Ethel Beranger: a novel

Chapter I

Time passed quickly and pleasantly away, and as Ethel became better acquainted with Colonel Vallitort, she felt more and more inclined to rank him high amongst her band of friends. Since his arrival she seemed to take a greater interest in their numberless excursions, and to enjoy more keenly the beauties of the sur rounding scenery. As old acquaintances it was natural they should like each other's society, so even good Mrs. Seymour, who knew nothing of her friend's VOL. II, B early history, saw no reason to advise against their increasing intimacy. All went smoothly enough, and Mrs. Vallitort smiled pleasantly when Auralie related the de light her father took in the society of her beloved Ethel, and as yet felt no pangs of jealousy steal away the continual sunshine that reigned in her unsuspicious heart.

Many werethe self reproaches of the Colonel as he gazed upon Ethel's open, intellectual coun tenance, and thought that but for his own folly, that beautiful being might have borne his name. To him there was an immense charm in her extreme simplicity, her perfect innocence, and unworldliness, and he felt whilst seated near her, listening to her earnest conversation, and her upright views, a better and a happier man than he ever had before. But unfortunately this delightful state of things was brought to a premature end by the interference of Baron Pinault. Day after day he watched with jealous eye over Ethel's movements. He could not bear to witness her happiness with his ci-devant friend, nor to see the easy air of indifference with which she met his own flattering speeches, and repelled his impertinent advances.

He had learnt from very good authority of her large fortune and uncontrolled right over the Melverton estate, and had beguiled himself into the belief that it would be no difficult task to Avin the young widow's affections. AY ho could with stand his charms? the acknowledged winner of half the female hearts in France, one who even by men was allowed to have made more conquests than any man in Europe. Princesses had smiled flatteringly upon him, ladies of high degree had courted his smiles and sought his love, and now was he to be thwarted in his attempts to win, by this coldblooded English colonel? The very idea was madness, and he felt almost inclined to pick a quarrel with his former friend, but as Ethel did not positively snub him, and at times seemed even amused and pleased when in conversation with him, he cajoled himself into the belief that she was simply coquetting with her old friend in order to make him come more quickly to the point.

So one fine morning as she was sitting at work beneath the shade of a magnificent walnut tree in the garden of the hotel, and as ill-luck would have it was actually alone, the Baron broke in upon her solitude, and after a few pre liminary smiles and bows requested permission to take a chair by her side, which the unconscious Ethel, laughing at his grimaces, willingly granted. He was at no loss for words, and his compli ments were more profuse and exaggerated than ever, which simply excited her mirth, until she perceived a something in his air not to be mis taken, a warmth in his looks that she had never before noticed ; then she began to feel uncomfor table, and was about to make an excuse to return lo the house when seizing her hand, he raised it to his lips, and made a sudden and passionate profession of attachment.

In the greatest confusion Ethel attempted to withdraw her hand, but he held it tightly, smothering it with kisses, till the hot blood rushed angrily to her brow and cheek, and in a com manding tone she insisted upon his releasing it. He did so at ones, at the same time entreating forgiveness if he had in any way offended, but Ethel was so extremely discomposed at the un expected scene that she could not reply, and in spite of all his efforts to detain her, managed to escape to the hotel. " Que ces Anglaises sont betes /" he murmured to himself as he followed her reti eating steps, but hope was not yet extinct, as she had given him no answer, so he did not sink at once into the appropriate state of despair, nor consider himself a rejected lover. That afternoon he received a note which com pletely extinguished every feeling of joy in his breast.

Although very short, it contained a flat refusal of his hand and heart, couched, however, in soft and soothing language, and terminating by expressing a hope that they might continue on the same terms as if no explanation of the feelings of either party had ever been made. The Baron now came directly to the conclu sion that Colonel Vallitort stood between him and his love, for how was it possible Ethel could fail to appreciate his delicate attentions, his handsome form and face, or the thousand attrac tions to which so many had succumbed, to say nothing of his high position in society, and a certain air distingue that was acknowledged and lauded by every one. This idea did not make him incline very amiably to her decision, and when he beheld her that very evening start for a long walk with the Colonel and his lovely daughter, he muttered between his closed teeth that if he could interfere their happiness should not be of long duration.

