The Skeleton Crew; Or, Wildfire Ned — page 116: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

110 THE SKELETON CREW; OR, WILDFIRE NED. in the moonlight, while the sounds of music were issuing from the drawing-room, at the windows of which, opening on the lawn, stood here and there, one or two, enjoying the cooling breeze of the lovely summer night. _ “All was gaiety and pleasure; servants were fiy- ing hither and thither with trays, decanters, and every sort of refreshment, and more than one rogue of a servant bid behind some door to pay his respects to a half-emptied bottle of wine. “Clare, with noiseless step and busy air, was studying the comforts of her friends and com- panions, while Lady Bray, all animation and gaiety, was the life and soul of the party. “Clare was beloved by all for her gentleness and exalted virtues, while Lady Bray was admired for dashing manners and beauty of feature. “The Jady guests would cluster round Clare, and kiss and toy with her as if she was their sister, while gentlemen took pleasure in courting the com- pany of Lady Emma, who, perfectly conscious of her charms, was pleasantly teazing them with coquetry and wit, : “There was one other of the party, however, who treated the attentions of all with indifference, She moved hither and thither, pre:occupied in thought, and at last sought the verandah, where her father, Lord Cavendish, was smoking with the colonel and other old people, discussing politics. ‘Taking a foot-stool she sat between the colonel and her father, resting her head on the fgrmer’s knee, looking at the cloudless sky. Josephine Cavendish was the great favorite of owe and Lady Emma, but somewhat younger than either. “She was timid in strange company, and; except when seated at her harp, studying alone, was per- fectly out of place. She was, in truth, a child-like connie who blushed at the rustle of her own ress, “Hour passed hour, and so the party continued, and stragglers dropped in one by one, until, by eleven o’clock, the rooms were filled with dancers, card players, and persons promenading up and down the wide verandahs, vine walks, orchard shades, or the long stone passages of the house. “Tt seemed a family gathering. “Every one knew every one; no introductions were necessary; all were at home, and everything proceeded harmoniously and pleasantly. 9 ele lights of the village had long flickered and ied. “ ‘The college chimes tolled the hour of midnight; the broad landscape of field and forest lay bathed in moonlight, and one by one the visitors dispersed. “Some on horse, others on foot, and more in broughams and carriages—all hadJdisappeared down the carriage drive into the forest path, and the re- ceding sounds of their gaiety and ringing laughter fell faintly on the ear. “The household had long retired to rest. “ All was still. “ Clare alone was awake. “By her open chamber window the pale-faced girl sat, gazing abroad upon the silvery landscape, deep in thought. “Boughs of lofty chesnut-trees, swaying in the breeze, swept against the house. “Perfume from gardens and orchards filled the air. “Time passed slowly on; troubled with thoughts and misgivings that cankered her heart, she wept. _ “Rousing from melancholy lethargy, she rose, and in part disrobed, as she gazed in the mirror upon her pale and thoughtful face, half concealed by hh ee — — ee a heavy masses of raven tresses, loose about ber shoulders. In dishabille as she was, she sat beside her snow-white bed. : “‘ She rose, and, deep in thought, with dishevelled hair and flowing garments, clasped her hands and moved her lips, ‘as she gazed on the dark and lofty towers of the distant college. “ How long she sat communing thus alone, or the nature of her thoughts, none can know. “ But as the moon was dipping beyond the trees, her door noiselessly opened, and closed again, and there flitted across the floor towards her a figure in white. It was Lady Bray. “¢ A thousand pardons, dear Clare!’ she said, embracing her. ‘I could not sleep—you seem so changed of late, I fear you are unwell, and wish to conceal it from both your father and me! Oh, Clare, if you only knew how much I love you—how your father idolizes, and every one doats upon you —I’m sure you would be mere happy.’ (No response). ‘Come, Clare, my dear, dear cousin, tell me what itis. There is nothing in the world that is too good for you; all that wealth and affec- tion can do is already yours, and yet you, to whom the best and wealthiest have bowed and begged— you, my cousin, who are the idol of al—you who should be the happiest of all—you, dear Clare, seem unhappy—sorrow is goawiog at your heart ; make me your confidante, darling, tell me all!’ “Clare spoke not, but smiling at the downcast eyes of her cousin, kissed her on the forehead, and soon retired to rest. “¢ Tell me nothing !’ thought Lady Emma, when in her own room, pondering; ‘yetit cannot be; but if it should be so—oh, poor, poor Clare ! Heaven for- give me. I would not thwart you, my cousin, for all the world.’ “Lady Emma remained long awake, revolving all manner of schemes to enliven her cousin, but the same expression came repeatedly to her lips, ‘If it should be! Poor cousin, poor Clare!’ “And even /er strong nature bent under some secret mental weight, and tear-drops flowed freely upon her weary pillow, “The dark and lofty college tower visited Clare in dreams. “She once more strolled through its grand quad- rangle, and saw the students march, with band and banner. ‘‘She walked in its vineyards and orchards, amid fruit and flowers. “And then her footsteps strayed into a grassy court, with fountains rising and falling, and splash- ing in the quiet of a summer afternoon, and there saw, sitting at his window, a handsome, book-worn youth, with desk and pen, absorbed in study. “A faint smile for an instant lit up her marble features, and she sighed, “ Her lips murmured inarticulate sounds, and she moved restlessly, unconsciously throwing the spotless covering from her heaving bosom, on which reposed a tiny gem of jet, resting as if set in alabaster. “ But, while thus wraptin sleep, there was an un- happy and restless one pacing, with measured step, in his lonely college chambers, whose mind was tossed with pain and constant thought. “He had passed all examinations with honour, and now only awaited his degree to go forth into the world to strive for wealth and fame, ‘‘ His room was small, and scantily furnished, “No signs of luxury were there. * Books and papers lay scattered about; a small study lamp shed its light upon a worm-eaten desk ; an old oak chest stood open in the corner, (ere) Eboo (C(O)