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THE COMMONER'S DAUGHTER.

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

CHAP. XXIV.

In the course of the same day, Colonel Tarragon came again to bid his sister farewell. Lady Laura was dressing to go out, when he came; and being in attendance on her, I asked her to convey my best wishes to her brotherdeceptive I admit, on my part; love teaches deceit, as a first lesson. The want of agitation or emotion with which I heard his message delivered evidently greatly amazed my stepmother. She shot a glance of triumph at me as she left the room. I knew well her thoughtVincent at any rate would be removed out of my sphere. I fear, at that time, Lady Laura, to gratify her vindictive feeling, would have cheerfully parted with half-a-dozen brothers.

I heard that Colonel Tarragon was to leave town that night, en route for his regiment; but Mrs. Martin delivered to me, privately, a small three-cornered note, which contained three lines, whose fervour almost made up for their brevity.

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Any girl who has loved will easily credit that I committed these lines immediately to my memory, to be conned over and considered, when afterwards doubts intruded and fears predominated.

Strange thoughts would from time to time intrude even in the first halcyon days of requited love. I began now to tax my memory, for the first time, as to what was Vincent's own belief in higher matters. I could not for my life recollect one observation that ever had reference to his religious opinions, or that gave evidence of his principles being founded on a firmer, surer code,

than that of human honour.

My reason gave me no satisfactory answer, and I strove to silence inquiry by giving my lover credit for not obtruding matters of sanctity in a circle so frivolous as that of Lady Laura's drawing-room. "Doubtless," I said, "he has

too much reverence for religion, to bring his faith forward for scoffers to sneer at." It was one of my own worst of grievances, that religious observances of any kind seemed utterly banished from my father's house; and I was obliged to keep a watch over myself, lest I too, should be betrayed into laxity in those duties which at Miss Norman's I had justly been taught were of the highest importance.

I had Sundays, however, generally to myself, at least the evenings for reading and reflection; for Mr. Castlebrook and Lady Laura were always at the select parties held at Carlton House on that day. In the mornings I invariably attended divine service, though my step-mother at first tried to interfere with this practice. Yet as I was home in time to attend on her before her four o'clock drive, she gradually ceased opposition, which she knew was unavailing; for, willing enough to concede anything of no moment, I had the merit, or the obstinacy, which ever the reader pleases, of being inflexible in the right, and from my earliest youth I had been accustomed to regard Sunday as a sacred day for rest, prayer, and thought. Indeed I will do my contemporaries the justice to say that those who were disinclined to religious observances contented themselves with neglecting the Sunday without endeavouring (as in the present day) to ignore it as a divine institution. Without desiring the rigour of a Puritan Sabbath, and conceding that the law of Moses is to us perhaps no more binding with regard to the seventh day than many of the burdens of the ceremonial law imposed on the Jewish race; I yet freely state that I should deeply regret to see the laxity of a continental Sunday prevail in England. Besides, it seems to me that in rejecting the fourth commandment we might as reasonably refuse to abide by the divine authority of the other nine, which as a code of duty and moral obligations none will refuse to accept. If therefore we should say the sixth commandment is not binding on Gentiles, what restraint have we against killing or slaying ad libitum ? Christ accepted these laws, and why should we refuse? Heimpressed on the Jews that charity and

humanity were not to be sacrificed to the letter of the law; that "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath"- -an aphorism which has certainly been twisted out of all shape to suit the views of the Anti-Sabbatarian; but which was simply meant to unite those duties which the Pharisee would have evaded by acting according to the letter, and not according to the spirit. Let the working-men have their gardens to walk in; their galleries if they want them; their Crystal Palaces-surely as lawful for the workman and his wife and children, as for shareholders-only let us have warranty that leisure will not degenerate into licence, and that the man who will not listen to sermons in churches, has perceptions sufficiently awakened to find them in stones and good in everything."

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But this is grave matter for such frivolous memoirs, and I must proceed with my own story, which, though I knew it not, was fast hastening to a crisis.

The storm broke presently over my head in perfect fury, on the morning after Colonel Tarragon's departure.

After breakfast, taken by my father in foreboding silence, Mr. Castlebrook desired in a voice of authority that I would follow him to the library. I rose to obey him with a heart beating with alarm, though my father, in fact, did not seem angry, only grave and embarrassed. Something, evidently, was on his mind. He was not long in commencing his explanation.

