Every letter to her sister Ruth now bore tidingsing height into the sea; that sheet of shining water is of her happiness. The publicity of her arrange-Mercome Bay, into which the river Lune pours its ment with Lord William precluded the possibility silvery stream, after meandering through a pictuof all competition, and consequently applause was lavishly bestowed upon the young beauty, praises were whispered on every hand, and her vista of future existence seemed to open into the region of paradise. "No one can be more happy than I am," said she, in writing to her sister; "I have nothing to wish, except that my father and you should become acquainted with Lord William; and so earnest am I to bring about this completion of my felicity, that I have displeased my aunt more than once, by declaring that I will never marry until Lord William has been down to Brackendell Hall. Notwithstanding all that Lady Lesley has done for me, my father is my father still; and, as such, ought first to be consulted. Besides, I could never ask you, dear Ruth, to visit me in town, until assured that you felt a sisterly regard for my husband." The earnest desire which Grace expressed in this letter still weighed upon her mind; and, in spite of all her aunt's dissuasive eloquence, she insisted that her father was entitled to such a mark of respect. resque and fertile valley; and the ancient castle—” but she was checked in her volubility by Lord William taking out his watch, and asking which was the best inn in Lancaster. Still, in her opinion, he had the royal privilege to think, and act, and do no wrong; and she was only sorry that she had talked too much. Notwithstanding this rebuff, however, Grace was no wiser when the party reached the banks of Windermere; for her warm feelings, fresh from the fountain of Nature, burst forth again, her two companions wondering all the while that any one should fatigue themselves so much about wood and water. The dinner at the inn being altogether well conducted, Lord William was quite in spirits for the evening, and really enjoying an excursion on the lake: but, alas for Grace! instead of expatiating upon the scenery around them, some magical influences struck that chord of memory which brought back Italy to his recollection, and he spent the whole time in telling of a tour he had once undertaken, in company with the young Duke of R—, Lord M, and the Marquis of B; and while recalling his continental associations, a character of monotony was thrown over every immediate ob The next day Grace and her lover ascended Helvellyn, leaving Lady Lesley to bemoan her solitude in the little inn at the foot of the mountain. "Are you quite certain," asked Lord William, before half the fatigue had been gone through, “that we shall be repaid for our trouble?" Months passed away, and this was the only point of difference existing between Lady Lesley and her niece; for the prospect of making a good match has a wonderful effect in conciliating those who favor us with their patronage and protection.ject. At length, the season arrived for leaving town, and Lady Lesley consented to accompany her niece and Lord William on a tour into the north of England, from whence they should return by the lakes, and pay a flying visit to Brackendell Hall. It was, however, a reluctant consent; for her ladyship knew the risk of such an exposure of her brother's "Oh, yes!" exclaimed his young companion: doinestic arrangements, which were carried on in" you will see the world below you like a panoraopen defiance of all new-fangled innovations. But ma!" And she ran on in breathless expectaion to Grace, in the simplicity of her heart, thought only tell the wonders of that world, and winding up as of the enjoyment she was about to share with one her feelings reached the important climax, with an for whose happiness she was more solicitous than assurance that if the day were clear, they should for her own. In spite of Lady Lesley's clouded be able to distinguish Brackendell. How little her brow, the young enthusiast grew more delighted noble auditor cared for that peculiar spot of earth, as the travellers approached her native woods, and she neither knew nor asked; for she had never wild and vehement were her exclamations of joy, studied human nature, but was still walking in the when she caught the first view of that magnificent light of her own eyes, and dancing in the sunshine chain of mountains which forms the northern boun- of her own bright spirit. Besides, she was herself dary of a picture so perfect in its harmony and love-so lovely, so young, so full of hope, and joy, and liness, that those who have dwelt from infancy beneath the walls of the venerable and time-worn castle of Lancaster, may well boast that the world displays little to surpass their native scenery. A deep and heavenly blue was upon the distant mountains, tempered with aerial and mysterious indistinctness which to those who feel the poetry of nature, affords more sublimity and beauty than when every unevenness of outline, sharp ridge, or abrupt declivity is made visible in the clear atmosphere. So true