The Black Baronet; or, The Chronicles Of Ballytrain

ee mortifying to the Black Baronet, for so he was generally called. At this precise period he had projec

the negotiation proposed, to which, were it not for certain reasons that will subsequently appear, he had, in truth, no great relish; and this, principally on Lu

r father, a liveried servant arrived, bearing a letter i

pecially as you seem to wish it so anxiously. To tell you the truth, I fear very much that you are, contrary to remonstrance, and with your eyes open to the consequences, precipitating your charming and admirable Lucy upon wretchedness and disconsolation for the remainder of her li

r Gourlay, fa

LAMO

ughter, it became once more stern and overshadowed. He ground his teeth with vexation as he paced to and fro the room, as was his custom when in a state of agitation or anger. After some minutes, during which his passion seemed only to increase, he went to

mysterious and significant influence upon the actions of individuals. It is not, however, those who possess the strongest passions that are endowed with the strongest principles, unless when it happens that these passions are kept in subjection by religion or reason. In fact, the very reverse of the proposition in general holds true; and, indeed, Sir Thomas Gourlay was a strong and startling proof of this. In his case, however, it might be accounted for by the influence over his mind, when young, of a superstit

ilst in the act of concocting any plan, or projecting any scheme, he uniformly rode at an easy, slow, and thoughtful pace; but, when under the influence of hi

part in the interview which was about to take place between him and his noble friend. The day, though calm, as we said, was nevertheless without sunshine, and, consequently, that joyous and exhilarating spirit of warmth and light which the vernal sun floods down upon all nature, rendering earth and air choral with music, was not felt so

ogether circular, about a hundred yards in diameter, in the centre of which stood one of those fairy rings that gave its name and character to the glen. The place was, at all times, wild, and so solitary that, after dusk, few persons in the neighborhood wished to pass it alone. On the day in question, its appearance was still and impressive, and, owing to the gloom which prevailed, it presented a lonely and desolate aspect, calculated, certainly, in some degree, to inspire a weak mind with something of that superstitious feeling which was occasioned by its supernatural reputation. We said that the baronet came to a winding part of t

annoyance and vexation, and for what

to describe. Her face was thin, and supernaturally pale, and her features had a death-like composure, an almost awful rigidity, that induced the spectator to imagine that she had just risen from the grave. Her thin lips were repulsively white, and her teeth so much whiter that they almost filled you with fear; but it was in her eye that the symbol of her prophetic power might be said to lie. It was wild, gray, and almost transparent, and whenever she was, or appeared to be, in a thoughtful mood, or engaged in the contemplation of futurity, it kept perpetually scintillating, or shifting, as it were, between two proximate objects, to which she seemed to look as if they had been in the far distance of space-that is, it turned from one to another with a quivering rapidity which the eye of the spectator was unable to follow. And yet it was evident on reflection, that in her youth she must

ond any superstitious impression which he felt, "what brought you here? What devil sent yo

"I know who does. There is not much

by Thomas Gourla

before you die, Thomas; perhaps soo

l that, you irre

e replied, showing her corpse-like teeth with a gh

nd language that he deemed it wiser to change his tactics with the woman, and soothe her a little if he could. In truth, her words agitated him so much th

t could a destitute creature like you know about my a

have you done with the child of your eldest brother, the lawful he

f the child in question had been for many long years well known, yet, involved, as

have done, with making away with him? You might as well charge me with kidnapping my own

some unknown cause of hatred, to extinguish your whole family. That is, indeed, the best defence you have for the disappearance of your brother's son; but, mark me, Thomas Gourlay-that defence will not pass with God, wi

me, you ill-thinking old vermin." h

o tell your fortune; and you

or again into his pocket, without being in the slightest degree conscious of it,

she looked at him for some moments, during which she paused, and then added-"I will not do it, I am not able to render good for evil, yet; I will suffer you to run your course. I am well aware that

onet; "but why not

die, too," said she, "and I don't think

a very mysteri

f that. You locked in your d

prevent himself from starting so v

ure which he certainly did not feel; "you are a

what you know to be a falsehood; I would be glad to discover you uttering truth unl

thing. You charge me with falsehood,

her hand i

tle?" he asked, his mind passing to the gr

e," she replied, "and he

hand into his pocket, and once more pulling ou

ightful than before, and the bitter smile she gave while doing it again display

y don't make such cursed frightful grimaces. But with respec

-it will be the deare

u name he

will be the man, and he will

e somewhat acquainted with the future. The girl certainly is attached

e detests him; and you know she would sacrific

he asked, "and why do you

the past or the future, you will hear nothing further from me to

accidentally on the highway; but, until this moment, my goo

pwards, said, "How will you be prepared to render an account of a

astly features as she spoke, and pointed to the sky, after which she

rience. He knew not what to make of it. One thing was certain, however, and he could not help admitting it to himself, that, during their short and singular dialogue, she ha

ogether inexplicable, upon principles affecting only the ordinary powers of common humanity. Then she affirmed, prophesied, or what you will, that Lucy and Dunroe will be married-willingly and happily! That certainly is strange, and as agreeable as strange; but I will doubt nothing after the incident of the locking up, so strangely revealed to me too, at a moment when, perhaps, no human