\/FRFn TIF WMMHMMwaMiya wmm mmmmmmmm mmm SEVERED TIES. 2-1 SEVERED TIES. H IRox^el. BY MRS. HENRY WYLDE. ly THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON : F. V. WHITE & CO., 31, SOUTHAMPTON STKEET, STRAND, W.C 1889. PRINTED BY KELLY & CO., GATE STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, AND KINGSTON-ON-THASEES. v.Z. CONT ENTTS OH A p. I'AGK I. — Love at First Sight .... 1 II.— The FANcr Ball 20 I[I — Jealousy I . . . . . . .36 IV. —Revenge I ..... . 50 V. — Retrospective ...... 60 VI. — Lord Booby's Flirtations ... 70 VIL— To London ! 78 VIII. — Paolo, sei if? 90 IX. — True Love ! 109 X. — The Wrong Man 118 XL — Varani and the Jesuit .... 133 XII. — The Parvenu's Children . . . 14'j XIII. — Unrequited Affection . . . ,172 XIV. — I Forbid the Marriage . . . 192 XV. — Frank's Confession ..... 207 XVI. — Vaeini's Second Visit .... 221 SEVERED TIES. fOPULAR JMEW fJOVELS. Now Ready, the Seventh Edition of ARMY SOCIETY. By JOHN Strange Winter, Author of " Booties' Baby." Cloth gilt, 6«. ; also picture boards, is. Also, now Ready, in Cloth Gilt, 2s. 6d. each, GARRISON GOSSIP, Gathered in Blankhampton. By JOHN Strange Winter. Also picture boards, 2.5. A SIEGE BABY. By the same AUTHOR. Also picture boards, 25. IN THE SHIRES. By SIR Randal H. Roberts, Bart. THE GIRL IN THE BROWN HABIT. A Sporting Novel. By Mrs. Edward Kennard. Also picture boards, 2*. BY WOMAN'S WIT. By Mrs. Alexander, Author of "The Wooing O't." Also picture boards, 2s. MONA'S CHOICE. By the same Author. KILLED IN THE OPEN. By Mrs. EDWARD Kennaed. Also picture boards, 2s. IN A GRASS COUNTRY. By Mrs. H. Lovett-Cameron. Also picture boards. 2s. A DEVOUT LOVER. By the fame AUTHOR. THE COST OF A LIE. By the fame Author. THE OUTSIDER. By Hawley Smart. Also picture bo.ards, 2s. STRAIGHT AS A DIB. By Mrs. Edward Kennard. Also picture boards, 2s. TWILIGHT TALES. By Mrs. Edward Kennard. Illustrated. SHE CAME BETWEEN. By Mrs. Alexander Eraser. THE CRUSADE OF THE "EXCELSIOR." By Bret Harte. Also picture boards, 2*. CURB AND SNAFFLE. By Sir Randal H. Robvrts, Bart A REAL GOOD THING. By Mrs. EDWARD Kennakd. Also picture boards, 2s. A CRACK COUNTY. By the same AUTHOR. DREAM FACES. By THE HONBLE. MRS. PETHERSTONHAUGH. Also picthre boards, 2s. THE HONBLE. MRS. VEREKSa. By the Author of "Molly Bawn," &c. F. V. WHITE & CO., 81, Southampton Street, Strand, London, W.C. SEVERED TIES. CHAPTER I. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. It was a merry party that assembled round the old oak dinner table at the Manor that same evening. Two young stepsisters of Sir Charles Leslie had just arrived, intending to spend a week at the Manor, and return to London with Sir Charles and Lady Leslie, who had taken a house there for the season. Maude and Isabella Leslie were in the school-room, when their brother left for Italy five years ago, and had seen VOL. II. 17 2 SEVERED TIES. very little of liim and his Italian wife. Being orphans, they lived with their married sister ( Lady Harman ) in her small house in Curzon Street, Mayfair, and who, though a widow, entertained largel}^ and her Tuesday evenings at home were amongst the pleasantest in London. A thorough woman of the world, yet possessing a kind heart and a large amount of tact and consideration for the feelings of others. Lady Harman was liked and appreciated by all classes. At her house, mingled with the nobility and her own relations, would be found authors, composers, painters, actors, artists, of all sorts and all nations, who flocked thither, not for any gain, for Lady Harman was the widow of an old Admiral, who had only left her about £1,000 a year, but for LOVE AT FIRST SiailT. 3 the simple pleasure of her society, and that of the kindred spirits that always gathered around her. For Lady Harman was deservedly popular, though her enemies and those who were jealous of her, being unable truthfully to assert any evil against her, gave her the repu- tation of a flirt, and a worldly woman, though tlie}^ eagerly accepted -her invita- tions, and partook of her hospitality. She little cared for, or listened to the scandal monfi^ers, but went on the even tenour of her way, and many were the poor authors and artistes she assisted ; tending them when sick, helping them with introductions and advice, sometimes giving, often lending, small suras of money to those who were deserving, but in bitter need ; and winning golden opinions, 17* 4 SEVEKED TIES. and the real affection of all who knew her and were able to appreciate her worth. When her father died, and the Baronetcy decended to her brother Charles, then just married, she took charge of her two sisters, as before stated, and having no children of her >own, she was able to give them a happy home, and to bestow a mother's care on them. The eldest girl, Maude, was engaged to a young officer, and was to be married shortly, but the younger one, Isabella, was only seventeen, and was to be presented at the Drawing Eoom this season at which Ellen Grey was also to make her debut^ under the kind protection of Lady Leslie. The thoughts of all the young psople were, however, at present incessantly occupied with Mr. Morton's LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. 5 fancy dress ball, and the costume quadrille, for which all but Meredith had been to rehearsal that afternoon. Great were the expectations of delight and anticipations of amusement experi- enced, especially by the two younger girls, and Tony, for would it not be their first ball? And can we not, dear readers, remember our own boy or girl sensations on a similar grand occasion, now, alas ! so many years ago ? When we so anxiously hoped our " cards " would be quite full, and eagerly looked out for partners, caring little whether the youth or maiden introduced to us had conver- sation, intellectual powers, or indeed aught else, provided they could dance well, and whirl round midst the giddy throng ? In by -gone days, when you 6 SEVERED TIES. madam (who are now a stately matron and the happy (? ) possessor of half a dozen sons and daughters) would dance till daylight, and show with pride the hole, worn through 370ur satin slipper, as a proof of your exertions ; or you, portly sir, who prefers your arm chair, pipe and glass of port, or a quiet rubber after dinner, and leave your wife to chaperone the girls, have you forgotten the charm of that valse when you pressed your first love to your beating heart, and glided round the ball-room to the strains of the " Blue Danube," now almost become like yourself, a thing of the past? or the little Eichmond dinner, and return home by moonlight, with the pretty if frail Bal- lerina, that afforded you pleasure and amusement for that one season? Heigh LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. 7 ho ! SO the world goes round, and such are the joys of youth ! and if they no longer afford us gratification, let us look with toleration and leniency on the foibles and pleasures of the rising generation. Kind Dr. Grey, who, though he would not go himself to the ball, entered into and sympathised with all the young people's amusements, had brought over Ellen from the parsonage, and she was to stay, and go with the party from the Manor, then only returning to her father for two or three days before accom- panying Sir Charles and Lady Leslie to London. The dear old Vicar looked anxiously at the Hushed cheek and bright eyes of his pretty little daughter, and raised ■»<-a. 8 SEVERED TIES. many a silent inward prayer, that she might pass unscathed through the tempta- tions and vanities of a London season, and might return to him the same bright, loving child that she had been hitherto. Another member of the party, young Frank Meredith, also watched our Ellen, and seemed scarcely able to take his eyes off her, whilst she, utterly unconscious of the admiration she excited, talked and laughed on, now quizzing Tony about his costume for the quadrille, then joking the Squire, who was to appear on the occasion as a Knight of St. John, then promising Isabella to try to find some late natural primroses to add to the artificial ones on her dress, etc. Meredith who had studied too .hard, and had been too intent in his professional LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. 9 career hitherto much to admire female charms, felt a strange yearning towards the bright innocent girl as she prattled on, and found a singular pleasure in gazing upon her animated features. He listened to all she said, with evident interest, and soon drew her into conversation, inquiring into all her pursuits, and amusements, -^ and hearing her description of the sur- rounding country. She told him of all the wild haunts that could be visited near Loombe, of the old ruins of the Abbey, the heaths, the meadows ; now full of primrose and hepatica, and lastly of the dear old vicarage and little church, "But," she added, " if you like, Tony and I will take you to see as much as possible to-morrow ! " After dinner the piano was opened, and Frank Meredith, who w^as passion- 10 SEVEEED TIES. ately fond of music, listened with delight to Lady Leslie's brilliant soprano voice, as she sung some of her native airs, ending with Tosti's ^^ Non mama piu," which she gave with great pathos and expression. Then Maude Leslie, who had been well trained by a well-known pianist and composer in London, played one of her professor's latest fantasias with great brilliancy and correctness, though perhaps, both composition and perfoimance lacked somewhat in soul and taste. It was now Ellen's turn, but she deprecatingly turned to Sir Charles, saying she was too nervous to try after Lady Leslie's splendid singing, as she was almost self-taught, having only had the assistance of the village organist, and her father, who, though fond of music, had never received proper instruction. LOVE AT FIKST SIGHT. 11 " Never-mind, little one," said Dr. Grey, " do your best, and we will not criticize too severely ; nature has given you a good voice, and Sir diaries and I like to hear you." Thus encouraged, Ellen began a simple Scotch ballad that she knew her father loved. Her voice was full, deep, and powerful, with ^that exquisite freshness that belongs only to the very young. Though almost untaught, her ear and taste were perfect ; and, as she became interested in her song, and lost the timidity which had made her first notes tremble, young Frank Meredith felt he would rather listen to her ballads than to the finest artiste in the world. Love, after a few hour's acquaintance, is usually rather a doubtful feeling ; but 12 SEVERED TIES. Meredith's was just the nature in which this was likely to happen. He was quick, impulsive, and heart-whole ; for, though like all other young men, he had at times suc- cumbed to a passing fancy and passion, he had never really loved ; and he already felt for Ellen more than he had ever felt for any woman before. And Ellen ? Did she give a lingering thought to the intel- ligent stranger that had, in so short a space, become almost intimate with her? Why did she stand [in such deep meditation by the casement in her bed-chamber, that the maid who had been kindly sent by Lady Leslie to assist her in undressing, had to announce her approach before Ellen was aware of her presence ? The two young men — Tony and Meredith — sat talking and smoking their cigars some time after the LOA^E AT FIRST SIGHT. 