it is that imagination dwells not upon the plain surface of things in the broad light of day, but, choosing rather the undulating wave. the passing cloud, the deep forest, or the shades of night then revels in her own region of mystery and change. unsuspecting confidence, that her unsophisticated character seem to supply to her lover all that we feel to have lost, when the chill of time or selfishness steals over us, and the voice of consciousness tells us, too truly, that we are not what we were. Cold as Lord William might be, and hackneyed as he unquestionably was in the ways of the world, he could not gaze upon the clear eyes of Grace, or feel the influence of her sweet character upon his heart, or acknowledge to herself that his kindness or unkindness might cherish that young spirit into new life, or blight its energies forever, without being inspired, for the time, with a love as fervant as he was capable of feeling: but there was no possibility of his entering into the mine from whence she drew forth all the enjoyment of her life; and they stood together on the top of Helvellyn, with minds as differently tempered as if they had been wander "There are the mountains of Cumberland," said Grace, her face glowing with animation; "to the extreme left is Black Combe, stretching its frown-ers from two distant worlds. Grace had long been shading her eyes, and gazing towards one particular point, when suddenly, she clapped her hands, and, seizing her lover's arm, directed him to look beyond a certain eminence in a line with a little turf of trees. “ There!" said she, in an ecstacy of joy, "is dear, happy Brackendell! where the woods are so beautiful and the waters so clear-where my father lives, and my sister Ruth, and where we shall all soon be together!" mown grass, and innumerable roses clustering together in blushing beauty, and scenting the evening with the ever-welcome perfume. It was altogether exactly such a scene as Grace would have desired to point out to her lover as her own dear Brackendell; and her cheek glowed with exultation, as the carriage wound in amongst the shrubs, and round the smooth lawn where her father was already standing, in anxious expectation of their arrival. Lord William did his best to discover the precise Lady Lesley blushed also as she alighted at the object, but failed to exhibit any extraordinary plea- door, but the color that suffused her countenance sure at the discovery; and Grace, a little disappoint- was as different as that of her niece, as were the ed by his manner, said she could only pardon him, emotions which gave them birth. Her ladyship because he had never been there. There was, blushed for the uncouth aspect which she knew however, something to pardon besides this fault-that everything would present within; but most of his lordship was extremely fatigued in ascending the mountain, and not in the best possible humor, because, as he said, there was nothing to repay him for the trouble. all, she blushed for a homely damsel, whom Grace presented to Lord William as her sister Ruth, and whom his lordship, in spite of all his self-possession, could not help regarding for one moment, with unfeigned astonishment. Ruth Kennedy, unlike her father, was, in reality, what she professed to be-a lover of simplicity; and it had not occurred to her to adorn herself on this occasion, with anything different from her usual costume, which happened to be exactly the kind her aunt had condemned as intolerable for her waiting woman two years ago. She had quick Oh! what a cold, cold chill, comes along withness enough, however, to perceive, and was sensithe first conviction that we are unable to participate with those who are the destined companions of our future lives in the fondly cherished feelings which are nearest and dearest to the heart! The day appointed for the travellers to reach the place of their temporary rest was smiling and sunny, just such as Grace would have chosed had she made interest with the elements; and she looked up to the clear sky, and around upon the verdant woods, with hope in her bright eyes, and the glow of gratitude upon her cheeks. Her aunt and Lord William were both silent-silent for reasons of their own-and she had all her warm feelings to herself. For a long time she was silent too; but in passing through a beautiful valley by the side of the very stream which swelled into a river before it reached her father's domains, her heart was too full of unparticipated enjoyment; and laying her hand upon Lord William's she exclaimed,-"Is not this happiness? Oh! I never, never can deserve to be half so happy as I now am!" It was an easy and natural thing for her lover to raise that gentle hand to his lips; and she poor child of simplicity! accepted such meagre sign of sympathy as a token of deep and unutterable tenderness. tive enough to feel, the effect of her homely appearance on the fashionable visiters-and even on her sister herself. When the little company assembled down stairs to the rural and substantial repast, of which Ruth and her father pressed them to partake, with the somewhat over