The Brandens, or Workers in a neglected service

Front matter

Nannette's and Lucy's Happiness. THE BRANDENS OR SEarfem in k lUghridr Btxhut BY ELIZA HUTCHLNSON A.UTHOE OF " OUE NEIGHBOUE," " LETTY EADOLIFFE," ETC. LONDON S. W. PARTRIDGE & CO. 9 PATERNOSTER ROW All rights reserved. DUBLIN STEAM PRINTING COMPANY DUBLIN AND LONDON. CONTENTS CHAP. PAGE I. THE DESOLATE ORPHAN . . .1 II. "NO CROSS, NO CROWN." . . .9 III. ALREADY ENOUGH TO DO . . .18 TV. LUCY DOLBY'S BIRTHDAY . . . .26 V. A PLEASANT SURPRISE .... 33 YI. LUCY CARRIES OUT HER NOBLE RESOLUTION . 40 VII. THE JOURNEY TO PARIS WITH THE ALLERTONS . 50 VIII. GENEVA AND THE SALEVE . . .60 IX. A FASCINATING FRIEND . . .73 X. THE LITTLE ADELE . . . .82 XI. TROUBLES AND PLEASURES UNDER THE SHADOW OF MONT BLANC . . . . .93 XII. ST. BERNARD — SELFISH TRAVELLERS . . 107 XIII. THINGS NINA UPTON COULD NOT RECONCILE . 120 XIV.

THE BRANDENS' CHRISTMAS PARTY . .133 XV. AN ALARMING ACCIDENT — MRS. JEFFERSON'S LETTER Contents. IV CHAP. PAOE XVI. SELF ACCUSATIONS . . . .159 XVII. THE WIDOW AND THE FATHERLESS MADE GLAD . 170 XVIII. TALK ROUND THE DINNER-TABLE . .185 XIX. VISIT TO A PICTURE GALLERY — MEETING WITH OLD FRIENDS ..... 198 XX. DISAPPOINTED HOPES .... 214 XXI. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION DECIDED . . 235 XXII. A TURN IN THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE . . 253 XXIII. CONSTANCY UNDER DIFFICULTIES . . 269 XXIV. CALLED AWAY — A DARING ACT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES 283 XXV. SAD NEWS FROM AFAR — FRIENDS IN ADVERSITY AT HOME ..... 297 XXVI. AN ENEMY BECOMES A FRIEND . . . 314 XXVII. STRUGGLES FOR LIFE .... 329 XXVIII. THE "GOOD PART" CHOSEN . . . 342 XXIX. CHERISHED HOPES JOYFULLY REALIZED . . THE BEANDENS.

Chapter I. The Desolate Orphan

/~iN a cold, wintry night, when the wind rattles against " the window-panes in impetuous gusts, and whistles through every chink and cranny, how pleasant for the way farer to picture to himself the comfortable home whither he is hurrying — where he knows that tightly closed shutters, and thick, warm curtains can so deaden the wdd sounds outside, that they shall be scarcely perceptible, and that a blazing fire will cast a ruddy glow over everything, striking to his very heart's core. To such a home I would lead my readers : making this addition, that it is not only a com fortable, but a luxurious one. All that money can procure for its adornment seems lavished here, and something besides, that money cannot provide — namely, an air of refinement, which lends its own peculiar charm and grace to the whole.

Mr. and Mrs. Branden, the owners of this elegant residence, are, for a wonder, partaking of their dinner alone on the evening that I first introduce them in my story, and the hour is half-past seven. As we look on the lady, we are charmed with her sweet face, set off so A becomingly by the rich brown hair, coiled round a well shaped head ; and as we further gaze into the dark blue eyes, that seem to cast a light on everything they glance upon, we feel that we are in the presence of the genius of the house, and are no longer surprised that itis so peculiarly attractive. Mr. Branden, too, interests us almost as much. His thoughtful brow, manly features, and well-knit mouth, tell us that he is a man of no ordinary character — but, above and beyond all this, the benevolence of expression that beams out from both faces alike, touches one, so to speak, as a " song without words."

