Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

the baron was grave, silent, and apparent. ly uncomfortable; and Frederic was in no respect able to offer him any relief by gaiety or conversation.

Lord Burton thought the journey would never be done; but at length they arrived at Newcastle, and having dined, he became anxious concerning their further proceedings; and though he had nothing to guide him, he concluded that the baron would know what to do; but, to his surprise, he found that his companion was as much in the dark as himself.

They were not however allowed to remain long in suspense; for it was scarcely dark when they were informed that some one desired to see lord Burton, who immediately directed that the stranger should be admitted. Frederic and the baron each expected to behold some one that they knew; but they were mistaken-the person who came in was a stranger to both; he was a plain sailor-like man, seemingly the master or mate of some coasting ves

sel;

sel; and lord Burton having told him his name "Well, please you, my lord," said he, "I have come to shew you the way, and the other gentleman too, whose name I do not mind.”

Frederic naturally asked where he intended to conduct them?

66

Why to my own house, to be sure, my lord,” replied the sailor.

young man is lying there."

"The poor

"What poor young man ?" asked Frederic. "I do not know of whom you speak."

"Why the poor young man that was wrecked," answered the other; "I can't think of his name; but my wife can tell you. He is at our house lodging."

This seemed all very singular; but finding that he could get no further information, lord Burton thought it best to follow the sailor, who led them to a small but neat house, not very far from the river. As they walked on, Frederic could -perceive that the baron was much agitated,

and

and leaned upon him for support. At the door of the house he paused a moment, while their guide passed by them, and leading the way up stairs, desired them to follow.

It was a principle with lord Burton, that whatever is to be encountered, is best encountered at once, and he accordingly proceeded up the stairs to the door of a room on the first floor, which their guide threw open, announcing that lord Burton

was come.

On entering the apartment, by the dim light which was kept in it, Frederic could see the figure of a sick man, stretched upon a low bed, by the side of which sat a woman, who, though now faded, seemed not long before to have been one of the loveliest.

As soon as the baron's eye fell upon her, the colour varied in his cheek; but at the same time he raised himself to his full haughty height, while she for a moment hid her face in the covering of the bed.

The

The baron's lip quivered as if he meant to speak, but his voice failed him, and he remained silent; while lord Burton advanced towards the sick man. It was now his turn to be agitated: the pale haggard features of the countenance he there beheld came upon his remembrance like some horrible dream, some dreadful and unreal appearance. His cheek became as pale as death; he staggered back, and caught at the arm of the baron for support." God of heaven!" exclaimed he; "who do I see?"

66

Stanhope!" returned the hollow voice of the dying man. "Yes, lord Burton, you see Stanhope yet in life."

Your imagination, reader, will do more for the feelings of lord Burton than any words could do. The chain which had so long bound every energy of his soul was suddenly broken; it was free, and the unexpected relief almost overpowered him. The moment he had at all recovered himself, a thousand questions and doubts sug

gested

gested themselves to his mind; but before he could speak, he was stopped by the sick man, who held up

his hand, as if

desiring silence.

CHAPTER X.

What then? What rests?

Try what repentance can: what can it not?

Hamlet.

The History.

"LISTEN to me, lord Burton," said Stanhope;" and you, baron, also give me your attention, for I have but little power left to tell my story, and I must tell it my own way. It matters you both much to hear; for you, lord Burton, I have injured from the desire of revenge-and you, baron, from a more mercenary motive. I am now dying, and I have but one view

left,

« AnteriorContinuar »