anxious hospitality which prevails in country life, poor Grace, from a succession of mal-occurrences, was unable to eat; Lady Lesley found nothing to gratify her sickly appetite; and Lord William showed but too plainly, that he felt himself decidedly out of his element. Michael Kennedy had donned his best attire that day with more than his wonted precision; and a little undecided whether he should overawe his visiter, by the imposing dignity of his own person, or conciliate his favor by more courteous manners than he was accustomed to assume, acted a sort of middle part, as unsatisfactory to himself as to every one besides, The party at Brackendell Hall retired early, to their respective apartments, that night, some complaining of fatigue, and others really feeling it. The two sisters went together to the quiet chamber, which Grace had always called her own; but from some inexplicable cause, neither of them knew exactly what to say; and after performing a variety of kind offices, Ruth took up her candle to depart. The kiss which she pressed upon her sister's cheek was as affectionate as in the days of her infancy, and yet no sooner had she closed the door, than Grace, covering her face with both her hands, burst into tears. At that sweet hour of day, when the sun appears to be just touching the western horizon, and his last golden tints are upon the trees, whose lengthened shadows extend over the quiet earth, the travellers, passing through an avenue of elms, entered the green lawn which stretched from the walls of the mansion down to the little river, now gliding over a wider bed, and pursuing its serpentine course through rich meadows and pastures, sprink- A few hours ago," said she to herself, "I was led over with flocks and lowing herds. The old the happiest creature upon earth; and now I cannot Hall, covered almost to the roof with festoons of tell what ails me, but every thing looks changedbright foliage, stood embowed in the midst of woods I fear" (and she spoke aloud in the anguish of her inore ancient than its own massive walls, its heavy feeling) "I fear I have lost my simplicity of heart." and sombre aspect might have prevailed over the It was long that night before Grace had sighed whole, had it not been for the vivid hues of the new-herself to sleep, and when she arose in the morning her beauty had lost something of its brightness, and ance of the ladies, to break the monotony of gloom. her voice was less joyous in its tone. What was For sometime all went on well in the dining room, to be done with the day?" was a question which and the ladies had time to think of themselves and no one dared to ask, because each was unprepared each other. Grace had weighty affairs to lay bewith a reply. Michael Kennedy had fishing rods, fore her aunt and sister, and the consultation was and lines, nets, and tackle in abundance—but Lord | kept up with spirit and earnestness, until certain William was not fond of the sport; he had horses-sounds issuing from the dining room, threw a panic but Lord William was fatigued with his journey; over the little group. Lady Lesley started up and he had an observatory on the top of a neighboring rang the bell. "Tell the gentlemen that coffee hill-but Lord William had seen enough of Cum-waits," was her often repeated command-but still berland; he had a green-house full of geraniums— no gentlemen appeared. At length she ventured but Lord William heeded them not. In short, he to the door, and heard her brother in a voice pitched had all the world for himself, and nothing for his to the loudest key, raving about the aristocracy, guest; and mortified by the failure of every attempt parliamentary reform, the people, and the people's to please, he led him to a summer-house, where rights; while a sullen murmur responded from the Grace was sitting, and left her to the performance opposite side of the room, in which she could just of that unceasing female duty, the amusement of distinguish the words, "ignorance,” and “plebeian those that are too indolent to amuse themselves. presumption." What was to be done? Fertile in Grace, who had been yielding to a slight feeling expedients, her ladyship returned to the sisters, and, of melancholy, immediately roused herself, and by a slightly exaggerated account, soon terrified spoke with animation of the prospect, the garden, Ruth into silence, and Grace into hysteries. A the woods, and every thing she could think of as scene was the precise thing wanted; and Lady likely to produce even the smallest degreee of in- Lesley hurrying again to the dining room, and terest; but this cheerful part is difficult to maintain throwing open the door, called out, in an agitated in the presence of a single dull auditor, and Grace voice, that poor Grace was taken frightfully ill. recollecting the powers of music, ran into the house | Lord William, whose impulses, when he had any, for her guitar. She was quickly seated by the side were not naturally unkind, rushed to her assistance, of Lord William again, and without thought or prelude began to sing his favorite song. Charmed, like the monarch of