13 ladies had departed ; but a shade of un- easiness was apparent on Tony's handsome 3''0ung face, hard as he tried to conceal it, and his manner was slightly constrained when his friend dilated on the charms of the Vicar's pretty daughter; for was not our Tony now eighteen, and perhaps too susceptible in that quarter himself, though Frank Meredith, with the advantage of his two years' seniority, still thought of him as a boy. Frank's room the next day was early bathed in a flood of light as the bright May morning dawned, and the sun rose in all its splendour to gladden the earth, kissing the drooping laburnum blossoms and the more majestic Gilder roses, and adding warmth and beauty to the scene. Frank was no laggard, and no sooner did the rays 14 SEVERED TIES, of the lustrous orb stream into his room, and the remembrance awaken in him of the fair face that had haunted his dreams, than he jumped out of bed, dashed into his cold tub, and, a quarter of an hour after, had joined Toby, who was gathering a little bouquet in the garden. He coloured slightly at Frank's arrival, but greeted him with a bright smile. " Good morning, old fellow," said he. " I hope you slept well, your first night at Loombe. and are fully prepared for to-night's gaieties ? " "Like a top," answered Meredith ; " and this lovely morning, and your fresh northern air, seem to raise my spirits, and make me ready for any amount of fun and dissi- pation." The words were scarcely out of his mouth, when two merry young voices were LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. IB heard in the distance, and Isabella Leslie and Ellen Grey came flying down the steps of the terrace. " We are searching for primroses," ex- claimed the latter. " Only last week the place was covered with their bright blossoms ; but it is getting late for them now." " Let us help in the search," said Tony, as he finished making the little bouquet, and presented it to Ellen with a wistful glance. " Dear Tony," said the girl, as she would have spoken to her brother, " how kind and thoughtful you are ; and what sweet flowers! I declare Jyou. have chosen the prettiest in the garden." " And will not Miss [^Grrey acc3pt one from me ? " said Meredith, as he pulled off 16 SEVERED TIES. a little sprig of sweet pink May. and pre sented it to her. After breakfast, Maude Leslie having joined them, the five young people started off for a long ramble to show Meredith the beauties of the neighbourhood ; but some- how, to Tony's evident annoyance and discomforture, his friend and Ellen seemed always together ;• though the latter, half- unconsciously, accepted his attentions ; for our little Ellen was as yet a child at heart, though her excessive 'youth and innocence made Meredith think it possible that her first and natural love might be awakened for him. She was innocent indeed — more innocent than any young girl just leaving the schoolroom ; for had not her life been passed at her father's side, in the old Vicarage, with only an occasional visit to LOVE AT FIRST SIG[[T. 17 the neighbouring gentry? Tlie colour deepened on her cheek as she met the young man's earnest gaze, as naturally as the red glow on a flower which is kissed by the sun ; but she knew not whence it came, or analysed the cause of the new feeling that was dawning upon her life. She knew not that her childhood was dying, and the passionate, deep, woman's life awakening in her breast. I believe that no man fully comprehends a very young girl's love, or that of a per- fectly pure woman. Grosser in their very natures, from their infancy, their lives are .such as stain their ideas of love ; and the purest affection they can conceive is as dross compared to the silver of hers. As each half-hour passed, Meredith became more and more fascinated, and VOL. n. 18 18 SEVERED TIES. before they passed through the village, on their way home to the Manor, he had quite made up his mind to use his utmost endeavours to win this little mountain daisy. As the party turned to ascend the steep pathway that led past the Vicarage, they encountered the individual who was staying at the inn, under the name of Count Orloff, muffled up, and with his green glasses on, the same as we noticed him on his arrival at the station the day before. " Well ! " laughed Maude Leslie ; " that is a queer- looking creature. Does he live in these parts ? " " I should imagine not," replied Tony ; " for certainly, / never saw him before, though there is something in his gait and LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. 19 figure that seems to awaken in me memo • ries of the past, and of my childish days ; but it must be fancy. I wonder if he be one of old Morton's guests, and if we shall see him at the ball to-night ? " 18^ CHAPTEK II. THE FANCY BALL. The night of the ball, so anxiously looked forward to by all the young people, has at length arrived. The Castle is brilliantly illuminated, each turret ornamented with coloured lamps, whilst from their centre issues a ray of electric light, that may be seen for miles around. The avenue leadinof to the entrance hall is artistically decorated with rows of small lamps placed on the ground, looking like so many large glow worms as the guests approach. Chinese lamps of all THE FANCl' 13ALL, 21 >t shades and colours are suspended from the trees. Large crimson banners, with, the word " Welcome " embroidered in gold, are hung across the drive from tree to tree, all testifying to the wealth and lavish expenditure of the portly proprietor. Inside, the decorations were of the most costly description. Large palms, and foreign shrubs, waved their heads over roses, lilies, and the choicest exotics, whilst huge blocks of ice, half covered with ferns, and backed by coloured glass of all tints, added a refreshing coolness to the atmo- sphere. Powdered-headed footmen, waiters, maids in coquettish aprons and caps, with gay ribbons, boys in Louis Quinze cos- tumes, to distribute programmes, etc., were in attendance, whilst ever and anon, a cook, with white cap and apron, flitted from one 22 SEVEEED TIES. refreshment room to the other, to see that the guests' creature comforts were properly- supplied. Some of the costumes of the three hundred visitors were indeed magnificent, otners quaint and artistic, and as the motley crowd danced to the strains of Coote and Tinney's band, the scene re- sembled fairyland, into which a few imps and denizens of the lower regions had intruded. James Morton, Esq., as Henry YIIL, bedizened by the richest velvets, satins, and embroideries, with his white plumed cap in hand, was, if not a dignified, at least a proud monarch, as he received the company, and strutted about amidst, as he thought, an admiring crowd, and believed and drank in the praise and THE FANCY BALL. 23 fulsome flattery sliowered upon him. Miss Dora was thoroughly happy ; self-content- ment and self-admiration glistened in her eyes, as she opened the ball with Lord Booby, whose costume, as the bright yellow sun-flower, made his blotched, cadaverous complexion and carrotty locks look un- usually repulsive. But what matters ? He is a lord, and is not that suflicient to cover a multitude of defects? At least, so thought Miss Dora, as she ogled him, and leant tenderly on his arm, hoping, as she told her maid in confidence, that her charms, when attired as a blooming rose, would complete the conquest, and, aided by a plentiful supply of " Roederer's extra sec," would bring the noble lord to the "scratch," before the termination of the ball. Lord Booby, whose finances had 24 SEVERED TIES. been considerably drained by a two years* liaison with a pretty danseiise, and whose affairs were now on their last legs by a season at Monte Carlo, seriously debated in his mind whether the lady's gold would make up for the disgrace of so plebeian an alliance, and the shame of possessing so vulgar a father-in-law, and determined he would not compromise himself until he had ascertained if the plump, high-coloured rose's fortune would be settled on herself, if so, he would retire from the field, if not, well, perhaps he might condescend to give her his proud name in exchange for the wherewithal to pay his debts. Before midnight the ball was at its height, when a tall man, wearing a plain black silk domino, the hood of which was drawn almost over his face, green spectacles, and THE FANCY BALL. 26 a long black beard and whiskers, so skil- fully fastened on under the hood as to look almost real, made his appearance, and bowing low 'to Miss Morton, informed her that his name was Count Orloff, and that he hoped she and Mr. Morton would accept his thanks for the invitation so graciously extended to a poor foreigner, who was gratified to have the opportunity of assisting at so splendid an entertainment. Dora smirked and simpered, asked the Count if he danced, and was greatly dis- appointed when he replied in the negative, adding that he was vastly amused and in- terested by gazing at, and admiring, the gorgeous and fanciful costumes of the company. Lady Leslie, looking very handsome, in the character of Marie Antoinette, just then 26 SEVERED TIES. passed before them, on the arm of her husband, and instantly attracted the so- called Eussian's attention, who, bowing to his hostess, quietly followed the couple to the refreshment room. As Sir Charles pushed through the crowd round the table to procure ices, the Eussian, taking off his glasses, quickly advanced to Lady Leslie, keeping his eyes steadily fixed on her, until the magnetism of his earnest gaze caused her to look up. She shivered, and a deep crimson blush spread quickly over her face and neck, leaving her deadly pale, as she turned away, and leant against the wall for support. The Squire, returning with the ices, found his wife almost fainting, and trembling violently, whilst the surround- ing company, having noticed her change of colour, though quite ignorant of the THE FANCY BALL. 27 cause, eagerly offered assistance, all but Count Orloff, who had suddenly dis- appeared. Sir Charles, placing his arm round Leo- nora's slender waist, half carried her to a large -conservatory that led out of the re- freshment room, where the cooler air soon revived her, though she shuddered again, and looked nervously round. Finding herself alone with her husband, she said the heat had overcome her, and begged him earnestly to take her home. He instantly acceded, but said she must rest there quietly for half-an-hour, whilst he ordered the carriage, and told the girls he would return to fetch them later on. Lady Leslie thus left alone, clasped her hands and ejaculated in Italian : " What a resemblance ! The eyes seem to pierce to 28 SEVERED TIES. my very soul ! Yet he is dead, how can I be so weak, so foolish ? " " Do you imagine, Madame," said a voice, behind her, " that a Varani could rest in his grave, whilst the woman he loved lay in the arms of another ? " So saying, the supposed Count Orloff issued from the background of palms and ferns, that pro- fusely decorated the conservatory, and stood before her, having thrown back his hood and doffed the false beard and whiskers. Leonora, with a shriek of despair and terror, rose to her feet and seeming to shrink, as does a bird under the falcon's swoop, fell to the ground in a deadly swoon, in which Sir Charles found her, alone, a short time after. Dancing is still kept up with great spirit in the large ball-room, though the first THE FxVNCY BALL, 29 grey streaks of dawn have commenced their battle against lamps and electric light, and the maturer beauties look pale and haggard after the night's exertions. But no traces of fatitrue are visible on Ellen's O fair young face, as she glides round the room in Frank Meredith's arms, whilst a strange new sensation of intense happiness pervades her whole being, adding light and lustre to her deep blue eyes, and a subtle charm to her every movement. Frank is almost beside himself with the rapture ot this last waltz with his sweet companion, and with difficulty restrains the avowal of his passion, and stifles the words of love that are on his lips, fearing that so sudden a declaration might frighten the girl's timid nature, and be too premature to win a favourable answer. Tony looks on 30 SEVEEED TIES. with feelings akin to despair, and gradually works himself up into one of those uncon- trollable fits of