"My dear," said Mr. Branden, after silence had been maintained for some time, " how pleasant to be able to speak, or hold one's tongue as one likes, without appearing inhospitable." " So it is, Edward, and I have just been thinking the same thing. We are very seldom alone now, love," and Mrs. Branden's tones of voice were soft and tender. Her husband looked across the table, and smded at her. The smile relaxed, however, as he said — " I have met Mr. Gregson, and he gave but a poor account of old Smith. He fears he may sink from exhaus tion, and says he must have plenty of good food and wine. I should be very sorry if anything happened to Smith, for he has been a faithful servant for manv years." " Yes, indeed he has ; and Mr. Gregson knows that if strengthening food can cure him, he has but to ask, and we will provide."

" Well, my dear, you take care about that, and I will see to the wine. I think I shall run down to have a THE DESOLATE ORPHAN. 3 look at him when dinner is over, and take a bottle with me." " What, this dreadful night, Edward ! oh, hadn't you better send John, and go yourself the first thing in the morning?" " Don't you know, Nannette, that if I go myself he will appreciate the attention ten times more than if I sent John ? — the wine, too, will be doubly beneficial," and the smile that accompanied these words would have gratified anyone to see. Mrs. Branden no longer wished to dissuade him ; and, after this, they relapsed again into silence, Mr. Branden's face beginning to wear a serious, 'and even anxious expression. " What are you thinking about, Edward ? " inquired his wife, at last. " About poor Lucy's child," he replied, slowly shaking his head ; " I have worried myself about her a good deal to-day.

You see, she is cast upon our hands as it were, but one cannot help feeling vexed about it. If her father had acted with ordinary prudence, she would have been amply provided for." " That is true, Edward; nevertheless, I think our duty in the matter is plain." " Yes, my love, but I like to feel a pleasure in duty, only I cannot say I do in this instance. Poor Lucy ! she was very foolish. However, the grave covers ad her faults, and 'tis no use reaping up the past," and he heaved a deep sigh, that was responded to by a gentler one from his wife. " Dear Edward," she said, after a short pause, " it would grieve me sadly if I thought you loved Lucy less warmly than at one time," and the tears filled her eyes. " But it is not so, Nannette; if it were, I should find it hard indeed to assist that child.

You know, my dear, I always disliked Burns, and he always disliked me — such a spendthrift as he was too ! and he knew all the while that if aught happened to him, I could never let Lucy's child starve. It is that that irritates me so." " I know it," said the wife, soothingly. " Besides, we have already enough to do with our money ; the more one has the more is expected from one. And you wouldn't like to put down any of your charities, would you, my love?" " Certainly not, if it can be managed in any other way." " I know of no other way, unless we give fewer dinner parties, Nannette. They put us to great expense ; so will it break your heart if we draw in our horns in that direction?" The look she sent across the table plainly showed that nothing would be felt a hardship which was shared with him.

He was quite satisfied, so went on — " Then, by your leave, I '11 write to say that Lucy may stay where she is, provided Mrs. Jefferson can keep her on the terms I shall name ; do you agree ? " " Yes, love ; but I wish the chdd to be comfortable ; you will take care about that." " Oh, certainly ; only I 'm not going to pay for anything unnecessary. That would be most absurd, considering that she is to be a governess by-and-by." Here the conversation came to a conclusion ; and Mr. Branden presently rose from the dessert table, to start on his errand of mercy. THE DESOLATE ORPHAN. Accordingly, in the course of a few days, Mrs. Jefferson received a note stating that Mr. Branden intended to keep his niece where the she was, if her governess would lower the charges to suit him. In conclusion, he wrote thus — " I cannot allow more than the sum mentioned, therefore shad be glad to hear whether or not you can agree to my proposal, as soon as possible."

