of a sickroom recently, and laboured under maternal displeasure. If Miss Hunsgate's self-possession was a subject of surprise to me, it seemed one of astonishment to the haughty dame. To her lofty bow Emily made a reverential return; and crossed the room to rest upon a sofa. As she passed me, I caught a meaning side-glance in which pleasure and gratitude were blended. I guessed the cause.

"She took the seat the lady of the priory had pointed to by an imperious wave of the hand, and a momentary silence followed. I cannot exactly say what the others felt; but I would have given up the treatment of a compound fracture, to have been safe in my own

sanctum.

"You seem better, Miss Hunsgate,' was the cold and harsh sentence with which her lady-mother saluted the fair invalid. I saw her cheeks redden; but from her mother's searching stare she did not avert her eyes.

"I am, indeed, madam, much improved in health, and her courage seemed to fail.

Let me complete the sentence,' said the dame, 'and, may I add, also in filial duty.'

66 6

That, madam, entirely depends upon what a parent pleases to exact. On one point I am determined.'

Again she paused.

"I

pray you to proceed. What may be that wise determination?' "Not to marry one I know little of, and for whom I care less.' "Indeed! Flippantly spoken for a nervous young lady. Doctor, I fancy from Miss Hunsgate's tone of voice she will no longer require your leachcraft. Pray leave us.'

"Oh! what a relief that order was! I dreaded that some confounded discovery would implicate me in matters to which I had made myself a party, and with which I was utterly unacquainted; and I never hurried to a bad accident with more alacrity, than that with which I displayed in quitting Holmesdale Park.

"What passed between the mother and daughter I can but conjecture; for, next morning, instead of being conducted to the young lady's apartment, I was told that Miss Hunsgate was walking in the garden, and that the dame desired my presence in the drawing-room. I traversed the corridor in desperate fear; and I would have rather swallowed one of my own decoctions than have ventured on the tête-àtête that I was invited to. But it was a hopeless case; no remedy; and with assumed tranquillity I opened the door, made my bow, and was desired to take a chair.

"Doctor, how did you find Miss Hunsgate?'

"I have not seen her this morning, madam; I am told she is in the garden; and infer from that circumstance that her health is steadily progressive.'

"Her bodily health is evidently better; but-but- and she paused, 'in a word, what think ye of her mental, doctor?'

"I started. The manner in which the question was asked was very singular; and, without hesitation, I replied that Miss Hunsgate's recent indisposition had been purely nervous, and that a very few days, with quiet and exercise, would entirely restore her.

"I fancied my reply was not exactly what the lady wished; and that it would have been more agreeable had the doubt which she insinuated received from me a full and satisfactory confirmation.

"It may be so,' she said. But, certainly, my daughter's conduct appears to me, doctor, odd and unaccountable. Think you that air and exercise, under existing circumstances, are more likely to effect a recovery than quiet, and a temporary seclusion?'

"Most decidedly so, madam.'

"Enough, doctor,' and she made me a formal bow. 'I wish you a good morning.'

"That evening, as was at that time my usual custom, I dropped into the Chequers,' to smoke a pipe, and hear the village news. State secrets will transpire; and it cannot be expected that those of a country mansion can remain impenetrable, The union of Miss Hunsgate with Lord Evrington was named as a matter already decided on; and the Holmesdale politicians went so far as to name an early day for the approaching ceremony. It also seemed that a whisper had gone abroad that the young lady was not a consenting party. Of course, my lips were professionally sealed; and while the projected marriage was under full discussion the Holmesdale Express arrived from London, and pulled up at the door of the inn.

"The only outside passenger was a light-dragoon; and his entrée of the parlour at once ended the village tattle. His luggage was a small carpet-bag, a sword, military cloak, and a mahogany box, that recalled Mr. O'Dowd to my recollection. His uniform was that of a private horseman, and a double stripe upon his arm told his rank to be a corporal's. He really was a fine-looking and handsome fellow; but we all agreed, when he rang for the chambermaid and went up stairs, that he was confoundedly impudent. His air was aristocratic; and, had he been articled to an attorney, he could not have been more civilly supercilious to the evening clique whom he found assembled in the Chequers. Having expressed himself satisfied with the accommodation offered him upstairs, he presently returned to the parlour where supper was being prepared for him.

The village-gossip had been renewed during his absence; and the union of the families of Evrington and Hunsgate was being debated; and to this intended arrangement, the authorities of Holmesdale had given their unqualified consent. The next question that occupied the party was, what business had brought a corporal of dragoons to the Chequers?" That also was decided unanimously. His errand was, of course, to persuade silly young men to enlist, and sillier young women to play the devil.