There were already a few whisperers in that little circle of acquaintances who looked signi ficantly at one another, and wondered that Lady Beranger and the handsome Colonel should be so much together; to be sure Auralie went with them by way oi chaperone, but she was such a wild girl. Whv was not Mrs. Vallitort asked to accompany them? When a fire is smouldering it requires very little exertion to fan it into a flame, and one or two of the ladies, feeling Ethel's infinite supe riority over them, were only too glad of an op portunity to endeavour to lower her in the eyes of their friends. Amongst these was Miss Dynevor, who could not forgive her being the sworn friend of that very Auralie who had usurped the place she once held in the affections of that little society. Nothing could exceed her horror at her im proper conduct in encouraging the attentions of a married man!

Even before Mrs. Vallitort she was continually saying sharp things, until at last that lady became aware of what she was driving at. But she was far too good-natured to make any remark, and felt perfectly satisfied in her own heart that there Avas nothing to be jealous about. What could be more natural than that they should be good friends? She did not know any particulars of their early acquaintance, until one afternoon when she was sitting at work, Baron Pinault drew a chair to her side, and sitting down entered into con versation. " Are you not strong enough to join those little Avalking excursions which Mademoiselle Auralie seems all of a sudden to be so charmed Avith, or do you prefer remaining quietly at home ?" The question startled her, and above all the manner of the speaker, but she replied : " I never liked walking, besides which I have so often visited this neighbourhood, and know all its beauties so well, that I have no fancy to go over the same ground again.

You forget, Monsieur, that in the life time of my first husband I resided near here." "No, I do not forget, I simply Avanted to know your reason for remaining at home." " Then you have it," said Mrs. Vallitort, smiling at his abrupt manner, " but at the same time if Auralie had not been such a good cicerone, I Avould have done my best to amuse and please Lady Beranger, in whom Ave all take so great an interest." '' Were you aware of her previous acquaintance with Colonel Vallitort?" B " Yes, she told me they had met in their young days, but did not mention where." " Then you are in ignorance of their early at tachment to one another?" Mrs. Vallitort raised her eyes, and gazed in quiringly at the Baron, as if to read his motive in thus cross questioning her. There was a disagreeable, vindictive expression on his face, Avhich made her involuntarily start, but continu ing her work, she answered in the same quiet way, "I was, but Avhat of it?"

He shrugged his shoulders, and with a mali cious smile said, — " They seem to be very great friends now, and no wonder ; the Colonel has good taste enough to appreciate the beautiful whenever he sees it, and her face is a real feast." " It is indeed," said Mrs. Vallitort, with her usual good-humoured smile, " and charms not only by its beauty but by the image of a pure heart reflected there. I certainly think Ethel is one of the sweetest creatures I ever met." The Baron looked disconcerted, but being de termined if possible to arouse suspicions in the mind of his friend's wife, presently continued, asking her if she considered it prudent of Lady Beranger to risk the Avorld's good opinion by ap pearing in public so constantly escorted by the Colonel For the first time a shade of anger darkened the lady's amiable countenance as she replied, — " Really, Monsieur Pinault, I shall begin to think you also are interested in my fair friend, and for that reason feel so anxious about her.

I should imagine no one could be bad enough to say or think anything against her." " Then you are mistaken, for I have already heard one or two remarks, Avithout which I should not have spoken to you on the subject. I know Vallitort well enough to tremble for his position, and, as you say, I have such an interest in Lady Beranger that I Avish her warned in time." The insinuation against her husband made Mrs. Vallitort quite indignant, but Avhatever she might feel in her OAvn mind, she was determined not to let the Baron perceive he had power to move her, so in a cold tone, rising to put away her work, she simply observed, — " It is a strange thing people will not allow one another to enjoy themselves Avithout interference ; nevertheless, Monsieur, if meant kindly, I thank you for your confidence."