temper, that though lying dormant and subdued by good training and example, were inherent to his nature, and would still, at times, break forth with unabated fury. "That Frank should try to take her from me ! Oh ! that I had never invited him here. It is disgraceful, abominable," he mutters, forgetting in his passion that Meredith had not the faintest idea that he was in any way injuring Tony, or causing him pain and annoyance. With lowering brow he watched the dance, and at its termination walked straight to the couple. " Ellen," said he reproachfully, " will you not give me the next dance? My friend here seems completely to monopolise THE FANCY BALL. 31 you, and make you forget your old play- fellow." "Dear Tony," said the girl, blushing, " forgive me, if I neglected you, but have we not already had three dances together ? I did not think you wanted another, and have just promised to sit out the next one with Mr. Meredith, for I confess I am rather tired. Still," she added kindly, on noticing his look of sorrow and dis- appointment, " if your friend will excuse me, I will just take a turn or two with you." " Well Tony, old boy, I suppose I must not refuse, but don't keep Miss Grey too long ; she is tired and ought to rest a little, before going home." " Why, Tony, what is the matter ? " said Ellen, innocently, as they waltzed ofT 32 SEVERED TIES. together. "You look so cross, and how your hand trembles." " Does it, dear ? " he replied. " I shallbe all right again now. I cannot bear my little Ellen to be taken away from me." " Taken from you," she exclaimed, aston- ished. " Who tries to take me from you ? Eeally you are too absurd. As if any one attempted it. Besides," she added, sweetly, " don't you know, it would be impossible for them to succeed, for I and my father both love you dearly, and I could not care for you more if you were my own brotlier." " Why 2Dill you always call me brother^' replied Tony pettishly. " I am not your brother, and I don't wish to be, there ! You wouldn't call Meredith your brother, I fancy." " Well, Tony, I don't know what is the THE FANCY BALL. 33 matter with you to-niglit," said Ellen, with tears in her eyes, " but nothing I say seems to please you, and now you are positively unkind. Of course I could not call Mr. Meredith brother, why I have only known him two days. How can you imagine I could think of liiui the same as of you, dear, who have been my friend and play- fellow ever since we were babies tof^ether? " " Forgive me, dear Ellen," said Tony, as he pressed her hand. " I was unjust. It is no fault of yours. You are not to blame. Think no more of it, for Tony would • sooner die, than bring one tear to those sweet eyes." As he uttered the last words, Sir Charles Leslie entered the room, and summoned all his party, saying : " Lady Leslie has been very ill, and has lain iti a death-like faint, for over half an hour, VOL. 11. 19 34 SEVERED TIES. notwithstanding all the remedies applied to restore her by the village doctor, who had been hastily called in. Though partly recovered now, she is in a low, nervous slate, and I am anxious to be home again. Dr. Quin thought the symptoms indicated a severe shock to the system, or some violent fright or excitement ; but, what possible cause of alarm could she have had, here alone in the conservatory, the few minutes I left her to seek the carriage ? besides," added the Squire, "she was ill even before then, and it was in conse- quence of this, that we arranged to go home." " Dear Lady Leslie," cried Ellen. " How sorry I am ! If you had told me I should have gone back with you to nurse her." " I knew that, dear child, so would not THE FANCY BALL. 35 spoil your pleasure by telling you," said Sir Charles, afTectionately placing her hand on his arm, and leading her to the carriage, followed by Maude and Isabella Leslie. As to Meredith and Tony, they had to put up with a chilly drive in the dog-cart, there beinor no room for them in the carriao'e. <-^L 'Tcr- ^.Wi)%-^~=^^ CHAPTER III. JEALOUSY. Scarcely had the young men taken their seats, than Tony's impetuous temper would no lon* with him." '• Oh dear, Meg, is he in trouble again ? Where is he, and what has he done ? " " Well, you remember to-day in the train how angry he was with your little dog Leo, because he always growls when he sees him, and certainly it is strange, for Leo is a good-tempered dog generally, and rarely even barks at those he knows, even if they tease him, but I have always been afraid he would some day bite Master Luigi. " Well, milady, I suppose the poor dog was tired after the day's journey, and was fast 86 SEVEEED TIES. asleep on the rug in the nursery ; I was busy unpacking, in and out of the rooms, and what must the naughty child do, but get one of those resin rings that Jane uses to light the fires, and cautiously going up behind the dog he tied it to his tail. I heard Leo growl, but I supposed he was too sleepy to take much notice until Master Luigi got a match and lighted the resin, saying : ' There, I'll teach you to growl.' The poor little dog nearly went mad with fright and pain, for, of course, he was horribly burnt before we could get it off. The nurse's screams called up Jim the groom, and he was so angry that he gave Master Luigi a good shaking, and told him he ought to be ashamed of himself hurting a poor dumb animal, and his mother's pet, but the boy turned absolutely TO LONDON. 87 livid with suppressed rage, and suddenly- seizing a knife that happened to be left on the table, before we knew or saw what he was about, he dashed at Jim and gave him a deep cut on the wrist, for unluckily the knife was a sharp one, and it just caught a vein, so that the blood spurted out vio- lently. I caught hold of the child and wrenched the knife from him, and locked him up in Miss Ellen's room, whilst I at- tended to poor Jim and bound up his wrist, and now the bad boy refuses to let the nurse put him to bed, because he says she had no right to interfere. " Oh dear, Meg," said Leonora, " how dreadful this is ; now I suppose Jim will tell Sir Charles, and then Luigi will be punished again." " There's no help for it, miladi, the 88 SEVERED TIES. child, for liis-own sake, ouglit to be pimiislied. Jim has gone to the nearest doctor's, for my bandages wouldn't stop the bleeding, and he's furious, and told me that he should give Sir Charles vrarning to-morrow." So saying, Meg opened the door and ushered Lady Leslie into the presence of her little son. He was seated quietly and unconcernedly, looking out of the window, but rose as his mother entered, and put his little arms round her neck. She, how- ever, put him from her, saying he must first express his sorrow to Meg and Jim and ask their forgiveness. This he positively refused to do, so was again locked in the room, whilst Lady Leslie soughtJim, who had just returned, weak from loss of blood. After giving him wine and a present, and telling him how TO LONUO^S. £9 grieved xhe "was, she begged him to for- give the child and not tell Sir Charles. " Well, miladi," said the man, " I niver want to git no ones into trouble, but I'se allays lived wid Christians and no wid divils, and beggin your pardin, if iver there was a limb o' Satan, that ere boy's one, and unless you soon make him feel his sinful ways, he'll give you and his father more sorrow as he grows older. However, after a time, Leonora per- suaded the boy to acknowledge his fault, and when she led him up to Jim and Meg, he sulkily said he was sorry, and allowed the nurse to take him to bed. ->3}C3lH- CHAPTEE Vlir. PAOLO SEI TU ? A SMALL house in one of those doubtful streets near the gates of the Eegent's Park is let out in apartments ; on the ground floor lives a popular writer of dance music, who ekes out the modest income that accrues from the sale of his compositions by conducting a small orchestra at one of the West End theatres ; he gives jolly little supper and card parties after the play to the actors and others of his acquaintance, who often play baccharat and ecarte till daybreak, though in the interest of their PAOLO SEI TU? 91 pockets, and still more their health, after their hard night's work, they would do better to abstain from such late reunions. The drawino-room Hoor was let to a so- O called widow, who also had many evening visitors, and gave little champagne supper parties, of rather a doubtful nature ; the front room on the top floor was arranged as a bed and sitting-room combined, and was at present let to Count Varani, who, though staying with the Morton's, wished to have a 'pied a terre of his own, where he could receive Giuseppe quietly, and know- ing slightly the little chef d'Orchestre, had trusted him to engage a suitable and inex- pensive apartment for him. The lady who occupied the floor below, with her little boy, a child about three years old, was a handsome, if robust 92 SEVERED TIES. specimen of Vkould-be genteel womanliood, attractive to the male sex of a certain class, but lacking that refinement and purity of sentiments that alone can enthrall any sensible man for any length of time. A good complexion, though much injured by powder and paint, golden hair, but with that dark rim near the roots that so un- mistakably shows artificiality ; she had a loud voice and high spirits ; had formerly been an actress, but not possessing suffi- cient tallent to succeed, and having a little money of her own, had turned her thoughts to a more lucrative career, if a less honourable one. She soon noticed the tall, handsome Italian, waylaid him on the stairs, saying such close neighbours ought to be friends, and invited him to supper the same evening. But Yarani was not so PAOLO SEI TU ? 93 easily caught, and had no desh^e to dispute the fair widow with her other admirers ; he had but one object in England, and was far too deeply engrossed in achieving it to waste time or thoughts on a passing" amusement. Now, as he waited anxiously for his brother's promised visit, his spirit chafed at the time already wasted in the north, and he determined that before another week was over his head, that he would at least have commenced the work for which he had undertaken the long journey. A low whistle soon interrupted his medi- tations, and hastily descending from his den, he met the outstretched hand of his brother, the Jesuit. "Follow me," said the latter ; " obey me implicitly, and I think I can to-night give you the much desired opportunity." So 94 SEVERED TIES. saying, he led him across the Park, and stopped at the back-garden gate of a large villa, standing in its own grounds. Drawing a small key from his breast pocket, he opened the gate, and bade his brother wait, till such time as he should summon him. Lady Leslie having settled the dispute between her boy and the domestics, returned to the drawing-room, where sopn after young Morton took his leave, and the family retired to rest, Sir Charles cour- teously conducting his wife to the door of her bed-chamber, and then retiring to his own, which was quite at the other side of the villa, but also on the ground-floor, Tony, Ellen, and the servants, sleeping in the rooms above. Lady Leslie's bed- room was reached from the little boudoir PAOLO SEI TU? 96 which, as before stated, was connected with the drawing-room by a pretty con- servatory, having an outer door leading to the hall. The maid having brushed her mistress' beautiful hair, and divested her of her dinner-gown, gave her a loose peigjioire and left her, as Leonora intended sitting up to write letters to Venice, informing her mother and brother of her change of address. All was soon quiet in the villa, Leonora tran- quilly writing her letters, and feeling in better spirits than she had possessed since the fearful night at Mr. Morton's, which she now persuaded herself was a delusion of her disordered brain. An hour had so passed, when suddenly the door of the conservatory opened and Count Varani noiselessly entered, closing 96 SEVERED TIES. it behind him, and quickly advanced to- wards her. Leonora, with a low cry, rose to her feet, and retreating as far as the chamber would permit, stood as if transfixed to stone, her eyes dilated with horror and fright. " Oh mia adorata Leonora," said Varani, " is it thus you would welcome me ? Have you no word, no caress of endearment, for the lover escaped from the jaws of death, and who, after years of suffering, braved the long journey and all perils to be again at your side ?" " Paolo, sei tu f " cried Leonora, " is it really Paolo I again behold ? Dio mio, after the night you appeared to me at the ball, I persuaded myself it was your ghost ! Ah, pieta, pieid ! " she sobbed, " what shall I do ? What will become of me ? " PAOLO SEI TU ? 