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THE COMMONER'S DAUGHTER.

By the Author of "A Few out of Thousands."

It seemed but a very short time after we left, the Brompton Cottage when the carriage stopped at my father's door. It was clear Lady Laura was not at home, for the windows were all darkened, and this was the single consolatory fact which greeted me on my return to what I was obliged to call home. I found Mrs. Martin had left, and that officious Hannah was installed in her place. This woman, to whose care I was left (Mr. Castlebrook retiring immediately we entered the house), was as insolent and supercilious as she dared to be, and that was in no trifling degree. I desired to know which was my room, and she sullenly lighted me up-stairs to my former domicile, telling me if I wanted anything, to ring the housemaid's bell. I wanted at that moment many things which in that house I could never obtain-love, kindness, sympathy; and who knew if I should ever obtain these again? I threw myself on the bed, without undressing, and strove to ease my aching head by burying it in the pillows. But I was not destined to rest. In about an hour after my arrival, and just as, overcome by mental anguish and the fatigue of many emotions suffered that day, I was about to sleep, a rap came at my room door. I started up. "Who is there?"

"Purvis, miss."

Who Purvis might be I knew not; but I jumped up from my recumbent posture, and, taking the lamp in my hand, I opened the door. A good-looking, portly woman stood there, dressed somewhat finely for her station, which appeared to be that of a domestic of the upper class. She dropped a civil curtsy.

word, a flood of new and delicious sensations came over me. I had a brother: could I secure this new tie? Could I teach the infant, unprejudiced and pure as its love must be, to regard me as its sister?

"Lead the way, Mrs. Purvis. The child, I suppose, is near Lady Laura's room."

"Lord love you, miss! not a bit," returned the nurse, with a hearty laugh; "the further the dear hangel is off, the better my lady likes it. The nursery, miss, is close to the servants' room. Please to foller me, miss."

Up to the top storey of the house it was, and portly Mrs. Purvis was considerably out of breath when we entered the room, where, in a plain mahogany cot, the babe was sleeping. I bent over him, and, as I did so, he suddenly woke up, and, with a crow of joy, stretched out his little chubby arms towards me. I snatched up the infant with delight, and nearly smothered him with kisses. Contrary to what might have been expected, he did not scream at my vehemence; but laughed, as children laugh when they are talked or played with.

Well, I declare!" said Mrs. Purvis; "the child has taken to you at first sight, as a body may say. Well, that's lucky, because now, miss, I hopes I can have the liberty to get out a bit. I am sure, as there is no hunder-nurse kep in this family, one is a perfick slave here; but as baby takes so kindly to you, miss, I dare say it won't be no hardship to nurse him a bit now and then."

"I cannot, Mrs. Purvis, undertake your proper duties, but this dear child shall be with me as much as possible. If you will leave me a light, I will try and get him to sleep in my arms, and perhaps to-morrow he will be glad to come to me again."

"Begs pardon, Miss, but master says you are to supercede the baby-and I am come for to hoffer to show you the blessed lamb, as is sleeping like one of the hangels of even, with his face as shining as a bar of the best yellar. Mrs. Purvis, rather taken aback by my tone of Excuse comparisons, miss, which may be un- dignified authority (for her overfamiliar one dedelicate; but afore I was a nuss I was a laun-manded an assertion on my part that I was her dress. You might a heard on me-Mrs. Purvis, as washed and got up your fine things afore you runned away-I means- Lors! there, now! I said I should let the cat out, and I've bin an' done it-no offence I hope."

I gave Mrs. Purvis no consolation in that respect, but told her I should be rejoiced to look at my little brother; and as I uttered that

master's daughter), curtsied somewhat stiffly, and, placing the candle she held in her hand on the table, I was left in silence with the infant.

He was not at all disposed to go to sleep though, and I found it no easy task to amuse him. He was a pretty baby, but I sought in vain for some traces of Mr. Castlebrook's features, or those of his beautiful but tyrannical

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and insolent mother, whom indeed every minute The housemaid shortly after, came up with a I more and more dreaded to meet. My watch tray which the cook had contrived to furnish in and chain at last interested little Marcus (for so a very satisfactory manner, considering there was I was told he had been named) for a good half-nothing in the house. Half a cold chicken, hour; then the deep sleep peculiar to his age some slices of ham, and a greengage tart was came over him, and I placed him in his little cot, rather more than enough to satisfy an appetite imprinting a kiss on the baby brow, the first like mine. I resolved, however, on the mornseal of a sister's love. ing, to place myself on a more satisfactory footing in the house to which I had so reluctantly returned. I had been so long accustomed to an independent livelihood that I could little brook being placed at the mercy of servants. I ascertained that the infant was in a sweet slumber, and that his nurse was sufficiently collected to be intrusted with the care of him—and then I retired to my room, and, wearied out, I fell into a deep sleep, which lasted till a late hour on the following morning.

