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burnt lower in the sockets, and the fire flamed and crackled, and the light was reflected in the shining pots upon the shelves, and the shadows changed their places on the wall; and outside, the wind swept round the corners of the house, and rushed rustling through the creepers. Then the clock struck nine, and he knew that he must go, for it was time for Christina to read to her grandfather.

"Oh, Walter, how stormy it is!" she said; but yet she came to let him out herself.

very sure, my dear Augusta, that I would not have troubled you with it. Heregive me the letters, and don't worry yourself about it. I suppose you knew there were debts, and now they have to be paid off, that's all, and I shan't be quite so rich a man as I might have been."

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"Well, I suppose you know about as much about it as I do that is to say, next to nothing. I do wish, Walter, you would write to Uncle Robert, or consult some one. Here, you see, Mr. Waltham is going out of town for some weeks, so I suppose it is not much use going to him."

"No, thank goodness!" said Walter, glancing at the letter; "now I shall have a little peace and quiet. At least three weeks before I need think of London, or lawyers, or settlements!"

"No, no," he said, putting her back; "the rain and wind will rush in the moment the door is opened. And one word more, Christina: remember I have nothing to forgive; all that is over. We shall each have something to forgive, perhaps, before long and then who knows but my short- Thus it was that he put the matter aside, comings may outweigh yours. Good-night, and, though his sister continued anxious, my queen. Are you afraid for the future?" she knew that it was of no use to press "No!" she said; "no!" and felt, for some him further. And in the sunshiny, peacereason, as if she were making a promise ful time which followed, she, too, almost that, come what might, she would not forgot that there were any clouds upon the shrink but yet what cause had she for horizon. fear? It was only that we cannot build except upon what is, and upon what has been, what is to come must ever be mysterious and uncertain.

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He opened the door, and the blast, laden with heavy drops of rain, rushed through the narrow passage: yet she did not shut the door, but stood looking out into the darkness until his footsteps died away.

Miss Cleasby was at he writing-table when he re-entered his drawing-room, with some papers laid out before her, and she did not at once turn to him, nor show any solicitude at his having got wet.

"Well, Gusty," he said, throwing himself carelessly into an arm-chair, "you seem still in the toils of composition. Were the letters very interesting?

"They were more than interesting," said Augusta, turning round. "Walter, what have you been thinking of all this time? Here is Mr. Waltham writing to you about some interest that has to be paid at once. What does it all mean? What is the difficulty of your coming into your property? He writes as if there were all sorts of difficulties rising up. What can be the reason that you, as papa's heir and his only son, should not inherit his property without all these law difficulties? I know there were debts, but I thought that would make no difference."

Christina North had known happiness before. In the midst of her dreary girlhood there had been days and weeks in which she could forget her cares and troubles in the natural and spontaneous happiness of youth, in a passing enthusiasm, or in glimpses of something higher and more lasting; but this happiness she had never known. The quiet September sunshine seemed to have found its way into her heart. She was softened and repentant, but having made free confession, memory could no longer weigh her down by the burthen of an unforgiven past; she could never undo what she had done; she could never restore what she had taken away; but remorse had given way to penitence, and the oppressiveness and the dread had left her.

The delay in the settlement of Captain. Cleasby's affairs would involve the postponement of their marriage, but at this time they neither of them remembered to regret it. In the freshness of each succeeding dawn; in the awakening to recollections of the past day as bright as the thoughts of the day to come; in the morning spent at the Park, sometimes on the lawn, sometimes in the library over the books; in the afternoons when they loitered in the lanes, or Captain Cleasby and his sister sketched whilst Christina looked on; "So old Waltham has been writing in the soft hour of autumn twilight, and again, has he?" said Captain Cleasby; "I the long evenings which Walter would had no idea I was so soon to be honoured spend in Mr. North's study, devoting himby another communication, or you may be self to amuse and interest the old man, —

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in all this, what room was there for regret?

