertained me by telling me of your childhood, I culled a fresh bouquet of roses for my table this morning, but an instinct of love led me to preserve in my chamber those we gathered yesterday. Where is the rose I gave you 1 And now love, my precious love, with a sweet, sweet kiss — good night ! " Tuesday, 3 o'clock. — Oh, my Wilfred, I have been so agonized ! How have I been tortured ! What shall I say or do 1 To-day Count Davrainville called. He was just from Paris ; and do you think the wretch had the audacity to speak of you as Oh, no ; I will not insult my Wilfred by naming it ; but the count spoke of it so as a matter of course, that it seemed as if I should sink, although I knew every word was false. I assure you I left the room without waiting for a repetition of such despicable slander. Oh, Wil- fred, Wilfred ! what a load is on my heart ! If I could only come now and creep into your bosom, and have you soothe me like a poor gi'ieved child. Ah, were it not for my precious babe, how quick would I fly to you." XLI. " This letter," continued the Woedallah, "this letter, writ- ten by my sainted mother, completed my reform. I knelt down by the side of the bed where she expired, and made a vow to live a virtuous life. I shuddered at my recent narrow escape, and could hardly believe it was real. Meanwhile my absence from Paris caused a thousand reports to be set in circulation. I abstained as far as possible from listening to them, and finally I was left in peace." Here the Woedallah paused again. He was silent so long 176 SAINT LEGER. that I turned toward him, as before, and again perceived that be was in extreme agony. As he did not seem inclined to go on, I said : " This can not be the end of your narrative ; ex- cuse me, but I am painfully interested to know all." "I will proceed," said he, hesitatingly; " and yet I would pass briefly over the remainder of my life. We can not well bear to look back upon opportunities of happiness unim- proved, nay trifled with, thrown away, and for ever lost ; especially is it painful when wretchedness and despair come in their place. But I wish my history to make you wiser and better ; and this effect might not be gained should I stop here. I had sworn to live virtuously, and I kept my vow ; but let me tell you, my son, that man escapes not easily the consequences of an evil course, however he may have reformed. The remainder of my history conveys this single moral : ponder it well. I will say, in brief, how, continuing in my retirement, I became enamored with the only daughter of an old French count, whose chateau was near my own ; how the loveliness and innocence of the young Leila" (I start- ed) "de Soisson appeared; for she was lovely and innocent! how I sought her, wooed and wedded her, and brought her to Paris in triumph ; how, in consequence of my previous ir- regularities, I became unreasonably jealous of my wife, who had all the freedom and gayety of manner that distinguished her nation ; how I believed that I had proof of her guilt ; and how, when calling her to my presence, I accused her, I was met with indignant denial. "Ah, now my ' pleasant vices' began to be my scourge. 1 was not satisfied, but swore I would forsake a world which virtue had deserted. I made ample provision for my wife, and after warning her that I should provide for strict watch upon her conduct, took our young daughter, whom I already began to hate because she resembled her, and placing SAINT LEGER. 177 her at a nunnery to be educated, sailed for Scotland. With- out making myself known to any one, I proceeded to the highlands, and having arranged to keep up a constant com- munication with the main land, I came hither. Here I re- solved to do what good T might. I became interested in this simple-hearted honest people. My heart was not yet turned quite to stone. My daughter I frequently sent for, for I could not bear that she should altogether forget her father, though he could not love his child. You have no doubt heard how I was forced to leave this island, and to take up my abode in a neighboring one. I acted through the whole con- scientiously for the good of this poor people. When the new steward took control, instead of returning, myself, I went to Paris, in consequence of what I had heard from my corre- spondent of my wife's conduct. I went to Paris, but she was not there, but living, as my agent informed me, at my chateau at Bloissy, in order, as he said, to enjoy still greater freedom. I determined to stop this dishonor at all hazards. I repaired to the chateau. I sent for her, without announcing myself. She came, and on seeing me, threw herself into my arms and fainted. I placed her upon a couch until she should recover. Had I found her pale and emaciated, I should have believed her innocent, but although dressed with simplicity, she look- ed as healthful and beautiful as ever. " She soon recovered from her swoon. ' Oh, my Wilfred !' said she, faintly 'have you returned to me at last?' " ' Hypocrite !' I said, sternly, ' cease such abominable de- ception ! I know all — nothing is concealed. Your guilt has been discovered to me.' '• Perhaps you have some time in your life," continued the Wcedallah, " unfortunately bruised a young and beautiful flower, and as you turned to view the ruin you had effected.-, it would seem as if the tender petals, so full of rich and vane- L2 178 6AINT LEGEE. gated freshness, and life, and beauty, strove to convey, by their very crushed and shrinking appearance, a reproach for your wanton carelessness. So it was with Leila. Oh, what a look ! - — so subdued, so injured, yet so reproachful ! My God ! how can I bear to think of it!" he exclaimed, starting, stamping his foot in frenzy, and then reseating himself. " Yet she said nothing ; she would deny nothing ; she would acknowledge nothing. So the fiend was busy with me, and I still believed her guilt. I bade her prepare to accompany me, and told her she should never return to France. The good old count, her father, was dead years before, and the countess had long pre- ceded him. Leila seemed not at all distressed at the thought of leaving, and the next day we set out for Bordeaux, and sailed thence to Scotland ; and then — we came here. M* wife had an apartment appropriated to her exclusive use, and a single female attendant. She had books, and everything necessary to her outward comfort. But I never allowed her to converse with me. I never spoke to her. Sometimes her pride would give way to her love, and I could hear her ad- dress me tenderly : ' Wilfred ! oh, Wilfred ! this is not such severe punishment, to be ever near you, under the same roof, and to feel that you are near me, even if you will not speak to your poor Leila.' But she never alluded to her crime — never denied it. My own heart was wearing away within me. I held no communication with the world. My life, in that ter- rible isolation, was one of the most exquisite and changeless pain. One morning our attendant told me her mistress was ill. I hardly knew what to do, but I bade her ascertain the symptoms. As she opened the door of Leila's apartment, I heard my name called, and in tones that evinced extreme earnestness and agony. It was her voice. I hesitated. At that moment she saw me, and shrieked. ' Oh, Wilfred,' she SAINT LEGER. I79 exclaimed, ' if you do not come, you will be fearfully judged, for ever and for ever ! Oh, come, come, come to me !' " I rushed into the room, threw myself into her arms, and burst into tears. " ' God be praised !' she exclaimed, ' for this last mercy. Dearest husband, before my Maker, before him in whose presence I shall so soon appear, I swear I am innocent of any crime toward you. My pride, my sinful, foolish pride, is all I have to repent of. You have been treacherously deceived, my husband. Do you not believe me ? Do you not believe your Leila, now that she is dying V " ' Oh, yes ! oh, yes !' I sobbed, ' I do believe you. For- give me, my injured wife ! I ask not God's forgiveness, but yours, yours I must have.' " I can not dwell upon this scene. Her days were number* ' ed ; yet we lived a lifetime in those brief hours. And then I first learned how, for fiendish purposes, which he could not accomplish, my correspondent had lied to me ; and how a noble pride in my traduced and suffering Leila prevented her from making an explanation. She died praying for blessings on the wretch who had embittered her life almost to its latest moment. She rests gently, beside my mother, under the shade of her own favorite evergreens, at Bloissy. And here am I, the stricken of God." 180 SAINT LEGER. XLII. The Woedallah had concluded. I was not disposed to break the silence. The shades of evening began to gather ; the waves grew black in the twilight ; the roar of the ocean resounded with a more ominous distinctness, until darkness was over all the waters. The elements, the spot itself, the circumstances, combined to produce a thoughtful and exalted solemnity. And there we sat ; the gloomy meditator upon what had been, and the eager expectant upon what was to be — a strange companionship ! There we sat ; and while we lived upon the Past and Future, both forgot the eternal Present ; the everlasting, never-ending Now, for which only man ex- ists ; for in it are embraced yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Vain mortal, to feed upon dim recollections, or upon the unsubstantial framework of false hopes, forgetful of that which is! But must faith, must hope, be banished ? Ah, no. " Does not the earnest expectation of the creature wait for the mani- festation of the sons of God?" Assuredly. But it must be such faith, such hope, such expectation, as will make the Now important. Tell me of a faith that bids me forget the present, and I will brand it false. Show me a hope that connects not with what is, and I will mark it vain. Summon me an ex- pectation that refers not to what I now am, and I will stamp it futile. And yet man sits, and waits, and hopes, and expects, and waits again, while nothing comes of it ; and he murmurs, but still expects, and still the river runs by full flowing, and the current will not diminish : still the wheel goes round, but nothing is accomplished. And what has his faith, or his hope, or his expectation, done for him? Therefore, oh being, SAINT LEGER. 181 created by the Almighty Father, when, unquiet and dissatis- fied, thou busiest thyself with vain imaginings, know that thou neglectest the present, and if thou neglectest it, thou art lost. XLIII. The Woedallah had concluded ; but it was evident that he had given a very brief outline of his history. More I could not ask. Yet how I longed to question him about the young Leila. Here was a mystery unexplained. Not love that beautiful creature ! not love the only child of his unfortunate and so much wronged wife ! But the Woedallah had not said that he was regardless of his child. True, Leila had confessed that she could not love him. Perhaps But it was idle to conjecture ; and I was consoled with the hope that time would explain all. I now went back to myself. I was adrift again. The narrative of my kinsman made me tremble at the resolution I had taken a little before. Like a successful ambuscade, it found me at unawares, and put to flight my fancied security. Pleasure ! — what was pleasure? It seemed to me like some accursed fiend, whose end was to accomplish my destruction. My heart acknowledged to itself an incipient guilt, which waited only for temptation to be de- veloped. In vain I determined on adherence to my resolu- tion. It had vanished ; I could not grasp it : " Tkr frustra comprensa nianus effugit imago, Par levibus ventis volucrique simillima somno." Everything was gone save one absorbing idea, and that was Leila. I say idea, for I had as yet no conception of the ideal Ah, beautiful and holy ideal ! thou belongest not in thy perfection to youth, for youth is attracted too much by earth, to worship thee. The dross must be first expelled, the flnmr of life musl burn clear and pure — fed no more by 182 SAINT LEGER. the exuberance of too young and turbulent blood. How do the many, led away by mimic Fancy, "which, misjoining shapes, Wild work produces" — create for themselves a world of ecstatic dreams, nurtured by unhealthy excitements, consuming the heart by their false fire, and withering up for ever the well-springs of life ; leav- ing the fountain which should flow with perpetual freshness, parched, and arid, and desolate. But who can realize the Ideal ! They only upon whom Imagination waits ; who live in the momentous Present ; who yield not to Fancy's airy nothings — they shall enjoy it, for to such Heaven has already begun. XLIV. When at length I parted from the Wcedallah, and proceed- ed toward the village, my mind was in a whirl of excitement. I saw in fancy nothing but Leila ; I thought of nothing but Leila; I gave myself up entirely to Leila. "Why, to what end, I did not ask — I did not care — I would not think. If I could only have one more interview, that was all I would de- mand ; all the happiness I required — one more interview ! I accused myself of rudeness, of heartlessness, of everything unkind. I thought of every word she said ; I remembered every step ; every gesture. How I dreaded to think of any- thing else : how I loved that night : how I hated the thought of the morrow, with its dull routine. My bosom full of these emotions, I reached the habitation of the worthy minister. I paused upon the threshold. I turned and looked up at the still heavens, so quiet and aw- ful. The stars which lighted the dark-robed night glittered SAINT LEGER. 