Mrs. Jefferson read this curt epistle over and over again very thoughtfully ; and when she sat down to reply to it, she said to herself — "Be as careful as I will, I shall never make the money do ; but if that poor child went from me, there is no knowing where he might place her." Her answer was equally short, it being her opinion that the person she had to deal with was a hard man, and therefore argument would be useless ; so easy is it for good people to produce wrong impressions, and to misunderstand one another. As to Mr. Branden, it never occurred to him that he was grinding down a toiling woman, who, work as indus triously as she might, found it a difficult matter to " make ends meet." Such as Mrs. Jefferson, however, often do charitable and useful work in the world. I hope that my readers already feel an interest in Lucy7 Dolby, the little desolate orphan.

Her mother, Mrs. Bran den's youngest sister, had married a Mr. Burns after the death of her first husband, though contrary to the advice of all her friends. She died shortly after herself ; there fore the little Lucy had been left in the entire charge of her step-father, till within a year of the time my story opens. Whatever might be brought against him by others, he had proved a tender protector to Lucy; and she had loved him as her own father, and mourned his loss accordingly. But it was only too true that whilst he spared nothing for her comfort and pleasure during his life, there was next to no provision left for her afterwards, not even what had once been the small property belonging to her mother. So it turned out, after all his affairs were settled, that Lucy was left dependent on friends not overwilling to take on themselves such a responsibility.

Mrs. Jefferson's school was in a healthy locality, not far from the sea ; and her house was large and well appointed. Not a few of her pupils came from India, from whence she derived the most of her profits ; but her losses frequently came from that quarter also, and, as years flew by, she felt it more than likely that there would be Httle to fall back upon when the time of old age should arrive. One morning this good lady was busily engaged in her private sitting-room, when a gentle rap came to the door. " Come in," she said, in a cheerful tone. The door quickly opened, and a sweet-looking child advanced with an eager countenance. Long natural curls fell down her back, and were held from a strikingly interesting face by a comb, fitting round the head. Altogether, her appearance was very pleasing, yet she wore a shabby dress.

"Please, dear Mrs. Jefferson," she asked, "am I really going this evening to Mrs. Benson's ? Laura says that I am, and that all of us are invited." The lady's countenance fell ; and observing this, the child added with anxiety — " Oh, I hope you are not displeased with me for asking you ; but I felt in such a hurry to know. I'm ATery sorry if I have done wrong." THE DESOLATE ORPHAN. "No, dear Lucy, your eagerness is perfectly natural ; and it grieves me that I have to disappoint you." The beautiful eyes, that a moment before were so full of joy, drooped ; and presently two large tears stood on the long, silken lashes that concealed them. This went to the bottom of kind Mrs. Jefferson's heart. " My child," she said, in a soothing tone, " I would not deny you for the world if I could help it ; but your dress is quite too shabby to go in, and I cannot possibly afford to get you another at present.

I am sure j7ou see how it is." Lucy choked down the rising sobs. " It was very foolish ever to think that I could go," she said ; " but I forgot about the clothes just at first." " Well, dear, I shouldn't like you to look different from the others, neither would you. You are in very much need of a dress, and I would procure one out of my own pocket only I really cannot just yet, though we shall see what can be done by-and-by," and she smiled encouragingly. Mrs. Jefferson would never grow rich. However, she took care not to fall into debt, which was most praise worthy in one of her generous disposition. " Oh, no, indeed !" exclaimed Luc}7, advancing closer to her, " if I am careful this will still last a long time," and she looked doAvn at herself in a forlornly hopeless way. Mrs. Jefferson put her arm round the poor child, and kissed her affectionately.