Israel he reclined in listless inactivity, while the baliny state of the atmosphere, the singing of the birds, the constant rustling of the leaves in a gentle summer wind, and the monotonous huin of innumerable insects, at last soothed the lordly listener into something very much like slum-she had on hand, she became more decided in her ber; and when Grace looked up for his approving smile, she saw that his eyelids were closed, and that he had fallen into forgetfulness of her and her music. There are some, even amongst women, who would have ceased to play; but Grace went on with untiring patience, lest the change from sound to silence, should disturb his repose; and if any one should stay to ask why she sometimes dashed away a tear, they can know little of the inner workings of the female heart. When Lord William awoke-to wonder what he should do next—the spirits of his companion were sinking fast under the responsibility of maintaining the credit of rural life. Each hour grew more tedious than the last; and the lovers were both convinced that to be happy in the country required either more love, or more sympathy, than was necessary in town. "Let us return, dear aunt," said Grace to Lady Lesley, whose looks grew more animated at the first sound of such a proposition-"let us return to town, where Lord William will be more at home." Lady Lesley pressed upon the forehead of her niece a gracious kiss, and both descended to the dining room quite satisfied that, under present circumstances, they had seen enough of country life. and in another moment, her father was supporting her. The aristocracy and the people were alike forgotten, and Lady Lesley congratulated herself once again upon her readiness of invention. Aware, however, that if the maintenance of the peace depended upon a scene being got up every day, it would require a greater stock of talent than plan of setting off on the following morning; nor was one sign of regret exhibited by any of the party. These are the consequences of your childish fancies!" whispered Lady Lesley, with an angry look at her niece, after they had travelled an hour without speaking, and Grace lifted up her blue eyes with a gentle smile, and answered-" You know I am but a child, dear aunt." The expression of her face, and her innocent reply, were well calculated to turn away wrath; and the travellers sunk again into silence, from which nothing more aroused them during the first stage of their journey. Had Grace Kennedy possessed a magical key, by which to open the hearts of men, she would have seen in that of her lover a confused mass of images, boding ill to her future happiness. A few words, such as "rude manners," "country cousins," "low connexions," and "how to break it off," would have assisted her understanding; but the countenance of a man of the world tells nothing, and Lord William's lips were mute. all her endeavors to be cheerful. She had two leaden weights to animate, and her own buoyancy at last gave way; nor would it have been easy to find more weary travellers, than this uncommunicable trio when they at last reached town." Vain were It was easy to perceive from the countenance of The first welcome which thrilled upon the ear of Michael Kennedy, that the high tone of courtesy Grace when she retired to her own chamber, was which he had at first assumed was nearly exhausted. the voice of her happy little bird. "Alas!" said His hospitality was less pressing, his words less she, "this poor prisoner is still singing the same fluent; and but for the choice of wines, which it song-but I am changed; I have been miserable in was at all times a pleasure to display, there would my father's house. I am no longer the child of simhave been nothing left behind, on the disappear-plicity!" Through the whole of that dull evening, Lord tenderness of her own feelings, Grace had already William came not to inquire whether Grace had persuaded herself that it was impossible for such suffered from her journey; and on the following links to be broken, when suddenly she was aroused morning, his manner was less affectionate, and by the expected summons at the door. She opened more constrained than usual. Day after day pas-it, received a note, and then bolted it again, without sed on without any alteration, and he had not heart enough to perceive, that whenever Grace rose up to bid him Good-bye, she was unable to look him in the face for the tears which gathered in her eyes. Lady Lesley grew anxious and irritated. The promised connexion, which had afforded her so much satisfaction, was losing its character of certainty; and she vented her feelings in reproaches against the innocent sufferer who had, even without them, quite sufficient to endure. What expedients will women, even reckless of their future wretchedness, invent! Grace Kennedy possessed, in reality, more firmness of mind than those who saw only her delicate features, slight form, and gentle movements, would have given her credit for; and on the seventh day, or rather the seventh evening after her return to town, she was seated with one hand pressed closely upon her fair