97 "Leonora, did you really believe in ray death ? Then you were not heartless and indifferent, cara mia," replied Varani. " Do not weep ! Place your dear arms once more round m}'' neck, let me feel again the magic of your touch, the caress of your sweet breath on my cheek ! Oh, mio amove, mio angelo 1 mio tuito I How have I borne these weary months separated from you ? Months of pain and suffering, ren- dered still more bitter by the fear that I should never again have you in my arms. Leonora, you shrink from me ! You answer not ! Is it possible that you do not rejoice at my return ? So saying, Varani tried to throw his arms round Leonora, and draw her to him, but she resisted, and falling on her knees, whilst the tears streamed down her cheeks, VOL. ir. 23 98 SEVERED TIES. she clasped her hands as if in prayer and entreaty, and said, " Oh ! Paolo ! I am indeed thankful that you are living, and have recovered from your wounds ! Your death weighed heavily on my conscience, for I felt that had I not listened to your prayers, had I not succumbed to your wishes, all would have been saved ; but tempt me not again. You and I must no more meet on this side of the grave, a yawning abyss of crime and sin must for ever separate us ! My duty is to my husband, to my children ! Ah ! mio hen 1 Paolo, the lover of my youth and of my girlish dreams ; blame me not ; think not that I have ceased to love you, though my affection is purer and holier than before. You know that when my mother forced me into the marriage with Sir Charles Leslie, I PAOLO SEI TU ? 09 would not have consented, had I not believed her statements that you were faith- less to me. Wiien I again saw you, and discovered the falsehood that had betrayed me, the revulsion of feeling overcame me, but you know how long I resisted the love you aroused again in my breast. At last you conquered me ! Conscience, duty, gratitude, good resolutions, were swept away in the whirlwind of passion. I be- trayed, basely deceived my husband, after all his goodness and generosity to me ! 1 became half mad, depraved, debased, ready to sacrifice husband, child, relations, friends, position, all for your dear sake ! . Forget- ting the solemn vows I swore at the altar before God, losing my self-respect, virtue, innocence, all I had ever held dear, and what has been the result? Two men half 23* 100 SEVERED TIES. murdered through my crime, for Sir Charles' recovery after the duel was doubtful ; for weeks his life trembled in the balance, and I was struck down with remorse and shame, added to the grief your supposed death caused me ! Oh ! Paolo," said Leonora, rising and placing one hand on his arm, "have mercy on me^ on yourself! Seek not a renewal of the past ! " During Leonora's speech, Varani stood before her ; his arms crossed on his chest and preserving a gloomy silence. " Leonora," he replied at length, " can you imagine that I shall calmly abandon you and my child, all I hold dear in this world ? That, loving you as I do, fervently, aidently, consumingiy, I should leave you in this Englishman's embrace, and trust my boy to his tender mercy ? Never ! You PAOLO SEI TU? 101 little know me, if you imagine a Yarani could be capable of such weakness. The wounds that bound me to my couch so many months, and forced me to rest, a repose against which my spirit chafed, and my whole being revolted, were scarcely healed when I pursued you ; you, the only woman I ever loved ; the idol of my dreams, the joy of my heart ; the arbiter of my fate ! My brother pretended I was dead, and instigated me to revenge, but love for you alone actuated me. I accepted his aid and assistance with the sole object of again beholding you, and of influencing you to trust your future happiness, your life, to me ! Fly with me, Leonora ! Oh, let us escape from this barbarous land. Let me take you and little Luigi to a far-off country, where all in all to each other we may no 102 SEVERED TIES. more remember past sorrow, where I will devote my whole life to you ! Where by my tenderness and care you will at length forget all you have endured ; the years of your precious life that have been wasted, the trials and grief of your early woman- hood. Oh, Angelo, mio," he added, as, gently forcing her to be seated, he knelt before her, and laid his head on her lap, " have pity on me ! Condemn me not to despair ! I cannot live without you." " Else, Paolo, do not touch me ; it must not, cannot be," replied Leonora, firmly moving from him. " Oh make not my life harder still to bear. I have repented of my past weakness ; I have sworn on my knees to the blessed Virgin, that henceforth my life shall be pure, spotless. Eemember, that, notwithstanding all I have suiSered, PAOLO SEI TU ? lOa my liusband is not to blame ! nay, slmclder not, for I must mention him ; he has been so good, so generous and true, and lias behaved so nobly throughout. He knew nothing of a former attachment when he married me. Grave, some years older than myself, he possessed the Englishman's calm stolid nature, but he is upright, honest and faithful ; proud of his old ancestral name and title, that from generation to generation have shone untarnished and unblemished before the world ! Shall I return all his kindness and forbearance to me, by shed- ding further shame and disgrace on him ? Shall I bring his now white hairs in sorrow to the grave ? Shall my noble, honest- hearted boy, Tony, blush for his mother, without even knowing the cruel circum- stances that make some slight palliation of 104 SEVEEED TIES. lier guilt ? No ! Paolo ! A thousand times no ! If you love me, help me to do my duty ! Help me to conquer all sinful passions. When I believed you dead, and by my husband's hand, 1 at first revolted at the sight of him. My whole nature rose in open rebellion against the man I felt was your murderer, but months of consideration in my solitude have convinced me that I was unjust. How could he, in honour, have acted otherwise ? Were not we alone to blame ? He did not even know the excuse my poor mother's treachery made for us both, and you must forgive her also, Paolo ! She suffers deeply, for she at last feels that she has sacrificed her daughter's happiness for life ! If prayers avail aught, her con- stant prayers and intercessions ought to help us to bear our trial patiently. No, PAOLO SEI TU? 105 Paolo, I shall always love you, but we must never meet again, unless, indeed, in the years to come, the tie that binds me is loosened by death, and to think of that even is a sin." Varani is deeply moved by her prayers, and the better nature in him struggles hard for existence, but passion conquers, and he exclaims : " And could you thus part from me, Leonora ? Could you live the rest of your life without hope, or joy, or happi- ness ? Can you endure the blank, sunless existence, and learn obedience to the cold man, your husband and tyrant ? Think of the love we bore each other from our childhood ; the affinity of our natures, our sympathy of ideas and tastes ! Oh, my darling, do not sacrifice the happiness of both our lives for a mistaken sense of duty ! 106 SEVERED TIES. Eemember my claims ! You were my affianced bride ! We had exchanged mutual vows of constancy and fidelity. Would your esteem for your cold-blooded English- man recompense you for the loss of such love as mine ? " " No, Paolo ! Nothing could do that, but I am so firmly convinced that, to accede to your wishes, would bring misery on you, and on all concerned. I so clearly see my duty ; I dare not fail again in it. Besides, Sir Charles is no tyrant, and only a week ago, whilst I believed you dead, I thought and hoped that, through esteem, I should at last learn to love him, and, if not happy, that I might at least regain peace and tranquillity. Faolo, for my sake, leave me ; you once could refuse me nothing. I kneel at your feet, and implore you to help me f PAOLO SEI TU ? 107 Consider my weakness, and tempt me not ; have mercy on me, as you hope for mercy in the next world ! Save me from shame and ruin. Oh, leave me, whilst I have yet strength to bid you go. May the Holy Virgin bless you and keep you and give you peace. Nay, kiss me not. 'Addio ! addio per sempre ! ' " As she utters the last words, a movement is heard in the room above, followed by a light step descending the stairs. " Fly, we shall be discovered," whispers Leonora, as she pushes Varani into the conservatory, and closes the door behind him, only a second before Meg knocks at the outer door of the boudoir, to ask if Miladi wanted her, or was ill ; as she fancied she heard a cry and voices. " Oh no, Meg," said Lady Leslie quickly. 108 SEVJKKED TIES. " go to bed. I have nearly finished my letters, and shall retire to rest myself now in a few minutes." When the faithful girl had left her, Leonora opened the door of the conserva- tory, and peered anxiously around, looking from thence to the garden, but no traces of her midnight guest were visible. Taking a small silver crucifix from her bosom, she knelt long in earnest, fervent prayer and supplication, whilst a bright ray of moon- light entered her chamber, and resting on her upturned face, seemed to answer her entreaty, as it bathed her in silver radiance. -^^-^^ CHAPTER IX. TRUE LOVE. Kensington Gardens in the evening, at the end of May, whilst you, dear reader, are probably at dinner party, Opera, or other gay entertainment, are a great boon to the poorer classes, and those who have toiled all day behind counters, at desks, and in workshops. The poor artizan may be seen, with his wife and little ones, gazing at the fountains, or resting on the benches looking up at the tender fresh leaves of the grand old trees, waving majestically over his head ; or the lone widow, who after slaving 110 SE\^ERED TIES. all day to earn a small pittance to support herself and children, stands perhaps by the Eound Pond, admiring the gambols of her youngest boy with the faithful dog, always the poor man's friend ! Or the young milliner's apprentice, who after a long day's toil to execute the urgent commands of some fashionable beauty^ breathes the purer air and rests her tired eyes and aching frame. Or the ardent lovers, who stealthily meet in the Broad Walk, and disappear from the vulgar gaze down a side path, shaded by the trees, from too close observa- tion. Pretty Meg Curtis, whose mistress had gone to a dinner party, given by Sir Charles' sister. Lady Harman, tripped daintily across the Bayswater Eoad, and entered a side gate of the Gardens, where TRUE LOVE. Ill she was immediately joined by young Tom Morton, who had been impatiently pacing to and fro, expecting her, for the last half hour. "Well, Mr. Tom," said Meg, as she gave her hand to the young man, " I have con- sented once more to meet you, but it must be the last time ; for I don't like deceiving Miladi, and if only your father and sister and your swell friends saw us, what would they think of poor Meg ? " "Meg," said Tom, as he led her to a retired part of the gardens, where two chairs, facing the ornamental