which he was disabled from giving personal treaty subsisting between the two families ; attention to his own interest. My father, in- and with what keen and spirited strokes of deed, employed all his diligence and address, satire he retorted the sarcasms of Darnel. and spared neither money, time, nor con- “ He no sooner concluded his harangue, stitution, till at length he drank himself into than there was such a burst of applause, as a consumption, which was the death of him. seemed to rend the very sky. Our music But, after all, there is a great difference be- immediately struck up; our people advanced tween a steward and a principal. Mr Dar- with their ensigns, and, as every man had a nel attended in propria persona, flattered good cudgel, broken heads would have enand caressed the women, feasted the elec- sued, had not Mr Darnel and his party tors, hired mobs, made processions, and thought proper to retreat with uncommon scattered about his money in such a manner, dispatch. He never offered to make another that our friends durst hardly show their heads public entrance, as he saw the torrent ran so in public.

violently against him ; but sat down with “ At this very crisis, our young squire, to his loss, and withdrew his opposition, though whom his father had written an account of at bottom extremely mortified and incensed. the transaction, arrived unexpectedly at Sir Everhard was unanimously elected, and Gravesbury-hall, and had a long private con- appeared to be the happiest man upon earth; ference with Sir Everhard. The news of for, besides the pleasure arising from his his return spread like wild-fire through all victory over this competitor, he was now fulthat part of the country, bonfires were made, ly satisfied that his son, instead of disgracing, and the bells set a-ringing in several towns would do honour to bis family. It would have and steeples; and next morning above seven moved a heart of stone to see with what a hundred people were assembled at the gate, tender transport of paternal joy he received with music, flags, and streamers, to welcome his dear Launcelot, after having heard of his their young squire, and accompany him to deportment and success at Ashenton, where, the borough of Ashenton. He set out on by-the-bye, he gave a ball to the ladies, and foot with his retinue, and entered one end displayed as much elegance and politeness, of the town just as Mr Darnel's mob had as if he had been bred at the court of Vercome in at the other. Both arrived about sailles. the same time at the market place; but Mr “ This joyous season was of short duraDarnel, mounting first into the balcony of tion: in a little time all the happiness of the the town-house, made a long speech to the family was overcast by a sad incident, which people in favour of his own pretensions, not hath left such an unfortunate impression without some invidious reflections glanced upon the mind of the young gentleman, as, I at Sir Everhard, his competitor.

am afraid, will never be effaced. Mr Dar. “We did not much mind the acclamation nel's niece and ward, the great heiress, of his party, which we knew had been hired whose name is Aurelia, was the most celefor the purpose ; but we were in some pain brated beauty of the whole country ; if I said for Mr Greaves, who had not been used to the whole kingdom, or indeed all Europe, speak in public. He took his turn, how- perhaps I should barely do her justice. I don't ever, in the balcony, and, uncovering his pretend to be a limner, gemmen; nor does head, bowed all around with the most enga- it become me to delineate such excellence ; ging courtesy. He was dressed in a green but surely I may presume to repeat from the frock trimmed with gold, and his own dark play, hair flowed about his ears in natural curls,

"Oh! she is all that painting can express, while his face was overspread with a blush,

Or youthful poets fancy when they love!' that improved the glow of youth to a deeper crimson; and I dare say set many a female

“ At that time she might be about sevenheart a-palpitating. When he made his first teen ; tall and fair, and so exquisitely shaped appearance, there was just such a humming —you may talk of your Venus de Medicis, and clapping of hands as you may have heard your Dianas, your nyinphs, and Galateas : when the celebrated Garrick comes upon but if Praxiteles, and Roubillac, and Wilton, the stage in King Lear, or King Richard, or were to lay their heads together, in order to any other top character. But how agreea- make a complete pattern of beauty, they bly were we disappointed, when our young would hardly reach her model of perfection. gentleman made such an oration as would As for complexion, poets will talk of blend. not have disgraced a Pitt, an Egmont, or a ing the lily with the rose, and bring in a parMurray! While he spoke, all was hushed in cel of similes of cowslips, carnations, pinks, admiration and attention ; you could have and daisies. There's Doily, now, has got a almost heard a feather drop to the ground. It very good complexion : indeed she's the very would have charmed you to hear with what picture of health and innocence—you are, modesty he recounted the services which indeed, my pretty lass ;-but parva compohis father and grandfather had done to the nere magnis. Miss Darnel is all amazing corporation; with what eloquence he expa- beauty, delicacy, and dignity! Then the tiated upon the shameful infraction of the softness and expression of her fine blue eyes ;