Christina became known; but after a time it began to be said that certainly it was There was nothing to disturb the peace, for the best. She was evidently unsuited or throw a sha low over the happiness of for a clergymen's wife; and, after all, Capthe time. Walter was gentle and devoted, tain Cleasby's age was more suitable to and Christina trusted him entirely. She hers. She ought to have known her own was neither cultivated nor accomplished, mind sooner, but then she was young, and, but her quickness in apprehending what no doubt, had been pressed into accepting was put before her, and in grasping new Mr. Warde; or at any rate it seemed that ideas, charmed and interested him. His she really cared for this young man, as education, although desultory, had not been she held to him against her grandfather, narrow, and his mind, though somewhat who, as everyone knew, was such a fierce indolent, was of a speculative and intellect-old man, that most people were quite ual type; in his sister he had been accus- afraid of him. tomed to find a congenial intellectual com- Good-natured people, who tried to make panion and an equal antagonist; so that it the best of things, talked in this way when had not been without reason that she had the matter was discussed; and others who feared that in marrying a girl incapable of were more disposed to be hard upon Chrisappreciating his tastes or entering into his tina, made up their minds that it would be interests, he might have found much to for their interest to continue upon good miss and to desire. But with Christina she terms with the Cleasbys, since their house now saw that this would never be the case. would be a pleasant one, and their dinnerShe was ignorant, of course, but then she parties an enlivenment to the neighbourwas not in the least ashamed of her igno-hood. They said also that Christina could rance, and she was quite ready to form not have been so very much in fault, or her own opinions and to maintain them; Mr. Warde would not have still continued and her readiness and freshness were such to be a constant visitor at the White as to surprise and interest anyone. In-House. deed, the flaw in the connection between her and Walter had always been that he looked upon her as an interesting study Ir was quite true that, as the neighbours and as a charming picture, rather than remarked, Mr. Warde continued to keep as one whose dependence on him in- up a constant and friendly intercourse volved grave responsibilities, and upon with the Norths. Indeed, just at this time, whose human and immortal nature his when Mr. North was still so far from well, influence for good and evil, for sorrow his visits to the White House were even or happiness, was seriously powerful. He more frequent than usual. He did not liked to use his power, he liked to bring seek Christina, but they met occasionally, out new expressions, and to watch as was natural, and his manner was always her varied moodз; he liked to put new the same kindly and even affectionate one, things before her, and to watch her as and so entirely free from any resentment fresh lights burst upon her and unaccus- or embarrassment, that she could almost tomed subjects were brought to view; but forget, while in his presence, that their as yet he was apt to regard her as a play-present friendly relations had ever underthing (precious beyond all else), living and moving, and responsive to his touch, but still a plaything, and, as such, to be loved and cared for.

CHAPTER XVII.

gone a change. She was grateful to him, and she felt that he had had cause for resentment; but she could not help thinking that he had by this time found out that their engagement had been a mistake on his side as well as upon hers, and she would not join in her mother's compas

It was the one thing which his sister would have liked to alter; and it did not affect Christina, for she was unconscious of it. She could have held back nothing:sionate laments over him. she had given herself; her contentment was perfect, and her confidence complete. She believed what he had told her, and was neither unsatisfied nor exacting.

"No, he was very much to be pitied," she said; "but that was when he was engaged to me. I know it was very kind of him, and he had a right to be very angry; So those weeks were free from all mis- but at the same time there is no reason to understandings or quarrels, and as un-pity him, because he is free. We should eventful as happiness could make them.

People were sorry for Mr. Warde; and at first there was much surprise expressed when Captain Cleasby's engagement to

never have been happy."

Her mother did not agree with her; and, strange as it may seem, though she did not share her father-in-law's violent preju

was too simple and straightforward, he had the interests of his flock too much at heart, to be deterred by any false shame

had gained what he had lost in one sense he had been vanquished; but he felt that it was no dishonour to him to be vanquished; and as to Captain Cleasby, he did not attract him, certainly, but yet he wished that Christina might be happy with him.

dices, she was almost as averse to Christina's engagement as he was himself. She could not disabuse herself of the idea that it could not and would not prosper. Cap- or personal resentment. Captain Cleasby tain Cleasby might mean well, but who could tell what might not happen to make him change his mind? It had been so sudden, and she could not trust him as she trusted Mr. Warde. She valued riches, and position, and the good things of the world; she would have rejoiced that Christina should have had them in moderation; but the idea of her becoming the mistress of the Park was to her mother's mind so unnatural as to seem almost impossible. She had understood Mr. Warde, but she could not understand Captain Cleasby; thus it was that Mrs. North refused to be satisfied. Christina had thrown away what she considered her best chance of happiness, and she would not be persuaded that it would not have been for his good also; and as to his being relieved at her playing him false, how could she know anything about it? A man could not grow pale and thin, and bemoan himself like a girl!

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"Nor can he come and say, 'You disappointed me at the time, but after all I be lieve I do much better without you.' Christina had answered, rather impatiently and then she went away and the conversation was broken off; but Mrs. North remained unconvinced.