"Isabella, there is a subject on which I have long desired to speak to you. I cannot reproach you with any misconduct since your return home; you have, I am bound in strict justice to admit, been obedient and conciliating-qualities of temper which lead me to infer that you will no doubt be happy in a home of your own. You have personally grown up beyond my hopes; but every girl is well acquainted with her own charms, and certainly you have been approved of by the select few who visit here. That is all very well; but you have no fortune, and it will be utterly out of my power to give you any portion, or provide for you at my death. Even my wife has no jointure settled on her; and I hope you have sense enough to see, that mere beauty may hang on your hands and mine undisposed of, till too late. I have therefore, under these peculiar circumstances," said my father, "accepted the proposals of Lord Dornington, a worthy Peer to whom I have observed you have listened with complacency, and who, Lady Laura assures me, is viewed by you with preference. He is anxious to have the affair brought to a conclusion. You will therefore immediately make preparations for your marriage. As for money, it must, I suppose, be found somehow; but for heaven's sake do with as little as you can."

There was a panse, broken at last by my own parched lips-parched by terror and amazement. "I shall require nothing, sir, for the purpose you have named,"

His brow clouded like a brooding thunderstorm.

"How! girl? You will not dare disobey! What do you mean?"

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Only that my marriage with Lord Dornington is now and for ever entirely out of the question."

"Wretch !"-Mr. Castlebrook when angered was not particular to an epithet-"fool! would you annihilate your own hopes of fortune ?"

"I would rather, oh much rather, work to gain my own bread, than marry against my own inclinations."

At this minute Lady Laura's bell sounded what I knew to be a summons for me. I wished to terminate a painful contention. I rose.

"Let me say, father, once for all, I will not marry any one whom my heart and my judg ment cannot approve."

"Romantic stuff!

I will not hear it." "I must go now, Lady Laura wants me." "Stay here if you please; this matter is not to be glossed over so easily."

A knock came to the door.

"Plague on everybody! come in and be hanged," said Mr. Castlebrook, substituting the last word, evidently with a vast effort of forbearance.

Hannah the housemaid, on this, entered hesitatingly.

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Please, Miss Castlebrook, my lady begs you will go to her directly."

"Tell your lady, Miss Castlebrook cannot come," said her master with a voice of thunder to the frightened housemaid-the same woman whose services were declined as femme de chambre, because of her awkwardness, and propensity to sup off unsavoury-smelling condiments.

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Hannah, I am engaged particularly. Will you ask Mrs. Martin to go up to Lady Laura this morning?"

"Mrs. Martin, miss, is hill a bed," said Hannah, aspirating violently in her terror at Mr. Castlebrook.

"Deuce take all the women-then go your. self," said my father, slamming his fist on the table in violent irritation.

And Hannah, in a dismay that might have provoked a smile, had I been in the least disposed to mirth, bolted out of the room. On such trifles do our destinies depend! Hannah the housemaid, knowing how much Lady Laura disliked her services, bethought her of recommending herself by a little judicious let in Colonel Tarragon, during the absence of gossip. It was she who on the previous morning had the man-servant, and had shown him to the drawing-room. Some curiosity had, no doubt, induced the inquisitive domestic to apply to ways and means known best to herself to witness our interview; but the result, with which only I have to do here, was a full particular account, garnished plentifully with fanciful adornments, of what we said and what we did on that occasion. The consequences, perhaps, Hannah had not quite anticipated. Her lady said little; but when she was dressed, she sent the girl to

desire Mr. Castlebrook would go to her dress- blood nearly burst through my finger-nails in ing room immediately. the efforts I made for self-control.

On our parts a stormy interview was just coming to a close, when Hannah, pale and hurried, made this announcement. My father, in

"My-my-mother is an angel; and you are

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I often hear it"- -a glance at her husband. 'Devil!-that is your word! Delightful language for the éleve of the pious Miss Normanthe friend of that saint and martyr Miss Liscombe !"

"Go on-go on!" biting her lips and stampcensed beyond control at my firmness, nowing her foot. Do not mince the word, pray : became alarmed; for Lady Laura, whose accouchement was expected in a few months, between her own imprudences and health not really strong was often subject to dangerous attacks of spasms. He left me abruptly, a terrible oath on his lips, and ascended the principal staircase to his wife's room.

