CHAPTER XX. DOUBTFUL PROGRESS. SURPRISED at this unexpected arrival, Dorothy started up, but stood still; while Grace advanced to meet her visitor. All Josiah's courage had forsaken him, and he was unable to utter a word. He stood at the drawing-room door apparently in great danger of blushing himself into an apoplectic fit. He certainly did not present himself in a favourable aspect; and Grace thought, "The idea of any girl falling in love with him is preposterous; we must put an end to this;" but nevertheless she held out her hand to him, saying Because I cannot help it. Oh, Dorothy, thou must not be vexed with me; but I cannot help thinking of thee all the day long. I try to forget thee, but it's of no "I am very glad to see you, Mr. Crewd-use.' son; our families have been friends for so many years, that we cannot be strangers to each other." Dorothy Fox had naturally a great deal of the coquette in her; and though she could not return Josiah's affection, it was not unpleasant to her. She had been taught to set no value on personal appearance, and to disregard every attention to Did father know that thou wert com-dress which was not necessary to neatness By this time, Dorothy had recovered herself, and expressed her great astonishment at seeing him. ing?" 66 No," said Josiah; "I had some business- at least, it was not exactly business: but I heard that thou wert here." Then, seeing a smile on Grace's face, he added in confusion, Not that I came up for that, thou knowest; but I very often come to London- - at least, not very often but I have been once before." and order. She had been taught to look upon fashion as the worldly name of an engrossing sin invented by the devil “to lead captive the fancy of silly men and women;" and as for gay colours, they were the badges of slavery to this tyrant, who drew his victims step by step into a vortex of frivolous gaiety, in which they spent their youth in folly and their old age in regret. Dorothy was vexed at his awkwardness, Notwithstanding this teaching, Dorothy and wished that he had appeared to more was truer to her nature than to her educaadvantage before her sister. Grace, how-tion; and the girl looked on her fair face ever, did not seem to observe it; but com- and rejoiced, and could not check the demenced to relate what the journey from sire to wear the pretty colours which the Leeds to London used to be, and how well flowers, the sea, and the sky suggested to she remembered hearing Josiah's father her. speak of being attacked by highwaymen on the road. By the time she had finished, Josiah felt somewhat more at his ease, although he still sat in a most uncomfortable position on a chair just inside the door, under which he had deposited his hat. I hope you will have luncheon with us," said Grace. Josiah looked at Dorothy, and Grace added, "Dorothy will show you the garden and the forest, which are very pretty." Thank thee; I should like to stay very much, if I am not putting anybody to inconvenience." "Not in the least. I am sure I can answer for Dorothy," and Grace gave her a significant look to say something, for, as she said afterwards, she pitied the poor young man. 66 "Oh, I shall be very glad!" said Dorothy. "Do stay, Josiah." Josiah Crewdson, assuredly, was not her ideal of a lover, still it was very pleasant to hear him say that he could not help thinking of her; to know, as she did, that he loved her, and that this love had brought him from Leeds to see her. These reflections caused her to look down for a moment and then to answer demurely :— "I am sorry that I should engross so much of thy thoughts, Josiah; and I am puzzled to understand the reason. What makes thee think of me?" and she gravely regarded Josiah, whose whole energies seemed bent upon endeavoring to pull off separately the fingers of his black-andwhite silk gloves, which he had previously held so tightly in his hands. "Because I love thee so much, and I want thee to love me, Dorothy! Thou wilt try? If only a little, I shall be so happy. I don't know what I am about now; I keep on doing all sorts of foolish things. I forget to send letters, and I add up figures wrong, and I don't order the things sisters ask me to bring with me from town." “Oh, Josiah! how wrong! Thy sisters have a right, then, to be displeased with thee, and there is some excuse for them when they are cross." I am by myself, I am not dull and stupid, such as I was before I knew thee. I can think about thee, and what I would do for thee, and how I would love thee; and, instead of being wearied, I am quite happy, and glad when nobody is near to distract my thoughts. Dorothy, only say thou wilt try!" Yes; I will try. I told father I would try. But thou must not take that as an assurance that I mean to marry thee, Josiah, because I don't feel at all like that. Indeed," she added, with a little air of despondency, "I am not certain that I shall marry at all. Sometimes I think I shall be an old maid, like Dorcas Horsenail." Josiah shook his head,-"Thou