Captain Cleasby on his part had no cause for resentment. There had always been to his mind something a little ludicrous about his enagagement to Christina: it had disturbed him at the time; it had exercised a strong influence upon his conduct; but when once his fears were relieved, he was disposed to look npon it with some amusement, as a preposterous and impossible scheme which could never have been accomplished.

He smiled when he was told Mr. Warde had called to see him, and went into the drawing-room somewhat interested to see how he wonld bear himself.

He liked him, and he was disposed to be friendly; but hitherto there had been on his part a slight sense of superiority over the unpolished country clergyman: it vanished as he remarked the dignified simplicity of his manner, and noticed how naturally and easily he responded to his cordial greeting.

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As has been said, Overton generally They talked for some time of different had reconciled itself to Christina's incon- things, - of the poor, of education, of the stancy, and the Rector's looks and manners country and the neighbours; and then were just what they always had been, and Mr. Warde brought out his plans and eswere not at all such as to excite compas-timates, and made his request for a subsion. He was very busy, and he went about his work among his parishioners in his energetic cheerful way, setting his mind to solve their practical difficulties and supply their physical wants, as if he had no cares or regrets of his own to claim precedence. He was glad to be of any use or comfort to his old friend Mr. North; and he would not shrink from going to the Park when the occasion offered.

"I am especially anxious about the lighting of the church," he said. "If we could have an evening service, I feel sure we could command a good congregation. They like the lights and the warmth, and the mothers can come after the children are gone to bed; many people would attend whom we cannot get to come in the mornings or afternoons."

"But from what motives? I know nothing about these things, but it would not have occurred to me that gas-lights and stoves were fitted to create devotion."

Owing to General Cleasby's long absence, there were many improvements in the parish still required, to which he, as the Squire, ought, as Mr. Warde conceived, to have attended long ago. The They are aids," said Mr, Warde serichurch was badly lighted; the schools ously. There are not many people, I needed enlargement; cottages were falling fancy, whose motives are altogether uninto ruin; subscriptions were needed. mixed- He broke off suddenly as

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Captain Cleasby, too careless to be illib- Miss Cleasby came in. She had been eral, had hitherto responded to the vari-out riding, and she came in in her hat, ous calls upon him, and now there were with her whip in her hand, and closely several points upon which Mr. Warde de- followed by her black retriever.

sired to ask his advice and his help. He! It was the first time that she had chanced

to meet Mr. Warde since her brother's en-1 of the kind: "and for the first time he hesigagement, and her usually pale complex- tated, remembering how recently he had ion was heightened as she shook hands hoped to have Christina's help. with him. She was too self-possessed, however, to betray in any other way the touch of shyness she felt under what she conceived must be to him embarrassing circumstances.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said; "you both of you look most decidedly parochial, sitting among blue business papers. I hope Walter is more civil to you than he is to me, Mr. Warde; he always tramples upon me if I venture to ask questions which have any practical bearing.'

"Theory is a much prettier thing than practice," said Walter, lazily.

"But a theory is only tested by its result," said the clergyman; "it seems to me it loses its interest if it cannot be made to act."

"Of course it does," said Angusta; "and Walter will not understand that my interest in things is beginning to awaken. I think I have philanthropic tendencies, only they are undeveloped, and I am beginning to comprehend the duties which belong to the Squire's sister. I gave an old man a flannel waistcoat yesterday, and to-day three old men came and asked for three more."

"I am sorry," said Mr. Warde hastily; "I am afraid your kindness may be imposed upon."

"Oh no!" said Augusta, composedly; "they were most deserving cases, and so grateful; but, unfortunately, dear Don, who did not of course know what deserving old men they were, and who, like his mistress, has a rooted dislike to poverty, nearly murdered one of them as he was going away."

"Indeed!" said Mr. Warde, a little taken aback by her manner; "do you mean the man was seriously hurt?"

"He was; but he recovered when I gave him half-a-crown and begged his pardon. Really, if people are respectable, they should not go about looking like vagrants. Don is the most intelligent dog I know, but even he was taken in by the man's appearance."

"An appearance probably none the less ragged for the prospect of the flannel waistcoat before him," said Mr. Warde drily; "but, Miss Cleasby, if you are really anxious to do something for the people, you may be of the greatest service. There are so many parts of the work which can be better done by a lady than by a man, and we have so little assistance

"I shall be very happy," began Augusta; and then she caught her brother's eye and could not help laughing. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Warde," she said, "but my brother, I see, thinks it absurd for me to make promises. You see, we have never been brought up to this sort of thing. If the people want to be fed and clothed, I can understand it — and if yon will send them up here for soup and blankets, I shall be very glad - but when it comes to talking to them, it is beyond me. I was very much edified by those pious old men this morning, and then you come and throw suspicion upon their ve racity, and seem to think that Don's wellmeant interference was not uncalled for. Then, if I am to do the talking, instead of listening humbly to what they tell me, it is still more perplexing-you might as well set me to talk to Hottentots in their own language!"

