Mabel, Vol. I (of 3)

e weight of

rostrate an

of the ble

o feel for

za

carcely extended beyond her immediate neighbourhood. Mabel, whose affectionate attendance was necessary to her mother's happiness, never thought of leaving her, by accepting any invitation to stay from ho

who had so unexpectedly entered it. Lucy, however, seemed determined to be pleased, if only allowed to be moving, and sh

" she asked, as they strolled up t

our walk," replied Mabel, "if

ch, for you said Mr. Ware was such a nice man

I ought not to say that, I suppose, as some people always dislike those they are told

udden turn in the winding walk they had chosen, gave them a fine view of the distant country, with Aston manor i

s the lac

ou look s

overed with foliage. "Let us sit down here, for the sun is quite oppressive. This," continued she, "is a favorite seat of mine; the tree fel

ild roses hung down it, and scented the air. A gentle breeze stole up from the valley, and a small stream rippled by in melodious monotony, falling in a tiny cascade

ucy was the first to break, by enquiring if Aston Manor

e splendidly furnished, and generally admired in our county; the hall is surrounded by a gallery, hung with paintings of gr

t would do nicely for

ces there, in good Mrs. Hargrave's l

ll be so nic

said Mabel,

use Caroline is so very fond of dancing, and could lead off a ball with

bel, startled, alike at the indelicacy of the scheme

ld you not be glad to have us down here, Colonel Hargrave and all; think what nice parties

angry retort-suddenly she checked herself as she remembered the conversatio

I do-for the first observation that seems to point m

l for others, to be able to read her countenance, or tell why her words had giv

to seize the reins with which she usually held her temp

e married-but it was wrong of me, because you could not understand my feelings without being told. So I must tell you," she continued smiling, "that I

ly does in the mouth of a beautiful girl; and she was surprised to think she should wish to retire from the field of conquest, before actually driven from it by dulness or age. Her own vanity could not co

irely restored, and she answered Lucy's wondering eye

nionship, and all that is domestic, and choose solitude only as wholesome medicine; but some destinies are fixed early, others late; and I, who once thought, and

u till you give me some

ly seeking to amuse me. Oh, Lucy," said she, turning round with sudden energy, "I have suffered terribly, and still suffer, when I lose my self-command for a moment-do not then talk of my loving or needing love-do not tease me with the intention of pleasing-do not talk-" Mabel suddenly stopped and burst into tears-for a very long time, she

Lucy, fearing that all the most interesting o

r retired from the lists of conquest; and, be assured, the necessity of placing a guard over myself, and the difficulty of doing it effectually, only tells me how much I ought to feel for others. If you will always

better for having a history, although I see I must not read it quite yet; at all

eaking of more than myself; so content yourself with what I have told yo

l do anything you wish, only you must tell

said Mabel, laughing; "remember,

at the rectory, and that

so I will take you for charity's sake, for I see, like the cat who was turned i

aid you liked so

n, for this green lane will l

e Newfoundland dog, who began to bark

scream, "I cannot go on-I am

is loose-come on, dear, I am

al or affected terror till

the visit, as silent, and apparently as timid, as a child, amusing herself by poking her

from one old friend, and had worked a birth-day present for another, with many other little incidents to notice, which Lucy amused herself by silently turning i

and white-wash from the walls inside the church, for he says they are painted with beautiful figures-but he will never have money enough for that I am afraid-yet he puts by all he can spare-for h

said Mabel, "I should so much like to see him fully employ

o be almost an insult to religion to allow its altars to be kept in the slovenly state they too often are; grudged almost the nece

rgrave, ma'am?" enquired Lucy,

re, "without being able to interest him. Young men too seldom ente

said Lucy, "with his fortune it

im then?" enqu

is coming to stay with us in Bath, and I will take

sly, but I am afraid you will scarcely succeed, where my brother has failed-if stre

ell him he must-suggest that not to do so is shabby, mean-with a few more e

thinking any one could succeed where Edwin failed, "if you ne

ng friend to tea on the morrow, if Mrs. Lesly could content herself with Amy's company; for to ask her, she knew to be useless. Lucy feared Mabel was going to decline, and she cast such an imploring look at her as to decide the question, and make her promise that, if Mrs. Lesly continue