CHAPTER XXVII. "Seest thou my home? 'Tis where yon woods are waving In their dark richness to the summer air, Where yon blue stream, a thousand flower-banks laving, MRS. HEMANS. "I love her, because where her presence abides Like the moon when in cloudless splendour she rides Because, touched by the glance of her tender smile, The o'erburdened spirit may rest awhile, And the stricken soul rejoice."-J. W. FLETCHER. A FEW days more, and Ethel and Minnie met Ada and their party at the railway station, when they were returning to Willersdale. Raymond was there to see the last of his sister; and though his manner was attentive and polite to Ethel, it was still constrained, as they walked up and down the station before the train started: but his very effort to appear easy made him cold and distant; and it was difficult to abstain from some expression of his feeling which must be disagreeable to her, now that he believed her acquaintance with Lorraine was ripening into an attachment. "We intend baby to be christened in about ten days; but I must request, Herbert, that you will come to us before that," Ada said, as they took their places in the carriage. "Indeed, I fear it is impossible! I have such an accumulation of business on hand,” replied Herbert. "Nonsense! Leave it to your steward for once," said Beauchamp. 66 Impossible! But I will try and get away as soon as I can." I shall want you; and Fido will; and, Ethy, you will want him, too, won't you?" said Minnie, as Raymond lifted her and her little dog into the carriage. "Do come, Mr. Raymond! Ethel made no reply, and avoided looking at Raymond; for her colour deepened painfully, Herbert saw, as he glanced at her. "I will see, Min, what I can do. Good-bye, dear! And good-bye, all! A pleasant journey to you," said Raymond, taking off his hat, as the whistle was heard, and the train started off. The journey occupied about four hours; and the Beauchamps' carriage waited for them at the nearest station to Willersdale. It was a lovely drive of three miles, chiefly through shady lanes, whose trees, with their fresh green leaves, formed a pleasant shelter from the rays of the burning afternoon sun. "There is home, Ethel!" said Ada, joyously, as they caught a glimpse of a pretty mansion, standing on an eminence in the valley, with steep, bold hills rising a little behind it. "How beautiful! What a lovely country!" "It is a lovely situation; and we have a magnificent view of the neighbouring country," remarked Beauchamp, as he held Minnie up to look at the house. They now passed through a pretty little rural village, at the upper end of which were the park gates. Ethel was particularly struck by the kind manner in which Beauchamp recognised every one that they met, even staying once or twice to inquire of his labourers how their relatives were, who had been ill when they left; especially the kind interest with which he spoke to the old woman at the Lodge, who had formerly been a servant of his mother's. But Ethel had observed many little kindnesses in her friend's husband which had pleased her very much; for it is in little things that the character is often most displayed, and such thoughtful attentions as he showed sprung from a kind and generous heart. "Slender joys, oft repeated, Fall as sunshine on the heart." And many a one had been gladdened by his cheering words of sympathy, more especially among his own tenantry, where he was universally beloved. Ada was in great glee, and almost like a child in her delight to show Ethel her home, after she had seen the baby comfortably disposed of in the nursery. "I have given you this room, Ethel, because there is such a lovely view from it. You will be able to contemplate nicely whenever you are disposed to be sentimental. Oh, I am so glad to have you here, darling, at last, after so many disappointments. I shall wish you never to leave me again," said Ada, affectionately, when she joined Ethel in her room, a little before the dinner-bell rung. "It is, indeed, delightful; and, dear Ada, you cannot tell how glad I am to be with you ;" and Ethel kissed Ada affectionately. "There is only one thing will spoil our enjoyment. Next week Edward's sisters are coming for a fortnight. I would willingly have avoided it, but as they were asked to fix their own time, I cannot put them off. I do not like my sisters-in-law; they are gay and dashing, and it really is a trial of patience to have them here: but you will help me to make their visit agreeable, I know, dear Ethel. Edward is so very kind; for his sake I wish to be pleasant to his relations; and he is very anxious about his sisters, and says he thinks we may do them good. I fear I am not calculated to improve them, for, though I am anxious to do right, I am very hasty and impetuous, and often say and do things in the impulse of the moment which I deeply regret afterwards," said Ada. "That will lead you to greater watchfulness, dearest. The first step towards amendment is selfknowledge. If we know our besetting sins we shall be on our guard against the approach of temptation." to me "Yes; I try not to despair. I am striving hard to acquire a habit of self-control, and much daily prayer is offered for this, for I feel more and more my own inability to conquer myself. But now I have such a help in Edward; he prays with and talks so kindly. He never lectures me, however injudicious and foolish I have been, but always speaks sympathisingly; and though he owns that I have done wrong, he speaks as if he were subject to precisely the same feelings, and knew how difficult it was to restrain an outburst of passion. Yet he never shows any impatience of spirit: I have seen him stand calm and unmoved when I should have given way to violent temper. Yet it is a comfort to know that he had had severe struggles with himself before he attained self-control." "You have been very fortunate, Ada. It must indeed be delightful to have so kind and sympathising a friend," and a sigh rose in Ethel's heart. "I do consider myself very fortunate, and do not think I know any one equal to Edward, unless it is Herbert, and you have hardly yet seen how completely he is chastened and subdued in those points where it was needed. I cannot help thinking, when I look at my husband and brother, so richly endowed morally and intellectually, how beautiful it is to see how every thought and desire is moulded and brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ," said Ada, tears gathering in her eyes. "We may, indeed, thank God for his goodness," Ethel replied; but her voice trembled so much, she dare not add more. "I hope Herbert will come soon. I want you to see and judge for yourself of his sincerity; his business has been accumulating so much, he finds it difficult to get away. I wish Caroline and Henrietta were not coming: they tire him, and want so much of his attention; he is very polite, and submits as patiently as he can, but it annoys him sadly." Ethel started and changed colour. "Annoys him! You or I must be mistaken, then," she said, almost speaking unconsciously. "Pray explain, Ethel. I do not understand," said Ada. Ethel had regained her composure, and replied, quietly, "I have heard several times of Mr. Raymond's engagement to Miss Henrietta Beauchamp." "And you believed it, Ethel ?" said Ada, reproachfully. "There was no reason why I should not." |