Seeing, or fancying he saw that he had worked his evil intent, the Baron bowed and withdrew. Mrs. Vallitort walked to the window, and stood there some moments in deep meditation, then as she heard two or three people enter the room, went towards them, and after conversing for a little as if nothing had occurred to annoy her, quitted the apartment.

Chapter II

Many and various were the reports circulated in the neighbourhood of Glen wood, concerning what occurred the night of the felonious attack upon the mansion of the wealthy heiress; and Florence's so completely hushing up the whole affair, as well as refusing to deliver the guilty into the hands of justice, made a profound sen sation in the minds of nearly all her acquaintances. Mrs. Morton's remarks were particularly invidious, and she missed no opportunity of de scanting on the subject, for, as she said to little Mrs. James Kingsland, a near neighbour who had called to have a regular gossip with that charitable lady, " she felt quite sure when she first saw Miss Beranger that there was some great mystery about her,- and that all Avas not as it should be, or she would never have left her guardian so suddenly, and returned there all alone."

" Depend upon it she is a very flighty person, and if all was right about her, Mrs. Fitz-Herbert would not have turned her back upon her as she has done." " You don't mean it, my dear; why I thought they were the greatest friends." " By no means, Mrs. Morton ; only yesterday I received news from abroad, and have the best authority for stating that Captain Fitz-Herbert, following the advice of his mother, has engaged himself to a lady of title, whose name must remain secret for the present." " Then that convinces me that what I suspected is true." " I think I knoAv what you are hinting at, but should any body mention the subject to you, pray do not say that I was your informer. I have such a horror of being considered a gossip. "Not for the Avorld, my dear Harriet; I am so very much obliged to you for opening my eyes to what really is taking place."

" Exactly so. I considered it my duty to mention her extraordinary conduct, or I should not have done so; and I wanted to ask your advice, dear Mrs. Morton, about my continuing to visit her." " Well, I will speak to one or two friends, Lady Blythwood in particular, and ascertain their intentions. Of course, if they persist in calling on her, we cannot avoid doing so, though as far as I go I should prefer dropping the acquaintance at once." " Exactly Avhat I said last night to James, but he made me quite angry, saying I need not trouble my foolish head about it, for Miss Be ranger wasn't at all likely to visit me." Mrs. Morton could hardly refrain from a smile at the little woman's candid confession of her husband's opinions, and although in her idea Miss Beranger was a very black sheep, not feel ing certain she could prevail upon others to look upon her in the same light, she considered it better to be cautious, so quietly dismissed the conversation.

It was quite enough that Florence had on several occasions dared to stand up against the united opinions of herself and the Rev, Ebenezer Kennedy ; that she had actually interceded for one or two poachers, and forgiven amongst her own people many a petty theft which Mrs. Morton thought ought to have been visited with the heaviest punishment the law could inflict, so as to warn others from the like iniquities ; that in stead of preaching long sermons and distributing tracts to the starving poor, she had suppliei them Avith meat and bread, and attended to their bodily comforts, declaring that by doing so, she was preparing their minds to receive that spiritual light which, to wretched, hunger stricken individuals, must too often appear darkness indeed. Such an upsetting of Mrs. Morton's firm Christian principles could not be overlooked, and in her virtuous indignation she was ready to believe anything, however bad, against the character of one Avho had been guilty of such heinous offences as doing to her neighbour what she avouM like to be done by, and looking mer cifully upon their faults and failings.