"That declaration has at any rate the merit of sincerity," said Captain Cleasby.

"I am sorry to hear it," said Mr. Warde. "It seems to me that whatever raises a barrier between classes is both sad and culpable. How can you expect the poor to respect your wishes and your interest when you look upon them as another order of beings?

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"I never thought about them," said Augusta, as if excusing herself; "I don't look upon them as anything at all."

"That is your mistake," he said; but though he was very much in earnest, his gravity relaxed a little.

"Yes, you say it is our mistake," said Captain Cleasby; "but can you tell us why and how it should be otherwise? We do not need to be told that to you your duties are full of interest; but can you say what constitutes the bond of union? You baptize their children, you marry and bury them, but what is there beyond?" It was not so much the desire to be instructed which made him ask the question - he could himself have answered it in a dozen different ways - but he wanted to hear what the man would say for himself: his sphere had been narrow enough, and he had no great opinion of his abilities; but he was so different from the people with whom he was accustomed to exchange ideas, that he was curious to hear what he would say.

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They are my flock," said Mr. Warde; "they are human beings with immortal souls."

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"The intention at least was praiseworthy," said Mr. Warde, as he opened the door.

"He talks to me as if I were a little girl making a blot on my first copy!" said Augusta to herself. She was amused, but yet she liked him; it was curious, but it was impressive, to see a man who had so little of the hero or of the conventional saint about him, yet whose whole course of life was one of self-denying effort for the good of his fellow-creatures. She felt that all his energies were directed into that channel, and that they had not been without fruit even in the sentiments of respect that they had awakened in her own mind. "It does one good to look up to something worth looking up to," she said to herself; and she was pleased to find that she was capable of appreciating such worth with so little of sentiment or external charm attached to it.

At this time she had bestowed little attention upon the consideration of her own future. Walter had asked her to make her home with them, but she would not. She declared that they would be better without her, and she would not consent to be in their way. No; she had several long-postponed visits to pay, and then she would look about for some little cottage where she could settle near them. She liked to have a home of her own, and she would have ample means to enable her to live comfortably, and to receive her guests, and she would not, after all, be at home for much of the year. She had so many friends who wanted her to come to them, -but she would not be dependent on anySo she said, and her brother at last agreed with her. Of course she could not

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be to Christina what she was to him, and those complicated family arrangements he allowed were often mistakes. So it was settled; indeed, if she had been at all inclined to be jealous, she might already have become so. Christina was naturally his first thought. The long mornings he had been used to spend with his sister were devoted to her; the discussion of present affairs and future plans was often cut short; and although he was kind and gentle as ever, of course she felt the difference. But by no word or look would she show that she felt it: she rejoiced in their happiness, and would not do anything to mar it; she even made friendly advances to Mr. North. Unknown to him, everything that could possibly tempt his failing appetite was sent to him from the Park. She told Christina she had fallen in love with her Aunt Margaret, only she wished that handsome son of hers would come home; and, finally, she gave a large dinner-party, a thing which she had particularly detested, in order to introduce Christina to the neighbourhood, and show how cordially she accepted her as a sister-inlaw. Mrs. North sent her with Mrs. Oswestry, making the excuse that she could not leave her father-in-law for so long a time. In fact, poor woman, she dreaded making her appearance among them at all after so many years of seclusion; and her dresses were old-fashioned and shabby. But Christina never thought of these things; her mother said she believed, if she was asked to meet the Queen, she would not be afraid of doing anything wrong, or of not saying the right things; and as for her dress at this dinner at the Park she merely remarked that Walter liked her crimson ribbons, and seemed to think the matter ended there, though even Miss Cleasby had taken the trouble to wonder if she had any evening dress. However, Mrs. North's fears and laments reaching Mrs. Oswestry's ears, were soon after silenced by the arrival of a white silk dress of her own, worn once during her six months of married life, and then laid aside for ever.

Mrs. North exclaimed at its beauty, and set to work to adapt it with almost cheerful alacrity. She would dress Christina with her own hands when the evening came; and as she looked at her daughter standing before her with the robes of shining silk falling around her graceful figure, and the crimson knots of ribbon in her waves of brown hair, and the smile of happy anticipation upon her parted lips, it seemed as if for the first time she was

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