183 with unusual brilliancy. Perhaps Leila too was at that mo- ment gazing at them. I felt that she was. My soul drank in a world of bliss — of rapture — -of indescribable ecstasy. Were we not in a perfect sympathy 1 Were not those stars charged with destiny — revealers of every fate ? Could the transport have been greater were we gazing into each other's eyes? Glorious stars, truthful stars! and I repeated from the Orphic Hymns : 'A.aripts ovpavioi, Nvktos vas 'apopw^tvoi, pep6ir\ayKToi Axya^ovrts del vvktoc ^oipoeiiia viirXov ! Were these feelings true ? Did my heart beat with a health- ful excitement 1 Was I experiencing what writers of romance delight to describe as first love ? We shall see. XLV. The next day there was to be a hunt for birds and birds'- eggs. As the St. Kildans subsist chiefly on wild fowl, and the eggs of the wild fowl, it follows of course, that enterprise, courage, and alertness, in securing these necessary arti- cles of subsistence, form their highest accomplishments. The bold adventurer who by feats of extraordinary hazard captures the solan goose, as the creature sits upon a shelving rock a thousand feet from the toppling crags above, or secures the eggs of the lavie, deposited midway between the top of some fearful precipice and the foaming sea below, is regarded in the island as a hero, and his praises are chanted by the St. Kildan maidens in songs remarkably descriptive and full of fancy. The heroic actions of the men ; their disregard of fatigue and peril ; their success in these enterprises, and some- 184 SAINT LEGER. times their untimely fate, form the main topics of St. Kildan song. All the rocks in the island, which overhang the sea, are di- vided among the inhabitants in the same way as the land, and any infringement upon the right of possession is regarded as heinous as theft itself, and punished accordingly. Each fam- ily owns a "rope," which is absolutely necessary as a means of subsistence. This rope is made out of cow's-hide and cut into three thongs, which are plaited together, after having been thoroughly salted. This three-fold cord is remarkably strong, and with proper care will last for two generations. It always descends to the eldest son, and is considered equal in value to two good cows. The St. Kildans seemed desirous to afford us a fair exhibi- tion of their skill. The hunting party consisted of the boldest adventurers of the island ; the most dangerous crags were selected, and the sport commenced. Two of the men, hav- ing made themselves fast to each other, began the perilous descent. First one would take the lead, throwing himself carelessly from rock to rock, when, darting away from his pre- carious foothold, he would hang suspended in the air, his part- ner supporting him by bracing against some sharp angle. It was next the turn of his companion, who, pursuing a similar course, did all he could to surpass his comrade, by exposing himself to the most extraordinary perils. After spending some time in this way, the two returned, each having secured a fine string of birds and a large quantity of eggs. Another couple succeeded these, with exploits still more hazardous, and thus the afternoon passed away; some ten or twelve St. Kildans engaging in the hunt. In the evening it was resolved to in- vade the territory of the solan goose. These creatures en- gage so industriously during the day in fishing that they are content to sleep soundly at night. They select some large SAINT LEGER. jgg rock where hundreds of them herd together,*and after placing a sentinel to keep guard, abandon themselves to repose. The fowler, having a large white napkin tied across his breast, to deceive the sentinel, approaches cautiously. Too late the un- suspecting bird finds an enemy in the camp. The sentinel is despatched. The hunter lays him among his comrades, who, by this time waking up, gather round the unfortunate creature, bemoaning his death ; nor do they think of flight till a large number of their company are killed by the active fowlers, who take this cruel advantage of their ill-timed lamentations. Much sport was expected the pi'esent evening, for it was discovered that an immense number of these birds had set- tled upon a well-known rock on the east side of the island, inaccessible to ordinary pursuit, but presenting no insur- mountable difficulty to a St. Kildan. I had watched the whole proceedings during the day, accompanied by Hubert, who shared fully the excitement. As we were about start- ing for the scene of the new adventure, the latter said to me : " Saint Leger, have a care ; Vautrey is somewhere near us." " Indeed," said I ; " have you seen him ?" " I have been watching him," answered Hubert, " all the afternoon. His body-guard are with him ; his foreign ser- vant and that peculiar imp of Satan whom you saw at the glen. They are apparently spectators of the hunt ; but let us be watchful during the evening." We both agreed to this, and proceeded to join the party. l)iil two couples undertook the perilous descent to the spot where the birds were congregated. At one time hanging over dizzy heights, at another resting upon the edge of some slippery rock, so narrow that there seemed no place even for the slightest foothold, the daring adventurers proceeded on their perilous way. Below, at a distance of some thousand feet, the sea raged and foamed and lashed itself into a resist- 186 SAINT LEGER. less fuiy; while ttie siarp projections seen here and there, from the different cliffs, indicated with a fearful certainty the fate of the wretch who should miss his uncertain foothold. All eyes were turned toward the intrepid fowlers. Now the heart quailed at their fearful risks ; now admiration for their extraordinary daring was paramount. In the midst of the excitement, and when all were watching the adventurers with breathless interest, I perceived a person coming cau- tiously toward me, along the side of the cliff. I knew the stranger to be Vautrey. He was, as I thought, alone ; but on looking more carefully I fancied that I could detect some one following in the distance. The count was apparently get- ting a position to see the fowlers to the best advantage ; at any rate he paused at the place where one of them had de- scended, and leaned over, as if watching their movements. My own attention was soon directed to the same object ; and when I again glanced toward the count, I was surprised to see that the figure, which I had before observed, had ap- proached near him, and that it was his attendant, the wild savage. There was something so treacherous in the manner of this hideous creature, that I at once suspected a plan hos- tile to myself ; but on closer scrutiny it seemed as if he was attempting to come up, unobserved, with Vautrey. He cer- tainly did not seem aware that I was near. So extraordinary did this appear, that I turned my attention entirely toward the count and his attendant, The latter approached nearer and nearer to his master ; he would pause and glance hastily around, or skulk behind a rough mass of rock, and then resume his cat-paced course. I rose instinctively to Avarn Vautrey — I knew not of what; but I felt that there was danger. At the same instant the savage started up, ran swiftly toward the count, and rushing upon him with a sud- den, desperate fury, seized him, and b* T a tremendous effort SAINT LEGER. 187 hurled him over the precipice — clear down into the frightful chasm. It was so horrible, that I shrieked in spite of myself. In a moment the savage was by my side. I was upon my guard, yet he attempted no violence ; but throwing off a quantity of coarse hair from his head, I recogrnised the wild highland follower of the young Glenfinglas* Donacha Maclan. His eyes gleamed with malignant fire ; his soul seemed complete- ly abandoned to the furies. Pointing with exultation toward the cliff, and then to himself, as if glorying in the act, he turned, uttered a fierce highland cry, and disappeared in the darkness. This was the work almost of a moment. The alarm was given ; the whole party were in confusion. But Count Laurent de Vautrey was not thus to perish. Strange, nay incredible, as it may appear, although he was cast by the sudden attack of Donacha completely clear of the cliff, still, after falling several feet, he caught the projecting point of a rock, which, although it wounded him severely, served to arrest his fall. But he could not hang by it ; it only gave him an instant longer to think upon his fate. It will be remembered that the count had chosen a place for his obser- vation where one of the fowlers had descended. This choice saved his life ; for only a few feet below, the same fowler was cautiously ensconced upon a narrow shelf of rock, braced up to meet any emergency of his partner, who was linked to him, and was pursuing the way toward his eyry, some hundred feet below. As the miserable Vautrey caught upon the projection, he was seen, and the St. Kildan's en- ergies instantly summoned for his rescue. The next instant Vautrey fell heavily down, but not into the fearful abyss that seemed gaping to receive him. The hunter watched him as his hold loosened on the crag, and by an extraordinary effort caught and held him in his descent. His pari nor was called 188 SAINT LEGER. to ; the rope was tied round the count, and he was drawn to the top of the cliff, lacerated and bleeding, but without any mortal injury. He was conveyed to the house of the minister. Hubert and myself yielded our bed to him, and sought accommoda- tions elsewhere. As I was the only eyewitness of the attack made by Donacha, I hesitated to state that I recognised in him the follower of Glenfinglas. I finally concluded to speak of it to Hubert only, and leave it for him to make further mention of it, if he chose to do so. My cousin heard me in silence ; walked up and down a moment with a serious air ; then stopping, exclaimed : " Saint Leger, mark my words, Vautrey is a dead man." " What do you mean '?" said I. " A dead man," continued Hubert, " Donacha is as sure of him as if his dirk was now through his heart. I know the race ; but I did not know that Donacha, being a captive, ac- knowledged fealty to Glenfinglas. Dead '? yes, if he escaped seventy times. Never did a Maclan lose sight of his victim, when revenge sharpened the pursuit. The blood-hound has not a surer scent ; the fox is not more subtle, nor the tiger more fierce", nor the cat more stealthy, nor the tortoise more patient, thana Maclan of the Black Cloud when pursuing his enemy." " Nonsense," said I ; " Vautrey will be on the continent in less than three weeks, beyond the reach of all the thieving caterans 'twixt this and Ben Nevis." " You will see," said my cousin ; " and as for telling Vaut- rey who his enemy is, it will only alarm him without in the least assisting to prevent the danger. No, no; let him im- agine that the savage undertook this as a revenge for some supposed affront while in his service, and let it pass. I '11 not put my finger in a dish of the devil's cooking, at any rate. SAINT LEGER. 189 If Vautrey does not like the entertainment, he must cater bet- ter next time." I saw that Hubert had a full share of highland prejudice, ■which I did not care to interfere with ; so I left the matter with him altogether. I thought much about it, nevertheless. XL VI. It was quite time for us to be away. I went once more to the glen to make my parting salutations to my kinsman. He received me with a composure I had not before witnessed in him. He was evidently calmer and happier. We con- versed some time, and I rose to leave. " My son," said he, " I thank you for this visit. It may result in good. I will make your adieu to Leila" — I had asked for her — "she is not well. Perhaps you will see her when she leaves this." — I started and changed color. — " Speak of me to the Lady Alice. I remember her token ; and, my son, forget not my farewell admonition: i At the parting of the xoays mistake not; seek no pleasure which satisfies not ; be self-denying and be great. Adieu.'' " Much affected, I turned from the Wcedallah. I took my last look at the stone grotto, at the delightful little valley, and the scene beyond. I hastened to the village ; all was ready for our departure, and we set sail. Soon the threatening cliffs of Hirta receded ; after a quick passage, we made the coast, and sailed up the loch to G-lencoe. Then came parting with my dear friends there and then, "Ho! for England," 190 6AINT LEGEE. XLVII. Was the William Henry Saint Leger who started in the spring-time upon his tour, the same William Henry Saint Leger whom the early autumn had returned in safety to his home ? END OP BOOK FIRST. BOOK II. ^Eschtltjs, Prom. Vinct., 1002. Time, as its age advanceth, teaches all things. Actio! <5' to CKor6caaa Oecov itipi 56fa fie/triXcv. Empedoci.es, Frag. Ah, wretch ! whose soul dark thoughts of God invade. BOOK SECOND I. TWO YEARS ! Time, that mighty leaven, which leaveneth the great cur- rent of events! maturing and evolving each in its appointed order, had worked restlessly through two more years, and these were added to the eternity of the past. And what were those two years to me 1 Much, every way, save in actual results. In these, nothing. The result is slow, and sudden. Slow, to the anxious, who labor wearily, and with an almost omnipresent energy, to bring somewhat to pass. To them, how painful are the steps toward the summit, though from the plain its towering height delights the eye ! Sudden, to the wondering many who be- hold what has come to pass, but who know not, nor think, nor imagine anything of the preparation-work. To them how suddenly does the patient laborer emerge from obscurity, and take his stand upon the pinnacle of fame ! This is also true of that which tends downward to perdi- tion : for men look at the results of evil, not at the causes of it. 'The result is nothing without exclusion. To attain it, one must exclude all that is foreign to the pursuit. If a man serves his passions, he must exclude the higher enjoyments of the moral and intellectual. Or if he seeks the intellectual, lie must exclude those baser things which enervate and en- slave the mind. If he determine upon moral and religious culture, he nmsl exclude the influences of lime and sense. 13 194 SAINT LEGER. Self-denial, which is another word for exclusion, is a neces- sary exercise. No matter what the object sought; without it, all labor is empty effort. For no person can at the same time walk in a given direction and in a direction exactly op- posite. Attempt first one and then the other, and no progress is made. Self-denial may be painful, or it may not be. It may be every way agreeable ; or it may produce a strong and never-ending struggle with ourselves. The sensualist denies himself the exercise of virtue, to please his passions, excluding all the good influences of his moral nature. The worldling denies himself to gratify an ambition of one kind or another, excluding whatever interferes with- his aim. The Christian denies himself, to satisfy his moral sense, excluding the various temptations which surround and beset him. Self- denial, then, is a philosophical exclusion of everything which interferes with a given rule of conduct, adopted with refer- ence to a desired result. And yet we often encounter a cer- tain class of benevolents, who tell us that "all things were made for man's enjoyment ;" that " every creature of God is good ;" that the happiness within our reach is the happiness to secure, and that self-denial, if it implies any constraint, is altogether wrong in itself; in short, is too absurd (because too disagreeable) to be tolerated. These are dangerous philanthropists. They have no notion of the holy in man. They are earthly, sensual, devilish. They can make no distinction between the sensual and the intellectual, much less between the intellectual and the moral. They seem not to understand that the passions may lead where the intellect refuses to follow, and that the intellect may yield where the moral sense condemns. Not daring to avow their doctrine in all its hideous deformity, they cover it over with the gloss of an apparently improved humanity ; and by picturing a perfect state of ideal sensuousness (I say sen- suousness, because self is the sole object of contemplation in SAINT LEGER. I95 it), they lead numbers away irreclaimably to perdition. They are blind leaders of the blind. Once more I utter my warning. Once more I say to those in the forming time (reader, if you have passed that period you are beyond my reach), yield not to the sensual ; worship not as a divinity the intellectual; rest only in an object of the highest moral purity ; anything less will end in death. For no man can find rest in an object unless that object is larger than his own mmd, and no mind can rest in an object which is not illimitable. Therefore no merely earthly object can satisfy it. We must have an object of Good, which expands as the mind expands which contemplates it — and that object is God. He must furnish the aliment to sustain our souls. In no other way can the soul be elevated and restored to its original purity. Then, if we may not prevent the temptations which beset us, we can defy their power ! II. As I pass from one period of my life to another, I pause, hesitating to go on, — like one who, after years of absence and of incident, comes back to scenes of a former day, and while he recalls, with all the vividness of reawakened memory, the thousand circumstances which gave interest then to the lo- calities he revisits, is for a time spell-bound. He sees everything precisely as he saw it years before — the land- scape, the mansion, a particular apartment, the books, the furniture, and the little articles of use or fancy which lie scat- tered around. Other things have been changing ; these have remained the same ; and they speak to him as if they knew not that he had changed. They speak the language of past days; they know no other, and therefore the wanderer lin- gers, ere he resumes his pilgrimage. 