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her pouting lips of coral hue ; her neck, that | dozen gentlemen, who had watched their rises like a tower of polished alabaster be- motions. It was in vain for them to dissemtween two mounts of snow. I tell you what, ble their design, which could not now take gemmen, it don't signify talking ; if e'er a effect. They gave up their pistols, and a one of you was to meet this young lady reconciliation was patched up by the pressalone, in the midst of a heath or common, oring remonstrances of their common friends; any unfrequented place, he would down on but Mr Darnel's hatred still rankled at bot. his knees, and think he kneeled before some tom, and soon broke out in the sequel. About supernatural being. I'll tell you more; she three months after this transaction, his niece not only resembles an angel in beauty, but a Aurelia, with her mother, having been to saint in goodness, and a hermit in humili- visit a lady in the chariot, the horses being ty; so void of all pride and affectation'; so young, and not used to the traces, were soft, and sweet, and affable, and humane! startled at the braying of a jack-ass on the Lord! I could tell such instances of her cha- common, and, taking fright, ran away with rity!

the carriage, like lightning. The coachman “ Sure enough, she and Sir Launcelot was thrown from the box, and the ladies were formed by nature for each other ; screamed piteously for help. Mr Greaves howsoever, the cruel hand of fortune hath chanced to be a-horseback on the other side intervened, and severed them for ever. of an inclosure when he heard their shrieks, Every soul that knew them both said it was and, riding up to the hedge, knew the chaa thousand pities but they should come to- riot, and saw their disaster. The horses gether, and extinguish, in their happy union, were then running full speed, in such a dithe mutual animosity of the two families, rection as to drive headlong over a precipice which had so often embroiled the whole into a stone quarry, where they and the chaneighbourhood. Nothing was heard but the riot and the ladies must be dashed in pieces. praises of Miss Aurelia Darnel and Mr “ You may conceive, gemmen, what his Launcelot Greaves; and, no doubt, the parties thoughts were when he saw such a fine were prepossessed by this applause in favour young lady, in the flower of her age, just of each other. At length Mr Greaves went plunging into eternity : when he saw the one Sunday to her parish church; but, though lovely Aurelia on the brink of being precipithe greater part of the congregation watched tated among rocks, where her delicate limbs their looks, they could not perceive that she must be mangled and torn asunder; when he took the least notice of him, or that he perceived, that, before he could ride round seemed to be struck with her appearance. by the gate, the tragedy would be finished. He afterwards had an opportunity of seeing The fence was so thick and high, flanked her, more at leisure, at the York assembly, with a broad ditch on the outside, that he during the races; but this opportunity was could not hope to clear it, although he was productive of no good effect, because he had mounted on Scipio, bred out of Miss Cowslip, that same day quarrelled with her uncle on the sire Muley, and his grandsire the famous the turf.

Arabian Mustapha. Scipio was bred by my “An old grudge, you know, gemmen, is father, who would not have taken a hundred soon inflamed to a fresh rupture. It was guineas for him from any other person but thought Mr Darnel came on purpose to show the young squire.-Indeed, I have heard my his resentment. They differed about a bet poor father say—" upon Miss Cleverlegs, and, in the course of By this time Ferret's impatience was bethe dispute, Mr Darnel called him a petulant come so outrageous, that he exclaimed, in a boy. The young squire, who was as hasty furious tone,

—" Damn your father, and his as gunpowder, told him he was man enough horse, and his colt into the bargain !" to chastise him for his insolence; and would Tom made no reply, but began to strip do it on the spot, if he thought it would not with great expedition. Captain Crowe was interrupt the diversion. In all probability so choked with passion, that he could utter they would have come to points immediately, nothing but disjointed sentences : he rose had not the gentlemen interposed : so that from his seat, brandished his horsewhip, and, nothing further passed, but abundance of seizing his nephew by the collar, cried, foul language on the part of Mr Anthony,“ Odds heartlikins! sirrah, I have a good and a repeated defiance to single combat. mind — Devil fire your running tackle, you

“ Mr Greaves, making a low bow, retired land lubber !-can't you steer without all this from the field : and in the evening danced at tacking hither an thither, and the Lord the assembly with a young lady from the knows whither ?—'Noint my block! I'd bishopric, seemingly in good temper and give thee a rope's end for thy supper if it spirits, without having any words with Mr wan't--" Darnel, who was also present. But in the Dolly had conceived a sneaking kindness morning he visited that proud neighbour be. for the young lawyer, and, thinking him in times ; and they had almost reached a grove danger of being roughly handled, flew to his of trees on the north side of the town, when relief. She twisted her hand in Crowe's they were suddenly overtaken by half-a- | neckcloth without ceremony, crying,