But whilst the Avhole of the neighbours, or, at any rate, the 'greater part of them, were indulg ing in scandal and gossip, what Avas poor Florence about? Confined to her room by a fit of illness caused by the violent shock her nerves had received, she had plenty of leisure to ruminate upon the past and present — the future was too cloudy and in distinct to attract her gaze; and sorrowfully, though submissively, she looked back upon the feAV short years that had elapsed since her father's death. No doubt her trials, bitter as they seemed, had been sent her for some wise purpose ; perhaps, in the hopes of weaning her heart from earth, and earthly affections, and of centering it more entirely upon that better world, to which Ave seldom look forward when revelling in the sun shine and pleasures of this.

She found it hard to refrain from writing to Ethel, and communicating all that had befallen her, since her ill-fated visit to Glemvood; but feeling that an account of her troubles would destroy her friend's enjoyment, and, perhaps, even hasten her return to England, she deter mined upon silence. Long seemed the days till the family-physi cian once more gave permission for her to leave her room, and ordered an hour's airing in her pony-carriage. How joyfully she emerged into the gloAving sun-light — Iioav fresh and beautiful everything appeared in her eyes — wood, field, and Avater were clothed with charms she had never seen before, and a thousand voices seemed call ing upon her to cast away gloomy thoughts, and Avith fresh strength and earnest vigorous steps to tread anew the path of life.

Right willingly she answered their appeal, and before she returned from her drive that day, she had determined as far as in her lay to bid good-bye to sorrow and desponding, and to con tinue her routine of daily duty with a cheerful and energetic heart. The doctor was surprised at his patient's speedy return to health ; that one airing seemed to have done her inconceivable good, and at the end of a few days she was entirely out of his hands. Contrary to her expectations, as well as her wishes, for she desired nothing better than solitude, she had numerous visitors. Mrs. Morton was one of the first to call, having ascertained that Lady Blythwood had indignantly refused to lend an ear to any of the scandalous stories circu lated against her young neighbour; and when Mrs. Morton hinted her belief in them, she had received, in the frigid manner of her former friend, such a rebuke, that she thought it best to quit the field at once, and appear on the list of Miss Beranger's intimate acquaintances.

Very Avisely, Florence no longer declined entering into society; she felt that a little change and relaxation were necessary for her health, and therefore accepted some of the pleasantest of the numerous invitations that were showered upon her. In Lady Blythwood she discovered a congenial mind, and after a little they became very good friends. A stranger to the country — for Sir Horace had only lately purchased an estate in those parts — Florence did not fear any unpleasant reminiscences being brought before her; and feeling that she knew nothing of her early history, she was the more at her ease with her, accepting her friendly anxiety to do all in her power for her new friend, as a token of kindly feeling, Avhich she regretted she could not give some others, more officious in their offers of friendship, credit for.

Her letters to Fitz-Herbert conveyed no impression of the life she led. They Avere cheerful, but, to some degree, uncommunicative. Since Sir Arthur's unlooked for visit, and the recent events that had occurred, she had never men tioned his name. Family pride forbade her exposing his atro cious conduct; yet, in concealing all from Fitz- Herbert, she felt as if acting with duplicity, in consequence of which her style of writing became more and more constrained. Nor did his letters give her the same pleasure she had formerly experienced ; Avhy, she could hardly say, for certainly there was no lack of affection in them ; nothing to make her believe he Avas altered, or in any way regretted his en gagement to her. Her greatest vexation was the knowledge that she could not as formerly write every thought to her lover.

Had he been anywhere near, Avhere she could have seen him, the whole truth Avould at once have been revealed; but to paper she could not venture to commit, what, if made known, would stigmatize for ever a name so highly honoured as that unfortunately borne by her depraved cousin. Her only consolation was the belief she was acting rightly, and that at some future day Frank would commend her good sense for keeping such a secret safe locked within her own heart, until she could with safety confide it to the care of one who had a right to share it with her. The poor man who had been so badly Abounded on the night of the attack on Glenwood, and who, from the date of his removal to the cottage in the park, had been frequently visited by Flo rence, showed every sign of repentance, and gratefully acknoAvledged at every interview the generosity and humanity which so signally marked all her conduct towards him.