water, were placed invitingly, under a tree, "neither my father or .sister, or any of their swell folk (as you call 'em), should dare say a word derogatory to you, or they'd just have to deal with Tom Morton I can tell 'em ! " 112 SEVERED TIES. "But, Mr. Tom," objected Meg, "now do just be reasonable. What possible good can come of our meeting? You know, well enough, your station in life is different to mine, and even supposing I cared for you, which I have by no means acknow- ledged I do, and consented to walk out with you, and keep company, what would be the result? You might get to think more of me than is good for jovlv happi- ness, and some fine day your grand people would discover our little meetings, then wouldn't there just be fat in the fire, and what would become of me ? " *' Meg, dear Meg," said Tom im- ploringly, " you know I love you ; the first day we met, you stole my heart " " Now Mr. Tom, just you shut up," said Meg. " Indeed, I daren't listen to you r TRUE LOVE. 113 What would ni}^ old father and mother think of me if I gave an ear to the sweet speeches of a gay gallant like you, above my station. We're poor folk, Sir, but we've allays been respectable, and Meg's not the lass to make her kith and kin aye blush for her." " And pray why should they blush for you, darling ? Tom Morton's not the man to act auo'lit but honestlv and straifi^ht- O *J CD forwardly by a wench he loves. I brought you out to-night, to ask you to be my lawful wedded, wife, and if you in return tell me you can find a wee corner in your heart for such a rough plain-spoken fellow, as I am, why, darling, you'll make me happier and prouder than I've been for many a long year." So saying, and no one being in sight, VOL. II. 24 114 SEVERED TIES. Tom tried to snatch a kiss from the buxom, half Scotch lassie, but without success. "Nay, nay, Mr. Tom," said Meg, only allowing him to take her hand, " not so fast, if you please. Have you thought how distasteful such a marriage would be to your fine relations ? It would ill become me to sow discord and dissensions amongst ye, and I would'na like to anger the poor old man, your father, and to be scorned and abused by Miss Dora." " Oh, Meg," said Tom, looking grave, " if you loved me, you wouldn't make so many objections. It is / that would marry you, and not my father or sister ; as to the Governor, he's too good hearted to say me nay, when he knows my heart's set upon it, and surely it matters little what Dolly says, as we shall live in Lancashire, miles TRUE LOVE. 115 away ! Now ducky, give a fellow some hope, won't you try to love me a little bit ? " And Tom insinuatingly steals an arm round the waist of his charmer, and once more tries to kiss her, but Meg is firm, and rising, replies : " Well JMr. Tom, I'm sure I thank you heartily for the honour you've done me, and I don't mind confessing that I do like you, perhaps over much, but Meg could never give her lips, unless she gave her heart, and, as I told you afore, I would'na like to hurt your old father. Tell him all about it, and if he assure me that he would'na be ashamed of poor Meg, I promise that 1 will ever be a good, dutiful daughter to him, and a true loving wife to you, till then, believe me, we had best not meet, Sir. Nothing you could say would 24* 116 SEVERED TIES. alter my resolution, and I know my old parents would tell me I was right, but whilst things remain as they are, T shall neither confide in them, nor anyone else." " Dear Meg," repUed Tom, " I'll make a clean breast of it to the Governor, though mind you, / won't acknowledge that he or anyone else has a right to interfere. I'm twenty-eight years old, and if a man don't know his own mind at that age, why he never will. I've determined you shall be my wife, before many months are over our heads, so give us a kiss, lass, to seal the bargain." And, Meg no longer resisting, their lips meet in one long kiss, and the honest half Scotch maiden feels that at last her fate is decided, and her whole heart goes out to the lover who woos her with such straightforward manly ardour. TRUE LOVE. 117 The stately old trees in Kensington Gardens look down on another love scene, enacted beneath their branches, and honest Tom Morton feels that no persuasion of father or sister, shall ever make him betray or deceive the good trusting girl at his side. CHAPTER X. THE WRONG MAN. The days quickly pass, and the Leslies will soon have been a week in London, but they have seen very little of young Frank Meredith. He called the day after their arrival, but pleaded important business, as his excuse for not availing himself of the many invita- tions showered upon him, Ellen's fair young face looked pale and sad as the truth forced itself upon her, that the man who had stolen her girlish heart, no longer cared to possess it, and actually shunned THE WRONG MAN. 119 her, avoiding carefully even chance meet- ings. Pride and self-respect taught her to conceal her grief, but it weighed heavily on the hitherto merry, thoughtless little maiden, and she longed intensely to be again with her kind old father in the pretty Vicarage at Loombe. Presented by Lady Leslie, she had made her curtsey to the Queen, and joined in the pushing motley crowd of fair debutantes in their pure white dresses, stately dames in plumes and diamonds, and wrinkled painted gran-dames, whose shrivelled necks and bare skinny arms look so pitiful on the bright spring morning. She had attended a Garden Party at Marlborough House, and a grand Reception at the Foreign Office ; had been to Operas and Concerts, listened to the sweet strains of 120 SEVERED TIES. Patti and Ella Eussell ; had visited pic- ture galleries ; seen the meet of the Four- in-Hands in the Park, and driven often in the Lady's Mile, always attended by the faithful Tony, who, although worshipping the ground she trod on, had not yet dared to press his suit. Many times had the youth tried to speak, but Ellen seemed so unconscious of his attentions, treating him always as a dear brother, that his courage failed him, and he had hitherto shrunk from risking the withdrawal of the sweet friendship and affection that existed between them, by the avowal of a warmer feeling. To-night, however, at Lady Barman's when he saw the admiration that Ellen ex- cited, and the attention paid to her, his heart sank within him, and he determined THE WRONG MAN. 121 no longer to put oil" the momentous ques- tion that should decide his fate. The salons in Curzou Street were more crowded than usual, for many old friends, having heard that Lady Harman's long- absent brother, Sir Charles Leslie, had arrived in town, attended, with the view of renewing acquaintance and friendship with him and his family. Lady Leslie looked pale and ill, and pleaded a severe headache, as excuse for not singing. The evening was warm, and even sultry ; one of the few summer ni^'hts in Enoland that remind the traveller of sunnier climes. Whilst the company crowded forward to listen to the splendid singing of some re- nowned artiste, Tony led Ellen to a small covered-in balcony, where for the moment they were alone, and screened from obser- 122 SEVERED TIES. vation, and the girl, thankful to be for a time free from the glare of lights, the in- cessant hum of conversation, and the heat of the crowded rooms, looked kindly at the youth she only thought of as a beloved brother, and thanked him for finding her such a pleasant little retreat. Tony at last was half satisfied. He believed that she loved him ; for is it not the property of love, in a young and noble heart, to reflect itself, and to see its own image in the eyes on which it looks ? It might be, Tony thought, that he would be hardly loved with the intenseness he himself felt ; that if Ellen's feelings were capable at some future time of corresponding to the ardent and impassioned ones of his hot-blooded Southern nature, such feelings were not yet developed in her. The heart of the THE WRONG MAN. 123 •woman miolit still be IimH" concealed in the vale of lier virgin innocence, and as a poet gives a mystic charm and loveliness to some fancied being, worshipping at the shrine of the image he creates and adores, so Love, who makes us all poets for a time, sheds its own heavenly light over the loved object, and poor Tony became dazzled into the joy of a false belief by the very lustre with which in his imagination Ellen was sur- rounded. " Dear Ellen," said the boy, as he gently took her unresisting hand, " I thought you looked pale, and felt the heat of the room." " How kind and thoughtful you are, Tony," said the girl. " And who would not be kind to you, Ellen ? Tell me, dear, do you like this gay life in the busy city ? " 124 SEVEKED TIES, "I confess I love the country better," she replied. " Oh, yes ! far better than the little I have yet seen of London, and I feel 1 should be happier again with my dear father at Loombe. And you f How do you like the Metropolis ? " " It has no charm for me," said Tony ; "perhaps those who have lived all their lives midst the stir and bustle, may find pleasure and amusement in it, but since my earliest childhood I have been accustomed to a country life, first at Loombe, and then at my dear old tutor's house at Fadua ; my boyhood and youth have been passed mid rural scenes ; my education such as Nature and books could bestow, under the tuition of Dr. Byrne ; my father's fortune and estates made it unnecessary for me to be brought up for any profession ; thus the THE WEONG MAN. 125 world, the bustle of cities, ambition, enter- prise, all seem to me as things belonging to a distant land, to which I shall never stray. Yet, Ellen, I have my dreams, dreams of which my home at Loombe forms a part, but a home not unshared, and lately I have hoped that .those dreams might be realised. As he spoke, he bent his dark lustrous eyes full upon the face of her whom he addressed, and Ellen, with a start, awoke to the consciousness that Tony no longer loved her with the happy innocent love of their childish days, but with all the ardour and passion of a man towards the object of his affection. Pained and alarmed beyond measure, the young girl rose, and begged to return to the music room, but Tony laid a detaining hand on her arm, and begijed 126 SEVERED TIES. her to listen to him, as he poured out the fulness of his love and tenderness, and implored her to give him a word, a sign, of encouraijement. Ellen sat quite still, listening to the poor lad's passionate pleading, and a swift pang came piercing through her at the thought of causing pain to one so dear, and yet feeling the impossibility, and even the horror, of granting his prayer. " Hush, Tony," she at length exclaimed ; " dear Tony, do not so terribly distress me ! I never dreamt of this. Believe me, had I imagined it possible, I should have acted very differently. I have always looked upon you, loved you, as a brother. Pray do not seek to change this sweet relation- ship ; indeed, indeed, dear, I could never feel as you wish." THE WRONG MAN. 127 " Ellen," cried Tony, as he turned deadly- pale, " give me some hope ! Do not drive me to despair. Is it possible that you have not felt, have not seen, how my whole soul is engrossed by and wrapped up in your sweet self ? Would you so suddenly, so hastily, deal the death-blow to my dearest, my fondest hopes ? You have seen so few others, know so little of the world,- it is not possible that your heart is no longer your own. Do not answer me now. Take days, months if you will, to consider it, and when you feel how deeply I love you, when you see my constancy aad devotion, you will perhaps take pity on me." " Nay, dear brother," said Ellen sadly. " I grieve that it should be thus, and could I do aught to alleviate the pain of refusal, or soften the bitterness you must feel, how 128 SEVERED TIES. gladly would I do so, but it would indeed be mistaken