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“Sha't then, I tell thee, old codger,—who good cheer, and jollity, and assist with culikears a vig vor thy voolish trantrums ?" nary art the raw, unpractised, awkward

While Crowe looked black in the face, guest. and ran the risk of strangulation under the But to return from this digressive simile :gripe of this amazon, Mr Clarke having dis- The other no sooner stept between those engaged himself of his hat, wig, coat, and menacing antagonists, than Tom Clarke waistcoat, advanced in an elegant attitude very quietly resumed his clothes, and Mr of manual offence towards the misanthrope, Ferret resigned the gridiron without farther who snatched up a gridiron from the chim- question. The doctor did not find it quite ney corner, and discord seemed to clap her so easy to release the throat of Captain sooty wings in expectation of battle. But, Crowe from the masculine grasp of the virago as the reader may have more than once ,al- Dolly, whose fingers could not be disengaged ready cursed the unconscionable length of until the honest seaman was almost at the this chapter, we must postpone to the next last gasp. After some pause, during which opportunity the incidents that succeeded this he panted for breath, and untied his neckdenunciation of war.

cloth,“ Damn thee for a brimstone galley,” cried he, “I was never so grappled withal

since I knew a card from a compass. AdCHAPTER IV.

zooks! the jade has so taughtened my rig

ging, d'ye see, that I-Snatch by bowlines, In which it appears that the knight, when if I come athwart thy hawser, I'll turn thy

heartily set in for sleeping, was not easily keel upwards—or mayhap set thee a-driving disturbed.

under bare poles—I will-I will, you hell-fire,

saucy-I will” In all probability the kitchen of the Black Dolly made no reply, but, seeing Mr Clarke Lion, from a domestic temple of society and sit down again with great composure, took good fellowship, would have been converted her station likewise at the opposite side of into a scene or stage of sanguinary dispute, the apartment. Then Mr Fillet requested had not Pallas or Discretion interposed in the lawyer to proceed with his story, which, the person of Mr Fillet, and, with the assist- after three hems, he accordingly prosecuted ance of the ostler, disarmed the combatants, in these words : not only of their arms, but also of their re- “I told you, gemmen, that Mr Greaves sentinent.

was mounted on Scipio, when he saw Miss The impetuosity of Mr Clarke was a little Darnel and her mother in danger of being checked at sight of the gridiron, which Fer- hurried over a precipice. Without reflectret brandished with uncommon dexterity; a ing a moment, he gave Scipio the spur, and circumstance from whence the company at one spring he cleared five and twenty feet, were, upon reflection, induced to believe, over hedge and ditch, and every obstruction. that, before he plunged into the sea of poli. Then he rode full speed, in order to turn the tics, he had occasionally figured in the cha-coach-horses; and, finding them quite wild racter of that facetious droll who accompa- and furious, endeavoured to drive against nies your itinerant physicians, under the the counter of the hither horse, which he familiar appellation of Merry-Andrew or missed, and staked poor Scipio on the pole Jack-Pudding, and on a wooden stage en- of the coach. The shock was so great, that tertains the populace with a solo on the salt- the coach-horses made a full stop within ten box, or a sonata on the tongs and gridiron. yards of the quarry, and Mr Greaves was Be that as it may, the young lawyer seemed thrown forwards towards the coach-box, to be a little discomposed at the glancing of which, mounting with admirable dexterity, this extraordinary weapon of offence, which he seized the reins before the horses couid. the fair hands of Dolly had scoured, until it recover of their fright. At that instant the had shone as bright as the shield of Achilles, coachman came running up, and loosed them or as the emblem of good old English fare, from the traces with the utmost dispatch. which hangs by a red ribbon round the neck Mr Greaves had now time to give his attenof that thrice-honoured sage's head, in vel- tion to the ladies, who were well nigh disvet bonnet cased, who presides by rotation tracted with fear. He no sooner opened at the genial board, distinguished by the title the chariot-door, than Aurelia, with a wildof the beef-steak club; where the delicate ness of look, sprung into his arms, and, rumps irresistibly attract the stranger's eye, clasping him round the neck, fainted away. and, while they seem to cry,—“come cut I leave you to guess, gemmen, what were me, come cut me,” constrain, by wondrous his feelings at this instant. The mother sympathy, each mouth to overflow; where was not so discomposed, but that she could the obliging and humorous Jemmy B- —t, contribute to the recovery of her daughter, the gentle Billy H-d, replete with human whom the young squire still supported in his kindness, and the generous Johnny R-d, embrace. "At length she retrieved the use respected and beloved by all the world, at- of her senses, and, perceiving the situation tend as the pricsts and ministers of mirth, in which she was, the blood revisited her

