 section 20 of Violet Osborne. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by D. Randall. Violet Osborne by Lady Emily Ponsonby. Volume 2, Chapter 5 Sir, I am beholden to you for your sweet music. My ears were never better fed with such delightful, pleasing harmony. Pericles. The one cross in Mr. Pope's lot was the impenetrability of his two rich neighbors to his ministerial labors. But in the case of Lord Ashford, this cross weighed far less heavily on his mind than in that of Sir William Hamilton. There are persons who, whether by the open boldness of their conduct or by some charm which counterbalances their evil doings, blind the eyes and shut the mouths of censors. Such was Lord Ashford. Though the carelessness of his moral and religious principles was so glaring that it might have been the theme of a child's comment, strange to say, it was commented on by few. His good qualities, a compassion that could not bear the sight of bodily distress, a profuse generosity, and a hardiness of manner which placed all who approached him at their ease, were more than sufficient to disarm criticism. And under the kindly but not very respectful term of the jolly old Lord, the errors of his life were compassionately veiled. Mr. Pope owned the charm as well as his parishioners. He was on the most friendly terms with Lord Ashford, and though the weakly sight of his empty pew kept alive the remembrance of his delinquencies, it was a calm consciousness sighed away with a constant hope that better things would come. With Sir William Hamilton it was different. Mr. Pope was on good terms with him, for as he said himself, and he spoke truly, his sense of duty would not allow him to be otherwise. But the terms were cold and distant, and the occasional attendances at church were more galling to Mr. Pope's personal dignity than the total abstinence of Lord Ashford. Sir William Hamilton was a scholar and a clever man, and a man of refined and cultivated taste, and as such, and being known to be such, his approbation would have been valuable, and his indifference was keenly felt. It was felt not as a censure, not as implying criticism on any of Mr. Pope's performances, but simply as a want of personal attention to himself. Of defect, of anything that could be subject to criticism, Mr. Pope did not dream, nor considering his success with all other classes of his parishioners was it likely that he should. His success with them was indeed considerable. They were in general a quiet, orderly race, very ignorant, and much led by custom and habit. For the most part, men and women, farmers and peasantry, went to church once on Sunday. Their fathers and grandfathers had done it before them, and they would have missed their daily dinner as soon as their weekly church. Mr. Pope's eyes might glance over his congregation, and rarely, very rarely, with anything but exultation. It is true that the moral and intellectual nature bore but little part in the service. Mr. Pope was not a preacher to rouse. He might vary his texts and his words, but his sermons ran constantly the same course. He preached on the moral virtues and their opposite vices, on the duty of contentment and gratitude, on the superiority of Christians to heathens, and on the superiority of his parish to most parishes in England. These were his favorite subjects, but such as they were, they were listened to, especially the two latter, with sleepy complacency by his auditors. They were proud of him, and he was proud of them. They were proud of the pompous tones of his voice, of the pompous decorum with which their service was performed, and most of all of the pompous step, slow and dignified, with which he passed from the vestry to the pulpit, accompanied by the tones of the grinding organ, and followed by the eyes of the whole church. And he was proud of the well-filled seats, the decent dresses, and most of all of the pride they took in him and their devotion to his wishes. But all this success and consequent pride was insufficient for perfect satisfaction while Sir William Hamilton was unimpressed. He had seen Mr. Pope in his church. He ought to have admired like the rest, but he did not. Nor to do Mr. Pope justice was this the only cause of his dissatisfaction. His religious feelings were not deep, nor his religious standards high, but such as he was, he was very sincere. When he preached on the superiority of Christians to heathens, he preached from his heart. He exalted in being a Christian as much as if it were his own exclusive privilege, and the exaltation did him honor. He had therefore a higher source of pain in Sir William's un-Christian conduct, and that pain was truly felt. For many years, however, this dissatisfaction had been born in silence. If Mr. Pope was afraid of mortal man, he was afraid of Sir William Hamilton. And it was only during the last year, only since the daughter Ida Hamilton was advancing in age, that the possibility of remonstrance had presented itself to him. She had now entered her twelfth year, and the neglect of her religious duties might have serious consequences. It was on the ground of the disadvantage to his daughter that Mr. Pope at length determined to base his remonstrance, and having once made up his mind to the plan of action, he acted upon it. A fortnight before the arrival of the Osborns, the deed was done. Sir William received the remonstrance with the same imperturbable indifference with which he had hitherto met Mr. Pope's approaches. He showed neither resentment nor gratitude. He observed that had his daughter ever expressed a wish for a more frequent attendance at church, no difficulty would have been made by him, and in short, disposed of the question with a kind of cool contempt. Mr. Pope was meddled. He changed his ground of attack from the daughter to the father, pointing out the evil example Sir William was setting, not only to his own child, but to his dependent, and in fact to the whole neighborhood. In his warmth he spoke well. He set forth plain truths and expressed them forcibly. That they came home to Sir William might be guessed from his reply, not that he was moved to warmth, but there was a sarcasm in his words which no longer spoke of indifference. He was surprised, he said, to find that Mr. Pope felt strongly on the subject. He had hitherto believed the harmony provided for the congregation was intended rather to scare them to allure. Mr. Pope was thunderstruck. That there was art but beauty in the tones of his bellowing voice was an idea as new as it was offensive. He maintained, however, his dignity. Observed that such considerations were unsuitable to the importance of the subject under discussion. And after begging Sir William Hamilton's pardon for his intrusion, politely and unruffled took his leave. But the idea that had been suggested rankled and again and again the possibility of an improvement in his summity was the subject of his reflections. Who could be the improver was the difficult question. The old schoolmaster who now turned the organ and encouraged the screaming boys had the voice of an asthmatic raven. And the new schoolmistress had unfortunately been taken before the idea of improvement was suggested and without any questions as to the extent of her musical knowledge. That knowledge proved to be very small and Mr. Pope was at a standstill. To a fortnight's perplexity the arrival of Violet Osborne put an end. She came and Mr. Pope was restored to all his usual complacent contemplation of his own sphere and labors. Sir William Hamilton was absent at the time of that arrival and the three weeks that elapsed before his return. Three weeks of unconquerable patience and unflagging energy on the part of the teacher. And three weeks of willing attention on the part of the fascinated pupils had already wrought a wondrous change in the summity of Holy Well Church. Nothing beyond the simplest Psalm singing had as yet been attempted but when above the soft notes of the organ and the softened voices of the children. Violet's own voice rang out sweet and clear. Even the fat and drowsy farmers and even Mr. Pope himself felt and owned that there was a change. A change that excited more reverent fillings than had yet been experienced on that portion of the service. On the fifth Sunday shortly before the second lesson Sir William Hamilton and his daughter marched deathly up the aisle and concealed themselves in a pew. Mr. Pope's chest heaved beneath his surplus as he pictured the surprise he had in store and when after the litany the first notes of the organ began his very heart beat with the emotions of exaltation and expectation. The Psalm was a well-known and simple one but given with the correctness of one who understood what she sang and if Violet's voice had been his own creation he could not have felt more covered with glory than he did when full and sweet its notes and words penetrated through the church. If this elation could have received an addition it was in the sight of a hand from Sir William's pew softly undrawing a curtain and an uncovered head thrust forward to catch a sight of the gallery. Mr. Pope might live many years and many successes might yet be his but nothing could ever equal the sensation of that moment. Sir William Hamilton was conquered he was convinced of it and he had conquered him. When the service was over Sir William instead of escaping as was usual to him while the rest were still on their knees or searching for their heads set in his pew and when the congregation had dispersed followed Mr. Pope to the vestry. You must allow me to congratulate you Mr. Pope on the teacher you have engaged for your children. I have rarely heard a sweeter voice or a clearer intonation. Such were his opening words and they felt like sweet music on Mr. Pope's ear. I am gratified Sir William that she should receive your approbation he calmly replied showing no sign of the heaving pride within. It occurred to me during the service Sir William continued that she might be able to instruct my daughter. I am extremely anxious to secure a person of taste for that purpose. Will you be good enough to tell me her name and her abode? Her name is Ms. Osborne. She is the daughter of the ruined banker who has taken Farmer Barton's cottage. You will probably remember the circumstance. She willingly consented to the proposal I made to her to instruct my school children. But whether she would be willing to undertake the office you propose I am totally ignorant. That shall be my affair replied Sir William calmly. I must consider further I thank you and bending his head in salutation he withdrew. The consideration given brought Sir William Hamilton to Mr. Osborne's on the following morning. Violet was diligently practicing. Mrs. Osborne was writing her letters when the door was