196 SAINT LEGER. III. I had returned from Glencoe an altered being. 1 felt that an epocha had taken place in my existence. Before, I sought eagerly after some explanation of the outward form and man- ner of this world. I expected to get at the centre from the surface. The consequence was, that whatever I learned suf- ficed only for the occasion ; it furnished me with nothing in- ductive. I was still under a cloud, and saw everything " as through a glass, darkly." As the tendencies of manhood be- gan more strongly to be developed, those tendencies which re- ceived a tremendous impetus from the strange adventures of the previous summer, I felt that there must be some way to break the charm of mystery that enveloped all around me. So far, nothing had indelibly impressed me. Perhaps I may except the meeting with the Wcedallah and my acquaintance with Leila, which beyond question were the most remarkable incidents that had come to affect me. From Leila I had heard nothing since leaving St. Kilda, though months had elapsed ; so that even the singular occur- rences at that remote island began by degrees to lose their hold upon me. Perhaps I was a little piqued at the silence of my fair relative, after her promise that she would acquaint me with her movements ; besides, I was in no state to cherish recollections of any kind. I desired to get upon some sys- tem of living which would give me peace of mind. At the same time I felt dissatisfied with everything I had ever tried. I longed for something new. Restraint of every kind had become irksome, oppressive, unendurable. I resolved to throw off the fetters of former influences, and learn afresh. This was a hardy resolution for a youth, but it was taken. SAINT LEUER. 197 It is fearful indeed thus to unsettle everything which pre- vious education has tended to make firm. But it is still more fearful to find, too late in life, that one is adrift. When I came home, I began to commune with myself. The return to familiar scenes had nothing of its usual enlivening effect upon my spirits. After a while I went to the old library. It was dustier and more gloomy and more neglected than ever; but I loved it. 1 resolved there, in that ancient and deserted chamber, to put my resolution in practice. I declared to my- self that I would think with freedom ; that what seemed to me to be inconsistent I would call inconsistent, and that what- ever did not commend itself to my reason I would reject. Full of these notions of new-fledged independence, I began to study. It happened about this time that my father employed as a ' tutor for me a man highly recommended to him by a particu- lar friend, as thoroughly learned and accomplished ; and in consequence, Frederick De Lisle was domesticated at Ber- told Castle. He was an Englishman by birth, a Frenchman by descent, and a German by education. How my father was induced to break over his prejudices and receive into his house any one with Gallic blood in his veins, I can not tell, ex- cept that he was carried away by the persuasions and recom- mendations of his friend, upon whose opinion he placed great reliance. De Lisle was about five-and-thirty ; old enough to have formed settled opinions, and maintain them with power- ful arguments ; young enough to commend himself to my companionship by a tolerably youthful air and demeanor. I have said that he was of French descent, but he had nothing of the easy volatility of the Frenchman in his man- ner or in his character. His parents were Huguenots, who escaped into England to save their lives and enjoy religious freedom. England, to be sure, could not at that time 198 SAINT LEGER. boast of universal tolerance, but the elder De Lisle had friends in the country, and to England he came. His son was born some time after the settlement of the parents in their adopted land. His early training had been carefully looked after, and by the assistance of the friend who had recommended the young man to us, he was sent to Germany to be educated. Naturally contemplative and thoughtful, without possessing a deep-reasoning, cause-discovering mind, the young De Lisle found, in the mazy philosophy of a cer- tain class of German writers, a ready-made system, just fitted to his powers of contemplation, and apparently explanatory of the theory of life which he had been accustomed to con- sider as entirely beyond his grasp. He yielded, therefore, a blind assent to the new philosophy, and became, really with- out being aware of it, a very religious Pantheist. I must not do him injustice. He had far more than or- dinary powers of mind. He was a finished scholar, a pro- ficient in the ancient and modern languages, and possessed of a fine critical taste. He had nothing of that malignant sarcasm which the doubter is apt to use with so unsparing a hand, with those who do not give a ready assent to his doctrines. De Lisle, on the contrary, was satisfied with having found a the- ory in which he could himself rest, and which he was happy to commend to others, without assailing their own. In con- clusion, I must add, that he was naturally amiable, and his habits of life unexceptionable in every respect. Such was the person (nearly twenty years my senior), who at this stage of my mental and moral progress was intro- duced as my preceptor and guide. Was I iut in danger ] 6AINT LEGER. 199 IV. I continued some time pursuing different studies under the direction of De Lisle, without making him acquainted with the state of my mind, although I was won by his pleasing, I may almost say fascinating deportment. Perceiving how much time I spent by myself, he at last asked me, in a deli- cate manner, what it was that so constantly occupied my leisure ? I was not disposed at first to be communicative, but I finally concluded to give him a full account of myself. I proceeded with considerable trepidation to recount all that I had experienced, showing evidently by my manner that I considered the history of my mental trials very extraordinary. When I had finished, De Lisle, much to my surprise, smiled complacently upon me, and said, with an air half of commiseration, half of superiority : " My young friend, you are but going through with the ex- perience of every one who escapes from the thraldrom of superstition and bigotry into the clear atmosphere of intellec- tual freedom. You tell me of fears. Man in his proper ele- ment can have no fears. Why should he have them ? What has he to fear? Whom has he to fear? Is he not a part and portion of the Almighty Essence ? Can you resolve his spirit into aught else ? Can Self war with Self? Nay, re- solve man into what you will, why should he play the trem- bler? Saint Leger," continued De Lisle, kindly, "I appre- ciate your distress ; I feel with you. Trust therefore to my experience. The ground over which you are passing / have passed. I too have been in darkness; have had my appre-* hensions and my fears ; my forebodings, my trials and my 200 SAINT LEGER, doubts. I have escaped from them all, into glorious liberty, and in the path which led to my emancipation I would con- duct you." I was completely astounded by these remarks. I supposed that all my experience was peculiar to myself; and I felt no small degree of mortification to learn that I had been travelling a beaten track, and that an ordinary acquaintance could readily describe the journey. I believe I may say with truth that I had a stronger intellect than De Lisle. But so com- pletely was I surprised at this unlooked-for denouement, and so entirely did my friend seem to understand my position, that almost without knowing it, I yielded to his guidance. This certainly was not extraordinary. It probably would have occurred in ninety-nine cases of a hundred. At all events, it occurred in mine. In this way did De Lisle come to exercise a great influence over my mind. Still, I made very slow progress in my new course. Although I had thrown all former opinions to the winds, they would steal back upon me unperceived, knock softly at the door, and Conscience (for the first time an un- faithful janitor) would let them in without my consent; true, they were instantly turned out of doors again ; but they, nev- ertheless, gave me much trouble. I was not without my misgivings. After all, I disliked to be convinced that my life had been one grand error, and that I had just discovered it. Was I then so enslaved ? Was not my reason free ? Had my education been so entirely per- verted and misdirected? These were questions that I asked myself daily, and daily I tried to answer them. At this time 1 came across, in the old library, the Tractatus Thcologico Politicus of Benedict Spinoza. I perused this work with avidity. De Lisle, who seemed to understand my disposition, took care not tn alarm my pride by too much die- SAINT LEGER. 201 tation. He would assist me in a difficult passage, or throw in a remark to corroborate my author, and afterward leave me to myself. Although the doctrine of Spinoza appeared to be a sort of revival of the doctrines of some of the ancient Grecian philosophers, who held that " all things lie in the great body of God :" YlavTa yap cv ficyaXcii ra Sc aoiytari Ktirat ; still, much as had been written on the subject of the Grecian theology, it had never in my own mind jarred with my es- tablished notions of the Deity, or run counter to what I be- lieved to be the truths of revelation. But this work of Spinoza struck at the root of all my former belief; entirely destroyed every previous hope ; swept everything away, and left waste every place in its progress. De Lisle saw my despondency, ' but bade me take courage. He remarked that Spinoza was not free from error, but that whatever man thought he might utter ; and if the Tractatus Theologico partook too much of universality (he did not say Pantheism), still it was a book to be well considered. Just before this, Emanuel Kant published his Critique of Pure Reason, and De Lisle procured it for my perusal. I found the task difficult, from the vast number of new terms employed, amounting almost to a new nomenclature ; but I did master it, and found some relief from Spinoza. Delight- ed at this, I sought for and read several other works of Kant. So far as he relieved my mind from the fearful system of Spinoza, I reverenced and loved him. Out of real gratitude I became his pupil. From one step I passed to another, un- til I was fully imbued with the philosophical tendencies of the new German school. 202 SAINT LEGER. V. My thoughts became daily more distracted. J had pur- chased intellectual freedom, and lost my peace of mind. I looked back to my former state, and felt how happy had been my ignorance. I thought of the God of my childhood, and a pang went low down into my heart. I seemed to have lost my humanity, and over the warm life-glowing structure of ? hopeful heart had been raised a splendid and magnificent but cold and gloomy mausoleum. True, I was no longer a sec- ondary object ; I was a part of the sublime whole ; a portion of very God; ever-changing, always being. But that which flattered my pride, destroyed my happiness; and I exclaimed in anguish to myself, " Who will give me back my soul ?" But of all pangs, the most deeply mournful were those that gathered throbbing, throbbing, close in under my heart, when- ever I saw my mother. I could not encounter her soft, kind, inquiring eyes, raised to mine, anxiously but silently asking what it was that disturbed her child. There was that in her gaze which I dared not meet. It was so pure, so peaceful, 90 heavenly — yet so troubled. And could my new philosophy be truth-inspired and yet not support me under these fresh trials'? In my distress I applied to De Lisle, but received no aid. It was not in his power to sympathize with me, for my feelings were beyond his reach. He could only beg me to have patience, and as- sure me that this was a last struggle between my former su- perset ions and my new dawning freedom ; that it would soon be over, and all would be well. In short, De Lisle had raised a spirit which he could not lay ; if he himself suspected this, SAINT LEGER. 203 lie was careful not to alarm me by his suspicions, but main- tained his usual calm and complacent manner. I was truly in a pitiable state, but I did not relax my efforts to become free. T studied, aud read, and thought, more as- siduously than ever. My soul was consuming within me. VI. One morning, after the arrival of the post, a letter with my a Idress was placed in my hands. The superscription was in a small, delicate hand, but every character was traced with singular distinctness. I opened it, and read as follows : " I have not forgotten you ; I never shall forget you ; never — never ! At present, I write few words. My father has conversed with me as a parent with a child. He has given me his confidence, and I love him. I owe this to your visit. I love my father, but do not release you from your promised friendship. Let it be abiding ; GJ-od only knows how soon I may require it. We shall meet by-and-by, but not yet : for I know not now where my destiny will lead me. Wherever I am, rr.y consolation shall be, that in the hour of need I have one real heart-friend. Your promise is pledged — do not for- get it. "Leila Saint Leger." " This is from a Saint Leger to a Saint Leger — you can- not misconstrue it. " L. St. L." How opportune was this short epistle ! I read it over and over. I examined it word by word, syllable by syllable, letter by letter. The postscript, although written for explanation, pleased me less than the rest. I felt a thrill of joy, as the recollection of our last interview came back to me. And this simple bit of paper, with these small character^ traced upon it, had ;he effect to relieve my spirit, which was 204 SAINT LEGEK. on the verge of madness. Here was humanity interposed be- tween me and the fiend. A young, beautiful, and almost un- protected girl claimed something at my hands; at least — friendship ; and whatever was or was not, in heaven above or in hell below, if hell or heaven there were, yet here, upon the round earth, something real, delectable (as I thought), holy, presented itself, not for my contemplation — I had had enough of that — but for positive thought, and action, and feeling. Something objective, something real, something true. Thus I reasoned then. Of course I knew not when I should hear from Leila again. It did not much matter, so long as I was assured of the tie between us. I could now resume my studies ; I could look more minutely into Dc Lisle's theory of life. Strange to say, I felt less repugnance to it than before. I began to take a deeper interest in things about me. Nature seemed more joyous ; and when De Lisle said, in his tranquil tone, " See you not God stirring through all this? — here, and there? above, around, everywhere? All is God, and God all!" — I murmured an almost satisfied assent. Yet I was not happy. VII. No, I was not happy. Though I had achieved much in serenity of feeling; and notwithstanding my repeated self-as- surances of independence, I continued to ask myself what it was I had gained, and where I stood. The futui-e, with what seemed its solemn realities, had heretofore pressed heavily upon me. My great difficulty had been to connect the pres- pnt life with a life to come, and to fix the relations between them. For faith had never been sufficiently cherished by me ; and without this groat connecting link between two worlds, SAINT LEGER. 