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face with a redoubled glow, while she de- | ner in which he spoke that the old quarrel sired him to set her down upon the turf. was not yet extinguished, answered, with

“Mrs Darnel, far from being shy or re- equal disdain, that the visit was not intended served in her compliments of acknowledge - for him; and that, if he wanted to know the ments, kissed Mr Launcelot without cere- cause of it, he might inform himself by his mony, the tears of gratitude running down own servants. •So I shall,' cried the uncle her cheeks: she called him her dear son, her of Aurelia, .and perhaps let you know my generous deliverer, who, at the hazard of his sentiments of the matter.' Hereafter, as own life, had saved her and her child from it may be,' said the youth, who, turning out the most dismal fate that could be imagined. of the avenue, walked home, and made his

“Mr Greaves was so much transported on father acquainted with the particulars of this this occasion, that he could not help dis- adventure. closing a passion which he had hitherto in- “ The old gentleman chid him for his rashdustriously concealed. •What I have done,' ness, but seemed pleased with the success said he, was but a common office of hu- of his attempt, and still more so, when he manity, which I would have performed for understood his sentiments of Aurelia, and any of my fellow-creatures; but, for the pre- the deportment of the ladies. servation of Miss Aurelia Darnell, I would " Next day the son sent over a servant at any time sacrifice my life with pleasure.' with a compliment to inquire about their The young lady did not hear this declaration health; and the messenger, being seen by unmoved; her face was again flushed, and Mr Darnel, was told that the ladies were inher eyes sparkled with pleasure: nor was disposed, and did not choose to be troubled the youth's confession disagreeable to the with messages. The mother was really good lady her mother, who, at one glance, seized with a fever, produced by the agitaperceived all the advantages of such an union tion of her spirits, which every day became between the two families.

more and more violent, until the physicians " Mr Greaves proposed to send the coach- despaired of her life. Believing that her end man to his father's stable for a pair of sober approached, she sent a trusty servant to horses, that could be depended upon, to Mr Greaves, desiring that she might see him draw the ladies home to their own habita- without delay; and he immediately set out tion; but they declined the offer, and chose with the messenger, who introduced him in to walk, as the distance was not great. He the dark. then insisted upon his being their conductor; “ He found the old lady in bed almost exand, each taking him under the arm, sup- hausted, and the fair Aurelia sitting by her, ported them to their own gate, where such overwhelmed with grief; her lovely hair in an apparition filled all the domestics with the utmost disorder, and her charming eyes astonishment. Mrs Darnel, taking him by inflamed with weeping. The good lady the hand, led him into the house, where she beckoning Mr Launcelot to approach, and welcomed him with another affectionate em- directing all the attendants to quit the room, brace, and indulged him with an ambrosial except a favourite maid, from whom I learned kiss of Aurelia, saying, But for you, we the story, she took him by the hand, and, had both been by this time in eternity. Sure fixing her eyes upon him with all the fond. it was Heaven that sent you as an angel to ness of a mother, shed some tears in silence, our assistance! She kindly inquired if he while the same marks of sorrow trickled had himself sustained any damage in admin- down his cheeks. After this affecting pause, istering that desperate remedy to which - My dear son,' said she, • Oh! that I could they owed their lives. She entertained him have lived to see you so indeed! you find with a small collation : and, in the course me hastening to the goal of life.' Here the of the conversation, lamented the animosity tender-hearted Aurelia, being unable to conwhich had so long divided two neighbouring tain herself longer, broke out into a violent families of such influence and character. He passion of grief, and wept aloud. The mo. was not slow in signifying his approbation ther, waiting patiently till she had thus given of her remarks, and expressing the most vent to her anguish, calmly entreated her to eager desire of seeing all those unhappy resign herself submissively to the will of differences removed: in a word, they parted Heaven: then turning to Mr Launcelot,with mutual satisfaction.

• I had indulged,' said she, “a fond hope of “Just as he advanced from the outward seeing you allied to my family. This is no gate, on his return to Gravesbury-hall, he time for me to insist upon the ceremonies was met by Anthony Darnel on horseback, and forms of a vain world. Aurelia looks who, riding up to hin with marks of surprise upon you with the eyes of tender prepos, and resentment, saluted him with— Your session. No sooner' had she pronounced servant, sir: have you any commands for these words, than he threw himself on his me? The other replying, with an air of in- knees before the young lady, and, pressing difference, none at all, Mr Darnel asked her hand to his lips, breathed the softest ex. what had procured him the honour of a visit. pressions which the most delicate love could The young gentleman perceiving by the man- I suggest. •I know,' resumed the mother,