kindness and even cruelty on my part, to give you a hope that can never be realised. I shall never marry, dear ; my father claims all my thoughts, all my affec- tion. Eemember he is not young, and is far from strong. What would he do without his little Ellen ? " " But I would help you, dear, to tend and love him. Let him be as a father to me also ; he might live with us always, and I feel sure he would not object to our marriage." " No, Tony, pray say no more. It can never be as you wish. Be as before, my dear, dear brother, and forget that this conversation has passed between us. And now let us rejoin the party ; our absence may be noticed, and cause remark." THE WRONG MAN. 129 Long did our little Ellen ponder, when once again in the solitude of her own chamber, and the first grey streaks of dawn appeared beyond the trees in Kegent's Park before she sought her couch, and then only to toss about and restlessly long for morn- ing. How keenly she realised the differ- ence she would have felt had Meredith spoken the words that poor Tony had so greatly distressed her by uttering. The sun rose and shone into her casement, but the beautiful glowing colours had no charm for her. It was like waking up from a happy little dream, with the sound of beloved voices like music in one's ears, to be suddenly plunged in the dark. Ellen felt that, sooner or later, Sir Charles and Lady Leslie would become acquainted with Tony's proposal and her refusal, that they VOL. II. 25 130 SEVERED TIES, would perhaps blame her for having, though unconsciously, given him en- couragement, and for causing him un- happiness. The agony and despair depicted on the poor boy's countenance, when he became convinced she was in earnest and felt his hopes were crushed, haunted her. What could she do ? Miles distant from her dear old father, and no one to turn to for sym- pathy and counsel. She felt all alone, sud- denly quite desolate in a hard, cruel world, in which she was uncared for, in which she was borne along unwillingly, feeling, oh ! so small and helpless. She scarcely knew what she wished, what she dreaded, but she shrunk from her own self, with an aching void at her heart. She thought it must be a cruel fate that prevented THE WRONG MAN. 131 her meetino; Frank Mereditli. She re- merabered the love that had seemed to flash on her from his kind, grey eyes the night of Mr. Morton's ball, and wondered why he had changed so suddenly, and showed that he did not care to see her. Poor Ellen ! she little knew how hard it was to Meredith, and how he suffered at the thought of the ice wall placed, as he believed, for ever between them. Ah me ! How often is intense suffering caused by a simple misunderstanding. Doors, stairs, conventionalities, are piled in a great heap between two loving souls, and there is nothing so hard to pass as these simple impediments. The stairs are broad and easy to ascend, doors are left ajar, there is nothing to hinder entrance, yet dungeons may be 25* 132 SEVERED TIES. forced open, insurmountable barriers broken asunder, rugged mountains and snowcapped peaks scaled, more easily than these apparently tiny obstacles! L&-^?fS^^—^) ^^¥~*- CHAPTER XI. VARANI AND THE JESUIT. On the evening recorded in the last chapter Paolo Varani sat in his lodgings in deep conversation with his foster brother. Sir Charles Leslie's valet. " Giuseppe," he exclaimed, " it is useless trying to persuade me. I cannot, I will not, bring fresh misery and trouble on the woman I have so deeply loved, and who is still dearer to me than any other human being. Her prayers, her tears, stirred my heart to its innermost depths. My whole nature revolts at the thouofht of addinf? to the sorrow she has 134 SEVERED TIES. already endured. I should, indeed, be a mean, heartless wretch, unworthy of the name of man, could I look on calmly at her suffering, forgetting all she has already borne for my sake ! " " And so," retorted Giuseppe, " through your weakness and ridiculous compassion for the woman who betrayed you and sold herself to the highest bidder " " It is false ! " fiercely interrupted Paolo. " Her mother deceived her, persuaded her /was untrue to her, and she, in despair, consented to the marriage with the English- man ! " " If you are foolish enough to believe a woman, at least don't try to persude me to trust her. As Eve tempted Adam, so would Leonora Leslie beguile you into belief of her innocence. You must indeed be an VaEAKI and the JESUIT. 135 idiot! You journey to this barbarous country, you allow me to act as a common menial to further your revenge, and then, because a woman lets loose the flood-gates of her crocodile tears, you abandon all our projects forsooth, and are willing to leave your own child amongst these dogs of heretics ! " " Nay," said Paolo, " the child must return with me, and the sooner you quit this hateful servitude the better. Help me to get possession of my boy, but j^ou shall not touch a hair of the head of my poor, my beautiful Leonora ! " " Truly," said the Jesuit, " the beauty of a woman is like a flash of lii^htning, a destructive thing, and a cause for desola- tion ! She has ruined your life, Count Paolo, and now love for her warps your 136 SEVERED TIES. understanding and judgment. Did you then calmly agree to leave her ? " " Not exactly," said Paolo. " A noise overhead startled and interrupted us, and Meg Curtis, who was always my hete noire in the old days at Venice, knocked and entered the room almost before 1 had time to escape through the conservatory." " Che il diavolo prende quella strega "* ejaculated Giuseppe. " She's ever in the way, and I believe if she caught sight of you she'd go straightway and tell Sir Charles, and then all our plans would be frustrated. Now promise me. Count, that at least you will try once more to see Leonora. If you really still care for her, why separate her from her child ? Why not give her another *May the fiend take that girl. VARANl AND THE JESUIT. 137 cliance of escaping the wretched, dreary life by the side of the old man her husband, whilst, according even to her own con- fession, her heart is still with you ? " " So be it," gloomily replied Paolo. " But mind, I positively forbid you to interfere, or in any way to injure her. If only she consents to fly with me I will take her and my child to an unknown land, and trouble you no more ! " " In that case," said Giuseppe, " I first demand my guerdon. Think not that / am weak enough to have sacrificed time and brains for nothing. You can neither reach mistress or child without my help. I will do nothing without a portion of the Englishman's gold, and unless you can obtain it I shall inform your fair lady of my true name and. position, claim her 138 SEVERED TIES. diamonds and all she can abstract in return for my services. I swore to enrich my college and despoil the heretic, and if you are weak ^^ou will find that I am firm and as hard as iron ! " " Would that I had never accepted your assistance," replied Paolo. " From the first you tempted me to evil, you endeavour to drown every noble inspiration, to quench all sense of honour, all feeling of com- passion, and now, you would make me a common thief ! No ! I will do without your aid ! I will wait until I myself can find an oj)portunity of again meeting Leonora, and when I do I will tell her who you are and warn her against your villainous schemes ! " Giuseppe, finding he had gone a step too far, and had too greatly roused his foster YAEANI AND THE JESUIT. 139 brother's indignation, now tried to soften matters, averring that he would do nothing to anger him, or injure the woman he loved. Paolo was torn with conflicting emotions. Pity for Leonora, anxiety to shield her from further suflering, a secret conviction that she was right, purer and nobler than he was, yet all mingled with intense love and passion, and a burning desire to hold her in his embrace ! He hesitated, and hesitating, was lost ! The supreme moment passed in which he had the opportunity of freeing himself, and one so dear to him, from the thraldom and power of a villain. Giuseppe grasped his hand, promised help -and fidelity, and the foster brothers remained friends. Poor Paolo, though misguided and sinful, 140 SEVERED TIES. had many redeeming qualities, and his faults- may in some slight measure be un- derstood and palliated. An ardent southern temperament, deeply aflectionate, faithiul and trusting, he had given his whole heart to Leonora Marchetta ; he loved her with a love that could never cease this side of the grave ; her voice was music to his ear, her touch to him as water to a thirsty land \ brightened by her presence, the world seemed beautiful, without her the light was dead, and when she left for England, on account of her mother's failing health, it was understood between them that on her return the marriage should take place. Paolo Varani, as we know, had been left an orphan at an early age, and his education had thus in many points been neglected^ and no religious training had helped to VARANI AND THE JESUIT. HI correct the fierce passionate nature in- herent to him, so wlien lie heard of Leo- nora's wealthy English marriage, he placed no retraint on his wild outburst of rage and grief, and vowed vengeance on all con- cerned in it. When he again saw Leonora at Venice, and learnt how cruelly they had both been deceived, his old passion for her returned with redoubled force, and after long wait- inor and wooini? he succeeded as described, in breaking down the almost insurmount- able barrier that her good principles and religious education had raised between them. Paolo's foster brother, Giuseppe, being of low origin, and reared at a Jesuit College near Venice, through the assistance and in- fluence of Paolo's father, had no fine feelings 142 SEVEEKD TIES. of honour, and thought only how much money he could make out of Count Varani's affection for the baronet's wife. When the guilty attachment was dis- covered that resulted in the duel with Sir Charles Leslie, and Paolo was severely wounded, the Jesuit fancied he saw a way of enriching his Colleire at the expense of the wealthy English heretic, and whilst nursing his foster brother, and healing his wounds, he caused Sir Charles and Lady Leslie to be misinformed respecting his death, appropriated the large sum that had been sent by Leonora that masses might be said for the repose of her lover's soul, and persuaded the latter that Lady Leslie had shown no care or solicitude for him, but had gone off happily and contentedly with her rich English husband. VARANI AND THE JESUIT. 143 Paolo's fierce, passionate temper was aroused, and all the evil of his nature brought forward by this imaginary heart- lessness on the part of his adored Leonora, and at the Jesuit's instigation, he followed her to England seeking vengeance and re- tribution. On seeing her, and hearing that she had really believed the report of his death, the old love returned, and all his thoughts, and indeed his verv life, seemed to hano- on again making her his own. Now he earnestly implored his brother to use his utmost en- deavours to procure another secret meet- ing and with the assurance from the Jesuit that he would vigilantly watch for an op- portunity, and let him know shortly, the brothers parted. In vain did Sir Charles Leslie's valet look 144 SEVERED TIES. out for this occasion ; Leonora had been so upset by the interview with her former lover, and so firmly resolved to run no possible chance of again being tempted to break her solemn promise to her husband, that she never went out alone, changed her room at the villa for one upstairs, that only opened into a dressing room, in which the faithful Meg slept, and persistently kept Ellen or Tony with her in the day time whenever Sir Charles was absent. Her sufferings at this moment were indeed great, at times almost unbearable. The knowledge that the only man she had ever loved was alive and within reach of her, that he still passionately loved her, and might be driven to despair by her refusal, haunted -her day and night. The terror lest he should again approach her, and that VARANI AND THE JESUIT. 