This little child seemed, indeed, to unite me more in spirit to my father's house than I could have supposed possible. It was plain to be seen that maternal solicitude formed no part of Lady Laura's peculiarly frivolous character. According to the nurse, the poor child was neglected by his mother, and had been entirely brought up by hand. I sat before the embers of a half-expiring fire, and wondered what fate had in store for me. Would Vincent know I was again in my father's house? Was all Mr. Castlebrook said of him true? I shuddered again at the thought I breakfasted, at my own desire, in the nursery of how came the Prince to know the locality that morning; for I did not know my father's I was residing in? The hours fled imper- wishes on the subject. Lady Laura I found ceptibly as I dwelt on these painful subjects; adhered to her old habit of breakfasting in bed. mingled, too, with regrets about Russell Thorn-She had a regular lady's-maid now, which was mead, and wonderment as to the possibility or probability of ever again seeing that kind friend.

A sensation aroused me from my meditations, which was certainly an unromantic one for the heroine of her own book to have to relate-it was neither more nor less than acute hunger: I had tasted nothing all that day-a day so memorable, and even the refreshment of tea had been abandoned when Mr. Castlebrook made so inopportune an appearance.

As I knew of no apartment I could sit in, except those used in general by the family, I determined to abide in the nursery; and, looking for a bell, I pulled it somewhat sturdily. It required a second attempt before I was answered -and presently a heavy step announced Mrs. Purvis.

Although I had not supped, it was clearly apparent that Mrs. Purvis had-and, moreover, that she had done extreme justice to that meal, not only by eating, but its accompaniment of drinking also. Her rosy face was now flaming scarlet, and her utterance was extremely thick and obscure:

"D'shu ring, miss?" was her inquiry,

"Yes, Mrs. Purvis, I must trouble you, or some one whose proper duty it is, to bring me up a tray with some supper. I have not tasted food to-day, and I feel faint and ill in consequence."

"Sh-ldbe happy oblige you [hiccup], miss; but the cook has jus said there's nothing in the house-nothing at all, miss [hiccup]."

"Anything will do, tell the cook; but something I must have, or I shall complain to Mr. Castlebrook."

Mrs. Purvis thereupon went out of the room as steadily as her potations would allow her, and her speed downstairs was considerably accelerated by a loud knocking at the door, which announced, I knew, either my father's return or that of Lady Laura,

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consoling; for I had at least made up my mind that I would not be employed in any menial capacity. I tried to avoid painful thoughts by laying plans for the future. Marcus was, of course, too young yet, and would be for years, to commence any system of education; but I might be of use, and that thought was consoling. Mrs. Purvis was a woman who would gossip, in spite of all prohibitions. She lost no time in telling me that my father was over head and ears," as she termed it, "in debt," and that duns were continually calling.

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"And John, footman, vows he'll tell no more lies about master's being out of townand my lady hectors and storms at us poor servants, as if we were dirt, and our wages not paid regler, miss."

"Mrs. Purvis, I do not wish to know these things. As you and I may be much together, it is as well at once to tell you that I know my place in my father's house, and beg that you will endeavour to know yours."

"Oh to be sure, miss; only, as the servants said as you was so werry amable, I thought you'd pity us, and perhaps mention to master-"

"Mr. Castlebrook must manage his own affairs. I cannot interfere in any way."

"Very well, miss" [with a toss of her head]; "I don't want to be official-not I; I am sure I could do better anywhere else, so as I could get my money. Then I suppose, miss, as you would like me to keep my distance, you doesn't wish I should give the letter, John, poor fellow, good-natured-like tooked in for you on the sly, this morning?"

"A letter! pray give it me."

"I don't know-maybe I had best take it to my master. I never was a woman as liked clandecent purceedings, and when a young lord-"

"Pray, Mrs. Purvis, I-yes, I have half-acrown: take it. I have a right to receive my own letters."

"Oh well, miss, I don't wish to be hard;

not for the sake of bribes, but because I was young once myself, and- There it is, missthank you."

when I was chastised by a father's hand. Formerly I practised submission; now I resolved to endure neither unjust persecution nor coercion. Kindness at that time could have

Mrs. Purvis pocketed her half-crown, and I seized the letter. Too dear still was the writer-melted me, softened me into self-sacrifice, hutoo willing still was I to be deceived-to try in all ways to deceive myself.