" You shall come and have your tea with me to-night," she said, " and we will be all by ourselves in this snug little room. How wid you Hke that ?" " Oh, delightful ! delightful ! " reiterated Lucy, in ecstasies, "and I am so sorry I teased you about going out." Dear, good Mrs. Jefferson was as gratified as the chdd that she had hit upon something compensating. She had always loved Lucy, and now she was so thrown on her compassion, she felt towards her almost as if she were her own. " How I wish they could see Lucy," she thought ; " surely, the hardest heart would be won by her winning ways," and then she went on with her work. Poor Lucy ! pangs of regret shot through her heart as she watched her young companions off. All school-girls know what it is to rejoice in a few hours of freedom, so can enter into the sense of desolation that crept over our little friend on being left behind.

Not yet being time for her to go to Mrs. Jefferson, she sat down alone, and as she began to think of ad that had lately befaden her, the tears stole down her cheeks one by one. What a change may pass over us in a few months ! At one time it had seemed to her she was a child of fortune. Now, alas ! there was only a life of struggle to look forward to. Young though Lucy was, she already thought on the future with anxiety, and even dread. Nothing had so opened her eyes to her new position as the altered behaviour of some of her school fedows, many of whom valued each other merely for money, and the advantages it brings, and were beginning to despise Lucy, now she was obliged to dress shabbily, and had ceased to bestow little presents as formerly. No wonder that the child often cried herself to sleep in her little bed ; but the tears she shed were silent ones. None knew of them at this time. There is a kind ' Heavenly Father, however, who has an especial care over His orphaned children.

Chapter II

" NO CROSS, NO CROWN." A ND now I must mention that Mr. and Mrs. Branden ■£*• had one daughter — a bright and happy child, who, though surrounded by every favourable circumstance, was not spoiled. Her proud and loving parents obtained much credit for their judicious management of the youthful Nannette, and deservedly so. It happened on the same day of Lucy's disappointment that she went to spend a few hours with an aged friend of her parents. The little girl knew of no greater treat, for though this lady dwelt in a very small house, and lived in the simplest possible style, she had seen a great deal of the world in her day, and her gift of story-telling was inexhaustible. Besides this, she possessed other advantages, which made her society delightful to young and old. Imagine her, dear readers, of a tall and stately figure, made the more imposing by the simple gravity of her deep black dress and widow's cap.

Let us enter her unpretending sitting-room with Nannette, that we may feel struck as she always does, though seeing her so often, with the benignity and goodness of her noble countenance. "Ah, my little Nannette," she said, "so you are never tired of coming to see me, though I am only an old woman, with hair as white as the wintry snow," and she folded her in her arms, and kissed her a great many times. " Oh, but you never seem old to me" was the eager response, " and I do so love your white curls ; and your eyes are so dark and bright, and" — she stopped, and looked puzzled, then added — " you somehow always make me think of the angels, and I dream of them every night after being here." The old lady gave Nannette another prolonged kiss, and looked into her sweet eyes the thoughts she could not utter.

Old people and little children often minister to each other like the angels. Nannette sat down on a stool at Mrs. Overton's feet, and they were both sdent ever so long. At last the child raised her head, that she had leant fondly against her aged friend's knee, and said — " I have been thinking of that story you told me about ' the orphans,' and, do you know, I have got a little orphan cousin," and the tears filled Nannette's ey7es, and her voice sank almost to a whisper. "Have you, my dear? I certainly did not know it before." " Yes ; and she will always have to be alone at school now — at least, I call it being alone never to see a relation." Mrs. Overton had no desire to know anything con cerning other people's affairs that was not intended for her ; but while wondering how to turn the conversation, Nannette Avent on — " I once had an aunt Lucy ; but she died long ago, and papa calls her ' poor Lucy' whenever he speaks of her to mamma — which isn't often.

Oh, why does he not haA7e my little cousin to come and live Avith us? I long so to see her, and to love her." " My child, your papa must have good reasons, and that NO CROSS, NO CROAVN. is enough for you ; and I think we had better talk about something else." " Oh, but, dear Mrs. Overton, wouldn't it break their hearts if they thought I might be all by myself at school, some day ? and Lucy is a little girl, and must have her feelings as well as I." " My dear Nannette, it is highly wrong to question the propriety of what your parents deem right to do, and I cannot allow it. You don't wish to displease me, do you?" " Oh no, indeed ! and I didn't think of what I was doing. Only, I am so sorry for Lucy. I don't know what to do." "You can pray for her, my love, and ask God to take care of her ; and that is the very best thing you can do."

