CHAPTER X. "My pride at noon, my vision of the night; Are o'er, do I not well to droop and grieve?" THE abode of Mr. Stanley was a most picturesque-looking dwelling. It had been Lord Elmsdale's pleasure, to embellish and render it as commodious a residence as it was possible. Fain would he have done much more, but he was for ever checked and curbed in his desires, by Stanley, who, moderate in all his ideas and wishes, clung pertinaciously to the simplicity of his early life. He was not one of those, who, with increasing prosperity, had with it, made the usual strides towards the luxury and desire of equalization, so prevalent in these days. Had he felt the slightest inclination to thrust himself forward, he might have held a position in society, far higher than that in which he contentedly remained; but not the slightest desire had he to throw off the steward, in order to act the character of the gentleman. Notwithstanding this humility, from his peculiarly formed mind-his refined and cultivated tastes, he was ranked by all, who possessed the discrimination and feeling to appreciate his merits, as being in a grade far beyond the one to which he alone aspired. Steady to this principle of primitiveness, he preserved it in all his tastes and habits-even to his household arrangements. No foot-boy would he allow to take the place of "the neathanded Phillises" who served his simple, but scrupulously well-appointed board. He had resisted all innovations of luxurious and unnecessary pieces of furniture; but still there were some refined intruders, in the shape of expensive books-musical instruments-a few specimens of virtu, which gave evidence of the peculiar bias, and favourite pursuits, of the proprietor. Perchance, one or two masterpieces of paintings struck the eye, as a little out of character, with the simplicity of all around; and rather evinced a struggle between natural refinement, and the desire to check the progress it so often most insidiously creates upon the mind; engendering expensive and luxurious ideas, from which it was Stanley's great ambition to guard himself. His thirst for literature he had ample power to satisfy. The library at Elmsdale, and his patron's indulgence, afforded him full scope for luxuriating in this, his favorite pursuit. His wife had also been a woman of great talent and information; and during the few years he enjoyed her society, he had partaken richly of the feast of intellectual communion; and since her death, in Mrs. Bruce, the bereaved husband found a companion, whose mind possessed rich stores of useful information; therefore his ideas had progressed, and they imparted information to the children who were growing up around him. The pains taken with their education were infinite; and perhaps rarely could there be found, even in a sphere where the most lavish expence had been bestowed, talents so cultivated and improved by useful knowledge, as those of the young party at Elmsdale cottage. It was in a room, which had acquired the name of the breakfast-parlour, a cheerful spot, from its aspect commanding the rays of the morning sun, and the window opening into the pretty garden, where Alice, seconded by her brother and cousin, had ever preferred taking their early meal;—into this apartment we shall transport our readers. All nature looked bright and beautiful; but the countenances of those who were within the room, did not accord with the glad aspect of the brilliant spring morning. Alice was, as usual, presiding over the breakfast-table, and on either side, sat her uncle, and her brother Edward. But a "change" had "come o'er the spirit of their dream;" it was no longer the joyous, happy hour, so loved by them all, when with light hearts they assembled round the table, after having, with their little household, poured forth their hearts in family prayer. It was at breakfast, that their happy and innocent plans for the day were arranged; it was then that the letters and newspapers made their appearance, an event always so great an amusement and excitement in the country. In the morning, the perceptions are generally more bright and clear-the heart more attuned to impressions of cheerfulness. The young people |