I remained mechanically in the library, and was absorbed in painful thought, when a peal from Lady Laura's bell vibrated through the house. Hannah could not have been far off, for she rushed in. "Oh, goodness, miss, forgive me! I didn't mean for to say any harm. I'm sure I didn't know as there was any-and a handsome young gentleman as give me half a sovereign, which the colour of my lady's money I never see yet. Oh, miss, I wouldn't for twenty gold sovereigns have done it; but my lady was so cross, I did it, like, to pacificate

her!"

I hastily passed the girl, and went up-stairs. As I knocked at the door of Lady Laura's apartment, I heard my father's voice loud in stormy anger. "Come in"-and I entered.

"Oh, woman-if you are woman! cease taunts and threats, madam, pray! How can I have erred so deeply? We can wait."

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"No more of this folly! I'll have no brawling from women's tongues, distracting one. card of invitation, Miss Castlebrook, has been sent from Carlton House: you will be presented to the Regent as the future wife of Lord Dornington; or you may leave my house, as your detested mother was sent from her father's, to expiate your disobedience and disgrace in poverty and solitude !"

My anger rose fast, faster than I could check "I will not enter society on these terms !" it: an avalanche of passion flooded my soul: I knew not what I said or did. My eyes flashed fire. I raised my voice as one with authority: "My mother was too good for so hard and cruel a man! And the wife you have chosen to fill her place is not worthy to have kissed the My stepmother was sitting in her usual chair; dust from her feet! You are both alike wicked but Mr. Castlebrook was pacing up and down-wicked, I tell you! And-and-oh, my the room, biting the end of a riding-whip which God! my God! save me from them-from myhe carried in his hand. His hat had been self!" dashed down on the floor. At sight of me his wife burst out into vituperation.

"There is the base, ungrateful creature, Mr. Castlebrook, who has abused my kindness, my confidence, by intriguing with my foolish brother!"

Lady Laura was close to me, for she had risen. She stretched forth her hand, and in one instant I was felled to the ground, only for an instant. I was on my feet directly-on my feet, conscious but of one thing-that Mr. Castlebrook, by the application of his ridingSo, madam, this precious discovery accounts whip across my shoulders-covered only by a for your refusal of a nobleman, a man of family thin scarf (high-bodied dresses being then unand fortune sufficient, methinks, for your pre-known), had in a second of time lacerated the tensions!"

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She took up the theme.

"After this commend me to your amiable people hypocrites all! turning round so meekly one cheek when the other is smittenand all for purposes of their own!"

"How dare you presume to put me to the expense of that cursed drawing-room? You knew you were introduced as the intended wife of Lord Dornington!"

"And to admit his attentions so palpably !" screamed, rather than said, Lady Laura"while at the same time you were entangling poor dear silly Vincent into an engagement!" "Madam"-when I could get in a word"Colonel Tarragon, unasked, sought my affec

tion. I am not—”

"You

flesh, till blood and a sickening faintness followed: but, stinging as was even the physical pain, the wounds were not so grievous as those inflicted on my soul by this action.

Personal chastisement! and from the hand of a man that man my father-the being who had given me life, to whom my duty and obedience were due! Personal chastisement! Oh, it is deep, deep degradation to a woman! In that hour of agony I did not believe I could survive it-only, death does not come at our demand; else, how many souls would be left on earth?”

"Go to your own room, and dare not come from thence till you have made submission!"

I had bruised my temple severely in my fall, and the blood had started from my nostrils; it was necessary, indeed, to seek some refuge--ere are all that is vile! But what I did so I turned to Lady Laura: "I trust, could your father expect?-bad blood-bad madam, when you yourself become a mother, blood! Your mother was a murderess!" you will better understand the affection which Oh! if a look could have slain, should II can never forget is due to a parent's memory !" not have been one too at that moment? At that cruel, cruel speech, I clasped my hands till the

She was still quivering with rage, and my father, after his last speech, had seized his hat,

and, with the whip in his hand with which he had scourged his own child, left the room, and directly after the house.