"The morrow came; and after breakfast I repaired to the Priory, and found my pretty patient on the terrace-walk. She was reading; at least she had a book in her hand when I approached her. A smile, and that smile I shall never forget, bade me welcome.'

"I could not, dear-dear doctor, thank you yesterday for your kindness but by a look. I trust you understood it ?"

"I made a bow, and short acknowledgment.

"Ah! Did you but know the balm that letter brought to a heart that was all but broken. But, no; I must be silent now. A day or two, and you shall be master of more secrets than one.'

My dear young lady, you read my note; and, though it pained me to write what I now repeat, I do so. With the past, all memory has faded; with the future all acquaintance must terminate.' "She smiled, and continued, 'How long shall I tax your secrecy ?' For ever! I replied.

Nay, a week will do.'

"I stared. What meaned all this?'

"Come, doctor, for a wonder I shall turn gossip, and ask the vil lage news. Any arrival lately?'

"Yes. Mrs. Graydon, the curate's wife.'

"None, save the curate's wife? None to the Chequers?'' "None. Oh, yes! a cattle-dealer, Tubbins's brother-in-law, and a corporal of light-dragoons.'

"Her eyes flashed with delight.

"A corporal of light-dragoons?' she repeated.

"Yes, madam; and with impudence enough for a lieutenantcolonel.'

"What kind of man?' she inquired eagerly, may this impudent dragoon be?' and she smiled archly.

"Tall, slight, powerful, dark eyes-'
"Jet black, doctor!' she added.
"Teeth even, well-set, and white—”
"As ivory itself," added the lady.

"A small hand, and a plain gold ring upon the fourth finger, very odd appendage, by the by, for a corporal of light-dragoons."

"My own dear, darling Ralph !' and, only there fortunately was a bench beside us, she would have popped into my arms.

"What, in the name of Galen, means all this?' said I, rather alarmed.

"Nothing; but I demand your silence not for a week; but-for a day.'

"Before I could reply the lady of the Priory made her appearance at the farther extremity of the terrace; and Miss Hunsgate, repeating with emphasis, I know my secret's safe with you,' retired, and left me to a tête-à-tête which I would have willingly avoided.

"Well, Mr. Faunce, how is your patient to-day?'

"In health well; a little nervous; but, after a week's confinement to a sick-room, that is a natural consequence, as you may readily imagine, madam.'

"I never leave aught to the imagination, doctor; and Miss Hunsgate's malady-if that phrase be proper-goes beyond your skill, and beyond my own, too. I reasoned with her; she listened coldly. I threatened, and she smiled. I went further, and in strong terms asserted parental right; and (would you credit it, doctor?) she waved her hand, and told me such was ended! She's mad, doctor-decidedly mad!'

"I dared not contradict the dame; but I fancied there was a method in her daughter's madness, which opinion was confirmed before I went to sleep.

"Farewell!' added the lady. 'In the hurry of other matters I have forgotten you,' and she presented me with a bank-note. Of course I closed my hand upon it; slipped quietly down stairs; found the hall empty; and took a passing peep. By heaven, the note was fifty pounds! There was a godsend to a young practitioner !

"I never had a day more occupied with professional business. I had not even time to make my evening visit to the "Chequers." My old housekeeper was cross-and the chimney-strange event!-smoked, as Scrub says in the play, consumedly; and when I settled myself in the sanctum, I issued an imperative mandate that nothing save a fire

VOL. XX.

C

in the house, should be considered good and sufficient cause to break in upon my privacy. Well, I had barely discussed the moiety of a cold chicken, and indulged in a couple of glasses of home-brewed ale, when a knock on the door made me lay aside John Barleycorn. To a hurried enquiry whether I were at home, a snappish answer was returned that I was out.

"I don't believe it,' replied the stranger; and as there's light streaming from the keyhole of that apartment, I shall satisfy myself on a point I disbelieve.'

"And next moment, malgré a stout resistance, the door of my survery was thrown open-and in came the Light Dragoon who had landed from the Express coach the preceding evening.

"If impudence be the path to military promotion, the gallant corporal bade fair to reach the top of the tree; for, egad! he treated my sanctum with as little ceremony as if it had been a sentry-box, and myself as familiarly as if I had been a recruit.

