PRETENSION AND PREJUDIC E.

CHAP. IV.

(A Tale of Ireland.)

BY ALICE ANNE LAWSON.

(Continued from page 16.)

swered—

"Certainly, I purpose riding through the town with some of my friends, to acknowledge my sense of the trust the people repose in my father. We do not intend occupying the gallery which has been erected for our party; mamma is so very delicate (Laura's tones sank almost to sadness) that she cannot accompany us. It will be a trial to her in her weak state even to appear at the re-union this evening. I wish this scene of excitement was over-I am compelled to absent myself from her."

thought, owing to the attractions of the daughter. Laura turned her most exquisite expression on The election took place, but without the ex- the speaker, perhaps less with truth than politepected "fracas," as Mr. Ware, the Conservativeness, returning his meaning gaze as she ancandidate, withdrew, leaving the field of competition clear for his adversary. Mr. Singleton was, of course, duly elected, and the "voice of the people" for once found an echo in the hearts of the landed gentry and aristocracy; the new member, being a man highly esteemed for thorough integrity and warm devotion to his country by all parties, while, if they censured him for toleration of popery, and liberal views in politics, yet, as he was not that denounced individual, a repealer! forgave much and many of his anti-church principles; and as he, with his children, belonged to the established religion, close intimacy with a Roman Catholic and foreigner in Madame Singleton, was assigned as the reason why he should remain unenlightened and unconvinced of his error. The neighbours acknowledged in everything her influence with her husband; and while the papist was an object of abhorrence and dread, the gentle wife, polite lady, and tender woman, won their warm

est reverence.

Here we might bewail the narrow prejudices which separate the Protestant from his less enlightened brethren of a darker creed! Here we might mourn over the distinction which exists in our island, and the bigotry of one which prevents any good being recognized in the other. Abler pens have advocated the cause of the oppressed, and the immortal Grattan is a bright example of toleration and liberality! We may be thought to advert to subjects at variance with our simple story, so shall dismiss them with a tributary sigh.

It was a sunshine bright as Laura's cheek on that morning of the election when she acted heroine of the day, first presiding at her father's breakfast-table, receiving the homage and compliments of his constituents. Her brother looked on, smiling fondly as each guest pressed forward to reach the envied distinction of being near the beautiful girl whose eyes flashed so proudly, but whose accents spoke so enchantingly.

"Will you not honour us, Miss Singleton, by appearing at the scene of your father's triumphs to-day?" inquired Mr. Sarsfield, a young Roman Catholic of large property, who had lately returned from the continent, and was a warm supporter of Mr. Singleton's —many

"How invaluable a treasure you will prove!" whispered the gallant Catholic;" perfect in every relation of life, unprejudiced, liberal. I wish your heart were as easy to be read as your countenance. I cannot offer to accompany your train of ladies, but will meet you—till then, adieu."

All had gone to the place of meeting; one object occupying their minds-dreaming of days of freedom in store for Ireland. Jack Singleton lingered a moment with his sister, to tell her how admirably she had acted her part, and what a first-rate wife for a senator she would make; then he went to order the horses, and prepare for escorting her. Laura stood still in the breakfast-room; a broad smile was on her lip, and she looked as though her thoughts were bent on mischief.

"Young Sarsfield is certainly an exquisite," she muttered; "four years of foreign life have done their utmost for him: he has three thousand a-year, and an Irishman's heart. Captain Anketell loves me; he is a soldier, true and brave-an Englishman, yet honest. Percy, ah! Percy, you man of pretension! derider of my country! you penniless younger son of the Osbaldistone! you dangerous Percy-do I like you, when my father, brother, mother, disapprove? But I must away to my dear mamma.

The gay girl rang the bell, and vanished without one ray of sunlight fading from her face. Laura Singleton was spoiled; she may have wished to please, but she cared too little about others, and trifled too much, even on serious subjects. Every one, except her own family, were held as playthings, pastimes; until she played the coquette with natural grace.