205 what wonder that difficulties arose which I could not over- come. But in my present course I was not to be distressed with doubts or fears. I tried to assume the quiet tone that char- acterized De Lisle, and with calmness to regard my vicissi- tudes as necessary results of causes long antecedent. Unfortunately mine was not the temper for such compla- cency. Besides, I had a fresh enemy to contend with, one hitherto quite unknown ; the idea of Death constantly obtru- ding before my mind. I had never regarded that consumma- tion with any peculiar dread ; but now, I could not indulge in a momentary anticipation but the grim form of the De- stroyer would stalk before me and whisper, " I will soon be with you!" To be haunted with a positive coming evil is terrible; but to be tortured with fears of what may be, be- - cause we know nothing and will believe nothing of what is to be, is still more dreadful. One thing I did know. Death would close all my earthly relations. The beyond — the beyond ! what had it to do with me ? So long as I kept my hold on life, my philosophy bore me along smoothly enough. I was a monarch ; all were mon- archs. But when I had to admit that at any moment this framework was liable to be shattered, resolved into the dust that composed it, and my spirit diffused into the elements, to enter into new combinations, or return to what it had been before it was me ; when the obtrusive thought came that I should then lose my individuality, my identity — my very self — ah, my God ! what terrific apprehensions would gather in clouds about my heart ! It is impossible to describe these tortures. I tried to elude them by looking altogether earth- ward ; but the more I sought satisfaction from the prospect, the greater became the power of these distracting influences. By what spectral horrors was I haunted ! Yet I roused my- 2 Q6 SAINT LEGER. self, and with all my strength determined to oppose and break the spells that were upon me. I found I could not cope with them single-handed; that I must call to my aid a superior energy ; for my enemy was beyond any mortal power. Alas ! I acknowledged no superior. So, in the moment of my chief- est exaltation I was in the greatest need. VIII. I will not enter more minutely into a detail of my mental struggles. They partook mainly of the character heretofore described. After battling with them for nearly three years, I felt convinced that I must seek some new ground or yield to them. To travel had always been my delight. The prospect of a journey was in itself a restorative to my spirits ; and I looked to change of scene as my only resource. I cast my eyes toward Germany. There I should find religion, philoso- phy, and romance. There I could commune with men-stu- dents, with busy, active, independent thinkers. There I should behold every beauty of scenery, with wild legends of the past, and a present glowing with wonders ; and the rising fame of several German names promising a bright poetic day fin- their fatherland, served also to impel me thither. I told De Lisle my wish. He at once fell in with it, and promised his influence with my father ; for the same reason perhaps that physicians recommend change of scene to an incurable patient, to escape the responsibility of a death. I do believe De Lisle thought me incurable ; but I will do him the justice to say that his attention to my education was faithful ; and as he was ever) way competent, I made rapid advancement un- der his instruction. As was agreed upon, he sought an inter- view with my father, and obtained permission, with less diffi- culty than was anticipated, for me to visit the continent. The SAINT LEGEIl. 207 favorable report he was pleased to make of my studies, with the opinion that it would be advisable for me to continue them abroad, induced my father's consent to my going. As I have before said, he was an indulgent although an exacting parent ; and if his children came up to his requirements his favors were not measured with a scanty hand. Of course he knew nothing of my inner life ; my trials, my heart-strivings ; but he knew the rapid progress T had made in my studies, and was willing and happy to reward me. One restriction was imposed ; I was not to spend any time in France nor up- on the route toward the place of my destination, which was Leipsic. Should I continue to deserve the praise of a dili- gent student, I was promised, after a period, the privilege of an entire tour of Europe. How my heart beat with excitement at the prospect of breaking loose ! I forgot every grief, every trouble, in the anticipation of what was before me. Even my grim enemy, Death, seemed willing for a while to make a truce, and was no longer thrusting his icy finger before my eyes. Still all did not go smoothly. My mother strongly opposed my leav- ing England. She could not endure the thought of my going alone to a foreign country, to be exposed to all the tempta- tions to which youth are subject. She knew nothing of the state of my mind, as I have before hinted, but she saw that something disturbed my peace ; and she pictured to herself the thousand evils a foreign life would bring upon me ; es- pecially she feared the corruption of my religious sentiments. Alas ! she little knew the fearful change which had already taken place. Still it was settled that I should go, and the day fixed for my departure arrived. A little while before I was to leave, my mother desired me to accompany her into the garden, which sloped away from one side of the house. She' took my arm and walked with me into a small arbor at the 208 SAINT LEGER. extremity of a shaded walk. Then she threw her arms around my neck and burst into tears. As soon as she became composed, she raised her head, and laid her hand im- pressively on my shoulder : " William." said she, " dearly, dearly as I love you, it would grieve me less to see you borne upon your bier into the tomb than to behold you as I do about to start upon this unhappy journey. But the decision is made ; you go ; but oh, William, do not forget God ; forget not your Savior; and may the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit rest upon you." She kissed my forehead with fervor, and left me to myself. I was sensibly affected, and felt ready to abandon every new speculation, even my journey; but after a few moments, the thought of what lay before me, should I remain, decided me. I could not stay. With my father the leave-taking was peculiar. He called me into his private room and re- quested me to be seated. His words were few and to the point. " My son," said he, " in sending you to a strange land I have not forgotten that you are still liable to the temp- tations which beset the young. But I have great confidence in your integrity of character and in your self-respect. You will travel alone to Leipsic. Here is a small chart, upon which I have indicated the route I wish you to pursue. You will perceive that 1 have not confined you to the direct course. By following the chart, you will see, in a rapid way, France, Switzerland, and some of the German provinces. Take this letter. It is addressed to the learned and good Doctor Jo- hann Von Hofrath. He was my early preceptor. He will be your friend. He will receive you into his house, and will direct your studies. I have written him fully. I want no public teaching, where young men herd together for their ruin. In parting, my advice is, that you bear in mind the un- certainty of all things earthly, with reference to your account- SAINT LEGER. 209 ability to Gon. Read the Sermon upon the Mount, and the parables of the Savior, the Proverbs of Solomon, and the Ecclesiastes. Make them your study. Do your whole duty, and receive a parent's blessing. May the Father of your fathers go with you, guide you, and bring you again in safety to your home." IX. All was ready for my journey. I was to leave at seven in the evening, and the clock had struck the hour. I bade our family farewell, shook De Lisle warmly by the hand, and departed. At last I was thrown fairly upon my own resources. " The world was all before me," and my spirits were as buoyant as if they had never known depression. I had first to go to ' London. Thence my route was to Dover through Gravesend, Rochester, and Canterbury. Arrived at Dover, I took a small packet for Boulogne, and the wind being favorable, we ran over in about six hours. I was in France. It seemed like stepping out from noon-day into twilight. Everything wore an unreal aspect. I was examined suspiciously, my passport subjected to the minutest scrutiny and myself with it. I spoke French well, and with but a slight accent. This occasioned considerable conjecture ; but after some delay I was suffered to proceed to Paris. I took the route by Amiens, and stopped a few hours there to view the cathedral. On the evening of a dusty day in the latter part of May, just as the lamps had begun to be lighted, I entered Paris. I was full of excite- ment. I thought of the story of the Wcedallah, and every particular of his tale came vividly to mind. Here was the scene of my kinsman's follies ; here he met his dreadful fate. But I looked further back. Here reigned Louis the Great ; here schemed the mighty cardinal ; and here they languished 14 210 PAINT LEGER. like other men, arid languishing, died ! Here succeeded the fifteenth Louis, who, as he could not aspire to the greatness of his predecessor, strove to rival him in the dissoluteness of his court. And now here I could witness the weakness of Louis the Sixteenth, and the seeds of revolt and misrule al- ready springing up. I could not stop in Paris, much as I desired to do so. My instructions were positive, and I went next to Lyons. Pre- viously however to leaving Paris, I took my way to the rue Copeau, full of a feverish curiosity to behold the spot where Wilfred Saint Leger lived and loved, and was faithless, and where at last he fell by the hand of Moncrieff. I found the house, but it was tenantless. Dust and cob- webs had accumulated over the gateway, and an appearance of desolation and gloom pervaded the building. I could not satisfy my desire to visit the garden. Away over the roof, however, I could discern the turrets of the nunnery, whose chimes told the Wcedallah so impressively the hour of eight. I pictured in my fancy the garden and the bower, and could see the combatants engaging in their fatal strife. I posted to Lyons. The journey was tedious, and render- ed sufficiently disagreeable by the constant inspection and ex- amination to which I was subjected. I was in haste to enter Switzerland ; so without stopping long enough to recover from my fatigue, I set off for Geneva. How great the transition from one country to the other ! In civil polity, in character, in manners and customs, in opinions and sentiments, in nat- ural position and scenery, how unlike were the French and Swiss ! But I will not turn aside from the design of my nar- rative to picture all I saw and all I enjoyed. There rose the SAINT LEGEH. 2H threatening Jura ; here was Mont Blanc, and in the distance the snow-capped Alps. I felt grateful to my father for allow- ing such an agreeable departure from a direct route. From Geneva, I passed to the foot of Mont Blanc, and stopped in the pleasant village of Chamouni. I had admired the grandeur of Scottish scenery, but how did it dwarf before the stupendous Alp ! What were even the wonders of St. Kilda, compared with the awful magnificence of the Mer-de-Glace, or the perils of the pass of the Tete Noire. I nine next to the valley of the Rhone. Stopping a night at Lausanne, 1 pro- ceeded through Berne, Luzerne, and Zurich, to Schaffhausen, where I first saw the Rhine. My spirits rose as I went on, and now my heart beat with an almost healthful glow. Passing through Carlsruhe and Mayence, I found myself, after a ride of a few hours from the latter place, at Frankfort-on-t he- Maine. Everything about me told emphatically of the Ger- man. The steady aspect, the substantial bearing, the ever- present perfume of tobacco-smoke, and the thoughtful, com- posed, sedate look of the smokers, were indeed significant of my whereabout. I passed a pleasant day in Frankfort, and proceeded on my route. On the evening of the third day after leaving Frankfort, I arrived in Leipsic. I was agreeably disappointed in the appearance of the town ; and .as we passed through the well- built suburbs, the sight of the beautiful gardens, which belong to almost every house, produced a cheering impression. I had reached my place of destination, and almost for the first time felt the fatigues of my long journey. I retired soon after I reached my hotel, and slumbered soundly. 212 SAINT LEGER. XI. The next morning I sat out early to seek the residence of Joliann Von Hofrath. I learned that it was near the Rosen- thal, a short way out of town, by a pleasant road. As I was anxious to look about me, I sat out for it on foot. I had at last arrived at the wished-for spot. I was in the very heart of Germany. Here was the field where religious freedom had triumphed, after a conflict which could never be forgot- ten. What great names were associated with almost every locality ! I felt that the ground was sacred. Passing through the suburbs, I came into the open country, and after a little inquiry, stopped before the door of the learned professor. A stout, hearty-looking servant girl answered my summons, and requested me to enter. I did so ; and was ushered into a neat but plain apartment, where I found a young girl, ap- parently about seventeen, engaged with her needle. She looked up as I entered, but did not start or blush, or manifest any of the usual signs which an English girl would so cer- tainly have exhibited on a like occasion. With a modest but at the same time a self-possessed air, she asked me whom I would see 1 I answered, " The professor Johann Von Hofrath." My accent, as I said this, in only tolerable Ger- man, made the girl hesitate; but she presently replied, "The professor will be in soon; will you be seated?" I took a chair, and she resumed her work. Of course I had little else to do but to observe her. I did not neglect the opportunity ; and as the image of that young girl has never been effaced from my memory — as I have never forgotten her, and never shall forget her — I may be excused for pausing to describe her appearance. SAINT LEGER. 