"My dear Doctor,' he said, catching my hand in his, I am come to thank ye. Don't let me put you out of your way.' And he selected a chair with wonderful composure, and seated himself at the table. What's this?' he continued, drawing a flask of brandy over. Ring for a large glass and some cold water, Doctor. What an awful example of verjuiced virginity that antiquated spider-brusher is, who opened the hall door!'

"By the Lord! I mechanically obeyed the order, wondering what the devil next a fellow I knew no more of than Ali Pasha would do, after invading my sanctum, adopting my brandy bottle, and abusing my housekeeper.

"I am really at a loss,' I said, when I had managed to collect a few ideas together, which a surprise in my very stronghold had marvellously confused, "to know for what purpose, or under what pretext, my privacy has been disturbed ?'

"Send away that old rattletrap,'-and he pointed to the superintendent of my household, and when the door's closed, I'll give you more particulars.'

"There was an easy audacity in the man's manner to which I yielded a passive obedience; and when we were left alone, I requested the Corporal' to proceed.

"Corporal!' he exclaimed with a smile. I am just as much entitled to these chevrons on my arm,' and he pointed to the double stripe of lace upon his sleeve, as thou, most worthy Doctor, art to the scarlet stockings of a cardinal.'

"A vague suspicion crossed my mind.

"Who are you, sir?'

"A man, deeply your debtor.'

"For what?" Í enquired.

"Excellent service and strict fidelity.'

"In what way have I served

you

"Never did a country doctor despatch a letter more carefully to a lieutenant of dragoons, nor Cupid's envoy more correctly deliver an answer to the same,' was the reply.

"In God's name, who are you, sir?'

My name is Ralph Devereux.'

What letters do you allude to?' I asked.

"Did Miss Hunsgate never persuade a good-natured practitioner

like yourself to pop a letter slyly into the post-office?-and when the reply came back, did not the doctor aforesaid slip into the patient's hand a billet in return, that worked a miracle on a nervous patient?'

"I suspect much, but understand nothing clearly. Do relieve me, sir, and say who you are, and what has brought you to Holmesdale?'

"In one sentence you shall have my fullest confidence. I am the husband of Emily Hunsgate-and have come here to assert marital rights, and demand my bride.'

"Good God!' I exclaimed, what a fearful discovery for all concerned is about to follow. Are you aware that an alliance between the lady and Lord Evrington has been actually concluded?"

"Yes, perfectly."

"Know you the character of the lady of the Priory? Have you ever fancied with what temper she will be told that you have robbed her of an only child, and usurped the authority she possessed, and still imagines she possesses?—that all the plans she indulged in for family aggrandizement are overthrown-her house of cards tumbled to the very earth-hopes she had set her heart upon, and, as she believed, certainly to be realized, suddenly and totally annihilated? To thisto these to all-what will be your reply?'

"The dragoon heard me to the end, lifted the leathern case which dangled from his waist-belt, and which, like the purse of a Highlander, I believe is intended to supply the place of the pockets used by ordinary mortals like myself, extracted a small written document, handed me the paper, and added

"To these manifold charges, this little scrap of writing would be the shortest and most conclusive answer imaginable.'

"And with a look of the most perfect indifference he handed the marriage certificate of a Border presbyter.

"I read it: it was regular as a medical prescription. Good God! the future lord of Holmesdale Priory was standing before me in the semblance of an impudent corporal of dragoons.

"And yet,' I added, with parental anger, the difficulties arising out of this unfortunate affair, I fear, are not likely to be ended. In there is not, men say, a more imperious gentleman than Lord Evrington. He tolerates no contradiction; his word is law;-his heart once turned to an object, and that object must be gained. How will he brook the crossing of his darling scheme? Displeasure to those beneath him carries dread; and there is not a squire in the county who does not court his friendship.'

"The dragoon rose from his chair as I brought my monitory outpouring to a close. He fixed his right foot firmly on the carpet, and drew himself to his full height. My denunciation of the lady's anger had been coolly heard, and just as coolly replied to; but when I hinted at Lord Evrington's anger, and the probable consequences, my uninvited visitor gave me a more decided and intelligible reply.

66

"Of Lord Evrington I know nothing, Doctor, beyond report ;and they do say that he is one of the most intolerable puppies to be found in the pages of Debrett.-Talking of Debrett, to whom I made a casual reference, I find his paternal great grandfather was grocer and Lord Mayor of London." My ancestor crossed the Channel with the First William. By the maternal side we mix Irish and Highland blood, running back to the days of Fin Mac Coul,'-and he smiled.