145 Sir Charles might see him and wrongly believe her once more guilty, kept her in a constant fever of excitement. The old love that she so bravely tried to stifle and quench, struggled hard to repossess itself of her heart, and she felt that, notwithstand- her prayers and supplications to the Virgin for strength to do her duty and remain henceforth a faithful, honest wife, that her affection still rested on Paolo Varani, and that whilst she lived he alone would hold it. But though this conviction forced itself upon her she was none the less determined to do her duty. As Sir Charles Leslie's wife her place was at his side ; had he been a faithless, cruel, inattentive husband she would have felt differently, but lie was kind, noble, and true, and Leonora was too good a woman not to feel gratitude for VOL. II. 26 146 SEVERED TIES. his generosity in forgiving her before when passion had conquered her better nature to risk falling a second time. So she silently suffered, redoubled her prayers, fasted and imposed penances on herself, according to her religion, and carefully avoided all chance of another meeting with Paolo Varani. Sir Charles Leslie with pain noticed his wife's depression and failing health without being able to account for it. He thought the fatigue and excitement of a London life were too much for her after the sorrow of the last few years, and tried his utmost to soothe and cheer her, inwardly determining that when they returned to Loombe the past should be entirely for- given, that he would take her again to his breast, and show her once more all the love and tenderness of which he was capable. VARANI AND TIIE JESUIT. 47 Ellen, whose heart had been completely won by Lady Leslie's kindness, noticed her pallor and want of spirits, and tried by her affection and companionship to comfort her without havino- the smallest idea of the cause of her trouble ; but Meg, who knew too much of the past to be easily deceived, felt instinctively there was something wrong, and tried her utmost to discover it, that she might be better able to protect and assist her dear mistress. But not even to her faithful attendant would Leonora divulge the secret that was preying on her mind, feeling how useless any human as- sistance could be in the strait in which she was placed. Tony had confided to his mother his grief caused by Ellen's refusal, and Lady Leslie had discussed the circumstance with 26* 118 SEVERED TIES. Sir Charles, but they both thought it wisest to say nothing to the girl, hoping that time might help to change her reso- lution. CHAPTER XII. THE parvenu's children. "Now Dolly, mind, / don't advise it! Course, an I'd be proud to 'ave a noble son-in-law, but Tom don't speak ower well of my Lord Booby, says he's fast, ain't thought much of at the Clubs. I would na loike my dear gal to be un'appy," says old Morton doubtfully, as he throws an arm round his daughter, and draws her to his heart. " Never you trouble about me. Pa," re- plied Miss Dora ; " / can take good care of myself; why! haven't / got the tin? 150 IrEVEREJD TIES. If his lordship didn't behave proper, I'd keep him nice and short. I'd stand no improprieties, I warrant you ! " " All very fine, Dolly, but once married 'e'll be your master, I suspect ; and besides, 'e even objects to all your money being settled on yerself, saying 'e could'na loike to feel 'is dear wife did'na trust 'im." " That's bad," said Dora gravely ; " but couldn't you get over him, Pa ? Say /'d trust him fast enough, but you'd made a vow that whoever I marry my money must be tied up on myself." "It's no go, Dolly. I tried it on, but I'm no match for his lordship ; he coolly told me, that though it would grieve 'ira to give up the match, that 'e could not submit to the fact of being (as he called it) insulted by doubt and want of trust either THE PAEVENUS CHILDREN. 151 on the part of 'is proposed wife or 'er fatlier. Tom strongly advises you to have nothing^ to do with him." " Then Tom's an idiot," said Dora ; " but he never considers position, or raising himself in the world. Some day I expect he'll just be marrying some low, common woman, and disgracing us all ; so I'm sure /'d better get a few steps up the social ladder now, I've the chance. Only to think, Pa, of your Dolly's being a lord's wife ! Why, I shall take precedence over Lady Leslie, for a Baronet can't hold a candle to a Lord, you know ! " " Well, my dear," said the old man, " I suppose you must just 'ave yer own way ; but 'e's an ugly un'ealthy looking wretch and I'll never believe you can love 'im." " Oh ! as to love. Pa, I'm too sensible to 162 SEVERED TIES. think of that ! The man's well enough, and he's very spoony on me ; he'll give me a position above any in our neighbourhood at Loombe, and in London, what with my diamonds and my fortune, I can hold up my head amongst the highest of the land, and no longer have the mortification of seeing a little chit like Ellen Grey put over my head, and receive invitations to Marl- borough House and Buckingham Palace, whilst I am excluded." " And much good do you think the grand invitations will do you, Dolly r" said Tom Morton, who had just entered the room unperceived. " Will you be happier, dear, amongst grand folks, who look down on you, think it a condescension to shake hands with you, and only invite you because of your husband's title ? The THE PARYEKUS CIIILDEEN. 153 Governor and I are plain honest people, Dolly, and not fit to mis with the nobility. They won't like our ways, and we shan't like theirs. If you get amongst 'em, lass, they won't receive your old father or your brother ; not that I want 'em, God knows ; but will you be content without us ? Will you be happier with grandees, who only tolerate you, than amidst your kith and kin and the friends that are in your own station? Ah, sister mine," added Tom, putting an arm round her, and planting a tender kiss on her forehead, " think well, pause a while, dear, before you trust your happiness and your whole life to the care of a roue, a gambler, and fortune hunter, as / believe Lord Booby is. Think you that if you were a penniless lass, instead of an heiress, that his lordship would offer you 154 SEVEEED TIES. his hand and title ? And can any marriage be happy without love ? Without mutual esteem and affinity of ideas and tastes? You would marry Lord Booby for the sake of his title and position ; he seeks you for your gold. Will a few grand acquaintances, and the fact of being called milady, com- pensate you for the loss of a happy home, where you are loved and respected ? " " And pray ichy should I not be loved and respected as Lady Booby?" retorted Dora. " Eemember, Tom, I was educated at Miss Black's school at Clapham ; you might almost call it a London seminary ; was taught the piano and French, and if I can only play ahttle, and my French accent is, as they say, rather difficult to understand, that must have been my stupidity and carelessness, and not a want of proper THE PAEVE^L"S CHILDREN. 155 instruction. Now yow only went to a small day school in Lancashire, for father couldn't afford then, for both of us to go so far ; but you must surely expect me to rise above your "Dear Dolly," said Tom, "far be it from me to wish to prevent your 'rising.' If you had only accepted the young attorney from Berwick, who proposed to you last year, and who would, I firmly believe, have made you a good, kind husband, you would have held a respectable position, and with the Governor's assistance young Smith would soon have bettered himself, and / always thought you icere a little gone on him, and gave the poor man more en- couragement than was right, if you meant to say no."' " Bosh ! " said Dora, though she coloured 156 SEVERED TIES. and looked uncomfortable, " nothing of the sort. / couldn't help Mr. Smith's spoon- ing me, but you don't surely suppose I would be such a fool as to marry him .^ Be called Mrs. Smith indeed, and live at Ber- wick as an attorney's wife, instead of hold- ing the proud name of Lady Booby, have a smart house in London, give parties that will be recounted in the Morning Post and Society papers, and be envied by all my old friends and schoolfellows. No, no, Tom, believe me, I know best, and you'll acknowledge some day how right I am ! " "Well, dear, if you are determined on this horrid sacrifice, I suppose nothing I can say will alter you, and I can only hope and pray it may turn ont better than I expect." " Ah, Dolly, my 'eart misgives me, it does THE PARVENU'S CHILDREN. 157 indeed," said old Morton, sighing, " if you'll ony be content, I don't care for the noble son-in-law. I worked 'ard for the cash, lass, and would'na loike to see it made ducks and drakes of by a spendthrift, and ne'er-do-weel ! " *' Now, Pa, don't you listen to Tom ; let him attend to his own business ; I shan't interfere with him, vyhoever he wants to make up to, so he's no right to meddle with my affairs. If Tom don't wish to marry into the nobility, it's no reason why I shouldn't." " I marry a titled dame ? why you must be mad Sis, even to think of such a thinof. Why none of that sort would ever care for poor, rough, Tom Morton, and you'll never catch me marrying a woman who don't love me, and would take me for my money, and 158 SEVERED TIES. be ashamed of me and the Governor after- wards. So, Pater," said the young man, " you and Dolly had better settle it together without me. I suppose you'll be having the noble lord here to dinner, so I'll just make myself scarce, for I haven't the heart to congratulate him and Dolly ; I have no faith in him, and if I could stop the marriage, I tell you plainly I would, so the less I'm mixed up in it the better. Tie up as much of Dolly's money on herself as you can, and Dolly dear," he added, "don't you think me unkind ; there's nothing I wouldn't do for you, and if ever you are in trouble or distress, remember your brother's house is open to you, and his heart warm and tender towards you, as in the old days, when as little children, -we played together. Till then, lass, I expect we shan't see much of each THE PARVENU'S CHILDREN. 159 other ; our paths in life will be wide apart ; you, as Milady Booby, won't care for the rough, plain-spoken brother, who hopes some day to find a good, honest wench of his own class, who loves him and will marry him for himself alone. None of your grand ladies for me ! No fine London Society madam, who'd give her hand to the wealthy cotton spinner for the sake of his gold, whilst her heart remained with her swell dandy lover. Nay, nay ! Tom Morton's seen enough of the morals and customs of Mayfair, never to trust his happiness to the keeping of one of its members." So saying, off strides Tom to the rendez- vous, at Kensington Gardens, described in a former chapter. Soon after seven. Lord Booby arrives in Belgrave Square, and after a short confer- 160 SEVEKED TIES. ence with old Morton, is allowed to pour forth his love ditty, into the willing ears of Dora, and kiss the rosy cheek of his Jiancee. Lord Booby, who has had plenty of practice in the art of love-making, soon ingratiates himself into the favour of his betrothed, notwithstanding the ill-favoured, cadaver- ous, unhealthy look with which nature had endowed him. Miss Dora is not difficult to please, as it is a lord that woos her, and when her lover tenderly presses for an early marriage, saying that he cannot endure much longer separation, and is only happy at her side, her vanity and self conceit soon induce her to believe him, and the happy event is fixed to take place in a fortnight's time, and later in the evening the noble lord accompanies Miss Dora and her father to Lady Harman's. THE PARVENU'S CHILDREN. 