Rosa Lambert — page 264: what you’re looking at

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

ROSA LAMBERT. altogether to his maudlin whims and fancies: but this I was by no means inclined to do. Neverthe- less, I did not choose to throw off the yoke rudely and all in a moment—thereby cruelly shocking his really generous nature; but I was resolved gradu- ally to break him into a better system, if possible ; and I now hailed Mr, Williams’ invitation as the means of taking a first step towards the accom- plishment of that end. When we arose on the following morning, Felix looked from the window; and with an ex- pression of almost triumphant satisfaction upon his countenance, he said, “I told you what it would be, dearest Rose: we shall have no yachting to-day. The wind is blowing fresh—and the sea already looks dark and stormy.” “ And yet,” I responded, “I have been often enough at watering-places to be well aware that pleasure-vessels constantly put out in such weather as this, and that those who are really fond of the sea will rejoice in this breeze rather than be scared by it.” Felix Wellesley looked annoyed, and his counte- nance fell: but after a few moments’ silence, he caught me in his arms; and making me sit upon his knee, began toying with my ringlets,—at the samo time looking up tenderly into my counte- nance, as he said, “ Don’t you think, dearest Rose, that if we took a good long ramble into the country—sat down together under the shade of a tree—and whiled away the time in discourse, it would be more agreeable than joining a parcel of boisterous fellows who will sing songs, eat and drink, and think only of such pleasures as are utterly unconnected with real sentiment P” “ Pelix,’ I answered, bestowing upon him a coaxing caress, “ you must do me this favour to- day—yes, you really must consent that we accept Mr. Williams’ invitation. I have set my mind on this little trip. Besides, it would be perfectly rude to absent ourselves; and you could not possibly wish to annoy an old friend with whom you have been on such intimate terms.” To be brief, after a little farther discussion, Felix consented that the engagement should be kept: but throughout breakfast-time I saw that he was dejected and dissatisfied, though by no means ill-humoured. At the appointed hour we repaired to the beach, and found Mr. Williams’ boat await- ing us in charge of a couple of his men. One of them informed us that Mr. Williams and three friends had already gone on board the yacht, and that our presence was now alone wanting for the vessel to set out on the projected little cruise. We entered the boat: it put off; and as the wind was blowing fresh, it danced about somewhat on the agitated water. “Tf you think you will be sea-sick,” whispered Wellesley, with a half-entreating look, “there 1s yet time to put back.” “Oh, no!” I answered, purposely assuming a look of smiling confidence: “I do not for an in- stant apprehend that I shall be unwell. I rather enjoy the motion of the boat as it dances over the waves, than otherwise.” Felix sighed—but urged no farther remon- strance. In a few minutes we drew near the Gipsy ; and Williams shouted out an uproarious welcome from the deck. There were three gentle- men standing near him; and they all had on en rr ne a er et sr ee ith alas lard ayy mt me oe le cel ” * Zoe sailor-like costumes. But did my eyes deceive me? or were the countenance and figure of one of those individuals indeed familiar to me? Yes: for in that person I recognised the Marquis of Bel- | more ! But not for an instant did I lose my prescnee of mind: nor did Felix notice any change of coun- tenance on my part. I comprehended in a mo- ment that Belmore would not dare insult me in the presence of other gentlemen: but that it was most probable he would be guided by my de- meanour towards himself, as to the bearing he should observe in respect to me. Felix Wellesley, be it remembered, was unacquainted with the fearful outrage I had sustained at his hands: it was only my cousin Sir John Haverstock’s conduct of which I had spoken to my present protector. He did not even know that I was acquainted with 'the Marquis of Belmore; and a very few instants’ reflection determined me to treat that nobleman as if he were a stranger to whom I was being lintroduced for the first time,—unless indeed he should at once claim acquaintance with me, in which case I resolved to receive his greetings with an air of ordinary courtesy. As the boat ran along the side of the cutter, I glanced up; and as I caught the Marquis of Bel- more’s eye, I saw that he was evidently uncertain how to act. He made no bow, and gave no visible sion of recognition. I therefore felt convinced that my former idea was correct, and that in his conduct towards me he would take his cue from my own towards himself. In a few moments we were upon the deck of the cutter: Willams grasped our hands with his habitual good-natured warmth ; and then the introductions took place. “This is my friend the Marquis of Belmore Mr. and Mrs. Wellesley. Mr. Blake—Mr. Fane Mr. and Mrs. Wellesley.” The Marquis raised his hat and bowed with the polite air of one who was presented to a lady for the first time; and I acknowledged his salutation in a corresponding manner. The boat was hauled up to the stern of the cutter—the anchor was weighed—the sails were set—and the cruise com- menced. Mr. Blake and Mr. Fane were evidently fond of yatching and all that pertained thereto : for they made themselves useful in assisting the sailors. The Marquis of Belmore remained in conversation with Wellesley and myself,—he as- suming that well-bred air of polite courtesy which a gentleman adopts towards new acquaintances— and I preserving all my presence of mind so as to maintain a corresponding demeanour. Wellesley evidently purposed to keep by me as much as he could, and to monopolize my attention as far as he dared consistently with the amenities of good society. The breeze speedily freshened more and more; and it became necessary to take in sail. “Wellesley, my dear fellow!” exclaimed Wil- liams, “come and lend us a hand. Surely you have not forgotten all that you used to be so skiill- fulin? Mrs. Wellesley will spare you awhile: for I see that she enjoys the trip as much as if she had been all her life accustomed to the sea.” I noticed that an expression of annoyance flitted over the countenance of Felix on being thus sume moned away from my side: but he could not pos- sibly refuse to obey it, nor render himself utterly SO OE OO AAL AM ele PLE LE OO ee el CORNICE OOS ‘S (El)