thrown open and he was announced. Possessed with the idea that Violet was a musical teacher, no word that Mr. Pope had said had undeceived him. And though startled by her grace and beauty as she rose up on his entrance, he proceeded to his business without delay. You will pardon my intrusion madam he began stiffly bending his head to Mrs. Osborne. But having had the pleasure of hearing your daughter's voice in church yesterday, I am anxious to ascertain whether it would be convenient to her to assist my daughter in her practice. She may command any remuneration she pleases. His utterance was slow and clear and Mrs. Osborne heard every word but the sense scared her. Her color rose and she turned her eyes on Violet with the look of shame and apology. Had her mother not been by, Violet might have felt as she did. But being anxious to relieve her, she looked at her with a smile of amusement and coming forward towards Sir William said, I am sure I should be glad to assist your daughter if I could. But I should tell you perhaps that I am not a regular teacher. I should not I hope. She continued blushing and smiling. Be ashamed of it if I was. But I am not and you must not talk a remuneration to me. He looked for one to the other till he had fully mastered the extent of his mistake. Then awkwardly said, I beg your pardon. His extreme awkwardness in this discovery revealed how much of shyness had originally led to his withdrawal into himself. His stiff cold air was probably more of a habit than a manner. After a moment's thought he said, I beg your pardon, a second time, and bowing appeared to be on the point of taking his departure when Violet spoke again. I must not think we are offended, she said. I am sure though I do not know Miss Hamilton, that I shall be very glad if I can be of use to her. She looked at her mother to desire her to speak, and Mrs. Osborn said, I am sure my daughter will. And moving her hand towards the chair added, will you sit down for a moment? He obeyed and then for the third time said, I beg your pardon. I suppose I misunderstood Mr. Pope. I should not otherwise have presumed to intrude in his way. Pray say no more, said Mrs. Osborn, and Violet added. I assure you I shall be quite as glad to be of use to Miss Hamilton as if I was a teacher, but I should be afraid she was beyond my powers. My daughter has been tolerably well taught, he replied, but what I am anxious to secure is a person of taste to guide her taste. To play easily is a common accomplishment, to play correctly and with understanding a rare one. In what I heard yesterday, Miss Osborn, you will forgive me for saying it. I discovered that correctness of time and clearness of touch, which shows a taste for music both natural and cultivated. If you are sincere in what you say, if you would be good enough occasionally to allow my daughter to practice with you, I should be truly obliged. If you will allow me, I will send her to call upon you and you will then better judge whether her society will be distasteful to you. I am sure it will not. Anything I can do, I am so glad to do it. Violet said in her cordial way, speaking from her heart. He bowed and thanked her, bowed again to Mrs. Osborn, and for the fourth time, begged her pardon and withdrew. End of Volume 2, Chapter 5, Section 21 of Violet Osborn. This is a LibriBox recording. All LibriBox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriBox.org. Recording by D. Rando. Violet Osborn by Lady Emily Ponsonby, Volume 2, Chapter 6. God hath so constituted our nature that in the very flow and exercise of the good affections, there shall be the oil of gladness. Chalmirs. The following morning, while Violet was practicing, she was drawn to the window by the sound of the quick canter of a pony down the road. And then it's paused at the college door. On looking out, she saw a little pony of the palest chestnut and on its back a young girl in a large Sir Joshua hat with dark thick curls falling in masses to her waist. A grinning country boy in a kind of livery came running behind. Violet guessed at once that it was Miss Hamilton and without waiting for a summons, flew to the door and opened it. As she stood there, and beautiful in the sunshine, smiling at the young stranger, a mutual attraction took place. The child leapt from her pony, hurried as fast as her petticoat permitted to Violet's side and put up her face to be kissed. You are Miss Hamilton, I guess. Violet said, smiling and playfully. Yes, Papa sent me. He told me you would teach me to sing, will you? We will talk about that. Will you come in? And she led her into the drawing room. Ida Hamilton was between 11 and 12. She was well grown for her age and on a large scale but her expression was childish. Without great beauty her face was pretty and attractive. Her features were tolerable well formed, her eyes large and dark and her hair beautiful. The cast of her countness was not lively or intellectual. There was no deficiency but intellect was not the predominant quality. A soft, beseeching look pervaded every feature and spoke of a nature whose delight was to give and receive affection. The expression was winning and touching but wanting and variety. On entering the room seeing Mrs. Osborne who looked at her with her gentle smile Ida walked to her put up or rather put down her cheek to be kissed. It seemed her natural form of greeting. She then returned to Violet and said Papa sent me I'm very glad to see you. Violet smilingly and courageously replied and now tell me what can I do for you? Can you teach me to sing and to play? You sing so beautifully. I wish you would and she raised her dark eyes with her expression earnest beyond the occasion. Are you fond of music? Yes, very. And it is the only thing Papa cares for me to do. Ida's manner of speech was much like that of a young lady in a dashed letter. She put pathetic emphasis on many of her words and often very needlessly. You must remember I am not a regular teacher, Violet said. I can't teach in a proper regular way and so your father I shall be very glad to do what I can to help you on. I will begin today if you like. Will you take off your bonnet and have a lesson? No, I can't stay today, thank you. It is very near Tommy's dinner time and he is so hungry always. He would not like me to stay. No, no Violet said won by this little trait of kindly thought. It would not do to interfere with Tommy's dinner but what shall we do then? When can you come? I want to know if you will come to me. Papa said I might ask. I should so like it. Are you quite alone? I have got my bun but she is very good natured and you would not mind her. Will you come to dinner tomorrow and then give me a lesson after? I wish you would. Well, Violet said after a little consideration I think I can. Miss Hamilton wants me to go to lunch and eat with her tomorrow, Mama. I think I will and she kissed her mother's forehead. Yes, dear, if you like, then I will. And you say I am not to mind your bun. You must take care she does not frighten me. Oh, she won't. She is not very clever. She is nothing but my bun. But I must go now for Tommy begged me not to stay long. He is so dreadfully hungry, he says. Should I give him a bit of bread for fear he should faint? Violet asked, laughing. Oh, bread is no good to Tommy, Ida said with the look of earnest dismay. Meat is what he likes. He told me once that if he did not have proper meat he thought he could eat men. Oh, how shocking! Violet cried in effected horror. He did not mean anything bad, Ida said pitifully. Only he has such a wonderful appetite. He is a very good boy and very good to my pony. Goodbye, I hope you will let me love you. And she put up her face to be kissed. Violet smiled her answer and having assisted her to mount her steed stood nodding and smiling till she was out of sight. A dear child, she's a little quiet as she re-entered the house. And what a poor little lonely thing it must be in that large house and with that stiff father. It will be a shame if I don't try to make her happier and better too. She added remembering what she had heard from Mr. Pope of Ida's neglected education. And her heart bounded at the thought of this new prospect of usefulness as Alexander's might have done at the hope of a new world to conquer. Violet's time was now fully occupied. She taught her class three times a week and too conscientious not to endeavor to make herself fit for what she had undertaken. She devoted a considerable time daily to the study of music. But she had other employments. She could not take interest in the children of her class without going beyond the hours of instruction. She inquired into their history and their circumstances and finally remembering they were her neighbors and that she needed no leave from Mr. Pope to show a neighborly kindness towards them, visited them and their parents in their homes. This step was no sooner taken than to a disposition like hers occupations multiplied. She had no longer lavish wealth but she had thought and time and intellect and fingers at their service and these were given. Many a small comfort was planned. Many a small ailment occurred. Many a piece of advice offered and accepted. If she saw a baby in an untidy dress she could not rest till she had supplied it with a more seemingly garment. She would replace the filthy finery of a child by a strong penifor and reject a piece of stained list from an old man's neck by offering a knitted comforter. When she had once entered on the career of active benevolence she found no time for rest and no time for regrets and repinings. She looked happy and she was happy. The following day was not her class day and soon after 12 she went up to prepare for her walk to Bosscombe, the house of Sir William Hamilton. When she came down she found that her father intended to accompany her. Mr. Osborn, a man of the world and anxious in a mount way to observe the proprieties of life had felt some doubts about this visit to the house of a widower and though reluctant to oppose Violet's wishes was determined at least to satisfy himself that the existence of the Bun was not a myth. They walked bristly to the door and rang the bell. The summons was answered by Ida herself and a servant who appeared at the end of the hall into which the door opened. Seeing his young mistress saved himself further trouble and departed. How good of you to come, she said, putting up her face. I am so glad. This is my father, remarked Violet. Is Sir William at home? asked Mr. Osborn boldly. No, I'm afraid not. I am so sorry. Do you want him? I should like to rest a little while, he replied, determined to enter the house and make his own observations. May I come in? Oh yes, pray come in. Come to the fire. There is one in my school room if you don't mind. In closing