forehead, while with the other she traced these words with a trembling hand : any deviation from her usual manner; but, when quite certain that she was alone, a strange tremor seized her, and with difficulty she broke the seal, though all the while a cherub smile was playing on her lips; for "now," thought she, "I shall be re-assured that he loves me." The note from Lord William was delicately, nay, kindly worded; so much so, that Grace was some time in unravelling its true meaning. In the end, however, it was plain enough. His lordship gratefully accepted her proposal, and the affair was all over. She did not know that it was the anticipation of this effort which still kept her mind in action; and that when all was done which depended upon herself, there would come a season of dispair, to which it would be mockery to give the name of peace. Midnight came, and Grace was seated in what might once have been called an easy chair, her head resting against the high back, the open letter still held in one hand, while the other was drooping at her side. The first dawn of morning appeared. and she was still in the same situation-still in the same attitude. The twilight dawn of the morning passed away, and the full light of a summer's day shone forth. The well known voice of an old friend "I allude to the state of your feelings without re- at last awoke the dreamer from her long, deep revproach. It may possibly be the natural consequen-ery. It was the merry warble of her bird; and ces of what you have lately seen. Whatever may Grace arose to depart for the customary avocations be the cause, I shall not make it my business now of the day. One tremendous effort was still to be to inquire, since the simple fact that they are chang-made, and “then," said she, "I shall be at peace." ed is enough for me to feel; and now I entreat you to listen to the proposition I am about to lay before you, as the last act of kindness from one who would have done you many. The connexion between us, which has now existed for twelve months, is too well known to the world for you to recede with any degree of credit to yourself. I, therefore, propose, (entirely from regard to your feelings and your honor,) that I should formally renounce you, and I do this with full purpose of heart, in order that you may be able to say it was of my own choosing. To all impertinent inquiries, you must answer that I have declined continuing the acquaintance. My aunt will be the most difficult to deceive; but you need not fear that I shall fail in the part I have to act. Only one thing more I beg of you; that since we must meet again, you will endeavor to spare me any unnecessary pain. I shall not often put your kindness to the test, for it is my determination to return again to my father's family." Poor Grace! had she trusted herself with one word of affection from the deep fountain which she was about to close-one farewell wrung from the anguish that was rending her heart-one blessing out of the secret prayers that supported her spirits, her resolution must inevitably have failed; but she hastily folded up and sealed the letter, and, consigning it to a faithful messenger, sat down to ponder upon what she had done, and awaited the dreadful result. Poor Grace! she was but young in that fearful strife between firmness and feeling; and love came back with rosy wings and fluttered round her heart, soothing her with confidence that she would | not be forsaken; and memory brought back her store of treasured images, kind trivial acts and gentle looks; and she too whispered, "Behold all these! he never will forsake thee." When the important information was communicated to Lady Lesley, her wrath was beyond all bounds. In vain Grace entreated that she might not be questioned too closely. Her ladyship would ask questions. She insisted upon an explanation. She had a right to know every thing. "I will just tell you thus far," said Grace, as she pressed the arm of her aunt, and looked imploringly in her face-"it is I alone who am to blame-I alone deserve to bear the weight of your reproof." "I thought as much! exclaimed Lady Lesley, enraged beyond the power of forbearance ; and she went on with a storm of bitter reproaches, which might not soon have ceased, but that on turning sharply upon her niece, she found that she had fainted. Lady Lesley was considerably alarmed, and sorry that she had gone so far; for she was affectionately if not tenderly attached to her young charge; who, when her short respite from suffering was over, arose for the first time in her life to assume a false character. How much it cost her might be seen by her burning cheeks, the unnatural brightness of her eyes, her sudden movements, and all other outward indications of a secret struggle with some overwhelming emotion. In this manner some days passed on with Grace. At last, her strength began to fail, and she told her aunt how much she wanted country air, and begged to be permitted to return to Brackendell. "Perhaps upon the whole," replied Lady Lesley, "it would be better that you should. It is now of Hour after hour passed