'Twas an hour past noon, when a cavalcade

of ladies swept through the town, each wearing
a knot of green and white ribbons, to distinguish
and mark them as belonging to the popular
favourite. Laura rode in front with her brother;
her dark eye lighted on every one with pleasure:
now she kissed her hand, bowing, smiling, as
hats were raised, and blessings fervently poured
forth in the native tongue met her ear. The
loud huzza, the shout, the uproar, was quelled,
when the fair group of equestrians appeared,
lest the horses might become unmanageable;
but Laura knew no such dread; she held her
rein as though it was the string of a dove.
Zenobia M'Dermott was there, with her haughty
face and kindly smile; her erect, dignified head
above the others, watching the animation kin-
dling every eye; and little Flora rode beside her
on an ambling pony, with childish delight
laughing at the novelty of her situation; there,
too, rode the gay, brilliant Martha O'Donel,
thinking more of showing her figure than of the
cause others were there, but eclipsed by the
superior brightness of those mentioned; and a
number of servants brought up the rear. They
passed on, and drew up at a little distance from
the platform, where Mr. Singleton was ha-
ranguing his supporters; promising to use his
best efforts for their advantage in parliament,
and never to accede to any measure which was
not calculated to improve their condition.
Laura stood almost in her stirrup when her
father spoke thus; she seemed about to take
flight.

"We must guard you, young enthusiast," said Mr. Sarsfield, who had left the platform at sight of them, and stood beside Laura with a hand on her bridle; "do you hear them calling you the flower of Ireland? I must compliment you on your train likewise."

the officers; but feelings must remain unalterably in his favour.

It might be well for many, did their selfesteem blind them to the possible changes in this world, and render them as satisfied as Percy. How many a young heart would have lived cheerfully, instead of breaking despondingly! how many a spirit would have proudly rebounded, scarcely feeling the sharp shock which shipwrecked them! But in woman (and generally in human nature) such is not the case: love is stronger than pride, oftentimes than death. We dread and doubt-living in the present, and fearing for the future-dwelling on the past-existing by trifles. They who dread not, love not at all; earth dwells too much within. Reason resides not so tamely in that season of confusion-happiness is at best an uncertain tenant! creature of an hour, perishing as a very sigh. Who, while delighting in the sunshine, does not anticipate a dark cloud?

The amusement was at its height, when Captain Osbaldistone, leaning against the wall of a lobby, saw Miss M'Dermott passing, in earnest conversation with Jack Singleton; he moved towards them, and, after some few words, inquired, "Was Miss Zenobia M'Dermott present?"

Yes, she has been dancing the whole evening," answered her sister. If you tell Zeno that you have not seen her, she will be much amused at the idea of being overlooked."

"I have only been here half an hour," returned the officer. "You know I am too old to enjoy balls; but my young friend Maitland insisted on my coming--so here I am, quite out of place; but I detain you, so adieu;" and they separated. Stephen proceeded. In the first group which caught his attention, he saw The day passed on without riot or disturb- Zenobia. She sat beside Madame Singleton, ance; perhaps this may be accounted for, owing and her peculiar style never looked so charming; to there having been no contest. Mr. Singleton she was speaking in so low a tone, that scarcely was liberal with his money: bonfires blazed on even its musical echo reached him; a dress of the hills, and illuminations were displayed in white muslin, trimmed with green leaves, and a the town; a public dinner had taken place at wreath of the same, was her only adornment. the principal hotel; and a ball at the Grove, An unusual gravity dwelt on her face, amountwhere the entire county had been invited, ing to sedateness. Just then, Mr. Singleton wound up the day of the election. Madame joined them; he shook her hand, and Stephen Singleton being unable to partake of the amuse-recognized the marble vision of the fingers in ment, and yet wishing to pay a compliment to her husband, reclined in a chaise-longue near the door of the reception-room; thereby enjoying the coolest spot, and watching with delight her daughter at a little distance enacting the hostess. Laura did look wondrously beautiful, and she knew it, as her happy face testified. She stood leaning on her father's arm, more like a fairy queen than an equal; her white lace dress was trimmed with the bright green adopted for the occasion; a wreath of shamrock bound her dark hair, its sombre cast relieved by stars of brilliants intermingled. Mr. Sarsfield was in close attendance, but an occasional smile was exchanged with Percy, who, as he looked at his gold epaulettes, and thought of his high family, felt quite secure in himself, reasoning that circumstances, for one night, had eclipsed

the abbey. She raised them now to smoothe back a curl; he thought anything so perfect had never appeared to him: costly rings sparkled on those fingers, diminishing so gradually; and the arm, with its circlet, was such as might be imagined in a dream. The three spoke in confidence; and as he moved a few steps closer, the words, "Sarsfield has proposed to me, but I wish him to speak with herself," were plainly heard from the father. Madame Singleton murmured, "It is a match I have long desired for dear Laura; but she is giddy; look at her yonder, waltzing with Mr. Osbaldistone. What do you say, Zeno?"

"There spoke the papist in the mother," thought the listener; but Zenobia's voice made him again attentive.

I agree with Mr. Singleton: Laura must

judge for herself. It is not wise to influence the affections."