the hall door she ran across to a door on the opposite side and led the way into her school room. It was a large and pretty room looking into the garden and one glance assured Mr. Osborn of the existence of the being of whom he was in quest. A fat old French woman was seated in a chair by the fire. She had but few teeth and judging from her countenance not many more ideas. Still there she was a piece of living propriety and he felt empowered to dismiss his objections from his mind. He sat down and addressed the old lady in bad French. She replied in English equally bad. For a few seconds they conversed in this manner each as his customary adhering obstinately to the language of the other. And then Mr. Osborn declared his legs to be rested and took a polite leave. As he crossed the hall he saw the dining room door open and taking a cursory glance as he passed further set his mind at ease by perceiving that the table was only prepared for three persons. Meanwhile Ida and Violet conversed and before dinner was announced Ida had drawn from Violet a promise to call her Ida a bone asked with great earnestness and for the granting of which after some hesitation boundless gratitude was expressed. After luncheon mindful of her object Violet proposed a music lesson and gave it and after this again set down while Ida exhibited her treasures. Touched by the lonely condition of the young girl she endeavored though with a fancy somewhat preoccupied by her plans for the improvement and elevation of her mind to enter with cheerful interest into her small pleasures she was occupied in admiring Ida's slipper sent from Paris by a friend of ma bun a scarlet cloth shoe embroidered in beads of green and gold when she was startled by the entry at the window of a large greyhound it came in with a flying leap and bounding to Ida saluted her by licking her hand it was a beautiful creature perfect in shape and of a white whose brightness was dazzling oh what a beauty Violet cried springing up who's is it Ida had hurried to the window and looked eagerly out but now returned it's Linos she said but I don't see him and who is Linos Violet asked in some surprise don't you know said Ida looking in her face no indeed how should I Linos is to be my husband she spoke softly and added I thought Papa had told you what do you mean my dear Ida Violet said quickly I never heard anything so ridiculous at your age people don't talk of husbands ah but it's true it is indeed ask Mabon she knows it but Mabon having indulged in a very good dinner was taking a nap by the fire and Violet did not feel desirous to disturb her well I think it very ridiculous Violet repeated but do make it come to me pointing to the greyhound which was now stretched in an expecting attitude upon the floor I never saw such a beauty I should like to stroke its head I don't think she will move she's expecting Linos I am sure what is its name Linos calls her angel because she's so white and without a spot or a stain upon her and that's what he says we ought all to be surprised at this moral sentiment of Linos and her curiosity considerably excited Violet was considering whether it was right to gratify it by making inquiries into this ridiculous subject when the sound of a whistle was heard angels sprang out of the window and Ida again hurried to look out Violet retreated and sat down angel is so fond of Linos Ida remarked with the sigh as she leaned out why do you sigh Violet asked because I ought to be as good as angel for Linos to like me or to let me like him but I am not do you like him very much like Linos she turned back from the window I must like him because of what I told you and besides I can't help it even when he is not kind I can't help it he is so good so very good good but unkind Violet said satirically having already decided that Linos was a young pig only to me not always kind and it is for my good he wishes me to be good as he is oh how I wish I could but there he is and she screamed he's coming here after all Violet sat still and expecting curiosity was not to be restrained and she glanced out of window to see what object presented itself a young man a very young man half boy half man passed and joined Ida at the further window I was afraid you did not mean to come Ida said plaintively oh yes here I am do you want me I have got Miss Osborn today and she is so kind she has been teaching me to play I am very glad and I hope you will take pains to improve yourself but Linos she won't believe what I say about us she says it is ridiculous what do you mean by about us he said like a teasing schoolboy why I mean that you are to be my I mean that I am to be your wife but it is true isn't it that must depend he replied coldly I won't have anything to say to you if you are not good if you tell stories for instance as you did you know oh Linos don't go back to that Ida said with tears in her voice I must go back to it it is horrible goodbye I can't stay today won't you come in and see Miss Osborn is she there he asked in a lower voice yes close hearing us Ida whispered but very audibly why did you not tell me making me like a bear yes I will come in he put his foot over the low seal of the window and entered I beg your pardon Miss Osborn he said with the formed manners of a man for behaving so unceremoniously but Ida never told me you were here I was here though and listening Violet said smiling I beg your pardon I did not know it that is all I can say and if you wish for my pardon it is granted she said laughing with careless ease I am not offended by how on you have ah yes is she not a gem and he caressingly put his hand on the smooth white head do you think I have named her well it is a curious name for a dog is it not perhaps it is but I like it with decision then changing his position and looking at her for a moment he said you are very good to come and teach Ida is it not tiresome not at all Violet said coley well I hope she will take pains to improve your kindness good morning he bowed courteously though with formality then carelessly held out his hand to Ida and said goodbye she approached him and put up her cheek to be kissed no no he said impatiently and jumped out of the window Lionel vane was well formed and his features finally cut but he was not handsome there is no glow of youth about him his countenance was far from inexpressive his dark eyes and small lips far from passionless but the dry and state air was unsuited to his boyish years and it offended on the other hand the contrast between his manners and his years the assumption which yet had nothing of affectation in it gave him an interest he might he irritated annoyed or amused as the case might be but he also certainly excited a degree of interest and attention Ida returned to Violet when he disappeared I hope you liked him she said anxiously is he not good who is he what is his name Lionel oh you mean his name don't you know he is my cousin he is uncle Ashford's son oh then he is Mr. Vane Violet said like dawning upon her yes but he is not at all like uncle Ashford I'm afraid uncle Ashford is not very good I don't think Lionel likes him much not like his own father my dear Ida how you shock me but we can't like people if they are not good can we I mean good people can't by the way Ida Violet said unwilling to discuss the question what was that I heard your cousin say to you something that gave me great pain I do like truth I must own better than anything and should find it very hard to like a person who she pause for Ida's eyes filled with tears then you will never like me for I did tell a story the other day and I have done it before but my dear Ida how could you what made you what did you say I pretended to Lionel that papa sent me to him and he had not Ida's eyes were cast down and large tears fell on the floor and Lionel found it out and he was so angry he was right a story is a horrid thing what made you do it it was to be with him she said piteously it does me so much good to see him nobody tells me of good things but him well I am sure you never will do such a thing again Violet cried relaxing from her severity we must not do evil that good may come don't you know where we are told this Ida tearfully shook her head it is in the Bible Violet say it reverently I don't read the Bible was Ida's reply my bond says it's too difficult for me oh but she is quite wrong Violet said quickly that is correcting herself I think she is but we will talk of this again I must go now she rolls and began to put on her things must you really go yes of course you must you are very good to have stayed so long but you must wait a minute while I look for papa he said he wished to speak to you before you went very well Violet said not well please but reluctant to refuse but I must go directly will you say end of volume 2 chapter 6 section 22 of Violet Osborne this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Marma Violet Osborne by Emily Ponsonbe volume 2 chapter 7 the evil that men do lives after them Julius Caesar Ida flew away Violet addressed a few polite observations in friends to Marbon and received some English answers and then Ida returned with her father I will let you out by a shorter way than you came he said after a stiff inclination of his head if you will be good enough to come with me Ida wished Miss Osborne goodbye she obeyed and Violet followed Sir William he fetched his hat and accompanied her through a glass door into the garden I have to thank you for coming he then said and I hope it is a visit that will be often repeated I will certainly come again if Miss Hamilton likes it Violet said she likes it of course but I was thinking of higher things than liking my daughter has been much neglected I have not perhaps thought on the subject as I ought to have seen Violet thought but she made no remark I can conceive no better thing for her Miss Osborne than your society such as I hear of you such as I see you to be he spoke stiffly and formally but Violet loved praise and a heart beat with its accustomed pleasure at the sound you know very little of me she said however any society that was not bad would be good for Miss Hamilton in the lonely life she lives we may differ on that point but be it so I request from you the benefit of that society for her at your leisure of course and convenience I will certainly come when I can he thanked her then cleared his throat and hesitatingly said on which I wish to say a few words I believe you have this day seen been present I mean at an interview which may have surprised you it certainly did while it said frankly Miss Hamilton is young for the discussion of such subjects true but it was inevitable may I beg of you to bear that in mind and to sanction the intercourse I am very excited and encouraged by me I am not going to