213 She was of a little more than the ordinary stature. Her figure was slight but exquisite, combining grace with dignity. Her complexion was fair, and some light brown hair, in ringlets, partly shaded a brow which for intellectual beauty I had never seen equalled. Her face was not altogether faultless, for the features, al- though singularly expressive, were not regular. Her eyes were blue, not very large, yet full of intelligence and feeling. Beyond all, her unpretending dignity and self-possession were unlike anything I ever beheld. They seemed to be derived entirely from a remarkable innocence and purity of heart, which rendered the possessor perfectly at ease under any cir- cumstances. With what interest did I behold her ! How did that interest strengthen and increase, day after day, when I came to know her ! But I will not anticipate. An hour passed, and the professor came not. Once only had the girl spoken, and then but to say that something un- usual must have detained her father, who certainly would not be long away ; and that if I preferred, I could walk into the library, where I would find books to entertain me, or I could stroll in the garden. As there was no hope in either case of any companion, I declined, upon the ground that I was fatigued by long journeying and my morning's walk, and that I preferred my seat by the window. I hoped this reply might provoke conversation ; but she only looked at me a moment, in a half-inquiring manner, and then continued to ply her needle. Another hour passed (it did not seem very long), and I heard some one approach the house. In a moment an old man entered, with another in his company. I did not doubt that my host was before me. I was at once relieved by the daughter, who announced him as her father. I handed Herr Von Hofrath my letter of introduction. He glanced hastily 214 SAINT LEGEIl. at it, and then seized me cordially by the hand, exclaiming : " This, then, is my young Wilhelm 1 I have been expecting you several days. You are welcome. Here is your home." While he was addressing me, I was hastily surveying his appearance. He was of middle stature, with hair as white as snow, yet the bright expression of his clear gray eye, the ruddy hue upon his cheek, and his almost youthful step, showed him in the full possession of his faculties, mental and physical, and that he was enjoying in an eminent degree a vigorous age. The kind-hearted old man continued to ad- dress me words of welcome, which I know came from his heart, and which were peculiarly grateful to my feelings. At length he stopped, turned quickly around, and addressed his companion : " Wolfgang, this is a young stranger who has come to spend a season in our good fatherland. He is from England." "The country of William Shakspere," replied the other, in a deep, rich voice, turning upon me dark, brilliant eyes, the expression of which I shall not forget. It was now for me to regard the last speaker, whom I had before scarcely noticed, so absorbed had I been in Herr Von Hofrath. Directing my attention to him, I perceived a man apparent- ly not much past thirty, of fine stature, and with an air of majestic dignity. His features were symmetrical, but large and open. Rarely could so much beauty be found united with so much manliness. There was something about him which indicated such healthful self-confidence, hopefulness, courage, faith, that I was irresistibly drawn toward him. "The country of William Shakspere!" — the words seemed spoken more to himself than to any one else, as if England was especially associated in his mind with Shak- spere, and as if the name of Shakspere was to him a talis- man. SAINT LEGER. 215 " Yes," replied the professor, " and my young friend will rejoice to find that Germans appreciate the great dramatist." "And I am glad," said the other, recovering from what seemed a revery, " to welcome an Englishman to our Ger- man soil." The stranger bowed courteously as he spoke, and a winning smile illuminated his countenance, making him appear still more attractive. As yet I had not heard his name, and I waited with a great deal of curiosity for the information. " You have forgotten Theresa, or rather you will not recognise your little plaything in that tall girl," said the pro- fessor, " hut I see she remembers you." " Forgotten her !" said the other, good-humoredly, as he advanced toward my new acquaintance, whom he saluted on either cheek, while the latter appeared to find in the visi- ter an old friend ; " forgotten her ! I need not deny a thing so impossible. Theresa will not believe such slander of me." Again I was disappointed. I did not hear the name of the Unknown. At this moment we were summoned into the next room to dinner. It could not have been later than one o'clock. So much, thought I, for the simple manners of the nation in which I have come to live. I managed to get through with the peculiar varieties of a German dinner with a tolerable zest ; but we had a far better entertainment than that upon the table. Our host was full of animation, and conversed with a lively humor, very remarkable in a person of his years. His friend was still more remarkable; for without appearing to do so, he went far beyond the professor. Whatever he said came forth without the slightest apparent effort; spontaneously, as if it, was; not to be restrained. I was perfectly amazed, at the strange, wild fantasies, at the magnificent thoughts which the 216 SAINT LEGER. stranger poured forth one after another without the least hesitation. What rapid perception, what keen appreciation, what humor, what pathos, what power ! I was sure that I was in the presence of a great genius. But who could he be? Theresa sat quietly, listening with interest to the con- versation, and I too sat with open ears, eager to gather all that was said. Questions were frequently put to me by both, which I answered as readily as my knowledge of the lan- guage would permit. One thing I discovered during the conversation : that Herr Von Hofrath was a devout man. His remarks indicated this emphatically. A healthful tone pervaded all his words, and I knew his thoughts were genu- ine. How I loved the noble-hearted old man ! Dinner and its appendages over, we returned to the sitting- room. The stranger went up to a small table on which sev- eral books were lying, and took up one of them. " Blank !" he exclaimed, turning to Theresa : " what is this waiting for V " For your imprimatur," answered the maiden. " It is to be my album. You come in good time to put down the first line upon the first page." She took the book as she spoke, opened to the page, and said, " Proceed." The countenance of the stranger assumed a thoughtful aspect. He took a pencil, and without hesitation traced the following lines. I translate them into English at the expense of both beauty and force of expression : " THE ALBUM OF THERESA. " " Begun" and • Ended,' two brief words, contain The whole of what it is and is to be ; Farther than this all prophecy is vain ; Our eyes are blinded ; we can not foresee The shadowy future ; yet perhaps 't were well On its uncertain incidents awhile to dwell !" "Your name! your name!" said Theresa, as he handed SAINT LEGEll. 217 her back the volume; " you must seal what you say." He took the book again, and in fair, distinct characters, wrote : I had no time to express my admiration or astonishment on beholding the rising wonder of Germany ; for the professor coming up exclaimed : " Wolfgang, something more Theresa will require of you than a half-dozen lines, scored by way of imprint on the titlepage. Come, be not a miser of your thoughts." The poet took the book again, cast an almost mournful smile upon the maiden, and selecting another page, wrote as follows : u Strange are the thoughts that swell Full in the breast — Thoughts that uo longer dwell Calmly at rest. They rise, they rise, be they mournful or glad, Like the sum u'8 mit ber Religion? 35u bijt eitt fjcrjlid) guter Sftann, SUIeiu id) glaub', Su fcattji nid>t totel babon. Srauft. 8afs baS, mein Jtinb ! 5>b fiiblft, id) bin T)tr gut; giir metn £icben liefj id) 52eib unb §8lut, SBill niemaiib feiu ©efiil)l unb feiue Stivfy rauben. 2Hargarete. 5>a& tjl ndjt redit, man mug b'ran glaubcn! Saujt. 2Jhi{S man; 1 2Jiarg arete. 9ldj! menu id) etroaS ouf £id) fijuute! 2>u ebvfl aud) uictt bie bciligen Saframeute. ft a lift. 3di ehre fie. SAINT LEGEIL SNargarcte. £od) o&iie 33eriaugen. 3ur SJJeffe, jur 23eid)te bifl Tu lange nid)t gcgangen. ©laubft Tu an ©ott? tjaufl. 3Jceitt 2iebd)eu, roer barf fageu, 3d> fllaub' an ©ott? SBagft ^rieftcr obcr SBeife fiagen, Unb ifftt Slntwort fdietut mir @vott Ueber ben Stager ju ferm. 3ttargarete. So glaubft Tut uid)t? Sauft. SKijj&Sr mid) utd)t, Tu fjolbeS 9lngeftd)tt 2Ber barf tfm nennen? Unb roer befennen: 3d) glaub' i()u. iii-cr entpfinbett? Unb fid; uuternnnben 3u fagen: 3d) glaub' itm md)t. Ser Mumfaffer, T>er 9XUcrt)a«ec, gajjt unb erbalt er uicfct Tid), mid), fid) fclbft? 2B6lbt fid) ber J^tmrnei nid)t babroben? Siegt bie (Srte uid)t Ijierunten feft? Unb fteigen freunblid) blitfeub (Sroige (Sterne nid)t fjerauf? <5cb.au id) nid)t 2Iug' in Sluge Ttr, Unb brangt nid)t 9IUe6 9iad) .jpaupt unb ^erjeu Sir, Unb roebt in croigem ®ef»etmuip Unftcfetbar ftdjtbar neben T>ir ? ©rfiill' baoon Tein ^crj, fo grog eS ift, Unb wenu Tu ganj in bent ©efitbjc felig btjl, 9ienn' e8 banu, roie Tu roiltft, Venn's ©liicf ! £cr$ ! ?iebe ! ©ott! 3d) f)abe feinen Stamen Taftir! ©efiiljl ift 2lllc3; Jlatur ift ©cbaU unb 9?aurf), Uinncbelnb ^immelSglut. gjiargarete. Ta8 ift alleS red)t fdjott unb gut; Ungefafyr fagt ba8 ber 5pfarrer aud), 9}ur mit eiu SBiSeben anbern SBorten. 3 a u ft. es fagcn'8 alter Drten SUIe .§er$en untcr bem t)iininlifd)cn Tage, 3ebe« in feiuer <2prad)e; SHJarttm nid)t in ber meinen? SKargarcte. 2Benn man's fo Ijort, modjt'S leiblid) fd)einen, cStctjt abev bod) immev fdjief barunt; Tenn bit bait fein 6f)riftentf)um. gauft. Sicb'8ilinb! 227 228 SAINT LEGEK- Here was the dreaded subject back again. I felt that 1 had not strength to grapple with it, for I knew how futile was the contest. I determined if possible to give my mind some repose ; at least for a few days. After expressing my thanks, therefore, for the perusal of the manuscript, I asked Theresa if she would not take a stroll with me in the Rosenthal. She assented, and thither we proceeded. Note. — The Editor of Mr. Saint Leger's memoirs trusts that he will find favor with his less literate readers, by appending a translation of the preceding extract, from the excellent prose version of " Faust'' by Mr. Hayward. Margaret. Promise me, Henry! Faust. What I can. Margaret. Now. tell me : how do you feel as to religion? You are a dear, good man, but I believe you don't think much of it. Faust. No more of that, nry child ! you feel I love you : I would lay down my life for those I love, nor would 1 deprive any of their feeling and their church. Margaret. That is not right ; we must believe in it. Faust. Must we ? Marga ret. Ah ! if I had any influence over you ! Besides, yon do not honor the holy sacraments. Faust. I honor them. Margaret. But without desiring them. It is long since you went to mass or confession. Do you believe in God ? Faust. My love, who dares say " I believe in God ?" You may ask priests and philosophers, and their answer will appear but a mockery of the questioner. Margaret. You don't believe, then ? Faust. Mistake me not, thou lovely one! Who dare name him? and who avow: " I believe in him?'' Who feel — and dare to say: " I believe in him not ?"' The Allembracer, the Allsustainer, does he not embrace and sustain thee, me, himself? Does not the heaven arch itself there above ? Lies not the earth firm here below ? And do not eternal stars rise, kindly twinkling, on high ? Are we not looking into each other's eyes, and is not all thronging to thy head an.! heart, and weaving in eternal mystery, invisibly — visibly, about thee? Willi it fill thy heart, big as it is ; and when thou art wholly blest in the feeling, then call it what thou wilt ! Call it Bliss ! — Heart! — Love! — God! I have no name for it ! Feeling is all in all. Name is sound and smoke, clouding heaven's glow. Margaret. That is all very fine aud good. The priest says nearly the same, only with somewhat different words. Faust. All hearts in all places under the blessed light of day say it, each in its own language ; why not in mine ? Margaret. Thnstaken.it may pass : but, for all that, there is something wrong about it, for thou hast no Christianity. Faust. Dear child! END OF BOOK SECOND. B OK III. 'At' oiifiaroi (lt\ti iAiAoiktm, Jipijrovaa 8' uj iv yf)a<[>aTs, -Kpuacvviireiv ^Eschtlus, Agamem, 2*82 The trembling lustre of her dewy eyes. Their grief-impassioned souls controlling ; That ennobled, modest grace, Which the mimic pencil tries In the imaged form to trace, The breathing picture shows. Eii^Ofiai <5' dir' ijxiii ri 'E\mSo; ifAidi] ireauv 'Es to ft'i Tt\ca(p6pov . Ibid., 969. Return, oh faith, thy seat resume, Dispel this melancholy gloom, And to my soul thy radiant light impart. BOOK THIRD I. Theresa Von Hofrath ! how can I delineate thy charac- ter — how can I approach thee, sweet, gentle, heavenly- Theresa ! A sacred awe conies over me, a mysterious re- luctance pervades my spirit, as I bring back the recollection of the days passed with thee. And shall I again summon those fond associations, and recall those happy hours 1 Can I bear to dwell upon them, and live them over 1 It is an agonizing happiness — a blissful torture ! II. I am calm, nevertheless, as I pencil these words — very calm. Why should I not be calm 1 The days of the years of my life are numbered ; but the allotment is universal, and not to be dreaded. " Birth" and " Death" are words merely. " Change and change" define them. Even now I see the world recede ; but I carry myself about with me wherever I am transported. Therefore hath Memory her portion in my immortality. Yes, I am calm when I speak of Theresa Von Hofrath. "Why should I not be calm 1 In her gentle conduct, in her quiet life, in the mild dignity of her nature, in her child- v like simplicity, in her deep, unwavering faith, what is 232 SAINT LEGER. there, I ask, in the recollection of all these, to make my heart beat the quicker, or cause my pulse to fluctuate with an un- wonted trembling ? Yes, I am calm ; very calm ! III. Theresa Von Hofrath, under God, thou didst save my soul ! Without thee I had been lost. Yes, I see the precipice over which I was hastening. I see thy hand extended to save. Which, which shall it be? A plunge — a struggle — death ; or a turning aside — a conflict — everlasting life? Shall I see thee never more, Theresa 1 Shall thy deep, earnest, soul-absorbing eyes never again meet mine 1 never again ! Shall heart and soul never again beat in sympathy with heart and soul, never again revel in the ecstatic elysium of a new communion 1 I will not believe it, although a god should declare it to me. Sooner will I believe that heart and soul and God are nothing. IV. Be still, rebellious tempter. Dare not to disturb the calm current of my thoughts. Down, ye mocking suggestions. Away, ye dark, thick, brooding fancies — hence, all ! all ! At any rate, your time is not yet. The mysterious union of body and spirit still is, though faintly indeed does Vitality in me perform her office ; but the wheel is not yet broken : I am at the helm still ! therefore, Doubt, thou supple, cow- ard slave of evil, avaunt ! I will that I believe. 