that your passion is mutually sincere; and * It was then we thought Mr Launcelot a I should die satisfied, if I thought your union little disordered in his brain, bis grief was so would not be opposed : but that violent man, wild, and his passion so impetuous. He remy brother-in-law, who is Aurelia's sole fused all sustenance, neglected his person, guardian, will thwart her wishes with every renounced his amusements, rode out in the obstacle that brutal resentment and implaca- rain sometimes bare-headed, strolled about ble malice can contrive. Mr Greaves, I have the fields all night, and became so peevish, long admired your virtues, and am confident that none of the domestics durst speak to that I can depend upon your honour. You him without the hazard of broken bones. shall give me your word, that, when I am Having played these pranks for about three gone, you will take no steps in this affair weeks, to the unspeakable chagrin of his without the concurrence of your father; and father, and the astonishment of all that knew endeavour, by all fair and honourable means, him, he suddenly grew calm, and his good to vanquish the prejudices, and obtain the humour returned. But this, as your seaconsent, of her uncle: the rest we must faring people say, was a deceitful calm, that leave to the dispensation of Providence.' soon ushered in a dreadful storm.

“ The squire promised, in the most solemn “He had long sought an opportunity to and fervent manner, to obey all her injunc- tamper with some of Mr Darnel's servants, tions, as the last dictates of a parent whom who could inform him of the place where he should never cease to honour. Then she Aurelia was confined, but there was not one favoured them both with a great deal of salu- about the family who could give him that tary advice, touching their conduct before satisfaction; for the persons who accompaand after marriage ; and presented him with nied her remained as a watch upon her moa ring, as a memorial of her affection ; at the tions, and none of the other domestics were same time he pulled another off his finger, privy to the transaction. All attempts provand made a tender of it as a pledge of his ing fruitless, he could no longer restrain his love to Aurelia, whom her mother permitted impatience, but throwing himself in the way to receive this token. Finally, he took a last of the uncle, upbraided him in such harsh · farewell of the good matron, and returned to terms, that a formal challenge ensued. They his father with the particulars of this in- agreed to decide their difference without terview.

witnesses; and one morning, before sun-rise, “ In two days Mrs Darnel departed this met on that very common where Mr Greaves life, and Aurelia was removed to the house had saved the life of Aurelia. The first of a relation, where her grief had like to have pistol was fired on each side without any proved fatal to her constitution.

effect; but Mr Darnel's second wounded the “In the mean time, the mother was no young squire in the flank; nevertheless, sooner committed to the earth, than Mr having a pistol in reserve, he desired his an. Greaves, mindful of her exhortations, began tagonist to ask his life. The other, instead to take measures for a reconciliation with of submitting, drew his sword; and Mr the guardian. He engaged several gentle Greaves, firing his piece into the air, followed men to interpose their good offices, but they his example. The contest then became very always met with the most mortifying repulse; hot, though of short continuance. Darnel and at last Anthony Darnel declared, that being disarmed at the first onset, our young his hatred to the house of Greaves was here- squire gave him back the sword, which he ditary, habitual, and unconquerable. He was base enough to use a second time against swore he would spend his heart's blood to his conqueror. Such an instance of repeated perpetuate the quarrel; and that, sooner than ingratitude and brutal ferocity divested Mr his niece should match with young Launce. Greaves of his temper and forbearance. He lot, he would sacrifice her with his own hand. attacked Mr Anthony with great fury, and at

“The young gentleman, finding his preju. the first lunge ran him up to the hilt, at the dices so rancorous and invincible, left off same time seizing with his left hand the shell making any further advances; and, since he of his enemy's sword, which he broke in disfound it impossible to obtain his consent, re- dain. Mr Darnel having fallen, the other solved to cultivate the good graces of Aurelia, immediately mounted his horse, which he and wed her in despite of her implacable had tied to a tree before the engagement, guardian. He found means to establish a and riding full speed to Ashenton, sent a literary correspondence with her as soon as surgeon to Anthony's assistance. He afterher grief was a little abated, and even to wards ingenuously confessed all these particueffect an interview after her return to her lars to his father, who was overwhelmed with own house; but he soon had reason to repent consternation, for the wounds of Darnel were of this indulgence. The uncle entertained judged mortal; and as no person had seen spies upon the young lady, who gave him an the particulars of the duel, Mr Launcelot account of this meeting in consequence of might have been convicted of murder. which she was suddenly hurried to some dis- "On these considerations, before a warrant tant part of the country, which we never could could be served upon bim, the old knight, by discover.

dint of the most eager entreaties, accom