be Miss Hamilton's governess she said smiling pray do not speak of my sanction or I shall be afraid to visit her yet I repeat the word he gravely replied you are a person Miss Osborne evidently accustomed to think and act for yourself supposing you to disapprove I can imagine that your disapprovation could not and would not be confined to your own mind I would try not to interfere with arrangements with which I have no business she answered becoming interested in the conversation but perhaps you are right I might show my feelings more than I intend may I ask one question is Miss Hamilton bound supposing her supposing Mr. Wing to dislike the engagement at some future day may they break it she spoke eagerly I am I trust no tyrant Miss Osborne if such a desire is expressed it will then be time to consider the subject at present we are all bound whether we will or no will you allow me to make known to you a few circumstances connected with the scheme by a shorter path through the pleasure grounds they had now almost reached the gates into the high road but Sir William paused in his walk and waited for a reply I am in a hurry to get home while it said feeling some distaste to a lengthened walk but at the same time curiosity prevailing she said still if it would not take you long I could wait for a few minutes I need not detain you long and I may not have another opportunity be so good as to return a few steps they turned backwards and as few words as it was possible to make himself understood he related the following circumstances his manner was grey and cold during the chief part of the conversation but on one or two occasions a degree of feeling approaching to agitation might be seen in his countenance and heard in his voice Lady Hamilton and Lady Ashford were sisters and coerces but Lady Hamilton the elder sister had a double portion of fortune and of other gifts likewise of mind, of body and of manner ladies, Lord Ashford a young man with extravagant tastes and fortune small for his position in life hearing the fame of her wealth had sought her out he sought her for her wealth but when he found her loved her for herself and for those charms of body and mind in which she excelled though of an unsteady and careless disposition he had many good qualities and considerable powers of pleasing and after a time he prevailed upon her to consent to be his wife but though she consented her heart was not with him in the previous year she had met Sir William Hamilton and to him her first love had been given Piquet at his apparent indifference had made her resolve to conquer her fancy and with some hesitation to admit the attentions of a new suitor it happened that after her engagement to Lord Ashford and during the delay which the settlement of a large fortune produced she met Sir William Hamilton again and discovered that shyness and pride had been the secret apparent indifference and that he loved her this discovery made her marriage abhorrent to her and though the day was approaching she being at this time of age and her own mistress broke it off with impetuous haste and to avoid persecution and lend into observation almost immediately afterwards with like haste married Sir William Lord Ashford had really loved her loved her passionately and though he did not act as if such was the case his actions were in fact prompted by the bitterness of his heart not many months after her marriage he married her sister his necessities drove him to seek for money and he fancied that he by this act was revenge on her faithlessness and it was a revenge and a bitter punishment for the misery of a sister nearly broke her heart this sister was a timid gentle well-meaning but weak girl her character and feelings were not strong but they were impressible when Lord Ashford went to her to be comforted she gave him her pity and her heart and when he further asked for her hand she could not withstand his entreaties she was warned that he did not love her but she was not given to think much of herself she pitied him married him and he broke her heart his love for Lady Hamilton and her superior qualities would most probably have steadied him but Lady Ashford had no power to work upon him except gratitude and that was short-lived he neglected her she withdrew into herself find in secret and finally turned to heaven for support and comfort the strong religious principles which then forward guided her might have been brought in time to bear on him but unfortunately and instead of exciting his admiration he called her straight leased and held her in contempt they separated more and more and though occupants of the same house she was sometimes for weeks together uncheered by his presence Lady Ashford had a son a year or two after her marriage but Lady Hamilton was seven years without a child after the birth of her daughter she fell into weak health and in the brooding state of mind the effect of a weakened body and weakened nerves which followed she allowed a remorse that however just in itself was exaggerated in its degree for her conduct to Lord Ashford to fasten on her imagination she saw that it had exercised a fatal influence on his character that it had caused the unhappiness of her sister and with the warped and biased views of an impulsive nature and awakened conscience she became desirous of purchasing forgiveness and becoming the healer of the blow she had inflicted in one respect the plan she adopted was a safe one her sister's fortune was large had been insufficient for the exigencies of Lord Ashford's property and the gratification of his expensive cases she knew that money was a constant source of anxiety to him and was therefore the point by which his ill-regulated mind could be touched her desire therefore which she had deprived him through the union of her daughter with his son having won Sir William's consent for he was so hornly attached to her that in her then state of health he could deny her nothing she made known her wishes to both Lord Ashford and her sister and met from both a ready acquiescence she loved her and trusted in her wisdom and experience and from Lord Ashford because he saw the advantages of the plan and because in an interview with Lady Hamilton her words and manner soothed the bitterness still rankling in his heart and rendered him also unable to resist her a solemn engagement was entered into by all the parties concerned the minutest particulars of the arrangements were legally drawn up and signed and Leonel and Eda were brought up to consider themselves bound and now Sir William said when he had concluded his narration you will not blame me I hope for the circumstances in which I am involved I have no right to praise or to blame while it's said very decidedly and I am glad of it it is not a case in which I should like to have any responsibility but you will not I hope so far refuse a sanction as to decline to visit my daughter I thought it best to be open with you but I should regret my openness if it withdrew your society from her half gratified half provoked at his pertinacity while it replied that she saw no reason to make any change she had said she would be glad to be of use to Miss Hamilton and she adhered to what she had said he gravely thanked her observing should it happen therefore that Leonel Wayne visits my daughter much times and hours as a kindness may bestow upon her you will not express any disapprobation oh certainly not he thanked her again and then added this engagement is known to few I did not wish to subject either party to scrutiny and observation they are cousins that suffices for the explanation of their intimacy may I therefore beg of you Miss Osburn to consider what I have said as spoken in the strictest confidence and spoken to you alone you may depend upon it while it said quickly for her discretion her freedom from girlish gossip which one of the points in her character of which she was slightly vain then I need detain you no longer thank you for hearing me they were again near the gate unbowing formally he withdrew while it hurried homewards the tale she had heard occupying her mind though far more concisely put than the above pages Sir William had given force and business by choice of words tone and manner to his narrative and it had excited her interest in no small degree engaged in dominating on the circumstances it was not clear she came in sight of home that it struck her she had been heedless in a promise of secrecy it flashed across her that she was fully young to be entrusted with such secrets apart from her parents the thought flashed was disagreeable and was put by with the reflection that what is done can't be undone she had been hasty she had an opportunity of renewing the conversation it was too late to retract naturally open and communicative she found herself several times in the course of the evening perplexed how to answer her father's questions and internally fretted at the bondage imposed upon her but before she went to bed a chance observation her husband's reassured her mind and disposed her to think she had been wise he was speaking of a story he had been reading in which a secret had been kept for years in a remarkable manner it would have been different if I had been there he said in his good humor easy way when a secret is entrusted to me really put upon oath I find myself alluding to it the next half hour people have such a habit of saying don't mention this that for the life of me my puzzled head never knows what is to be published and what is not the best way papa observed what it sagely is not to publish anything what my dear child life would be unbearable under such circumstances I would rather be convict in chains then you can't expect to hear my secrets yours darling your own do you mean I think I will promise to keep yours but tell me no others not even mr.popes if he entrusts them to you I shall be sure to allude to them in an improper moment I don't believe you she said kissing him and wishing him good night but I shall take warning by what you say and her conscience went quietly to sleep end of volume 2 chapter 7 recording by Vijayta Sharma section 23 of violet ospern this is a LibriVox recording are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Vijayta Sharma violet ospern by Emily Ponsonby volume 2 chapter 8 there is instant delight in the first conceptions of benevolence in its continued exercise there is consummated delight in the happy smiling prosperous result of it charmers the following day was the morning for violet sloths she went to the church and gave her instructions on turning from the organ to take her perp on it which lay on the seat she observed in one of the open seats the church below a man sitting and after a second glance though his back was turned and his head bent fancied it was