1 do believe ! SAINT LEGER 233 Why have I to fight this battle over and over ? Why this never-ceasing, never-ending wrestling, " not with ftesh and blood only, but with principalities, with powers, with the rulers of darkness of this world, with the spiritual powers of evil in the heavens 'V Have, then, spirits of evil this power to assail us ? Would that I were convinced of it ! for though thronged by a myriad of fiends, I could glory in the contest ; joyfully could strug- gle with anything, with all things, out of myself; but to find rny enemy within my gates ; to cherish in my bosom the viper that stings me ; to be forced to keep it there, yet keep it un- der — ah, that is the fearful fight! Ma^i] in, (pafiiv, 'dOavaro; ioTiv fi roiavrrj, xal Excuse me : You come, I presume, to call on the baron- ess ; but your countenance seems so familiar that I must ask if I have not had the pleasure of seeing you before ?" " I have been often in Rhineck, but never at the chateau." " Nay, it can not have been in the town ; but your counten- ance is familiar. You are some friend of our family?" " Then we may have met at Rennewart?" " At Rennewart ; no. But this shows that you know me." " Yes, I do know you, Meta of Richstein," said I, slowly, and sadly. " I only hope that you may not remember me." " It is the young Baron of ," she exclaimed, suddenly, with a look first of terror and then of scorn. "What would he here 1" The air, just before so genial, became oppressive ; nature turned her smiles into frowns. The water spirits ceased their sports and plunged down to their caverns in the bottom of the river, and the nymphs and fauns and fairies left oft revelling and fled noiselessly away into the dark recesses of the woods. How different my first and second trance ! Her voice brought me to my senses. She repeated in the same disdain ful tone her question. "What would you here'?" " I would expose a base and premeditated fraud upon my self and you. I would prove that we are the victims of ar. outrageous plot. I would clear myself from aspersions which I believe have been cast upon me, and explain whatever may seem to you deserving of censure." " Of censure !" exclaimed Meta, scornfully. " So it is but a trifling matter for censure when a nobleman of an ancient and honorable lineage basely insults an unprotected maiden over whose destiny he has control, through a compact of their parents, by bartering" away his claim to her hand as he would 276 SAINT LEGER. the service of a bondsman, and at the same time adding in- dignity to insult by mentioning as a reason for it his preference for another !" "False, false — all false. You have been deceived; and I have been traduced." " Spare your hypocritical excuses," interrupted Meta, drawing a paper from her bosom ; " read that and begone !" She handed me the paper. It was the same that I had given to Caspar. I opened it, and to my astonishment read as follows : — "My brother Caspar: Having become attached to the Lady Myra of Eberstein, and she reciprocating the attachment, I freely resign in your favor all claim to the hand of the Lady Meta, which I may have in consequence of any betrothment by our respective parents." A feeling of transport welled up within me, as I looked on this convincing proof of my brother's treachery. Not the sudden discovery of so wretched a crime in him could restrain it. I remained calm, however, and after reading the writing twice over to mark carefully the alterations, I handed it back. " Well," said Meta, indignantly, " what have you to say ?" " That the writing is a forgery." " Do you deny your signature ?" " No ; but if you will listen to me a few moments, I will prove the forgery to you." " I will listen." My explanation was short, but explicit. I detailed with exactness what occurred at the interview between Caspar and myself, so that Meta could understand that it was solely on her account that I had signed anything. I described Caspar's earnestness and apparent sincerity. I narrated all he had said of her attachment to him, and the wretchedness which the betrothment with me was causing both. SAINT LEGEK. 277 I then came to the paper which I had myself written and signed. I hade Mcta examine it carefully. I pointed out distinctly the several forgeries : first, where, by a new punctuation and a capital, I was made to address Caspar in- stead of naming him ; second, the alteration of " Meta" to " Myra ;" third, the change of " Richstein" to " Eberstein," and fourth, the addition at the end of a line where a space was left, of " in your favor." The alterations were made with ex- traordinary skill, hut were nevertheless apparent to a practised eye. I next told Meta the conversation I overheard at the inn, and the resolution I took of seeking her out and vindicating myself, though at the expense of exposing a brother's guilt. She was overwhelmed by my disclosures. We had re- mained standing all the time, she listening to me earnestly,, while her face was at one moment completely crimsoned and the next deadly pale. As I pointed to the alterations in the paper, we stood still closer together, she holding one side of it and I the other. And I perceived her hands tremble and her eyes droop and her lips quiver as she discovered the ir- resistible proofs of the conspiracy. How my heart warmed toward her as she stood agitated by conflicting emotions ; how I cursed my previous indifference ; how I wondered that I could have so long abstained from seeing and knowing the one with whom my destiny had been linked ; how was I now touched by her extreme loveliness, her dignity, her grace, her modesty, her spirit, her pride, and lofty bearing; how on a sudden did every perfection of womanhood seem to shine in her. She folded the paper, handed it to me, and said in a low but emphatic tone : " I am satisfied. You will accompany me to the chateau that I may introduce you to the baroness." I assented, and we went on fnrrpil.or. Meta declining with 278 SAINT LEGER. kindness my offer of assistance. On the way she imbrmed me that the baroness was her cousin, whose husband had died some years since, and that she had been in the habit of spending some portion of each year with her. The reaction upon the discovery of injustice done to an innocent party is not generally of a pleasing nature, but I am sure our walk to the chateau was a happy one. I know not how it was, but although we scarcely spoke to each other, yet insensibly we slackened our pace, and were moving very slowly along the path. Somehow we walked very near together, although Meta had declined taking my arm — and I began to think that I was her protector, and it seemed as if I could feel down in the depths of my heart, that her spirit was receiving support from mine ; and then all nature was gay again, the undines reappeared, and the nymphs and fauns and fairies were sporting as gayly as ever. Arrived at the chateau, I was ushered in, and Meta left me, to inform her cousin of my coming. More than an hour elapsed before either appeared. After that Meta and the baroness entered together. Meta said nothing, but the baroness greeted me with great kindness. It was evident that she had heard the history of the deceit practised upon me. After a while she took occasion to refer to it. She told me that Caspar had for several years been a frequent visiter at the chateau ; that he had introduced to the lady of Rennewart and to herself a monk for whom he claimed a superior sanctity and holiness : this of course was Father Hegel ; that I was represented as having apostatized from the true faith (I never had been a Romanist), and was reckless and unprincipled in an extreme degree. As a proof of the last portion, it was stated that I had never thought even of inquiring for Meta or of seeing her, and that I would not hesitate to sell my claim to her hand. SAINT LEGER. 279 These insinuations were made gradually and quietly ; not to Meta, for no opportunity was given for it ; but to the baroness and the lady of Rennewart. After a season, they had been convinced, and had promised Caspar that if he ob- tained proof of my indifference, they would, with the consent of Meta, and of my father, consider him the betrothed. He was finally allowed several interviews with Meta, in which I was traduced in the vilest manner ; and to crown the whole, he had called that very morning and left my written renun- ciation. He had not as yet produced any consent from my father, but had promised to do so shortly. The baroness went on to say, that she hoped I would add nothing to what I had already communicated, that she felt satisfied of my honor and integrity, and that Caspar had always excited in her mind distrust and apprehension. She concluded by informing me that he was expected to return and dine at the chateau, and requested me to take such steps as to receiving him as I should think proper. The baroness had scarcely concluded, when approaching footsteps were heard in the great hall, and Casper was ushered into the room. He stopped quickly on seeing me, looked at Meta and at the baroness, and turned pale. He did not speak, nor show any other mark of excitement, but maintained his position, as if determined to be addressed before accosting any one. It was too much for me. I rose and came close to him : , " Caspar," I said, " you are henceforth no brother of mine. Never again speak to or approach me. For the first and last time I heap opprobrium upon you. I am compelled to do it in my own defence. I call you forger, liar, knave. Your plans are frustrated, your plot discovered, and you disgraced." Before I had done speaking, his countenance had resumed its natural cool, sardonic expression. When I concluded, ho 2§0 SAINT LEGE&. glanced calmly around the room, gazed for a moment at the baroness and at Meta, whose looks told plainly what were their feelings, and then cast his eyes upon me, with an ex- pression of mingled curiosity and scorn. Suddenly he nodded his head, as if satisfied with the scrutiny, muttered slowly to himself " The monk was right;" turned on his heel, and left the apartment. The departure of Caspar was a great relief to all. So speedy a termination of the interview, especially when we believed it to be decisive, removed a load of anxiety which, in spite of everything, weighed upon us. Meta continued silent, but I knew she felt happy and tranquil, because I myself felt so. The baroness, however, had enough to converse about. She taxed my patience by narrating with particularity Caspar's course from the commencement of her acquaintance with him. " She could now see why he had said such and such a thing, and done so and so ; she was sure Meta never cared for him ; that Meta would say so herself," and so on ; until at last I ventured to suggest that the subject might be unpleasant to the Lady Meta, (her words were daggers to me ;) whereupon the baroness remembered she had forgotten something or other in her haste to receive me, and begged me to excuse her presence. I was left alone with Meta. How it gladdened my soul that I had never seriously thought of her as my betrothed ; for my heart was left free and un- trammelled by any previous association, and I could feel like approaching her as if we had never been the subject of com- pact or conference. All the unhappy influences of a betroth- ment were thus obviated, while the circumstances connected with Caspar's villany insensibly drew us to each other. After the baroness left the room, we took a stroll together upon the bank of the river. We spoke not one word of the incidents of the morning: ; we conversed about ordinary and casual SAINT LEGER. 281 things. Very little served to entertain us, for we were satis- fied with each other. Day after day passed, and found me still at the chateau. Day after day I lingered in the enjoyment of Meta's society, and dreaded lest any change should break the spell which held me. Those are halcyon days, — continued Hegewisch, after a pause, — the days of the first wish of love; the days when the object is found, and the wish becomes a sensation ; the days when as yet no words are spoken, but when in their place is that indescribable something in the look, the manner, the conduct of each toward the other, which is perfectly appre- ciated, yet not quite understood ; which leaves room for de- licious doubts, and exquisite half-formed hopes, and gentle fears, and sweet questionings of the heart. But I must on ! May the Power which is mightier than I give me strength for this last trial. XXI. Hegewisch was silent several minutes, apparently nerving himself for the recital ; then his countenance grew animated, his eyes gleamed with a strange fire, and he exclaimed in a bitter tone : " Nessun maggior dolore, Che ricordarsi del tempo felice Nella ruiseria." The Florentine was in the right when he wrote those lines. No, there is no greater anguish ; but there is a point beyond that — yes ! — where no anguish, nor sorrow, nor tor- ment comes ; because there is nothing within by which to feel them any more, where all is dead. Dead ! what more hor- rible conception ! what so dreadful a reality ! Vitality, but 282 SAINT LEGER. no life; mind, thought, memory, but no hope, no apprehen- sion, no joy, no pang ! Why did not the Ghibelline put that into his Divine Comedy 1 Life ! shall I tell you what it is ] Ah, would it were what so many make it : a pumping of air in and out of the lungs ; a covering of the nakedness, to the prevention of shame ; eat- ing lest the body fall away ; sleeping o' nights, from weari- someness of the flesh! — then were man indeed somewhat better than a beast. But to have pining wants which gnaw the soul, and for which no provision has been made ; to love, and feel that love lasts only so long as life ; to labor, and know that the grave closes upon all results of toil ; to enjoy, and be conscious that time withers up the sources of our bliss ; to be miserable, and feel that death may not release us ; to undergo all the mad pleasures of earth, and all the remorse which their indulgence brings ; to feel in prosperity that nothing can secure against change, and to recognise in adversity no hope — Ha! ha! that — that is life! What a precious boon to that poor praying beggar, man ! But in me the god of this world and the God of the other world are both baffled, for I am dead ! — He paused, leaned back in his chair, covered his face with his hands, and groaned aloud. ' Thus far he had run on with a frantic rapidity, which showed that his reason was unsettled. I had thought it best not to interrupt him, although he grew every moment more wildly excited. But the reaction came now; and with exhaustion came reason and calmness, and a profound melancholy. Saint Leger — he said, in a subdued tone — heed not my ravings. Look upon me, and behold a desolated ruin. My spirit and my body are fit companions. Ah, when shall the end be 1 I will go on with my story, truthfully, word for word. Perhaps you will discover wherein I have sinned. SAINT LEGER. 