Rescued from want, and surrounded by his family, he no longer exhibited the sullen de meanour he had Avorn after his capture; on the contrary, he seemed filled with an eager desire to prove that, Avorthless as his former life had been, circumstances which were originally against him having altered, his earnest wish was to become a decent and respectable man, and to repay by the voluntary service of a Avhole life, the kindness that, in an hour of need, had been shewn him by the outraged heiress. Nor Avere his repectful offers, Avhen made known to Florence, declined. There was that in his face and manner Avhich proved him an altered man; and despite the advice of the old bailiff, and his oft repeated assertions that no good would come of her employing him, and allowing him to remain upon the estate, she appointed him to a situation of some trust, which was gratefully and joyfully accepted.

" Now mind," said Florence, as having paid a visit of some length she prepared to quit the little cottage so often brightened by her presence, " mind that I see you always diligent and active in the fulfillment of your duties, proving by your careful attention to them that you have not only sincerely repented the past, but that you are resolved to show even to the most sceptical that you can for the future walk as steadily and con scientiously on the narroAV road, as those who flatter themselves that their feet have never deviated from it." VOL. II. c

Chapter III

In the charming salon of the Villa Reale, whose open casement let in the morning breeze, redolent with perfume from the magnificent orange trees Avhich were in full flower on the terrace beloAv, Fitz-Herbert sat deeply absorbed in an English newspaper, though the beauty of the day might well have enticed him from its prosy columns to the contemplation of the scenery without. Being but a short distance from the shore, the blue waves of the Mediterranean delighted the eye as they danced and sparkled in the sunshine, the snowy sails of full many a barque skimming its tranquil surface, and adding immeasurably to the charm of the scene. So engrossed was he with the columns before him that he did not notice the entrance of his mother until she came quite up to him, holding in her hand a letter, Avhich, with calm yet melancholy dignity she presented him, saying in a trembling voice, — "Poor Frank, read that; I feared as much."

Fitz-Herbert snatched the letter from his mother with an eager look, but as his eye perused line after line, the expression ol his countenance darkened, and his noble brow be came overclouded to an extent she had never seen before; but stifling his feelings he returned it to her keeping, remarking in a tone of assumed self-command, — " My dearest mother, is your correspondent to be relied on? I am unwilling, on the evidence C of one person to condemn Florence, though indeed her conduct is and has been inexpli cable." "Frank, I cannot doubt Mrs. Clavering's veracity, and I feel positively convinced that she would never have mentioned the subject to me, had she not believed she Avas fulfilling a duty in doing so. Already there have been many strange stories of that poor girl communicated to me from other quarters, but I Avas un willing to add to your unhappiness by repeating them ; now I can no longer withhold the truth.

You will of course act as seems best to you, and Avhatever decision you may come to will, I trust, be for your happiness." A tear stood in Mrs. Fitz-Herbert's eye as she uttered these Avords, and gazed mournfully on her son, for she knew how deep Avas his attach ment for his early playmate, and hoAv hard would be the struggle with his own heart, before he could compel himself to believe the unpleasant truths she had communicated, or to act as she considered necessary for his future happiness, and relinquish all claim to the heiress's hand. After a moment's pause he rose from his seat and taking his mother's hand, said in a calm voice : " I Avill not have you distress yourself upon my account. You have but lately recovered from a severe illness, and must remember, dearest mother, that you are still far from strong.

Re pose in me the same confidence you have given me from my earliest childhood, and believe that in this as in every other step of importance I have ever taken, I will act as far as possible in unison Avith your wishes, but I will not condemn unheard. Florence is accused of the greatest duplicity, and also of faithlessness to me, but I will sift the affair to the very bottom, and if I should at last be forced to believe in her nnworthiness, why then I will restore her to per fect freedom, as far as any engagement with me is concerned, and wish her all happiness with the man of her choice." His voice faltered, and Avith an agitated step he paced the room for some minutes, then taking up his hat and stick, and waving a loving adieu to Mrs. Fitz-Herbert, quitted the house. Taking the nearest route to Nice, he walked moodily along for some moments, until at a turn in the road he came in sight of an acquaintance, Avho, not many paces in advance of himself, was whistling away merrily.