Mr. Vane she felt angry for a moment at his staring to come without her leave but the next instant as she dismissed the children and said to Amy White I will walk home with you forgot what she had observed among her other avocations the welfare of Amy was not forgotten she perceived that though in doubt with a considerable share of patience and perseverance Amy had no high thoughts upon her destiny she had engaged to perform certain duties and she digitally performed them but that the office of instructors had dignity might be the means of affecting the highest good that a task ennobling and inspiring if she could view it as such was in her hands but ideas that did not present themselves to elevate therefore and improve her to enlarge her mind on the subject of education and try biocational companionship to preserve that degree of refinement which her present position imperant in a commonplace mind was one of violet's self-imposed tasks had consigned suggested that the hope of hearing Lester's name gave a charm it might not otherwise have possessed to this duty she might perhaps have blushed and smiled and owned it but she was at this time too busy for contemplation and consigns gave no such hint she was not aware on this day as she turned from and forgot the intruder which sweet hope it was which made her walk with Amy an object of anticipation and attraction the secret hope was not disappointed as they set forth together taking an out-of-the-way route a message at which violet wished to call Amy said I must tell you a piece of good news Mrs. Oswell I know you will be glad I had a letter from Mr. Hartley this morning and he encloses me quite a little fortune it is a curious story a man, a gentle man called upon him to us where we were to be found he said my father had once paid a debt for him when he was in distress in India and that he had never been able to repay it till now my dear Amy I am so glad violet cordially said what a good, honest man and it will be of real use to you now how much is it ah Amy replied with a blush I have said too much to you I forgot that you would not think of it as I do it is only ten pounds indeed Amy, you are wrong violet said with honesty whatever I make once have failed I know the worth of ten pounds now I too should look on it as a little fortune does Mr. Hartley say more not much he says he met Mr. Lester and told him the story and that he was glad but he writes in a hurry and does not say much may I see the letter I left it with my mother I only got it half an hour before I came out have you time to step in and see her she would be pleased if I am not troublesome in asking it I have plenty of time I should like to see the letter wait a moment while I look in here I come with you she had brought a large checked apron for a Slovenly woman and having tagged her in it said she wished she had a looking glass to show her how improved her appearance was the woman laughed smoothed the apron and evidently admired herself but said it was difficult to be clean with ten children to run after and difficult to spend on herself when they were in want and then followed a narrative of all the small articles of which the ten small children were at that moment in urgent need while it looked dismayed for a moment then nodded kindly and said she would see what could be done and retreated a fortnight's hard work before me she said laughing to Amy I must try and make up some at least of those deficiencies oh Miss Oswell was there ever anyone like you I believe never all the people see so but I like it Amy I hate idleness I like work hard work if I had no other I should like to work in the fields I wish you liked work better Amy sighed and shook her head it was a good opportunity for one of Hoylett's kindly lectures and she gave it but it was less forcible than usual for her fancy was running in another direction she was wording to herself that paragraph of Mr. Hartley's letter which regarded Lester and when they came to the school she said but you will be tired of my exhortations no indeed Miss Oswell I only wish I could feel as you do you will in time Hoylett said quickly and hurried into the kitchen where Mrs. White sat by the fire she offered her sincere and cheerful congratulations and forgetting Mrs. White's propensities was abashed at the indifferent answer no such great matter to make such of us about no not great but still a help Mrs. White I'm sure I should feel it so of course when people are poor every little is a help but Amy makes such of us and Mr. Lester calls it good news and we shall be set down when I'm sure we hardly make out bread to eat may I see the letter Hoylett asked wisely declining to continue the argument yes the letter is simple enough Mr. Hartley might have told us a little more about it I think people forget what it is to live in the country I hear nothing the letter was now in Hoylett's eager hands and though certainly simple enough she contrived to extract pleasure from it after telling his tale in as few words as possible apologizing for extreme haste Mr. Hartley added I met your good friend Mr. Lester and told him my story he begged me to give his kind regards to your mother and to say he was rejoiced at the good news the same Lester sending his discreet regards to the mother smiled split round Hoylett's lips as she read and three times the sentence was perused before she was satisfied well then, goodbye Mrs. White she then cried cheerfully I hope this fine weather agrees with your rheumatism I thought you were coming for a little chat but it seems you only came in my letter a blush was in Hoylett's cheek as she replied I beg your pardon I did not mean to be uncivil I will very soon come and have a little chat with you but I have not time to stay today oh no offense I meant no offense but some people think those who are poor have nothing to do but to work I like a little chat her young visitor replied kindly and nodding with her gay smile to Amy who stood sighing at her mother's rudeness she hastened into the fresh air poor thing what a miss water to have such a bad temper Hoylett was solid acquiescing when she heard her name pronounced from behind she turned round and saw Leonel Wayne and approaching said I beg your pardon I am lucky to meet you I went to church for the purpose but when I came out you had disappeared I turned down a lane but what can you want with me Hoylett said addressing him like the boy she considered him to be may I walk with you and he placed himself at her side he was going home but what can you want to speak to you on a matter that concerns myself Miss Hamilton he began abruptly confided to you I find the circumstances in which we stand yes Hoylett said hesitatingly but I should think the less that is said about it the better I will have no question but I guess from your tone that you do not I will have no guesses Hoylett said playfully nor will I be questioned about my opinions I have nothing to do with the subject I beg your pardon I will question no more but though you withhold your approbation I mean your opinions there is something you can't do for me I cannot think why I am to be dragged into this business she said impatiently provoked partly by the stateliness of a stone and still more at being as she said dragged into an affair the plot of which she disapproved if you will kindly let me speak I think you will see why do listen to me he added dropping for an instant is formal manner and speaking with earnestness well I will listen she more graciously replied you may well imagine he resumed in his old manner that my future life causes me many anxious thoughts bound as I am it is hardly safe for me to have opinions and wishes and yet I have them in her heart Hoylett acknowledged his case with heart what are your wishes she asked with kindness my wish of course is to have a wife who suits my tone of mind and would act and think and feel as I do I am not a common person I don't mean to claim any high mental gifts but I repeat it morally I am not a common person I have a scorn of evil which makes it hateful to me up to the last sentence he spoke in a grave measured tone but at those words his eyes flashed and there was a heart of some kind in what he said some are quick and some are slow Hoylett was quick and remembering what she had heard she discovered an allusion to his father in the warmth of a stone the suspicion kept her silent and she made no remark she said he paused for a moment in expectation of an observation receiving none he went on such being my feeling you may guess that Eda Hamilton's character causes me great uneasiness she seems and there affectionate little thing Hoylett said warmly I don't deny it but you must be aware are not always those who pass safest to the world unless principle good firm principle moral and religious can be given to Eda her very goodness and warmth of feeling may lead her into errors and my future life our future life may be fraught with misery though he spoke in a tone singular and irritating in so young a man there was no doubt of his uneasiness nor yet of the truth of what he said I almost wonder after a pause of thought that feeling as you do you do not at once assert the freedom which of course must be yours and drape this engagement do not put such thoughts into my head and that is enough so softened so altered was his voice and countenance that Hoylett was taken by surprise she was compelled to feel an interest in him but why do you come to me what can I do for you she asked much you can take Eda and make her such as I wish her such as she ought to be you have already influenced for the sake of the happiness of two lives and why have you fixed upon me for this task and how she added playfully have you formed so high an idea of my powers and virtues there is such a thing Miss Osburn as physiognomy yes but I should not suppose your experience in physiognomies was very great more perhaps than you think he calmly said but I own I have other grounds for my opinion I hear of you and worried only the conversation you held yesterday with Eda on the subject of truth it were enough to assure me that the friend I wished for her is found she told me what had passed and I think she will not readily deceive again in the sense of praise the sweet flattery of hearing her words had been words in season it stole through wallet's heart and ring and cheered and elated her well she replied if all you ask of me is to give such simple notions of right and wrong as that I think I can promise it shall be done for in fact I could not associate with her without doing it but here we are at home will you come in not today thank you I will call before I go thank you for your promise it is all I ask of wish good morning he took off his hat with formal politeness but violet said