wilt never be like her," he said. Why not?" "I don't care whether they are cross or pleased," exclaimed Josiah, throwing down his gloves, and coming nearer to Dorothy. "If thou wilt only say, some day thou wilt marry me, Dorothy, I will do everything that thou wishest, and never forget a single thing thou tellest me. But, when I think what an ugly, stupid fellow I am, and thou so clever and so beautiful, oh! I could do anything then! Why, I went into the Cloth Hall with my umbrella up the other day. Dont laugh at me, Dorothy; it was "Because," answered Josiah, simply, because I was thinking of thee, and how I"those good women have not got faces and should manage to see thee before the time ways like thine." thy father named." Dorothy gave full vent to her merriment, and whenever Josiah attempted to renew his protestations, he was interrupted by a fresh burst of laughter. "How fortunate it is that thy business has obliged thee to come to London!" she said at length. 66 66 At this moment, Grace tapped at the window, saying, "Dolly, the children want you to have a romp with them in the garden, and perhaps Mr. Crewdson will come out with you. We shall have luncheon soon, and after that, we will go for a drive." So, until luncheon was announced, Grace took possession of Josiah, walking Ah! thou knowest thou wert my busi-round the garden with him, and asking him ness. Kezia and Jemima did all they could to find out why I was coming, but I wouldn't tell them; I said that I had to settle some money matters." "Well, but I can settle some money business," replied Josiah, ruefully. And if thou wilt only say that thou art trying to care for me, I will tell them that I saw thee, or anything that thou thinkest is proper." Dorothy looked down hesitatingly, and pinched up the frill of her white muslin apron; while Josiah kept his eyes fixed upon her with eager anxiety. "I told thee I liked thee, Josiah," said Dorothy at length; but, of course, that is not saying I could marry thee." "But,' gasped Josiah, "thou dost not say thou won't, Dorothy ?-Do say that perhaps one day thou mayest. I have never had anybody to love me, and I do love thee so much. I didn't know what love was; but, since I was at King`s-heart, I have been so miserable." "Then, I am sure thou must be very sorry thou wert there." "No, I am not. I should not be sorry even if thou couldst never care a bit for me; because, somehow, I am different. When about her old friends, and his relations, and making him forget for the time his awkwardness and bashfulness. She perceived the truth of her mother's remarks about Josiah. He was very amiable, but quite unable to inspire love in such a girl as Dorothy. The drive went off so successfully that Josiah was too happy even to think about those personal deficiencies which generally formed a barrier to his peace of mind when in company. The children were friends with him at once, and Dorothy laughed, and talked to him without reserve, and to his great delight said she would like to visit his sisters. So in another month there was every prospect that he would meet her again. Mrs. Hanbury watched them until she had grave doubts whether, after all, Dorothy would not become Mrs. Josiah Crewdson. She certainly gives him encouragement, thought she; and the poor fellow has evidently lost his heart to her. During the drive home Dorothy laughed, and teazed Josiah until Grace thought that she had a very decided regard for him. She was still engrossed with such thoughts when the carriage drove up to the door, where instead of the servant, stood Captain Verschoyle. Had Dorothy known that she was going to see Captain Verschoyle she could not have desired to look better. The fresh air and her cheerfulness had heightened her colour, and made her eyes brighter even than usual. Captain Verschoyle thought he had never seen any one so lovely; and, though he addressed his first greetings to Mrs. Hanbury, he could hardly divert his attention for a moment from Dorothy. While Josiah was standing waiting until Dorothy should give some sign that she required his assistance, Captain Verschoyle walked round to the other side of the carriage, and, quite ignoring him, took her hands, and, though it was not necessary, almost lifted her out, and accompanied her to the drawing-room. For some time, the conversation was entirely about Captain Verschoyle, and how he had been spending his time since they last saw him at Fryston. Grace begged him to stay to dinner, but he said he had an engagement. You will have a cup of tea with us then ?" she said; and perceiving that Josiah had been overlooked, she asked him to ring the bell; saying to Captain Verschoyle, "Our friend Mr. Crewdson is obliged to return by the six train, so I can drive you both to the station, when I go for John." Captain Verschoyle bowed to Josiah, who, to Dorothy's vexation, took no notice of him. Very soon tea was brought in, and then poor Josiah, whose star had been gradually waning, ever since this dazzling sun had made his appearance, was suddenly extinguished. Captain Verschoyle walked about, attending and talking to the ladies, and finally took his cup of tea, and drank it standing, as Dorothy thought, in the most graceful manner, while Josiah, made doubly awkward with a cup of tea and no table, and a piece of bread and butter without a plate, sat silently eating and drinking, his coloured silk handkerchief spread over his knees. he asked Mrs. Hanbury if she had seen some celebrated paintings at Spencer House?