" Yes, so it is," said Nannette, " and I will. But wdl there be any harm in asking mamma a little about her, and telling her how I want to help her to be happy ? Oh, it is impossible she can be happy now, dear Mrs. Overton," and the tender-hearted chdd covered her face with her hands, and wept tears of real deep sorrow and sympathy. After remaining thoughtful awhile, Mrs. Overton replied — " You must not judge every one by7 your own feelings. Little Lucy may be happier than you imagine ; and as to your question, if you sincerely ask God to guide you, He wid show you what is really your duty. More I cannot say, only that you must have patience, and be careful not to take your own way, after all. But, dearest child, I do not Hke to hear you cry so bitterly." Nannette made a great effort, wiped her eyes, and even tried to smile.

Ah, little Lucy ! all alone there in the dull school-room, you know not what friends are yours. This dear old lady, who seems to have an angel's influence, she will never forget you ; and, Nannette, let us wait and see. The chdd soon rose to go, and her lip quivered as she kissed " good-bye" to Mrs. Overton. No word was uttered on either side, but there is a language of the eyes, even of the touch, which speaks volumes. Nannette Branden had not been in the habit of lying awake when she ought to have been asleep ; but since taking such a deep interest in her young cousin, sleep had often fled from her eyes, and sometimes she wet the pillow with her tears — thus unconsciously did she and Lucy share sorrow between them. Nevertheless, Nannette was not one to give way to useless repining ; so as she lay wide-awake on the night after her visit to Mrs. Overton, she began to devise ad sorts of plans in her busy Httle brain, and amongst other ideas, it struck her that she might make some small present to Lucy, as a token of her affection.

" Oh, that will be capital ! " exclaimed she, " and I know what I '11 do. I '11 get some card-board for a book-marker, and work on it in pretty-coloured sdks, ' No Cross, no Crown.' Then, I shall write a note to ask her to keep it in her Bible, and to think of me when she reads it, every day "—after a moment's pause, she went on — "and, if she doesn't read the Bible regularly, perhaps it will induce her to. Oh, what a good thought it seems ! but I wonder whether papa and mamma will really let me write to her ; there 's the thing." Here Nannette relapsed into silence- — for she was fond of talking to herself, like many children — and she went on quietly wondering about how she should manage the sending of the book-marker, till she wondered herself into dreamland. She felt none the less eager the next morning ; therefore, when lessons were over, she asked permission of her governess to get the little matters NO CROSS, NO CROAAN. 13 requisite.

This was easily obtained, as, under certain restrictions, she was allowed to spend her pocket-money as she Hked. Nannette occupied all her spare time over this labour of love ; and when it was finished and fastened upon a piece of blue satin ribbon, it richly deserved the fond admiration of the busy Httle worker. But now came the difficulty — how was Lucy to get it ? At first, Nannette felt disposed to apply to mamma ; but she eventuady decided to plead with Mr. Branden, herself, for she knew that from him would arise the objections, if indeed there were to be any. Like a straightforward chdd, she made up her mind to go to the fountain-head at once. And, dear readers, we should often save our kind mammas from the disagreeable office of " go-between," if we would follow this plan ourselves.

So, our youthful heroine sought for an early opportunity to proffer her request. This, how ever, was not easy to get, as she saw little of Mr. Branden, except in the evenings, when it was only nows and thens she could have him a bit to herself. Still, "where there is a will there is a way," so Nannette did manage to say, on the night after her gift was completed — " Oh, dear papa, I do so want to speak to you. It is a secret." " Indeed, little lady ! And I think it must be a serious one, for you are ' all of a tremble.'" Nannette reddened, but Mr. Branden observed that she went all the paler afterwards. He lifted her to his knee, and said — " Surely, my pet is not afraid of me ? " She hid her head in his bosom, and quivered in a. way that seemed Hke it. " I think I do feel afraid, dear papa," she honestly replied, though in a whisper, " because it is something I am so anxious about."

