I return to Wimpole Street.

283

Is not

a footman to admit you, and he'll see me. here a fine idea? they'll never doubt but you was with me all to-night." Saying which, he fell to eagerly stripping off his masquerade dress, and in a few moments was equipped in his ordinary clothes. We then sallied forth.

I

CHAPTER XIV.

PROMISE

you I did not rest that night. Mr. Boothby's stratagem was so far successful, that the footman who replied to his knock, remembered him as the gentleman who had procured him-a reprimand from Dr. Aston, and was careful this time to exhibit more politeness.

I went upstairs, and when I was in my chamber then I began to think.

How shall I acquaint you with my thoughts? Their disclosure would weary you. Happily I was blessed with uncommon fortitude. I discovered I could think on Mr. Bracebridge's death without that sickness of heart I feared would enter into such a reverie. And now I understood that, judging by the effect of his death upon me, I had greatly magnified my passion for him. indeed I might have known that it was impossible

But

Miss Boothby consoles Miss Aston. 285

for such a nature as mine to love. Vanity, hope, ambition might inspire a sentiment that I would mistake for the tender passion, but never could I love with that depth of feeling which makes bereavement misery, unless death, when he ravished from me my man, should also ravish from me my fortune and position.

Yet did I not close my eyes throughout the night; for my mind was greatly disordered, and I could not forbear speculating on the behaviour of Miss Aston when she should learn her lover was dead. When I rose in the morning, I took care to lay on an extra coating of vermilion to disguise the uncommon paleness of my countenance; for though I had nothing to fear from Miss Aston, methought if I should encounter her father, his critical inspection would take such observation of my air as might hereafter do me no service.

On Miss Aston's bell ringing, I went to her chamber as was my custom, and found her in cheerful spirits. She inquired whether I had enjoyed the card party at Mr. Boothby's; and put various other questions with that sweetness of sympathy for which she is distinguished. Fortunately I did not meet Dr. Aston; but methought

Lady Ringwood fastened a somewhat stedfast gaze upon me, when in reply to her question “Child, what makes you so white?" I replied, “I did not return until late from Mr. Boothby's, and that my rest being broken, I had rose somewhat fatigued."

At eleven o'clock Miss Aston and I went abroad; we returned at one. When we were entered, I conducted Miss Aston to her chamber, where presently came a servant to summon me to Dr. Aston. Now was come the moment that demanded the utmost exertion of those qualities which enriched my character. I stepped below and entered the library, where I found my lady gazing at Dr. Aston with a foolish face of terror, whilst he sat staring with a white countenance on the sky through the window. He placed me a chair, and said,—

"I have asked you to come to me, madam, that I might acquaint you with an appalling piece of news which has just been brought me by a servant of my friend Sir Charles Bracebridge. His son, Mr. Bracebridge, was found early this morning lying murdered in a house in Castle Street."

I console Miss Aston.

287

"Murdered!" I cried with such a tragick start as would have done honour to Mrs. Barry.

'Yes," said he. "How it happened I am not yet informed. Whether it was done from revenge, or robbery, or by some one in the house (which bears an ill character), I have yet to hear. But my great trouble now is, how the news shall be conveyed to Miss Aston. Lady Ringwood thinks you would prove the most delicate bearer of it, you would not object to the duty."

if

Though he mastered his voice and spoke deliberately, I could see he was greatly affected.

I answered, "I am overwhelmed by this sudden intelligence. Its suddenness makes it awful. Anything I could do, sir, to lighten your concern I will cheerfully perform; yet I cannot but think that such news would come best from the lips of a parent. The heart can better endure a sudden sorrow when it is imparted by a loved one."

Ay," he answered; "but it would kill me to witness her grief."

"Child," says my lady, "you are to know that Dolly is a Christian, with a deep faith in the mercy of God, with fortitude that owes its strength to piety, and with a spirit ready to submit without