a most unfortunate person, and
desires the strictest privacy; but Mr. Edwin is not unhappy, because he
knows the 'peace within which passeth show,' while his intellectual
attainments are of the highest order. But, in case you should weave a
romance, Evelin, out of these details," added Mrs. Priestly, faintly
smiling, "it is but fair I warn you, that romance and Edwin may not be
coupled together, for he is--alas! poor fellow--an unsightly and deformed
creature; his captivations are those only of the heart and mind--in this he
shines pre-eminent. Again let me remind you, my love, not to allude to Mr.
Edwin in conversation; forget him altogether, except when you speak to me.
I know that you are not tormented with feminine curiosity, or I would tell
you to ask no questions. This is my secret, Evelin, which I fearlessly
confide to your keeping."

However, Mrs. Priestly did me more than justice, for though I certainly
endeavored to indulge no idle speculations on the forbidden topic, yet I
was not apathetic enough to forget it; more especially after accompanying
Mrs. Priestly to see her mysterious friend, whose _menage_, to say nothing
of himself, might have excused a far more insensible person than I was for
feeling a strong interest and sympathy. Surrounded by thick woods on all
sides save one, which opened toward the same river that washed the emerald
turf of Lodimer, we came to a small spot of ground resembling a
"clearing," and I fancied we were transported to those wild western lands
I had so often read of--the old ivy-covered hunting-lodge in the midst
adding much to the real beauty of the picture, though detracting somewhat
from its savage charms. Quantities of feathered tribes were strutting
about within the inclosure, or enjoying themselves in various attitudes of
indolence or security; an immense aviary extended down one side of the
clearing, fitted up with the view of affording as much solace and liberty
of movement as possible to the inmates. The whole place seemed alive with
fowls of the air, and we beheld a human form within the wire-work of the
aviary, literally covered with birds, small and large, wherever they could
find a resting-place--on head, arms, or back--and many more were fluttering
and crowding over and around him, as Mr. Edwin--for it was he--proceeded to
dispense food to his loving flock. Presently he made his escape, and
approached us, with a jay perched on one shoulder and a magpie on the
other,