t the damage was not so entirely removed but
that the greatest care would be necessary for some time to come. It sat
lightly on him; his spirits depended on his sensations, and he had no
fears but that a few months would remove all danger; and Violet would
say no word of misgiving. She would have felt that to remonstrate would
have been to draw him back, after his first step in the path of resolute
self-denial.
CHAPTER 17
On Sunday, Heaven's gate stands ope,
Blessings are plentiful and rife,
More plentiful than hope.
--G. HERBERT
'Five years! How little can letters convey the true state of affairs!
They can but record events--not their effects nor the insensible changes
that may have taken place. My aunt's death I know, but not what my
mother is without her. I have heard of my father's cares, but I have
yet to see whether he is aged or broken. And Theodora, she has had many
trials, but what can she be--tamed and refined as they tell me she is?
I wish I could have gone through London to see Arthur and Violet. There
again is the anxious question, whether his repentance is really such
as his touching letter led me to hope. One at least I trust to see
unchanged--my sweet sister, my best correspondent! Foolish it is
to cling to the hope of meeting her again, as that vision of
loveliness--that creature of affection and simplicity, that first awoke
me to a return of cheerfulness! The boy, too--my godson, my child! he
has been the dream of my solitude. At last, here is the village. How
bright its welcome, this summer evening! Old faces!--may those at home
be as unchanged. Alteration enough here! Even at this distance I see the
ruin; but how richly green the park! How fresh the trees, and the shade
of the avenue! This is home, thanks to Him who has led me safely back.
Whom do I see yonder in the avenue? A gentleman leading a pony, and a
little boy on it! Can it be?--impossible! Yet the step and manner are
just as he used to lead Violet's horse, Surely, it must be he! I must
meet him and hear all before going up to the house, it will prepare
them. Stop here.
He was out of the carriage in a moment, and walking down the avenue,
feeling as if he only now was in the right way home; but a misgiving
crossing him as he came nearer the two figures that had attracted
him--there was less resemblance on a nearer view than in the general air
when further off.
A shout--'Hollo, John!' set
|