I entered my own chamber, visited once by the penitent Hannah to whom I refused admittance. I washed the traces of blood from my face and shoulders, and, mained in heart and person, I covered my face with my hands, and rested thus some time. But I could not dismiss the storm of shame and resentment which had been roused in my naturally passionate nature. I rose up presently, and paced up and down my room: "Oh, Vincent, why are you not here to take me from this cruel, cruel house!" Then I thought, had he been near, they would not have dared so to act. "I can never again meet them," I said at last. My father himself desired I would quit his house! I will, I will! No home-none for me! But I will not crouch meanly for the mere bread I eat, nor sell myself for a slave-nay, worse! Father, farewell! You may yet repent your deed!"

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It was easily resolved to go-but whither? and the means? I had no regular allowance of pocket-money when I was compelled, I asked iny father for it, and received a pittance, generally accompanied with such frowns, and often oaths, that I never asked till I could not help it. I now examined my purse-there was exactly a sovereign and a-half in it, and I had few jewels. All I possessed, however, I placed in my pocket, and selecting a plain dark dress, I put on a simple straw hat and veil, with a cloth pelisse, and then watching my opportunity, I glided down-stairs, and opening the hall-door, I was in the street before anyone in the house had observed me. In putting into execution this rash scheme, I had not the slightest notion where to go, or what to do. The thought of Benvolere first occurred to me; and, could I find him, I was sure he would extend shelter to me, and give his advice for the future; but I knew not how to ascertain his abode, or if even he was in London. In those days the state of the Continent was so disturbed, that the return of those who went thither was at best uncertain. I paused, but I was in fear of every moment meeting some one who knew me. At last a thought occurred.

A very short time previously, the Londoners had been excited by the Princess Charlotte's escape from Warwick-house, on an occasion when she deemed her father harsh and tyrannical. I remembered the royal young lady's proceedings, and beckoned a coach from a stand nearly opposite to me. My call was instantly responded to, and in another moment I was safe from observation.

"Where to, miss?" said the man, civilly, touching his hat.

I had not thought of that. What was my aim? There was a shop in Oxford-street where Benvolere's musical compositions were published - they might tell me there where he resided.

"Drive me to Minim's, Oxford-street."

"Yes, miss: don't know the shop; per hs you'll pull the check-string?"

He mounted the box and drove on, choosing, as I thought, all the narrow streets he could find by way of route. At last, just as we were in the purlieus of Leicester-square, the coach came crash against some obstacle, turned over on its side, and thereupon my senses-weakened, I suppose, by previous exhaustion and loss of blood-deserted me, and I fainted.

When I came to myself, I was in an apothe cary's shop, surrounded by a host of people, and supported by an elderly, decent-looking woman of the lower classes, who was bathing my temples.

"My! what a bruise!" she said, pointing to the one before inflicted.

"That was on her forehead, before my wehicle upset, said the hackney-coachman,who was waiting to see if I were dead or alive; "I'll take my oath it was.

"Now, good people, clear the shop," said the apothecary, a little fussy man, bringing me a draught, which I found myself forced to swallow, much on the same principle that when you go into an inn you must order refreshment; then a dreadful idea came across me-" Where is my money?" I felt in my pocket—joy!—the little therein was perfectly safe.

"I have something to pay-the cab fare." But to that observation there arose a strong debate. The honest woman who had charitably taken charge of me when I was dragged out of what my Jehu termed his "wehicle," and the apothecary, both declared I had no right to pay a farthing; and the hackney-coachman, no whit inferior in abuse and imposition to his confrère of 1865, as vehemently declared he had a right to it, and have it he would. I settled the dispute by changing my largest gold coin, and out of the change giving the man half-a-crown, at which, being more than his legal fare, of course he grumbled. Then as the gazers and gapers dispersed, following him as the most clamorous, and therefore the most interesting of the parties concerned, I asked the apothecary, then, what I had to pay him.

"A mere trifle, miss-five shillings-thank you."

The good woman, who still lingered, raised her hands, either in admiration or deprecation. Five shillings might be a mere trifle; but, for ten minutes shelter and a sal volatile draught, it was a good deal; and just then the sum to What if I could not, me was a material object. after all, find Benvolere? Could I return? Impossible! My flight, no doubt, had been discovered, and that supposition made return out of the question. Besides -no-better anything than live in such splendid misery.

I turned to leave the shop. The woman came after me. I thought she looked for payment, and took my purse out to proffer her some trifle, which she indeed most deserved; but she said: "I begs pardon, miss; you look like a lady, that's certain. Can I put you in the way

where you want to go? London streets is bad for a young creature like you. Let me see you home, miss."