283 Would that you could, for it would be a relief to feel I had deserved my doom ! The fiend who is dragging me to per- dition could then no longer tempt me to blaspheme the Holy Ghost. — He shuddered as he uttered these words, and I feared he was again becoming excited ; but he preserved his compo- sure, and presently went on : After several days, I left the chateau to return home. My parting with Meta was one of the happiest moments of my life. We had not spoken one word of our feelings for each other during my stay — positively, not one word ; but we had talked of almost everything in the wide world ; we had ex- changed thoughts and sympathies, and, strange to say, our feelings were in exact harmony. The endless, boundless world of the imaginative and the imaginable ! Pleasant is it when we find in another the echo of what we feel and are ; but how much higher the enjoyment when we can appreciate in such a one the feelings which we ourselves do not possess, and thus enter, soul with soul, into the sweet exchange of spiritual harmonies ! By not reducing our feelings to the point of mere self-enjoyment, we experience a growing hap- piness, the reverse of what those lovers feel who allow the flame to die by what it feeds on, and who in this way are ex- posed to the curse of a double selfishness. To sustain the life of the affections, we require a companion, not a counterpart ; and they are blessed who mistake not one for the other. I said that my parting with Meta was one of the happiest moments of my life ; for, like the miser, I wanted time and opportunity to tell over my treasures, and hug the remem- brance of all that I had gained closer to my bosom. Besides, it seemed to me that our intercourse during a separation would be kept up with all the charm of a refined spirituality; and then we should enjoy that mysterious influence which 2§4 SAINT LEGER. those who love do have over one another when absent, and which is more precious to the soul than all the delights of a closer, sensible union. Thus [ took leave of the baroness, and bade Meta adieu, and went on my way; a halo of bliss surrounded me ; I dwelt in a world of ecstasy. What a sweet separation ! what happy hours of exquisite memoi'ies ! XXII. How opposite all this to the stern, unyielding, practical, which for ever unremittingly does labor, laboring; or to the iron necessity that fills the stomachs of the starving by robbery or theft; or to the condition of the sick one, languishing and ready to die; or to that of the bold blasphemer of Almighty God. XXIII. When I reached my home I found Caspar already there. According to my resolution, I passed him without notice. Be- lieving, however, that he had not practised upon my father, I scorned to repeat to him what had occurred. I had but just got to my own apartment, on the first day of my return home, when he opened the door and came in. "Wolfgang," said he, with an ingenuous air, "you are a more sensible fellow than I ever gave you credit for being. You have outwitted two shrewd heads, and how the deuce you found us out I can not imagine. You are reserved, eh 1 and regard me with offended dignity ? Nay, do not frown ; do not draw back. Listen to me. I fell in love with Meta. You look indignant. Well, then, I will ' speak the truth and shame the devil.' I fell in love with the Castle of Richstein and its dependencies, and old baronies and tenures. Now 6tratoov is commendable in the race for a fair maiden. I at- SAINT LEGER. 285 tempted it with you, and I have been foiled : had I succeeded, you would have been foiled. But here is my hand; for once I am frank with you. I bear you no malice for the savage words you hurled at me the other day. Be as good a Chris- tian as I am : forgive and forget." It was with difficulty that I could preserve my self-posses- sion during this insulting harangue. When it was concluded, I waved my hand and bade him begone. "Have you nothing to say to my offer of amity 1 ?" he inquired. " Nothing except that I believe you are as treacherous in the offer as you were in the fraud you attempted to practise. For the sake of our parents, I am content to pass you as I would a stranger. Expect nothing more. Come not near me or mine ; cross not my path ; practise on me no more, or by the blood that is now boiling in my veins, I will crush you as I would a reptile beneath my heel." 'Fool," exclaimed Caspar, "I was prepared to yield what fate had wrested from me ; but as you defy and threaten me, look to yourself. You have roused a demon within me which I was willing enough should slumber. Look to yourself; for the evil day comes to you and yours. Remember the word I utter now — Revenge." He went out in a passion, and departed from the castle : it was a month before I saw him again ; then he had resumed his usual manner, only he was more quiet and taciturn. We met as strangers, having no intercourse whatever. It thus became necessary that the baron should understand what had passed between us. I gave him an account of the whole af- fair. He was almost prostrated at the recital ; the forgery touched him to the quick. For a time he was in the deepest agony : no one can portray his feelings. His first intention was to banish Caspar for ever from his roof; but I interposed^ 2S6 SAINT LEGER. My kind and gentle mother also interceded, and it was set- tled that he might remain. Caspar, however, could not but observe the change which had taken place in the castle. Ev- i r\ eye was averted as he passed, and every look told strong- ly of dislike and contempt. This seemed not to affect him ; he preserved the same hab- its of careless and hardened indifference. And so we lived another year. Remorseless, the wheel of time sweeps onward. Now heavily creaking, it moves with a duller pace than the snail. Again it hastens majestically with a thunder-speed. Anon the wheel flies round and round with impress as light as the footprint of the swift Camilla. But remorseless always, for it is driven by Destiny. Speak I not an illusion? Moves the hand upon the dial, slow or fast, as I suffer or am happy? Does the sun stand still on Gibeon while I groan under the torture of the rack ? or has- tens it down behind the groves of Vallombrosa as I hang in ecstasy on the lips of my beloved ? And yet it is thus our feelings give character to the world about us ; to time and to eternity. And it is thus that I can understand an eternal hell. — He continued to moralize, like a man desiring to gain time before submitting to some painful operation. I did not interrupt him, and at length he came back to his story : "Well, another year was gone. I had passed it profitably ; I had become a man. During the period, Meta and I had spoken to each other of our love. It did not make me the less happy, for although my heaven of bliss faded mysterious- ly away, it left a terrestrial paradise inks place more natural, and therefore I should say happier, in an earthly state. For it yields a more desirable existence in a world where joy and sorrow are to be shared by trusting and trustful hearts. What therefore nature crdains, who should gainsay ? Ah, SAINT LEGER. 287 I had no wish to gainsay it, when I could pour out my whole soul in impassioned accents, and receive in return the treas- ures of her heart. How we talked, and hoped, and planned ! what rich con- tributions were levied upon the future ! What images of bliss did we see in all coming time, and how did we paint the golden hours, when closely united, never to be separated in life, earth would become to us an Elysium ! All that I had ever hoped for or imagined, all that poets had ever painted, or minstrels sung, I found in the soul of my betrothed. Gladly would I linger here over that happy year. A life- time of love was crowded into it. I was now a man, and began to feel stirring within me that leaven of unrest which after a certain period, for some strange purpose, works in the human breast unceasingly, urging to action and to toil. This did not disturb my soul's passion — • my love for Meta ; it rather gave it force and manliness. But I felt that there was something to be seen and known be- yond the petty boundary of my own principality. I had a healthful curiosity to visit other countries, that I might return with more expanded ideas, with a larger benevolence, with a fuller view of humanity, so that T might better understand my true relation with the world. I became fully possessed with this desire. Meta, whose love was not bounded by narrow selfishness, and who entered into all my thoughts, encouraged me in my plan. The baron, my father, approved of it, and my dear mother would not say nay, although she shook her head mournfully, and her eyes would fill with tears whenever T mentioned the subject. Twenty-one years six months and thirteen days of life had I lived , eighteen years and Jive months had lived Meta, when I set out for the old castle of Richstein, to bid her adieu before I hastened on my voyage. There were feastings at 288 SAINT LEGER. the castle, and there was wassail among the neighboring lords, and among the retainers and dependents of Richstein, for the lady Meta had returned to her ancestral house, thenceforth to be her home. With her had come the lady of Rennewart, a proper companion and guide for a young maiden under these newly assumed honors. We met as lovers should meet. We — [here the student stopped, his voice was difficult ; his face exhibited the deep- est despair] pai-ted — as lovers should part [he ejaculated, after an effort] : Twenty-one years and six months and thir- teen days lived I ; eighteen years and five months lived Meta, and no more time lived we; no more — no more ! There stopped the hands upon the dial-plate. Let death and hell rejoice — they were victorious. It is of no consequence where I voyaged. But, in brief, let me say, that I visited the Americas, and doubled the cape, where two oceans sweep together. I went among nations unenlightened and barbarous, and visited countries civilized and refined. I passed to the gorgeous East, and trod the precincts of the Holy Land. My tour was not, as my rambles about home had been, desultory. I planned it with care. Two years was the time I allowed for my absence, and I al- lotted a certain period to each division of my journey. Upon the map, Meta and I had marked where I would probably be at such and such a time, so that we might keep up a close union of ideas. I passed first, young Englishman, to your country, and there learned what was liberty ; therefore I liked your na- tion. From England I sailed upon my voyage. Meta and I had one source of distress. This was the long time that must intervene in hearing from each other. In Eng- land I could receive frequent intelligence, but, my voyage com- menced, a long period would elapse before we should hear SAINT LEGER. 289 again. She, however, was to send letters in advance to the places I was expected to touch at or visit, and I, in return, promised to write by every opportunity. During the first twelve months after leaving England I heard from Meta four times, and from my home as often. For the next six months I could not expect to hear from her, owing to the infrequency of my route ; but I comforted myself with the thought that after that time, I should be continually ap- proaching home, and should hear often of the welfare of those I loved. I came at last to Constantinople. My pilgrimage seemed drawing to a close. I could now at least communicate di- rectly with my fatherland. I was confident of finding a large budget at the Prussian embassy. But I went and found nothing. I knew there was some mistake, and so inquired again. Still nothing. I asked once more, with great par- ticularity. Nothing — nothing at all. I never felt heart-sick before, but I tried to sustain courage. In the disturbed state of Europe what wonder if packages should miscarry ; but how could so many have miscarried ? After all, I did not know how to despair ; my heart was nat- urally buoyant, and I could not augur ill of the future, for the future had never deceived me. I stayed nearly a month in tho city of the Moslem, hoping each day that I should hear news from home, but none came. So, after hurrying rapidly through Greece, I sailed for Leghorn, where I was sure of hearing something. And I did hear. There was one letter wailing my arrival at the commercial house to whose care all communications for me were to be addressed. One Icller, directed in a strange hand, was, by the confidential clerk — a withered old man with a bald head and dull gray eyes — given to me ; and, taking it, I retired in haste from the counting- room, and gaining the street, I walked slowly toward ray ho- 19 290 SAIXT LEGER. tel. I had the letter in ray hand all the time. I looked at it nften on the way, but did not open it. I reached my hotel ; went to my apartment ; bolted the door ; I laid aside my cap and cloak, and sat down. Still the letter remained unopened. In one instant I could know my fate. I took a long breath, broke away the seal, and tore open the sheet My father was dead, that was all. Meta — was safe ! The letter was written by a friend of the family, announcing the sudden death of my father, and urging my immediate re- turn. It was dated more than six months previous, and stated that duplicates would be sent to every place at which I might be supposed to touch. The letter was short, but it spoke of my mother as too overwhelmed by the event to write to me. My friends were generally well. A post-scriptum, however, added, that a courier had just arrived from Richstein, announ- cing the decease of the lady of Rennewart. In thirty minutes I was en route for Germany. I paused neither night nor day. When horses gave out I changed them. I had no rest nor refreshment except what I took in my car- riage. Night and day, day and night, I hurried on. At length, one morning, as the gray dawn began to streak over the east, I arrived at a little town about five leagues from Richstein. There I stopped and ordered breakfast and fresh horses. So far, excitement had kept me up ; but now I felt the need of something to sustain me. I ate breakfast ; I can swear that I did. I remember it with distinctness ; but my heart throbbed loudly all the time. Again 1 was on the road, and it would soon bring me to the castle of Richstein. My heart beat louder and louder. I was tempted to ask some questions of one of the postillions, but refrained. The Rhine flowed along placidly, as of yore, and through the SAINT LEGER 291 trees I could discern the towers of Richstein standing out cheerfully in the morning sun. I drove up the main avenue, and getting out before I reach- ed the castle, I bade the postillions wait for me. Hastening down a private path which led to a secret entrance to the castle, I gained the main hall, where I encountered one of the old servants, whom I at once recognised. " Where," said I, " is your mistress 1 where is the lady Meta V The old man's countenance fell ; his voice faltered, but he made out to answer : " In her own apartment, sir ; next to the library." I bounded up the stairway ; I passed through the narrow hall ; I reached Meta's room ; I flung open the door. Meta was sitting unoccupied, looking out at the window. She seemed just as beautiful and as blooming as when I left her. Rapturously I called out her name and ran toward her. She turned upon me an unmeaning look, started from her seat, and ran to the other end of the room. Oh, God ! what did it mean ! I called to Meta again. I repeated my own name, and asked her if she did not know me. She screamed aloud at the sound of my voice, and falling on her knees, began praying piteously for mercy. " No ! no !" she exclaimed, " I will never speak of Wolfgang again ! — I will only pray for him ! I must pray for him — I will pray for him ! — though you beat me, murder me, give me that hateful thing to drink — pray for him I will ! but nothing more ! nothing more !" And then she burst into tears, and went on weeping so sadly, that I knew not what to do. Oh, merciful Creator ! the truth burst upon me — my Meta was mad. But I had still to know the worst — still to feel the iron enter deeper into my soul. The door opened, and Caspar entered. ' Soho, Mr. 202 SAINT LEGER. Knight-Errant!" he exclaimed; "you have returned, eh? T have no objections to greeting you at the proper time and in the proper place, but you must not come here into my wife's apartment !" I did not tremble, nor turn pale ; I grew composed. My heart ceased to beat loudly, and fell back into its customary measured pulsation. I saw it all, and stood firm. " Is Meta your wife V said I, sternly. " She is," said the other ; " and the sooner you leave this room, the better. She is very nervous, as you perceive, and your presence is particularly disagreeable to her." "Wretch — devil — hell-hound!" said I, fiercely, "your life is in danger !" The villain smiled contemptuously and placed his hand upon his dagger, which he half unsheathed. " Nay, draw it ; I say to you that I will not leave this room !" "We shall see," said Caspar; and going out he returned presently with three or four men servants. "Put that man out from here, and turn him from the castle." " The man who touches me at this moment, shall look for his soul in eternity the next." The men did not stir. " And as for you," I said, turning to Caspar, " do as I bid you : draw your dagger ; defend yourself the best way you can ; for your time is short.' So saying, I rushed upon him, twisted the dagger from his hand, and seizing him in my arms, swung him round and round as if he were a plaything, and hurled him through the lattice-work clear out of the window, to the pavement below. By Heaven, I did ! I hurled him out upon the stone-work as I would toss a biscuit overboard into the sea. SAINT LEGER. 