-and finding that she had not, he said, "Would you like to see them? I know I can get admission, and I should so like to show them to you and Miss Fox. Will you come on Saturday? Mr. Hanbury is to dine with me to-morrow, and then we can arrange it." Grace said she would be delighted, and Dorothy looked so radiant, that Captain Verschoyle felt inclined to offer to take them to every gallery in London. He turned to Grace, saying ruefully, “Is it not too bad? here I am in London, wanting to see all the sights, and nobody will accompany me. Have you been every where, Miss Fox ?" I was just about to propose, if you are not too tired, that you and Miss Fox would honour us by walking to the station, and your carriage could follow and bring you back," said Captain Verschoyle. 66 "Oh! that would be much nicer," exclaimed Dorothy. Wilt thou do it, Grace." "I am afraid I can't, as I am a little tired; but you might go, dear. I would be at the station before the train leaves." Captain Verschoyle, after the momentary glance he gave Josiah when introduced, took no further notice of him. But, to Dorothy's imagination, he was looking at, and remarking upon every small peculiarity which her unfortunate lover possessed; and she felt so vexed and annoyed with Josiah, that she longed to say something While Dorothy went off to get ready, cross to him. But no opportunity occurred; Captain Verschoyle continued talking to for except when he was particularly ad- Grace; and Josiah dolefully thought that dressed, Josiah was dumb; and besides, now he should have no opportunity of sayCaptain Verschoyle was constantly including another word to Dorothy. Perhaps at ing her in the conversation, and thus the station she might say something to him; attracting her attention to himself. At but on the way this man, towards whom length, the subject of art being introduced, Josiah had taken a great dislike, would doubtless monopolize her. Then he could not stay beyond the sixth day. He had not courage enough to come again the next day, so he should not see her. How provoking that this person should have come! But she had been kinder to him, and had promised to visit them. Still his heart had lost its lightness; she seemed more beautiful than ever, and he more stupid, by comparison with this stranger. Grace was not in the room when Dorothy returned. Josiah arose, took his hat from under his chair, and stood waiting to accompany them. But Captain Verschoyle, who had decided against a third person accompanying them in their walk, turned to him as they were following Dorothy, and said “I think Mrs. Hanbury will expect one of us to take care of her; so we shall see you at the station." Josiah was thus left alone in the drawingroom, where Grace found him, and to his astonishment said, "I am so sorry you thought it necessary to wait for me, you should have gone with Dorothy; I drive down alone almost every day." 66 When they all met Josiah found no opportunity to say more than Farewell." Grace gave him a general invitation to come and see them whenever he came to town. Captain Verschoyle stood talking until the train was just starting; then he said, turning to Josiah, Do you smoke? No? Then, good-bye!" and got into another carriage, and the long-looked-for meeting was over. When Mr. Hanbury returned from business, the visitors were mentioned, and also the invitation given by Captain Verschoyle. Hast thou accepted, Grace?" he asked. Conditionally, dear—that thou hadst no engagement." 66 66 "No, if Dolly and thou would like to go, I shall be at your service." "Then we will decide upon going," said Grace. "Oh! I am so glad," exclaimed Dorothy. "Is it not fortunate, Grace, that I have my new dress and bonnet ? " "Oh! woman, woman!" laughed John Hanbury. "What matters it whether thou art a strict Friend, a Parisian belle, or an Indian squaw? nature has implanted in thee a love of adornment and dress, which no sect can overcome, and no training extinguish." CHAPTER XXI. ART AND NATURE. "WELL, Audrey, you may be a very entertaining companion to some people, but Mamma, you have no right to say such things of us. I am sure I always try to do what pleases you." Indeed! do you? and I suppose I shall hear next that your cruel heartless brother does the same.' "Well, Charley would be very sorry to vex you; but if he knew he couldn't like Miss Bingham "Now, Audrey, if you are bent upon irritating me, I desire that you will leave the room; my nerves can't stand it. Like Miss Bingham, indeed! I