goodbye and frankly held out her hand her father was at the open window of the drawing room violet said why darling what is this what has Mr. Wayne got to say to you do you know him papa I never saw him till yesterday only by sight what has he to say for himself he was impertinent enough to come to the church while I was giving my lesson violet said and he asked if he might walk home with me my dad is not quite the thing for young ladies and gentlemen is it darling young ladies and gentlemen violet said scornfully a previous school boy her father laughed well he does not look very advanced in years certainly and having so remarked he said no more violet annoyed at the mystery in which against her will she was involved slipped away to avoid further questioning but as she stood in her room and looked out on the world just budding into spring the annoyance passed from her mind and happy thoughts took possession what mattered the loss of fortune how little had been taken from her it had not been her wealth that gave happiness for still in her poverty all seemed to come to her for help sympathy and encouragement there came a faint whisper of some words she had heard and at the time had not heeded I shall hear of you I know I shall the help, the friend the comforter of many and a tear soft and glad fell on her cheek Lester would hear of all she was doing and would do and would know not waste to his love and care on a heart that could not feel unprofit he would own that in spite of her faults she was worthy of his affection sweet and bright lay the present around her sweet and bright shown a future before her and she went out to rejoin her parents with a face shining like the spring sun in the fresh grass end of volume 2 chapter 8 recording by Vijeta Sharma section 24 of Violet Oz this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Claire Kesters from Bellingham, Washington Violet Oz born by Lady Emily Ponson being volume 2 chapter 9 my heart is seared for somebody scotch song but a blow was awaiting Violet a blow which had never so much as cast its shadow on the mirror of her fancy when Lester returned from the business in Yorkshire on which she had been engaged he, according to the expression in the letter to Marion put away the memory of the past and resumed his old life with his sisters he summoned a considerable degree of cheerfulness, dined at home frequently and acted as chaperone whenever his services were required some of his sisters were deceived by the tranquility of his manner talking over the events of the past year about two months after the separation of their brother and Violet Jesse, in the course of conversation, observed I never was more surprised than I am at the way John bears it I thought he would have been miserable I thought his heart would have been broken John is too sensible to break his heart for what is worthless, Margaret said quickly for she had not forgiven Violet ah, but Margaret then it was not love for real love, and Jesse became very sentimental people don't think of that when they are truly in love and besides, Miss Osborne was very pretty and it is not her fault that she lost her money you goose, replied her sister shortly, but she said no more for once I must own I agree with Jesse, observed Marion I am surprised, very much surprised at the way in which John has borne it I certainly thought he would have taken it more to heart he has taken it to heart quite enough said Henrietta he has not been the same man since it happened and I begin to think he never will all her sisters looked at her and Jesse said, oh Henrietta what, what do you see I see that he has a great deal too quiet and patient if I could once see him put out as he sometimes used to be if I could see him annoyed at your folly Jesse or tease that Margaret's attentions I should have some hope but he has no spirit left in him his heart may not be broken and he may lose or wounded or crushed or whatever the proper and not the sentimental word would be he never has been like himself since the very first night he saw her I said that, cried Jesse triumphantly I said then it was love at first sight and you would not believe me but I knew I was right it is true, do you think Rachel Margaret said, stealing to Rachel's room shortly afterwards do you think Henrietta is right about John Rachel nodded I hoped his spirit was roused as mine would have been Rachel shook her head oh that Miss Osbourne and Margaret clenched her fist what is she not to answer for the worst is over now Margaret Rachel said, do not let us talk of it I cannot bear to speak even to you of John's feelings, they seem to me too sacred for discussion I only see that as Henrietta said his heart is wounded and sore and that as yet little has been done towards healing it, but the worst is past you think so really I do indeed, he is busier than he has ever yet been and business is everything for a man and everything for him I don't at all despair of seeing cheerfulness real cheerfulness return about a week after this conversation Lester one night dined at home with his sisters and remained at home during the evening he was grave and abstracted and unlike his usual practice made no efforts to rouse himself on more than one occasion when eagerly appealed to as umpire in their feminine disputes he instead of half playfully half satirically as was his custom appeasing the strife smiled faintly beg their pardon and owned that his mind had wandered the sisters looked at each other but asked no question after dinner he pulled a pamphlet from his pocket and read for an hour or two without any apology or any attempt to make himself agreeable the shadow of his gravity fell on all and each sister worked or read in silence but again without remark on his part without the usual considerate speech that though he was busy he could assure them their conversation was no interruption to his studies an hour or two had passed without other sound than the clicking of Henrietta's pen the fall of Margaret's scissors and two yawns from Jesse when Lester suddenly looked at the clock saw it was passed half past ten restored the pamphlet to his pocket rose and stood with his back to the fire all looked up at him there was a general feeling that something was coming and when in a hesitating voice he said I have something to say to you all each sister felt that they had been prepared for some momentous event all remained silent but every eye rested upon him inquiringly an offer has been made to me today the offer of an appointment, a judgeship I have two days allowed me to think it over he paused and slowly added it is in India there was a faint scream from Marian Henrietta and Jesse Margaret and Rachel sat with open eyes and lips apart but made no sound I startle you he gently said looking round and then again there was a silence it was broken by Marian she was ashamed of her scream and anxious to redeem her character now asked quietly is it a good thing yes very good far beyond my expectations or my desserts that I deny Henrietta observed also anxious to efface the memory of her scream how came it to be offered I do not know some kind friend must have suggested my name there was another silence and then Margaret spoke you wish to accept it John a faint flush tinted his cheek all saw it as he stood full in the lamp light if it concerned only myself he replied steadily I certainly should wish to take it but I am in your hands what concerns me concerns you also I know why you wish to go it is all Miss Osborn's fault the faint flush deep into a purple glow and an expression as if a wound fretted and sore had been rudely touched contracted his countenance for a moment but when he spoke it was gently I believe you are right Jesse I have not been happy of late and I would forget if I could am I selfish in this though gently spoken it was with such evident effect that there was a hasty answer no no from all to relieve him but you must understand he continued quickly that I leave it in your hands to decide will you talk it over tonight and tomorrow and tomorrow night tell me what answer I shall give we cannot till we know more said Marion I do not understand are we to go with you or to be left behind I am not so selfish as to propose to drag you from your home he replied hastily I trust there is no need with this addition to our income you and I can equally live in comfort as I shall hope to return to you you will not return to me John cried Margaret rising from her seat and approaching him if you go I go with you he smiled and stroked her head as she stood beside him thanks dear Margaret but I will have no hasty speeches think it well over and decide as his best for your happiness good night after saying good night he moved so rapidly that he had left the room before another word was said when the door closed there was another silence each sister looked depressed with thought at last Margaret spoke again why did you not all speak she inquired do you mean to let him go alone I did not think it needed words Rachel replied in a husky voice John knows that he is all the world to me and it was true Rachel had given no look nor sign to sign but John did know that her mind was made up and that she was even at that moment ready to accompany him I did not speak because I was not ready to speak said Henrietta you must own Margaret it is a startling proposal half an hour ago we thought we were all happy and comfortable for life in England and here is a plan for removing us from friends and acquaintances and habits and all we care for Henrietta is right observed Marion it requires thought I can never leave friends and acquaintances and all I care for cried Jesse tearfully I must say I think it is unkind of John unkind cried Margaret as if she would have murdered her I don't mean unkind but only very thoughtless and very unlike John it is all Miss Osborn I know and I hate her if you ever again mention Miss Osborn to John observed Henrietta I shall turn you out of my room and then what shall you do I think you are all very unkind to me cried poor Jesse you have never liked me since the day I said John was in love with Miss Osborn but I was right all the while the sisters were too much occupied with other and weighty thoughts to attend to Jesse and her grievances and Henrietta and Marion occasional words from others proceeded to discuss the pros and cons of the question no decision was then made but in the course of the night each came in her secret cogitations to the same issue they would all go with John when Marion and Henrietta had thus resolved Jesse gave in her adhesion at once it will be very disagreeable and a dreadful nuisance to leave all we care for she said but I suppose we shall come back someday and at any rate India will be quite a new place to see Lester wishing