When the nurse (who fidgeted about a great deal on one pretext or another) at length left the room, I opened the precious epistle. It ran thus:

"MY OWN BELOVED,-At last, I hear, you have left the degrading occupation in which I found you so obstinately absorbed when last we met. I cannot tell you what I have suffered from the thought of your slavery. I think a way shortly will open to me by which I shall be enabled to fulfil my dearest wishes, and ask you to share the name and home of "Your devoted

"VINCENT.

"PS.-See you I must. You are not, I hope, so close a prisoner that you cannot walk out. I shall be in the Green Park at four this afternoon, close to the basin. Dearest! you will not refuse to come? I have so much to say."

Refuse! I had not the slightest idea of doing so. Now, when I see clearly, it seems to me like enchantment, that passion could place a veil so thick before my eyes that I was so completely morally blind. All my doubts and fears melted away before that very shallow and unsatisfactory note; and if I could have flown to Vincent at that moment, I should undoubtedly have done so. I even went so far as to say to myself, while I pressed his note to my lips, that I preferred Lord Tarragon, with all his faults, to the most pure and perfect hero ever conceived by a woman's romantic imagination.

O Love! who says thou art not intoxication as perilous as the inebriation given by wine? Love and Bacchus might well be made inseparable among the ancients; for there is mental confusion and obliquity produced as much by the one as by his vine-crowned friend and brother. And Age looks back, and, with ice in its veins, and caution abounding in its judgments, wonders at the lava impulses of youthful passion, and, so wondering, recoils and shudders.

But my glowing reflections were suddenly put an end to by the entrance of Mrs. Purvis, who, with a tone of importance, delivered a message from Mr. Castlebrook, who had risen and now desired to see me in the library. The very mention of that room gave me a cold shudder, I had passed through so many painful interviews within the space of its walls. However, recent experiences had inspired me with that feeling of determination which is termed, especially with reference to women, spirit. I am compelled to acknowledge in this, my faithful biography, that I was at this time of my life by no means so passively amiable as in my childhood and school-girl days. Life had become developed more fully, and passion had obtained the vantage ground.

I believe I had changed from the hour

mility, endurance. Sternness and injustice were now certain to have only the effect of hardening my feelings, and of deteriorating my moral sentiments.

O World! how much hast thou to answer for! We are sent to thee fresh from Heavendemonium! Have the devils, whom the Saviour thou renderest us, too frequently, fitter for Panto visit mankind? I fear not. cast out from tormented human beings, ceased when we How often, and faith, some unguarded time comes, when cast out one, by aid of prayers the demon returns, bringing with him seven

other demons; and thus our last state becomes worse than our first! These things were no allegory; they are stated as facts in gospel records. Do they exist, then, no more? or did they depart from human kind when the angels ceased to visit man? Alas! no. Let each examine his own breast. How few will find no evil spirit installed therein!

I entered the library, then, with an erect air and unalarmed aspect. Mr. Castlebrook was in his favourite attitude-that, in fact, so highly esteemed by all Englishmen-viz., standing with his back before the fire. His eye, in a moment, caught my black dress. He thundered out his resentment:

"How dare you wear that gown?" I met his rage very calmly:

"If, sir, I am to remain secluded as you promised, mourning will not be conspicuous. Besides, you yourself wear mourning for Lord Tarragon."

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"I desired you not to wear it."

"I cannot consent to leave it off yet; besides, have gone to expense in buying black." "Oh you have learned economy" [with a

sneer].

"Yes, sir: it is an admirable virtue-let me recommend it."

His astonishment was so great at my daring to retort, that for a moment it mastered anger. He however controlled his passion.

"Miss Castlebrook, I sent for you in order that we might understand each other; you are now no child. Apparently you have attained womanhood, and a woman's headstrong tendencies are evidently not wanting in you. All I desire is that you will be reasonable, that you will cause as little expense as possible, and that you will superintend the child. This is not much, I suppose, for a father to ask his own daughter?"

'A little more than kin, and less than kind." That was the reply which rose to my lips; I suppressed it, however, and answered with all the discretion I could muster:

"I shall be happy to obey your wishes, sir, in all reasonable things; nevertheless, I claim, as your daughter, some consideration (my lip trembled)-more at any rate than was before

shown me. I will not be looked upon as a me- | (returned on my part as formally). No words nial-I will see to my little brother, but I will passed, and this dreaded interview was over. not be his mother's waiting-woman.'