"Pardon all this fault-finding-I am cynical, and not used to speak with young ladies." "But you have a right to address me in any

A few minutes and Mr. Singleton had vacated his place, which was immediately filled by Cap-way; I owe you a great deal, which I can never tain Osbaldistone, at the same moment that repay," she interrupted. Percy came to pay his respects to Madame, and took his station beside her.

"I had not expected to have seen you in such a place," said Zenobia; and her tones thrilled through the grave man with a feeling something like the delight we experience when listening to the murmur of a limpid stream.

I

"Why," he inquired, "do you condemn gaiety and communion with the world? should have thought differently from your conduct."

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My conduct!" repeated the young girl, as a slight colour stole over her cheek, disappearing almost immediately, and leaving a calm, cold dignity in its stead. "My conduct, I trust, is plain and upright-I shall only ask to be judged thus in return. I have enjoyed myself to-night, and do not censure any one for feeling happy; yet I heard your brother say that you seldom shared in any amusement. I escaped here to avoid dancing again. Rachel wished me to go home; I think I shall oblige her."

"A kind smile, and a grasp of that magical hand, will repay me-thanks for your ivy trea sure; I have it, and shall prize it. Ivy means friendship-I wish you had me as a friend."

Zenobia smiled, blushed, and was silent. Madame Singleton's voice took up the break in

the conversation.

"Laura could not rest last night; she has been all excitement about this election, I am quite glad it is over. What a sad waste of time, this striving for a few short years to live in the world's opinion, perishing mortals as we are! My Laura was up watching the sun rise this morning; she says it was a flood of light, to welcome her father's election."

"Miss Singleton should see the sunrise from the Righi," said Percy," to teach her to think less of it in her own country. I never witnessed anything so glorious as that Alpine wonder-every other appears tame in comparison. I never watch for Aurora now, but the hill behind the hotel, the white rolling masses of clouds, and that world of fire, rises to my view; that would delight your fair daughter, as it did

Pray don't," entreated the officer; " and I will explain what brought me here to-night-me." to see your unrivalled hand, and to introduce a young friend who has just joined our depot. He saw a vision of a lady riding, and makes an exception in her favour, when condemning the Irish! Are you curious?"

"No, not in the least; I have no objection to any whom you call friend;' but I do not feel disposed to smile agreeably on any who deny us Irish the privilege of Britons."

"Ah! I had forgotten you are a repealer tonight, and wear the shamrock; how can you, noble-minded, superior, beautiful and accomplished, above striving or pretension, act thus with repealers; and while your family are Protestants, league with Papists ?"

"I am certain you intend to please me by such praise," smiled Zenobia; yet a painful sadness rested on her pale brow; " and I will not deny that your good opinion is valuable, but I in turn regret your prejudices. I have not expressed my opinion in political affairs; perhaps I should say, Whatever is, is best;' but I can join in my friends' gladness, and feel pleasure in their happiness; for this reason I have worn the shamrock, and appeared in the pageantry of to-day. Can you call yourself a Christian, and think no good dwells in the Papist? My dearest friend is one, and where is there a nobler example than Madame Singleton ?"

Captain Osbaldistone looked toward the person so eulogized, but she was speaking to Percy.

«She is dying," he said; "why do you not

"I have witnessed it," said Madame Singleton, quietly, "when we were first married; long enough ago to make me forget, yet I do not."

Zenobia startled the whole group with a laugh, half scornful, half enjoying.

"Why do you laugh?" inquired Captain Osbaldistone, who had heard none of the conversation.

"Because your brother is so vain, and has made such a display to a quiet woman, thinking he astonished us natives. Why don't you teach him sense?"

"I leave that to la belle Laura; tell me, do you feel anything; are you as statue-like as you appear?"

Time must reveal! Is that your friend watching us? What a nice boy!"

It was young Maitland who drew near, and Captain Osbaldistone presented him to her; but Zenobia refused his invitation to valse, alleging she was tired, and would not dance any more.

"I see Rachel coming again, I will go home now; Madame Singleton has vanished, and the Percy is beside Laura: perhaps we may meet at the races in a few days."

Zenobia rose, and accepted the offered arm, to join her sister and father. "I shall certainly attend the races. Will you ride a race?"

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Nay, then, you have heard how they made me act against my will," she said with animation; "there I acted to please Laura, but never will again. I am not fond of display, though one might think otherwise; I shall go to witness "She has come to years of discretion," an-it with my father." swered Zenobia, and both paused. After a few minutes, he began again

try to save her?"

"May I escort you in that case," he inquired. "I am really glad that you are not a practised,