his sisters to make an unbiased decision left the house before breakfast the following morning when he returned to dinner the announcement was made whether in his secret heart the universal acceptance was welcome was a question which even his secret thoughts were not allowed to debate that which was offered with affectionate devotion with affectionate gratitude was accepted and the point was debated no more he gave his answer on the following day and the change of prospects became known to all the friends of the family as some impatience on the subject was also expressed preparations for an early departure were immediately begun end of volume 2 chapter 9 recording by Claire Kester from Bellingham Washington section 25 of Violet Osborne this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Vijaytash Sharma Violet Osborne by Emily Pinsonbey volume 2 chapter 10 I am sad at thought of raptures now forever flung the prelude Violet carried on for 10 days her new avocations with complete success and considerable absorption of mind Eda were frequently paid and the more she saw the simple and warmhearted child the more she won upon her affections her natural good gifts were as plain as the lamentable deficiencies of her education and not to please Newnall Wayne but because she could not as she had said associate with her without an endeavor to improve her and devoted herself to her new task what Newnall had suggested however was born in mind it was principle that Eda wanted and it was principle religious and moral which little by little Violet strove to give it was a new task and in trying to carry it out she felt her deficiencies but her spirit rose with a sense of responsibility she felt animated by the burden laid upon her and cheered by the hope of the good set before her at the end of these 10 days the blow fell mrs. Osburn received one morning at breakfast a letter from Albert she looked at a few lines then hurriedly glanced at her husband and Violet mrs. Osburn was reading the newspaper and Violet was smiling over a circular from an upholsterer in the neighboring town requesting her patronage she wrote a few lines more then laid the letter by her side and endeavored to look unconcerned what does Albert say today inquired Violet I have not finished his letter mrs. Osburn replied she was not much of a diplomatist and accustomed to share all her thoughts with her daughter which perplexed how to act in this emergency is there any secret mama Violet said clearly you look guilty don't she papa he does ask my opinion mrs. Osburn said the pressure of necessity helping her to act dear, by and by I do believe Albert is going to be married but who can be worthy of his prestigious taste mrs. Osburn smiled faintly but made no answer and though curious confident that every matter with sooner or later imparted to her asked no more she returned to her circular with desirable ladies furniture and with no contemptuous or repining smile looked round their tiny rooms and asked where the good man expected her to stir away his treasures her father answered her as gaily and mrs. Osburn's abstraction was noticed only with a laugh after breakfast Violet retired as was a custom for an hour or two of real studying she was extremely anxious to improve in wisdom and knowledge and under her present excitement found it easy to attend to dry though valuable authors and to give herself to her work with undivided attention she was reading cellously in her room when her door opened mrs. Osburn entered Violet looked up the gray face startled her what is the matter mama is there anything the matter she asked a girl I hope not dearest but there is something in Albert's letter which may I do not well know I think dear you shall take and read it and I will come back again Violet guessed now to what Albert's secret related her heart beat then ceased beating as she silently cased at her mother whistler still whistler still false these were the questions that passed rapidly through her brain but were not spoken there dear and mrs. Osburn drew the letter from her apron pocket take it and read it comfortably and I will come back and read it by she put it into her daughter's passive hand kissed her and left the room with a sigh this was Albert's letter my dear aunt I heard yesterday a piece of news which I am perplexed how to break to Violet though she tells to make an end with Lester young women are perverse people and she may regret the step he is about to take a judgeship in India has been offered to him and he has accepted it there is no doubt I have none at least that it is Violet who has driven him to this but at the same time it is a very good thing and except for the loss of his company I do not regret it he was certainly getting more known and his prospects are improving but his diffidence, poor fellow is largely against him and he will do better when he has regular duties than when they are more or less dependent on himself this is what I really think and this is what must comfort Violet if she is disposed to blame herself and take it too hard Lester told me yesterday of his acceptance and in the evening I called in Clark's street and saw all the sisters Margaret Lester told me that after the first shock they all had made up their minds to the change and were resolved to go with him I am glad of this though I own it makes my prospects rather flat I have not many friends that I care about and one by one they leave me alone in London Clark's street is to be led for six years after which time Lester can give up the appointment this is all I know they are to be off in a month and after they are gone I must make a holiday and run down and see you my love to my uncle and Violet I shall be glad to hear from you soon your affectionate nephew Albert Ellis Violet laid down the letter and gazed from the window was it the same sunny world she had looked out upon half an hour before many similes might be used to describe the sudden darkness which clouded over the brightness of a mind the sudden winter which nipped the spring of a content but they are not needed it was for the time being the end of all things hopes, good desires aims of usefulness and power of enjoyment all vanished, all were shattered and old which fell self was revealed the secret heart laid bare she knew how Lester's image had been set up in that inner shrine how his approbation had been dispersed to every action her hope, the hope of life with him had taken the sting from every trial and made her future sweet she felt it now and after a time she felt her mind rigidness she dropped her face in her hands shattered and wept bitterly then followed strange mad thoughts she would write to him go to him arrest him in his corpse she, violet so proud and hearty felt she could kneel to him plead with him to give up the fatal resolution she had wounded her heart now and healed the wound she had made it was the same violet undisciplined still who fell under this blow as she had fallen before the one which first shattered her life's pleasures when mrs. Osburn came to her door she bolted it and refused admittance with the thought of others came new feelings that pride or more properly that self respect which is inseparable from a real passion which was not wanting even in juliet's frank and passionate love rose up to torture her lest it was forgetting or forsaking her he was shaking her from his memory as one who had been a torment to his peace she felt humbled and shrunk from the pity she needed sad and disappointed to force an intrusion on the first bitter hours of repentance and regret mrs. Osburn at length retreated and left violet to herself but when two or three hours passed and her daughter gave no signs of relenting she returned to the closed door violet darling let me in she softly cried you are unkind dearest her mother and violet was conquered and opened the door she sat down again in the window and her mother laid her hand on her shoulder and softly stroked her hair my poor darling she tenderly said and kissed her the pity was too much for violet's pride but by mama she cried with flashing eyes because you loved him dear and it would not be like you so soon to forget he forgets she said bitterly and passionate rebellious tears sprang into her eyes never dearest I do not think he ever will violet was arrested and looked up into her mother's face a gleam of hope sweet and bright flitted around her what do you mean I only say what I think dear I know nothing I only feel that Mr Lester cast all his happiness upon you and he is not a man who could change if he would but in dear mama and despair gathered again over her features yes dear I know I think he is wretched and wishes would change to comfort him and cheer him it is very natural darling it shows all things except forgetfulness many things may happen to him and to you before six years are over I don't want to set your mind on him nor his on you it would be unwise but I cannot think that he will forget there is a peculiar power in gentle and excited words and special power with accompanied with tenderness very vague and intangible was the hope inspired by Mrs Osborne's speech but it soothed Violet soothed her wounded heart and cried still her agitation and merrily kissing her mother she rose up washed the traces of tears from her cheeks and said I suppose it is lunch in time I will come down mama I will not worry you and papa if I can help it my darling sent the phone to mother and they went down together and Violet exerted herself to be herself smiled when her father entered the room smiled again when he related an anecdote he had heard about Mr Pope and thus lulled to rest the fares for her happiness which had been for a few hours troubling the peace of her home but when she saw this object accomplished she gave her a spite to her painful efforts and when Mr Osborne in his desire to amuse proposed to walk for the afternoon she declined she had a cottage to visit and a child's frock to finish before she went and thanking him she escaped to solitude having made her excuse she with the truth which was a feature of her character bound herself to her task finished the frock and late in the afternoon strolled out alone on her visit of charity then only she felt in its fullness the change that had come over her no beauty in the may evening could dispel the cloud that hung on nature of the child in her new garment no gratitude in the poor woman for this and other help afforded could create one joyous feeling in her heart a langa, a stupa and deathness pervaded all things in earth and in heaven and while it shuddered in spirit as she contemplated the life before her nor was this mood of mind confined to that day as time passed on as the excitement of the first shock of the news died away a deader depression