" Halloa, Neville, is that you ? Where are you going?" said Frank, and the clouds passed away, and the sunshine returned to his eyes, which but a moment before had been dim with distrust and sorrow. " Going ! why there is a grand meeting at Lady Winterton's this afternoon. All the world Avill be there, and Madame D , that wondrous Venetian beauty. I would not lose one of her smiles by being one single half hour after the time I promised, so if you are coming Avith me, quicken your pace, old fellow, or else good-bye to you." " Why, dash it, if I had not forgotten all about it, and I promised to escort the Countess of Sefton and her two lovely daughters. I shall catch it, but it's too late to go to her house now, so I'll e'en join you, and may be I may win a stray smile from your charming divinity."

Frank laughed as he uttered the last words, but his friend did not seem altogether pleased; however, they proceeded on their Avay, conversing gaily till they reached Lady Winterton's villa, when the fiist person that met Fitz-Herbert's sight was an old school friend, so leaving Neville to his fate, he immediately joined the former, forgetting all about Madame D 's attractions, and his proffered civilities to the Ladies Sefton. What an unthinking felloAv he was, and yet he had an excellent heart! Fortunately for him he had no disposition to brood over sorroAvs, real or unreal. He endeavoured to make the best of life and its contrarieties, and not having had any very heavy griefs succeeded admirably. He was sincerely attached to Florence, and though startled at stories he heard of her conduct, did not find it easy to believe anything against her for many minutes together, therefore enjoyed the present to the utmost, leaving the future to take care of itself.

Too many seek sorrow instead of leaving her to find them out, — in lieu of enjoying themselves and revelling in the sunshine that gilds their path to-day, they are incessantly forestalling the trials and troubles that at some season or other may in all probability be theirs. Would it not be wiser, if, like Fitz-Herbert, they gathered the flowers that sprung up under their feet, enjoying their fragrance and bloom, instead of casting them away despairingly be cause they know that sooner or later they must fade and die? No one that beheld him that afternoon would have identified him for the same person that quitted the Villa Reale a few hours before with such an o'erclouded brow. He was, or appeared to be, the very soul of enjoyment, and the ladies instead of reproaching him for his want of gallantry, Avelcomed him to their side with cordial words and smiles of approbation.

At one time he appeared likely to cut Neville out, and usurp his fancied place in Madame D's good graces, but though that lady was evidently attracted by the handsome youth, and anxious to number him amongst her circle of admirers, he did not reciprocate her admiration, and after c a few polite sentences he bowed himself away from her presence, to society more congenial to him in the form of a bevy of pretty English girls who were chatting merrily together and getting up parties of pleasure for the ensuing week. " What the deuce Neville can see to admire in that woman I know not," said Frank to Lady Sefton. " I hate painted beauties, and she thinks so much of herself, there is no need of any one else praising her; I like simplicity, nature's per fections, not art's." " Don't you think, Captain Fitz-Herbert, that her eyes are uncommonly fine.

There is a fire about them that attracts all the poor moths and butterflies to their utter destruction. I am glad not to rank you amongst the number, for I hate to see young men make fools of themselves, and what else can you consider this mad worship of a married woman?" " What indeed," said Frank, as smiling gaily he entered into conversation with a very charm ing looking girl who had just been confided to the Countess' care for the remainder of the day, her own chaperone having been suddenly called away. It was late in the evening ere Fitz-Herbert returned to the Villa Reale; when he entered the drawing-room his mother was dozing in an arm chair by the open Avindow. On hearing his step her eyes opened, and turning toAvards him an anxious gaze she exclaimed : " My dear boy, I have been quite frightened ; you did not say you Avould not be back to dinner, and I have been endeavouring to find satisfac tory reasons for your prolonged absence, in vain."