"Home," said I, absently, "I have none." "Lord help ye! that's a bad thing to have to say, and you so young a lady. But I has a girl of my own, and-bless us! I hope, miss, you ain't going to faint again."

"No; I am weak, and-I cannot, I think, go this evening where I intended; it will be too late. You seem a kind, honest person; will you tell me where I can get a lodging-a poor one will do, if it be only respectable."

"Well, miss, I dare say I can: I have a room to let myself; but you don't seem to be much used to poor places, and I am only a widder who takes in washing and has a mangle. But my Betsy is at home just now, out of place, and she knows something, she do, of fine folks' ways-so❞—

Í eagerly assured her that any accommodation would do, if it were only clean and decent. Had I known London better, I might have hesitated at the offer; but the poor woman's hard features and homely dress spoke of poverty, but had no trace of anything worse.

“Well, then,” she said, "come with me, miss; its up a court, but perhaps you won't mind that."

We trudged on, and, at last, taking me up a close but clean-flagged court, my conductress knocked at the door of a one-storied house, and it was quickly opened by a young woman, who cried out-" Why, mother, for sure, I thought

you was lost!"

"No; here I am, safe and sound. Come in, miss. Betsy, my dear, get a light."

There was a cozy fire, and a small tea-kettle was singing with all its might, on a bright black hob.

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"Yes, mother, directly," was the cheerful answer, in a voice whose accents seemed strangely familiar to my ear. In a minute the dip' was kindled, and placed on the table. I had dropped into a seat, weary and heart-sick, and taking off my hat, one of the strings got knotted in hair. my The girl came civilly forward to assist me, and the light, such as it was, fell full on my face.

"My goodness gracious alive, mother! Why it is--it can't be-it is though, grown into a grown-up young lady! Miss, don't you know me, Miss Castlebrook? Oh! this is prime. Why, mother, you've heard me talk of Miss, over and over again. And-Well, to think how fortunate I should be at home."

"Betsy-my dear good Betsy! God! I have found a friend at last."

Thank

Yes, Betsy it was-Mnemosyne Betsy-a trifle thicker and broader, but the same goodtempered creature, unheeding trouble or difficulty.

She ran to a corner, from whence she dragged forth a large black cat, whose identity with my old pet kitten "Tootsy" was only to be discovered by his collar and silver bells, the former neatly pieced, for he had greatly outgrown his original

size. I stroked and petted the cat; but I am bound to confess that be did not evince the slightest personal interest in me.

"But, miss, how is it you are from home?" "I will tell you that to-morrow, dear, kind Betsy. If I can have a cup of tea, it will be all I shall require to-night, and will you show ine to my room."

These poor people had true delicacy: they asked me no more questions; and presently a cup of excellent tea, and some toast, with an egg, were served in very humble potter's ware; but all neat and spotlessly clean, as I found my bed-room to be, though the sheets were unbleached, and the coverlid a coarse rug.

But I thought little of such things. When I was alone, I breathed a fervent thanksgiving that I had found shelter beneath a honest roof; and with the protection of "Tootsy," whom Betsy had insisted in domiciling in my room, lest there should be mice, I speedily lost in a second, but sweeter oblivion, all memory of wrongs, of friends and foes.

THE USELESS.

BY MRS ABDY.

"No one is useless in this world, who lightens the burden of it to any one else." "Our Mutual Friend."

The Useless! How truly I feel for their lot!
How dull and insipid a scene it discloses !
How same must the sky be, that clouds shadow not!
How tedious the way that lies all among roses!

No wonder that oft, as they languidly pass
Along the smooth road of their sunny existence,
They long with the workers and doers to class,

Who struggle and toil in the world at a distance.

I pity their case; yet to me it appears,
That none need complain of their useless condition:
Whatever our talent, whatever our years,
We all have a duty, we all have a mission.

To the children of affluence Providence sends

A gift truly precious-the dear gift of leisure; You may solace the hours of your neighbours and friends,

Assuaging each trouble, enhancing each pleasure.

You may kindly encourage the lowly of heart; You may speak consolation and peace to the grieving,

And daily enjoy all the good you impart,

Since giving is ever more blest than receiving,

O'er Time's lagging course it is futile to mourn: This truth I maintain, and will ever declare it→→ The burden of life may be easily borne,

If we only enable another to bear it!

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