should like to know how long you have taken to consider matrimony in this new light? Charles knew that I used every effort to introduce him to a nice-looking girl with £50,000 of her own, besides expectations. She immediately fell in love with him, received his very pointed attentions most graciously, and then, when everything was going on smoothly, suddenly he takes some ridiculous idea into his head that he is afraid he cannot love her, and he must go away to prove his passion. Well, all the time he is absent, I entirely sacrifice myself to his interests, never leaving her; and let me tell you it's not so very agreeable to be tied down to a namby-pamby girl from morning till night: no one but a mother would do it." "But, mamma, you forget you wanted Charley to take this same girl for life." "I want no argument, Audrey; and it is only your perverse temper that makes you defend him. You know perfectly well what I mean. The idea of a man in his position throwing away such a chance; and really thirty-two is rather late to begin to have these romantic feelings. I'll never believe that his want of love is his only reason the idea is too ridiculous. No, I am certain that he has some horrid entanglement, or infatuation, which will burst upon us suddenly. I am quite prepared for anything; perhaps it's a housemaid or a cook." 66 Oh! mamma, don't be so absurd." "I don't see that it's at all absurd, Audrey. After the pointed manner in which he made every one believe he was going to marry Miss Bingham, I feel ashamed to meet the people.' You need not, I am sure. I never saw any of this pointed attention you speak of; he was polite to her, but not more so than I have seen him to dozens of girls." "Then all I can say is, you have gone about with your eyes shut. If people had been so blind as you, how was it that Mr. Dynecourt, who was dying to get her, should go off the very day he heard Charles was coming back?" "Do you think that was the reason of Mr. Dynecourt's leaving? "I don't need to think about it; it was quite apparent to every one. Mr. Ford, in his good-natured way, asked young Dynecourt here to meet Miss Bingham. No doubt, when Charles went away, he thought everything was in his own hands, but he had sense enough to know that he had no chance when your brother returned, and so gave it up. I never saw any one behave more absurdly, for, of course, by going away so suddenly he made every one aware of his design." 66 As Charles does not intend to possess himself of this coveted treasure, it is a pity that Mr. Dynecourt should also be disappointed," said Audrey in a scornful voice. Would it not be only fair to send him a recall ? " 66 "Yes, it would be very hard upon you if my scheme turned out to be a failure. But there is no fear of that, mamma; I cannot afford to let likes and dislikes interfere with my settlement in life, can I?" 66 Nobody with proper sense ever would allow such feelings to overrule their judgment. I am not afraid of you there, my love; but I think it is time to have the offer made formally, for, with that exception, I look upon it as settled. I do not see how he could draw back now if he wished, and I am sure that that is not likely." "I wonder if he will ever repent of marrying me, mamma ? " 66 "Well," returned her ladyship, with a shrug of her shoulders, once married it does not matter; but if he does he will be very ungrateful, I think. I do not know where he could have done so well. We have unexceptionable connections, and every opportunity of being in the best set, and you are very handsome, and wonderfully fascinating when you please, although you have not looked at all well this last week." Have I not? - but what does it matter? When I am Mrs. Ford I shall even be able to indulge in looking plain." 66 That's quite a mistake," replied Lady Laura. "There is no reason why you should not have as many admirers then as now." "Wouldn't that be rather a dangerous luxury, which even money had better forego?" "Of course you know, Audrey, no one can be stricter than I am; I make a point of never forgetting a slur on any one's reputation. But when an old man marries an elegant woman young enough to be his daughter, he cannot suppose she is going to shut herself up with him, and never speak to any other." Audrey sat silently looking out of the window for some minutes, then she suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, money, money, what a curse it is! I wish with all my heart I was that farm-girl outside! " "Gracious me! what for?" asked Lady Laura, surprised at this sudden outburst. "Because, perhaps, I should win the affection of some country bumpkin, and we should love each other with all our vulgar hearts, and, knowing no more refined motive, marry and be happy." 66 Happy! with a dozen children in a hovel, eating fat bacon, and at last dying in the workhouse! Really, for a girl brought up as you have been, that is an odd notion of happiness. My dear, these speeches are very telling, when well said |