161 Lord Booby, having warned the fair Leonie that she must not expect to see much of him for the next month, and having promised her a good present and re- doubled devotion as soon as money matters were settled, and the first few days of the honeymoon over, devoted his time and thoughts to his intended bride, and all went merrily as marriage bells. Old Morton took, and furnished, a pretty little house in Belgravia for the young couple, whilst Tom offered a handsome present of plate. The Leslies, and other friends of the Morton's, sent costly gifts, but it may be remarked that very few on the bridegroom's side gave anything, though doubtless from curiosity many accepted the invitation to the wedding. VOL. II. 27 162 SEVERED TIES. Dolly's time is fully occupied with the trousseau, which, if lacking in elegance and refinement, is, at least, rich and ex- pensive. A few days after the engagement is announced, Tom entered his father's "study, determined on keeping his promise to Meg Curtis, and telling the Governor how things stood between them. Old Morton was rack- ing his puzzled brain over a letter from his lawyer, regarding Dora's marriage settle- ments, and hailed his son's appearance with delight, expecting help from him. But Tom was in no mood to delay matters, and placing his large, steady hand on the papers before him, instantly claimed the old man's attention, and came straight to the point. " Father," he said, " I come to you as a suppliant for the first time in my life." THE PARVENUS CHILDREN. 163 " Why, Tom, what is the matter ? Out- run the constable, eh ? Have things gone crooked at the factory ? You know, lad, that what's mine is your'n ; tell me all about it! " " Nay, nay. Governor ! I don't want money! All is progressing well, and the receipts this year are larger than last." He hesitated a moment and then blurted out : " I want your consent to my marriage ! " " What ! you also, Tom ! both my children to leave me at once," exclaimed the oJc" man dismayed ! " Nay, Governor," said Tom kindl}^ lay ing his hand on his father's. "I never want to leave you ; the lass I intend to marry will be a good, kind, daughter to you sir ; our house will ever be open to you, and a hearty welcome from us both, and when 27* 164 SEVERED TIES. you want me to stay with you, 111 always come with joy, provided my wife may ac company me." " But who is she, Tom ? Do I know her and her family ? " " Well, Governor, I fear you won't be best pleased, but when I tell you that my whole happiness depends on it, that I love my dear Meg fondly, truly, devotedly, and will never marry anyone but her " " Meg ! " cried old Morton, " and pray who's Meg ? " " Meg Curtis, sir, from Loombe. " What ! Meg ! Lady Leslie's companion ? Do you mean to tell me, you young Jack- anapes," cried Mr. Morton in anger, " that you've been making love to a servant ? " " Well sir, Meg's scarcely a servant. She has been aU her life with Lady Leslie, who THE PARVENU'S CHILDREN. 1C5 treats her more as a friend and companion, than as an attendant." " Friend and companion, indeed ! Bosh ! She's just a common m^enial ! And do you think that I've slaved all my life, and worked my fingers nearly to the bone, for my son to marry a humble companion? Come to vourself, man ! Don't tell me such rot ! You may be sure I'll niver consent." " Oh ! yes you will, Dad. Eemember I've ever been a good and dutiful son to you ; have given way in all things to you and Dolly, often much against my judgment. There's nothing in reason I wouldn't do now, to please ye, but as to giving up the woman I love, and behaving ill to a poor lass, who trusts me, never ! Don't ask Tom Morton to be such a cad." She trusts you does she ? " retorted the 166 SE\^EEED TIES. father. "Do you mean to tell me, Tom, that you've gone and ruined the girl? " " No, no. Governor," interrupted Tom, quickly. " No fear of that ! Meg's a good, honest lass ! Pure and open as the day, above even the suspicion of evil. She bid me tell you, sir, of our* love, and refused even to meet me again, till I had done so." " Like her impudence," said old Morton. " Bold, unblushing impudence, T call it ! Tell me, indeed ! And pray what does the ■wench expect? That I'll give a willing consent, and take Milady's tiring maid to my heart, as a daughter. Never ! " *' Say not so, father," pleaded Tom. *' Don't make the first breach in our lives. Don't force me to disobey you, and marry without your consent." "Tom it's impossible. Think of your THE PARVENU'S CniLDREN. 167 sister's noble marriage. What would she say ? How it would disgrace us before Lord Booby. Don't be such an idiot. Give the girl a present and have done with her." " No, no, Governor, Meg's not that sort. Besides, do you suppose that I'd give a present, to get rid of my intended wife ? I tell you I love her, Dad. Aye ! I love her, as you loved poor mother, whose position / know, was not even equal to Meg's, when you married her, now so many years ago. Was she not a factory girl, of poor but honest parents, and did she make you any the worse wife, sir, because she wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth ? " " Don't talk of your dear mother, Tom," said old Morton, softened in spite of him- C8 SEVERED TIES. self, " She was an angel on earth, lad ; you'll not find 'er equal in an 'urry, but remember our positions now ain't the same. Since your mother's death, you know I came into all that property, and carried on the business with such downright energy, that now I am one of the richest men in London, and it ain't befitting for my son to marry beneath 'im." " Ah ! Dad, dear," said Tom, laying a hand affectionately on his arm. " Don't make me regret your rise in money and position. What would poor mother have said, had she seen Dolly sacrificed on the altar of fashion and rank ? Don't I remem- ber her -last words, as we all knelt round her death-bed, and she kissed little Dolly for the last time, and begged you to guard her, and shield her from all evil and THE PAEVENU'S CHILDR N. 159 temptation. Then slie turned and her weary eyes, over whicli the film of death was fast gathering, rested on me, then a youth of twenty, as she said : ' Tom, be a good, honest, man, and, some day, a kind husband, as your dear father has been to me. Marry a good girl, and keep to her, and love iier, and the dear children that God may give you, but never forget your little sister, Tom ; look after her and comfort your dear father when I am gone.' " Oh ! Dad," said Tom, sadly, " are we obeying poor mother ? She never wished or tried to rise above her station, but she made you a true and loving wife, and was a cjood mother to me and Dollv. I some- times fancy I see her dear eyes looking reproachfully at me, for allowing Lord Booby to take her darling. God knows, no SEVERED TIES. that, even now, / would stop the marriage if I could." " Leave off, boy," said old Morton, as he wiped away a tear. " You unman me. I also would prevent Dolly's marriage, were it possible, but she's as obstinate as a young pig and won't listen to ine. We can only 'ope for the best ; 'e seems devoted enough now, if it lasts ; per'aps 'e's sown 'is wild oats and may after all make a good 'usband. As to yourself, lad, pray think twice before you leap. Yer old father loves ye too well to contradict you, but for mercy's sake any'ow keep it quiet till after Dolly's marriage. I wouldn't dare tell 'er." '' No occasion, Dad. I owe neither con- fidence or obedience to poor Dolly, and I know best what's for my own happiness. THE PARVENU'S CHILDREN. 171 Meg and I only want your consent and blessing, and we'll marry quietly, and cut off to Lancashire, without any one's know- ing aught about it. CHAPTER XIII. UNREQUITED AEFECTION. Two small rooms, tastefully but inexpen- sively furnished, in Garden Court, Temple, constitute the present home of Frank Mere- dith. Since being called to the Bar he had read deeply, and was a close reasoner, though not at present showing great oratorical power. But the young stuff gownsman had many influential sohcitor friends, and already a few briefs appeared on his table, and his ambition and energy made him look forward to " silk " in the distance, and perhaps even a stiU higher UNREQUITED AFFECTION. 173 position as years wore on. He was much sought after in London society, as testified by the number of invitation cards showered upon him, but except to his father's old friends, and to those he deemed might some day assist him professionally, he rarely accepted engagements, being too in- tent on study, and the hope of advancing his career, to care greatly for social enter- tainments. Tony Leslie was a constant visitor, even insisting on being admitted when the outer door of the Chambers was closed, and greatly interrupting Mere- dith's serious work. He entered now, a few days after Lady Harman's party, and throwing himself into an arm-chair, looked sadly and despairingly at his friend. "Why, Tony, old boy, what's the 174 SEVEKED TIES. matter ?" exclaimed Frank. "I hope you are all well at home." "Ellen has refused me," blurted out the boy, in anguish ; " she says she can never love me more than a brother, won't let me speak to her on the subject, and seems quite firm. Oh ! Frank, I am so miserable," he cried, a she hid his face in his hands, and struggled to conceal the bitter tears that choked him. " Come, Tony," said Meredith, laying his hand affectionately on his, " be a man ! Don't give way. It is early days to despair. Miss Grey is very young ; perhaps, after a time, she may think differently." " So the Governor says," replied Tony, " but if you had seen how determined she looked, although she was very kind, and evidently pained at my grief, I think you UNREQUITED AFFECTION. 175 would have aoTeed with me, that there is no hope." And then Tony confided to his friend all the conversation that had passed between him and Ellen. Meredith was deeply grieved at the poor lad's distress, and truly sympathised with him, for had not he also suffered, through love for Ellen, though his manly, self- contained nature enabled him better to hide and struggle against his sorrow ? He tried to reason kindly with him, reminded him of the affection and care bestowed on him, by his parents, and begged him not to afflict them, by giving way, but to use his utmost endeavours to -struggle against, and over- come, what appeared to be a useless passion. But Tony refused lo be com- forted, declared he would go away, hide his misery in a foreign land, and that he 176 SEVERED TIES. no longer cared for his life, or what became of him. "Dear Tony," said Meredith, "do not give way! Command yourself, remember the duty, the love, you owe to your father and mother, Would you desert them, because of a boyish attachment, that at your age can easily be conquered ? Pull yourself together, old fellow ; there are plenty of other fair women in the world ; wait awhile, do nothing rashly! Even supposing Miss Grey may not learn to love you, which is at least very uncertain, surely you would not distress her, by the thought that she had caused vou a lastinoj un- happiness." "Ah, Frank," said Tony, "I believe Ellen would have loved you, and have been happy now, had I not come between you. UNREQUITED AFFECTION. 177 She evidently thinks of me only as a boy, and loves me as a brother, yet I fancy some- times that she is not happy. Ever since Mr. Morton's ball, I have noticed a strange restlessness about her ; a weary, longing look in her eyes, a pallor on her cheek ; she seems to take no interest in the gaieties of a London life, and has often told me she would be happier with her father at Loombe. Can it be possible that you unconsciously won her heart the ni:^J^^?^-,5>Mi^;^r«^^*«&MiBP1i«^ u 08t S* THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. Series 9482