away, while, lost in the little consequence where you go. Your character is stamped with caprice, and no one will depend upon your affections." Grace said nothing in reply. Tear after tear was streaming from her eyes, but she spoke not a word in her own vindication. "One thing I must request," said Lady Lesley; "I have engaged a party for Thursday evening, and it is necessary for the support of your own dig nity, that you should be there and appear cheerful in the presence of Lord William." "It matters little," said Grace, when left alone, after pondering upon what her aunt had said; "I cannot be more wretched than I am now, and the evening will soon be over." Among the guests who arrived at Lady Lesley's door on the following Thursday, no one appeared more collected, more self-possessed, than Lord William. If his gravity was more marked than usual, it still wore nothing of the character of sadness, and Grace received him only with the same hurried manner and fluttering breath, with which she addressed herself to others on the common topics of the day. On such an evening as that which had so lately welcomed the travellers to Brackendell Hall, the equipage of Lady Lesley was again seen winding in amongst the trees and shrubs, and round by the green lawn to the door of the venerable mansion, where a different reception awaited the lonely wanderer, who had come to dwell amongst her own people. Michael Kennedy had now no need to assume any other character than that which really belonged to him-a generous friend, and doating parent; and Ruth embraced her sister with the warm and undisguised affection of their former years. “You are ill, dear Grace," she exclaimed; and Michael Kennedy looked concerned, and said he knew she had remained too long in town; and talked about the bracing air of the mountains, and how soon it would restore her bloom. But Grace only shook her head, and answered," It is better-much bet ter, that I should be here." Before the sisters retired to rest that night, they had an entire explanation of what had passed, with many charges from Grace that her secret should be maintained inviolate. "For I determined," continued she, "that to you alone would I reveal it; and do not name it to me often, dear Ruth, I will not trouble you much with what I have suffered, or may suffer yet; but I entreat you, my best and dearest friend, to bear with me, if, when the sun is shining, and the woods are green, and the birds are singing, I cannot wander forth and listen to them as I have done, nor enter into full participation of your hap All seemed to be passing off well. Grace moved The wild bird seeks the mountain rill Alone, But I am all alone! It was not thus-not thus with me, And now I'm all alone! It was too much-the poor sufferer had tried her strength too far, and she was obliged to hasten out of the room to avoid the exposure of a violent fit of weeping. When Grace had closed the door of her own chamber, she gave full vent to her long imprisoned feelings, while at intervals she could hear the music from the drawing-room, and distinguish the tunes she had been accustomed to play to willing and apparently delighted listeners. "And this is the world," exclaimed she, "for which I have sacrificed my peace of mind! No, no, I owe the world no grudge. I never loved it, nor sought its vanities; but there was one" and she wept again with uncontrolled and unmitigated anguish. Well was it for Grace that she had made the proviso; for when her father called her into the garden, on the following morning, and showed her his flowers, Ruth stepped forward, and, by more than wonted vivacity, spared her sister the powerful exertion of being pleased. It became necessary, however, to explain to the old man the cause of her remaining with them: and when Ruth had told her father just so much as she could not well avoid, he exclaimed, with warmth, that he had never liked the match, and was truly glad to find it broken off; nor did his dutiful daughter deem it prudent or desirable to remind him of the part he had himself taken in promoting it. It was all in vain! Human skill and human consolation failed alike. The one was powerless to restore the body, the other unavailing to support the mind. "It is all in vain!" said the poor sufferer as she looked up into her sister's face-"we are struggling with a broken heart. For your sake, dear Ruth, I have contended with my feelings, I have tried to live; but my strength is failing every day, and you must forgive me if I cease to strive." I can forgive you," answered Ruth; "and since cannot save your precious life, I would almost rather lay your head in the grave, than see you suffer thus. I can forgive you-but will He forgive you who has appointed our duties, and amongst them that of self-preservation? I can have no wish to detain you longer, but for the selfish purpose of seeing and serving you; but, may there not still be some unfolding of His gracious will, some guerdon to receive at the eleventh hour?" And from that day, Grace expressed no further wish to depart before her appointed time, but drank her bitter draught, I 66 |