Mr. Branden gave a benevolent smile, and rejoined — " Look at me, darling, all the time you are speaking, and then I think your fears will vanish." She tried to obey him ; nevertheless, her head sank again on his bosom as she said, in a voice tremulous with agitation — " Dear papa, I do hope you really won't be angry ; but I've made a book-marker for little cousin Lucy, all by myself, and I do so want to send it her. May I ? " A frown did actually pass over his face, but it somehow melted away on looking at her. He pressed her tenderly to him ; and Nannette, quite overcome, burst into tears. They spoke more for her than if she had talked all day. "Come, come," said he, encouragingly, "we'll see; but I must hear what mamma says, you know." Nannette was full}7 satisfied. She felt certain her cause was gained, and went off to bed in a state of unbounded delight.

Mr. Branden remained where she left him for a long time ; and he drew several deep sighs, as if his thoughts might not be altogether agreeable. Whether this were so or not, Nannette was allowed the untold gratification of sending the book-marker to Lucy a day or two after. And Avhat of Lucy ? She looks very sad on the morn ing that I again bring her before my readers ; and all the more so, in contrast with the many bright faces that surround her. It is time for the daily walk, and we hear one of the governesses say — " Rose Price and Lucy Dolby may be companions to-day." " Oh, but please, Miss Waters," answers the former, NO CROSS, NO CROAVN. " Lucy and I are no longer friends. Won't you let Hetty go with me ? " " Certainly, I have no objection. But I am sorry if you and Lucy have been so foolish as to quarrel."

Rose made no reply ; notwithstanding, the sneer that passed over her face showed plainly enough she considered Lucy too much beneath her to quarrel with. " Wed," continued the governess, " who will go with Lucy ? " A few moments' pause, and then a sweet voice said, from the further end of the room — "I shall always be delighted to have Lucy with me." The voice came from a young lady much older than Lucy ; but she had been only a short time with Mrs. Jefferson, having come for the purpose of finishing her education. Her kindness of heart made her a friend to everybody. " My dear Lucy," said this young lady, when they had started on their walk — there being ever so many couples before, and ever so many behind — "what can induce those girls to be so id-natured with you ? Mrs. Jefferson told me, when first I came, that you were a universal favourite."

" So I used to be, only it 's different now. But please don't tell Mrs. Jefferson, because it would grieve her so if she knew." " But what can be the reason ? " again asked Mary Elton, though she felt half sorry she had pressed the question, on seeing how the colour came and went on Lucy's cheeks. "Because — because," said Lucy, and her voice sank very low, "I think they are ashamed of me. You see, my clothes are worn out, and Mrs. Jefferson cannot get me anything new, at present." "Oh, Lucy, how shameful ! how mean ! " cried the girl with kindling eye ; " but never mind, you look a great deal better than they, for all their fine things. Indeed, most of them are quite too grand for my taste." "Still, I am very shabby," returned Lucy, deprecat ingly, and as if she did not altogether blame them.

Mary Elton looked most indignant, and found it difficult to find words to express what she felt. " You dear child ! " exclaimed she, at last, " remember, you and I must be inseparable friends from henceforth. I know I am much older than you, but it is not altogether ase that makes the difference." Lucy Dolby was glad enough to join in such a pleasant compact, and her sweet face took a happier expression than it had known for many a day. When she re-entered the school-room, after their return home, a great joy awaited her. The postman had just been, and a servant handed Lucy a small parcel, saying — " If you please, miss, this is for you." "For me," she reiterated ; "you must be mistaken." Not so, for the address was sufficiently plain, though executed in a cramped hand. Lucy carried off the parcel to open it alone.