293 I glanced round and said, " Whose turn next 1 who wants to follow?" The room was vacant in a trice. I turned to look for Meta. She had crept up into the cor- ner of the room, and was crouching behind some drapery that lay there. I touched her. She looked up at me with her once beautiful but now wild eyes, and exclaimed piteously, " Oh, do not, do not come so near me ! I have seen you in dreams, and in visions, and in the voice of waters, and have prayed for your soul's welfare, my beloved !" And then she burst into tears again. I could endure this no longer. I took my betrothed in my arms. I went down the staircase and out at the secret entrance, and traversed the private path until I came to the carriage. I placed Meta in it, and getting in myself, took her in my arms, and ordered the postillions to drive swiftly to . They obeyed. The wheels flew round ; the distance was rapidly passed. Meta slumbered upon my breast as sweetly as an infant. At length the walls of my paternal mansion were in sight. The wanderer had returned from his pilgrimage, and had brought home his bride. Presently we reached the castle. I was in my mother's arms. I know not how. The whole household were almost instantly around me, and received me as one restored from the dead. Meta was carried sleep- ing to a quiet chamber, and there I watched her. I did not sleep. She slept peacefully for several hours. I did not leave her an instant during the time. At last she awoke. With what eagerness I had waited for that moment ; but, alas ! I was to be disappointed ; her reason had not returned. When I spoke to her, she commenced weeping, as if her heart would break. The burden of all she said was, that she had prayed for me, that she would pray for me and for the welfare of my 294 SAINT LEGER. soul ; then she implored my forgiveness, and again cried piteously for mercy. I was distracted. How I bore my anguish I know not. My mother came in. At the sight of her, Meta was soothed. She nestled her face in my mother's bosom, and was tranquil. On the first opportunity I sought an explanation. The bar- oness could give none. She could only say that after my de- parture everything went on happily and well until the death of my father, which had occurred suddenly about seven months previous ; and that the lady of Rennewart had died un- der a similar attack on the succeeding day. My mother was so overwhelmed by the dreadful affliction, that for some months she was unable to leave her room ; and when she did come out, she learned that Caspar had espoused the lady Meta ; that they were privately married, a dispensation having been pro- cured for that purpose. She had not seen Caspar since the death of the baron, and upon going to Richstein to visit the lady Meta, she was refused admittance upon some frivolous excuse. This was all my mother could tell me. Would you believe it, that in this enlightened age, and in this en- lightened country, such an outrage could have been commit- ted so secretly, and so surely 1 But two devils planned it, and hell gloried in the plot. How my heart was crushed, day by day, I need not tell you. To see my betrothed, apparently in health, fair and beautiful as ever, and yet, a maniac or an imbecile ! How can I sit so calmly and tell all this ! Why will not my heart bleed ! — why can I not feel ! I watched over Meta almost every moment, and when I was not with her, my mother took my place. I gave not a thought about the fate of Caspar, but news found its way to the castle, that he had been taken up bleed- ing and insensible, and that, although he was severely hurt, SAINT LEGEB, 295 his injuries were not considered fatal. I was not the destroyer of my brother. I am thankful now that it was so. Then I did not care. Weeks passed on. Sometimes I would take hope, from Meta's becoming more quiet than usual. She would look at me w'th an almost natural expression, and then would com- mence weeping violently, insisting, as usual, that she would pray for me. At last she fell sick. It was a blessed relief, for I could alleviate her physical suffering, although I could not minister to the troubles of her soul. A burning fever attacked her. Her strength was pros- trated. A celebrated physician, my father's friend, was called in. He took great interest*in the case, and watched it with sedulous attention. It was a pleasure to see him at the bedside of his patient : so careful, so discriminating, so judicious. To. this physician, this friend, I had given no word of explana- tion ; but I saw that he knew all. One morning, after paying his usual visit, he called me into another room. " I think it best," said he, " to advise you that a crisis will soon take place in the disease under which the lady Meta is languishing : probably to-morrow, perhaps to- night. If she comes out of her present state with her reason restored, she will not again lose it, but — she will die. She can not survive many days. If, on the contrary, she comes out of it with a dull and settled melancholy, she will recover ; but she will always remain in imbecility." I was again seized with terror. I turned away, and went back to Meta's chamber. She was in a deep slumber. I knelt by her bedside, and prayed that her reason might come back to her, and that she might die. The sleep continued through the night. During the whole time I sat by her and watched. The disease had done its office upon that lovely handiwork of God. There were the 296 SAINT LEGER. sunken eye, and the pale, thin cheek, and the pallid brow ; yet these were not half so appalling as were all the marks of life and health, and fresh, living beauty, which she had retained at the expense of a soul in ruins. The morning came, and she still slumbered. I gazed at her by the light of day, and thought I saw a change on her countenance ; calmness, and quietude, were there. No one was in the room save Meta and I. At length she breathed heavily and opened her eyes. I trembled so much that my knees shook together. She looked faintly around, as if the place were unfamiliar, and then fixed her eyes upon me. A thrill of pain seemed to dart through her, and then a ray of joy illumined her wan face. She raised her hands, and extended them toward me. " Thank God," she mur- mured, and swooned away. When she came to herself she was very weak, but she was tranquil. She could scarcely speak, but I saw that she was happy. I bent over her, and she whispered, and called me Wolfgang. She asked where she was, and when I had come back, and whether I had been all the time well. She had no recollection of anything unhappy or unpleasant respecting herself, and I thanked Heaven for this drop of real mercy. She said she had been ill, dreadfully ill, for months ; and had been tormented with horrible dreams and visions, too horrible to think of, or to mention, but that she felt better now. This was all she said. I feared, as her sense became clearer, that the truth would dawn upon her : but it was not so. She continued to speak of her long illness, dating its commencement from the sudden death of the lady of Rennewart — the last event she recol- lected. She continued nearly without change for several days. She was extremely weak, but daily gained a little strength. Still, SAINT LEGER. 297 she herself had no hope of recovering. She would hold my hand for hours, and, when too feeble to converse, gaze at me as if her soul was drinking in delight. Oh, happy unconsciousness ! Oh, blessed memory, that for once forgot its office ! " This is not the promised consummation, Wolfgang, dear- est," said Meta to me one evening. " But what matters it ? our spirits are wedded. And, if I precede you to the bright world beyond, your soul will find out mine : and then we shall never part again. No voyaging, then, Wolfgang, no voya- ging, then !" My heart was bursting. I leaned my head upon her pillow in agony. " Nay, this is unkind. The strong should have confidence. But ah, I see ! God, in mercy, when he takes away our . strength, bestows upon us faith." " Do you remember, Wolfgang, those happy hours at Rhineck 1 In a little while we shall be spending happier seasons than those. I believe it. I know it," she continued, while her countenance grew bright with the radiance of heaven. " You will not be very happy, dear Wolfgang, when I am gone ; but a little while, and then, we part no more — no more. Here now, upon the borders of the other world, I feel that there was no earth, no dross, in my love for you ; and this is why I know we shall be one hereafter." For a few days Meta continued to gain strength, slowly, and I began to hope : hope 1 to fear, rather ; for how could I ever name to her the dreadful truth. I forced the subject from my mind, and gave myself entirely to that suffering angel. Even the physician seemed as if he thought his prediction might prove false. But it was not to be. Two weeks had 298 SAINT LEGER. elapsed, when one morning Meta complained of faintness. Upon examination it was found that internal hemorrhage had commenced, caused by the violence of the fever. All that skill could suggest was put in requisition to check the at- tack, but it was of no avail ; she died — she died sweetly, gently, lovingly, in the morning, while the sun was beaming brightly, and the river was running placidly on its course ; when birds were singing and the world was alive to cheerful- ness and joy. It was a time for her to die. I held her hand clasped ten- derly in mine, when the spirit left its home ; and then, I had only the hand, but no Meta — ah, God ! no Meta. — Hegewisch remained for some time silent, and then went on in a different tone and with the air of one relieved from a dreaded task : I had yet to sustain another shock. My kind physician sought an early opportunity to speak to me in private. " My young friend," said he, "from the bottom of my soul I pity you. What I am about to say, you must hear, and, if you can, forget. I was your father's early friend and com- panion. We were together always. I attended him upon his death-bed. I tell you — you, his son — that the baron died by poison." "And the Lady of Rennewart?" said I convulsively. " In the same way, without doubt. I did not attend her." " And Caspar 1" " We have said enough. Adieu." Here was room for a world of horrible surmises. So long as Meta lived, I thought only of her. Under the pressure of this horror, a new feeling took possession of me : it was a de- sire for vengeance. I dared not deliberately imbrue my hands in a brother's blood ; so I turned all my hate upon his coadjutor and abet- SAINT LEGER. 299 ter, Father Hegel. I did not try further to solve the mystery- connected with the late terrible events. I guessed enough. And therefore my revenge sought out the monk. I deliberated upon many plans, but in none could I please myself. I tried to invent some new and devilish torture to which to subject his vile body while I should stand gloating over the spectacle. I thought of seizing him secretly, and starving him slowly to death. No scheme which man or fiend could suggest, did I fail to turn over in my mind. At length I determined to kill him before the very altar, while he was offering, with his unholy breath, some prayer to Heaven. Then I could send his soul to hell — doubly damned by hypo- critical offerings to the God he was mocking. The monk was accustomed on certain occasions to cele- brate mass at a chapel near our castle. I watched for the - time and for the season ; both came ; and I sat out one morn- ing to perform the sacrifice. I was late in gaining the chapel, and as 1 came up I perceived a crowd around the entrance. I made my way hastily to it, and beheld Father Hegel lying in the agonies of death. He had fallen in a fit of apoplexy. There he lay, his sensual features full of blood, while the dis- tortions of his countenance showed his agony. In a few mo- ments he was no more ; and 1 was cheated of my revenge. I did not rave till then. I turned away, and before the temple and the altar cursed God. I rejected all belief in a Savior, and blasphemed the Holy Ghost. Hell was not black enough to darken my heart. I had borne everything till now — and now, everything was insupportable. I ran with incredible swiftness back to the castle. I gained her room. I locked myself in — I threw myself upon her bed. I grew wild and delirious; I began to be in pain; I flung the door open and shouted for help. My mother and several of the servants came. That night the fever attacked me, and for weeks I 300 PAINT LEGE It- was prostrate under its burning rage. I could never have recovered without the attention of a tender parent and de- voted physician. Yet I did recover, but, as you see me, with these hollow cheeks — this repulsive countenance — these sunken eyes. I determined to leave my home, for the fiend followed me wherever I went, whispering that Caspar lived. So I took leave of my mother — one bright, moonlight night, when she was fast asleep — by kissing her many, many times. You know she was the only one left who cared for me : but — I went on my way. I have spent most of the time since at the universities. I do not know why, but study and toil of mind are best for me. Once my mother discovered where I was, and I had to go back with her, but I made my escape, and came here to Leipsic. I have tried very hard to feel. I have wished that some- thing might excite me ; that my life might be in danger, so that, instinctively, 1 should put forth my strength to save it. I avoid no danger ; I keep open house ; here is my treasury, [the student pulled out a drawer, without lock or key, nearly filled with gold pieces] but nobody robs the strange fellow, ha — ha — ha ! They are afraid of me. I sleep in yonder ; and sometimes I lay all night and think of Meta and myself at the old chateau. And my heart seems less dead — and then, I sleep — to wake, always the same — always the same. Now leave me ! 1 took my departure in silence. Thus ends the story of Wolfgang Hegewisch. END OF BOOK THIRD. BOOK IV. '£> IAEIIAN tc nai a\\ot Ocoi, Soir,TC /