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'Lady Laura has her own maid now." "And I hope you, as head of your family, will insist on outward observances, at least, from your wife."

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My wife, as you are so well bred as to term her, follows her own way; however, no doubt she will be civil."

"Quite as much as I desire. And" (I hesitated), "I told you I was still affianced to Vincent -Lord Tarragon. What objection can you have-yourself allied in the family?"

His face purpled with passion. "Confound the family! I tell you Vincent Tarragon is so base, so vile, so lost to decency that even his sister does not acknowledge him, nor does she speak to him when they meet at the Regent's parties. By heaven, if you persist in this disgraceful attachment you shall be an outcast from my house-my

"Stay, sir,"-all my passions roused into fierceness-"you were about, perhaps, to say your heart. You have none at least for your child. I remember my poor neglected mother-I remember her life, and my own sorrowful, ill-cared-for childhood. There"-wiping my eyes, from which tears were forcing their way-"let us keep peace. I would once have loved you: now, you are not worthy of any child's love."

I admit many fathers would have been justified in bitterly resenting such a speech from a daughter, but Mr. Castlebrook was of that order, whom resistance and wrath calm into silence. He shrugged his shoulders, contenting himself with one bitter taunt-"You are, no doubt, your mother's own child."

"Indeed I am not. She was mild as an angel. You lash me, father, into passion, in spite of my resolves. I will not relinquish my engagement-not, at least, till I see better

cause.

"Perhaps"-with a sneer-"the gentleman may show a different mind."

"This altercation is useless. I wish to have the duties defined which you require of me; and I beg that, in the day-time, I may occupy the nursery I believe Mrs. Purvis needs careful overlooking."

"I want nothing. My breakfast I take in my own room-you can stay where you please." "With whom am I to dine? Not with the servants I presume?"

We seldom dine at home. Your dinner can be served to you at lunch-time."

"Thank you. If you will give that order to the housekeeper I shall be glad; then I shall not have again to trouble you. Complaint to Lady Laura I shall never make."

Mr. Castlebrook not replying, I bowed my head slightly and withdrew. Going upstairs, I ancountered my stepmother descending to enter her carriage. We both drew back. Then Lady Laura, evidently tutored, made a distant curtsy

CHAP. X.

I was naturally passionately fond of young children, perhaps because I never had been greatly accustomed to them. Little Marcus, then, who already had many engaging infantine ways, was a constant source of pleasure, and I soon found of employment also. The poor baby, indeed, was wonderfully ill-provided in respect to clothing: he was five months old, and had long outgrown his original outfit. Mrs. Purvis's constant grumbling first aroused wy attention, and suggested that I might do something to supply the deficiency by the aid of my needle. I procured some lawn and jaconet, and soon made the little creature some frocks, adding to his wardrobe some coral ornaments of my own. Employment soothed my troubles and anxieties greatly, and is a panacea I would always recommend in misfortune. Although I had looked forward with happy anticipation to my appointment in the Green Park, I found it impossible to meet Lord Tarragon on the afternoon he named. The child, who was teething, became suddenly very ill, and I had enough to do to obtain a medical attendant, and, in the interval of his arrival, to prevent Mrs. Purvis from poisoning the poor babe with nostrums of Daffy's elixir and other murderous compounds which she endeavoured to administer. I was compelled to write an explanatory line to my lover, and it cost me another half-a-crown to persuade the nurse to send it through the hands of Thomas the footman. I appointed the following Friday, that day being Wednesday, to meet in the same place, at five o'clock, which I considered a safe hour, for Lady Laura and Mr. Castlebrook were usually at that time in their dressing rooms, nd not likely to be abroad, or inquire for me. It was in the month of July, and there were long evenings.

How intensely I longed for this Friday need scarcely be told-the minutes and hours were counted.

Laura and I met on the mutual ground of When the child required a doctor, Lady the nursery. She was coldy civil and ceremonious, and had the advantage over me in little sufferer, who did not recognize his parent, manner; for I was full of anxiety for the poor so seldom did he see her.

"I hope, Purvis, it is nothing catching," was the mother's first exclamation, as she entered, with her handkerchief held to her mouth, to guard against infection.

"Dear! no, my Lady," said the free and easy Mrs. Purvis, "unless you catch a new set of teeth"-an observation to which her ladyship was conveniently deaf.

"I don't in the least understand infants: I am

sure I can do no good here. Pray, Miss Castle-, brook, do not run any risk by attending my child"-sarcastically: "I should be grieved." Can any woman, who is not a saint by inclination and temperament, forbear to indulge in that feminine love of retort? I was not one, so I yielded to the temptation.