settled on her spirits consigniously everything she had undertaken to do was done but there was as great a difference in the temper of mind in which her tasks were now performed as they may be in the feelings of a jockey in a race shared with those of a prisoner treading the treadmill she heard very little nothing that excited or pleased her Albert wrote as usual and generally mentioned the less tears but nothing came that could act as medicine to her sick heart one day he said they had been very lucky and had found a tenant for the house in larger street an old couple of our children who took it off their hands for five years another day he said he had been to dine with the Lester and had found the house in a sad state of confusion packing having begun at last he said they were to be off in a fortnight at latest but never a word from Lester no message from any of the family to herself on Albert's part which implied that she was thought of with pity or with blame no observation by which she could feel that her share in this event was remembered the soreness of spirit the sense of dissolation increased the dreariness of life became more oppressive confined to that country village when she would have sacrificed years for one hour in London there were moments when the power of endurance seemed failing but all this took place in the silence of a heart she lived as usual and said nothing thought at least she lived as usual was not aware that light had left her eye and smiles ebbed from her lips that her mother wept for her in the darkness of night and that her poor neighbours their heads and in private conclave speculated on the cause of the change that had come over her at last Albert wrote to say that the day of departure was fixed that he should go and see the Lester on board and be at only well as soon after they had sailed as soon as possible this was something to look to while it was roused from her very stagnant state she was restless anxious miserable but she felt again and woke with thankfulness out of the cloud in which she had been shrouded Albert arrived unexpectedly the very day after the departure he walked into the cottage drawing room at five o'clock where Violet and her mother were sitting there was a cry of joy from both apology from him that as he could come straight he thought it better to come at once and not to wait for a letter of announcement much better Violet said and then they sat in silence which was broken only by formal questions regarding his journey and what he would have to eat Violet was impatient by nature and she was restless and irritated by some certain word she soon rose up and invited him to walk with her and on his acquiescence left the room and put her bonnet on when she was gone restrained vanished Albert drew nearer to his aunt and with a knock to the door said how does she bear it does she take it to heart I fear she does Mrs. Osburn replied she says little but is she not changed she is as dull and quiet almost as I am women are curious creatures Albert remarked riding why did she use him as she did she nearly broke his heart I can tell her I think dear Albert you and me also have been to blame in speaking always and thinking of Violet as a woman she is but a young girl scarcely 20 and she acts with the impulses of early youth she is wise in many things but nothing but tears and principle and experience teach us how to govern the passions of the heart who Violet is not the first young girl who in a moment of excitement and misery has done what she has regretted for life perhaps Mrs. Osburn added with a sigh we ought not to regret now she suffers a little for her rashness I only pray it may end in her happiness what happiness do you mean whatever is for her happiness Mrs. Osburn replied but if it please God happiness had some time with Mr. Lester my dear aunt Albert said drawing nearer valued him so highly I mean I wish she had known it poor fellow perhaps I did not always know it myself but we learn many things dear Albert from the trials of life and in the storm that has swept away our earthly goods I have learnt some things I needed to learn we were too ambitious for Violet I was, I know I wished her to be grand and great she reproached me in her first misery for having taught her to overvalue the goods that perish I shall never forget her words they have sunk deep and now I hope I wish better things Mr. Lester is a good man and to him I should confide her with perfect confidence it may yet come to pass please God the impassive face had kindled as she spoke the way as she ceased and after a moment Albert said I am very glad to know your opinion on the subject as it may help me if violet questions me but Aunt Elizabeth six years is a long time and India is very far away if it is so then they are not attached as I think they are nor are they necessary to each other's happiness and to each other alone I would neither encourage nor discourage violet in thinking of it if she pleases she is free she can be left to herself I have no anxiety about that Albert if she can but cheer up and be as happy here as she was two months ago I shall have no anxiety about her but Mr. Lester Albert when he returned and invited him to accompany her he had been struck by her oldest manner in the first moment of his reception but he was more struck by it now the gravity of her face had a kind of settled cast as of such was now its predominant expression they strolled out into the road but when along with her he was sent he was afraid of entering on the subject which he knew must come and he took refuge for the moment in admiration really violet I must compliment you on your taste the cottage for such a small thing is perfect and as to the country at his eyes devoured the smiling valley you could scarcely man such a view as this in the whole world yes it is beautiful she replied listlessly it struck me many years ago and I remembered it when the time came to choose I know it showed great taste and judgement on your part many people see things but few see them with useful observation when he had delivered himself of this moral sentiment he came to her stand and then violet began are the Lester's is Mr Lester gone Albert yes he said relieved by her openness I saw them on boat all very comfortable and with some very nice companions for the voyage as far as one could tell at least my looks and a few words were they sorry to go she did not dare to say was he sorry sorry of course but nobody cried except that poor silly girl they call Jesse and why she cried I don't know of course it is a breakup but they think so much of him not to do him a pleasure they would go through worse things and it is a pleasure to him to go while it asked in a low voice I don't say that but though not a pleasure it is a relief and it is a pleasure to them to forward his wishes I'm very sorry for you Albert while it said gently what shall you do to replace such a friend nothing he said shortly what could I do no one knows or can know what a friend he has been to me I think I do no you don't no one can it is between him and me but I shall not wish to replace him was it not an old Duke of Ormond who said he would rather have his dead son than any living son in Christendom and so I say of Leicester absent he is better to me even in absence than any new friend could be I know what he would approve and disapprove and I shall try and follow his example unwiscious till he comes back again not he continued in a more careless manner then I'm going to retire from the world or make myself ridiculous I shall take acquaintances as they come and I hope to find some to make the time pass easily I expect no more while it made no answer she was meditating on his words making them her own was not her absent lover more to her than any new friend could be could not she make herself what he would approve and I hope to find some if only she could have some assurance of his constancy to soothe her aching heart why did he go Albert she asked at last abruptly you know Violet you have no need to ask me no I don't she said tremulously he went because you made his life miserable I mean disappointment made upon him that he could not shake it off without change seen I only say what I suppose he never told me this was the cause the youngest sister Margaret did but he never did and does he wish to shake it off she asked with a heart that beat almost to bursting of course he does Albert looked around he scared me knew why there was a tear in her eye it was so new and so strange a thing to see Violet in such a mood that he scarcely understood it very discreetly he looked as if he had seen nothing and only continued less quickly when I say of course I only mean that no man likes to suffer they will try and put away misery if they can at least unless they are fools I think Leicester wishes to put away his misery but I don't at all know that he wishes to forget he is not the sort of man to forget easily and when in another country and in the midst of the occupations I should suppose old memories may become pleasant to him he will forget the pain and remember the pleasures but I only fancy Violet I tell you I know nothing about his feelings for you some men like to speak I let them and then give them any advice or help I can but some don't and Leicester is one his feelings are very deep and very tender and I know that and I never troubled him with questions which I know he don't like she was to hear no more this was clear no message had been left her trust drooped and died and then sprang up again catching at the hopes held out to her Albert was honest he would have told her she was forgotten if it was so he would not have said Leicester did not forget easily unless he believed this to be a feature of his character she would be brave and hope and trust and as she formed the resolution new life seemed to come to her very spirit the six years of absence of waiting and of expectation seemed to melt away by the force of a new bond trust and when next she spoke although it was still of the Leicester's for she was determined to know all she could she spoke in a different tone all that was personal had vanished and constancy was formed and to be kept in her secret heart alone but interest might be expressed and with interest and vivacity she led Albert on to talk till the events of the last few months such events as were connected with the Leicester family were linked in fragments indeed but picturesque fragments before her she must make of these what she could when she had time to think but meanwhile there was life in the hearing of his thing and Albert scarcely understood his companion nor the mother, her daughter when violet cheerfully joined in the conversation of the evening end of volume 2 chapter 10 recording by Vijayta Sharma