"I attend Marcus, madam, because I like the child himself, certainly not because he is your ladyship's son."

She bit her lip, and her eye flashed out. I despised myself, however, at that moment, more than I did her, and added, a little more courteously, "All children suffer in teething. You have no cause, I believe, to fear, Lady Laura."

"Oh dear, no! I have no fear. I have great faith in Purvis: she has brought up a family, though none of them are living, I believe,”. carelessly; "are they, Purvis?"

"Seven blessed hinfants," said Mrs. Purvis, solemnly, "as are hoverin' in the hair cherubs, bless 'em, now-with wingses of snow, and glory round their heads."

"What, did you not rear one out of seven, nurse," I said, reminiscences of Daffy coming

across me.

"No, miss: they mostly went off just as they teethed, Ah! I have had more trials than most folks think on, seeing me look so well."

"Perhaps they took too much Daffy, Mrs. Purvis."

"Miss, old heads don't grow on such young shoulders as yourn; I ought to know, that have had seven, and I sticks to Daffy."

"I dare say, nurse, you are quite right," from Lady Laura; so pray give Marcus some if he cries so it is quite dreadful. I never come here but he screams so terribly."

"The doctor will be here presently, my lady, and he can tell Miss Castlebrook if there's any harm in Daffy: all my children tooked it and

"Died, Mrs. Purvis."

"Some of one thing, some of another; not from Daffy, nor the "Mother's Blessing,

nor

"Oh! that will do; pray let's have no argument," Lady Laura yawned violently. I held the infant out to her, to kiss; but she shrank back terrified. "Oh! no, no. Would you me? Nurse, pray"

kill

"Do give me the babby, Miss," said Mrs. Purvis spitefully. "You may be a clever young lady, but you knows no more how to nurse a hinfant than I do to aggravate the globe."

This substitution for navigate amused her ladyship, and, the doctor coming in, she just waited to hear his opinion that it was only the child's teeth, and then swept out of the room.

When Friday came I was glad that the baby was sufficiently recovered to permit me to leave him. At ten minutes to five I put on my hat and cloak, and desiring Mrs. Purvis not to leave Marcus, I told her I needed a little air, which, as I had not stirred from the house since I

returned, was not certainly false. The nurse, however, looked suspicious, though she said nothing; and I found my pocket was again likely to suffer, in the necessity of bringing her home a present which should induce her to keep her suspicions to herself. A year back, I should have disdained such artifices. Now-well, well! poor Isabella! you are beginning to experience that most wretched of all sensations, contempt for yourself and your own proceedings.

I left the house without any encounter, and took my way to the Green Park. My breath failed as I just fancied the possibility of Vincent not keeping his appointment. It was with a sensation of intense relief that I perceived his well known figure lounging over the side of the basin, as he looked into the water. He started as I rested my hand for a minute on his arm.

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'My sweetest love! you have come, then.” There was no one by: I offered no resistance to the kiss first imprinted on my gloved hand, next on my lips. God help me! how was I, an inexperienced girl, with no guide but my own sincere heart, to understand they were such kisses as only Judas the Betrayer gave?

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Stay, I cannot converse in peace till you explain. You informed the Prince Regent of my residence at Brompton?"

Was there a change of colour? I fancied so, and my arm relaxed its hold on his. It was but momentary; for Lord Tarragon replied immediately," My love, was I indiscreet? indeed I feared so; but his Royal Highness was so pointed in his inquiries, that I confessed I had by accident discovered your abode."

"It was unfortunate you satisfied the Prince; for"- I stopped: if I told Vincent all, mischief might ensue. Yet I reflected, with relief, that the rank of the offender was too high to admit of the usual satisfaction. If I told Vincent all, it might serve to put Lord Tarragon on his guard against accepting promises of patronage and place, from a quarter where to receive favours might militate against honour, which at that minute I again fondly believed untarnished. I went on:

"You do not know-you were not awarethat, in short, the Regent distinguished me by notice, unsought I assure you, dear Vincent, on my part, and terrible to me. But I had forgotten all about that till, as I returned home one evening, after our last interview, something very terrible nearly occurred."

He listened with the most earnest attention, as I related the affair of the carriage-the well known voice-the royal cipher-my rescue-and the subsequent shock of my dear and faithful old friend's death.

He expressed the deepest indignation; but his manner seemed to my instincts-for I refused to entertain the idea-somewhat unreal. His anger, in short, was too angry; his expressions of vindictiveness too vindictive. But the bandage was still over my soul's vision, and mine was not the hand destined to tear it off.

Presently he asked a question which some

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