Part 29 (2/2)

The interview occurred without any disagreeable results. The next day, Ferdinand saw his father for a few minutes. In a short time, Lady Armine was established as nurse to her son; Sir Ratcliffe, easy in mind, amused himself with his sports; and Glas...o...b..ry devoted himself to Miss Grandison. The intimacy, indeed, between the tutor of Ferdinand and his intended bride became daily more complete, and Glas...o...b..ry was almost her inseparable companion. She found him a very interesting one. He was the most agreeable guide amid all the haunts of Armine and its neighbourhood, and drove her delightfully in Lady Armine's pony phaeton.

He could share, too, all her pursuits, and open to her many new ones.

Though time had stolen something of its force from the voice of Adrian Glas...o...b..ry, it still was wondrous sweet; his musical accomplishments were complete; and he could guide the pencil or prepare the herbal, and indite fair stanzas in his fine Italian handwriting in a lady's alb.u.m.

All his collections, too, were at Miss Grandison's service. She handled with rising curiosity his medals, copied his choice drawings, and even began to study heraldry. His interesting conversation, his mild and benignant manners, his captivating simplicity, and the elegant purity of his mind, secured her confidence and won her heart. She loved him as a father, and he soon exercised over her an influence almost irresistible.

Every morning as soon as he awoke, every evening before he composed himself again for the night's repose, Ferdinand sent for Glas...o...b..ry, and always saw him alone. At first he requested his mother to leave the room, but Lady Armine, who attributed these regular visits to a spiritual cause, scarcely needed the expression of this desire. His first questions to Glas...o...b..ry were ever the same. 'Had he heard anything? Were there any letters? He thought there might be a letter, was he sure? Had he sent to Bath; to London, for his letters?' When he was answered in the negative, he usually dwelt no more upon the subject.

One morning he said to Glas...o...b..ry, 'I know Katherine is in the house.'

'Miss Grandison _is_ here,' replied Glas...o...b..ry.

'Why don't they mention her? Is all known?'

'Nothing is known,' said Glas...o...b..ry.

'Why don't they mention her, then? Are you sure all is not known?'

'At my suggestion, her name has not been mentioned. I was unaware how you might receive the intelligence; but the true cause of my suggestion is still a secret.'

'I must see her,' said Ferdinand, 'I must speak to her.'

'You can see her when you please,' replied Glas...o...b..ry; 'but I would not speak upon the great subject at present.'

'But she is existing all this time under a delusion. Every day makes my conduct to her more infamous.'

'Miss Grandison is a wise and most admirable young lady,' said Glas...o...b..ry. 'I love her from the bottom of my heart; I would recommend no conduct that could injure her, a.s.suredly none that can disgrace you.'

'Dear Glas...o...b..ry, what shall I do?'

'Be silent; the time will come when you may speak. At present, however anxious she may be to see you, there are plausible reasons for your not meeting. Be patient, my Ferdinand.'

'Good Glas...o...b..ry, good, dear Glas...o...b..ry, I am too quick and fretful.

Pardon me, dear friend. You know not what I feel. Thank G.o.d, you do not; but my heart is broken.'

When Glas...o...b..ry returned to the library, he found Sir Ratcliffe playing with his dogs, and Miss Grandison copying a drawing.

'How is Ferdinand?' enquired the father.

'He mends daily,' replied Glas...o...b..ry. 'If only May-day were at hand instead of Christmas, he would soon be himself again; but I dread the winter.'

'And yet the sun s.h.i.+nes.' said Miss Grandison.

Glas...o...b..ry went to the window and looked at the sky. 'I think, my dear lady, we might almost venture upon our promised excursion to the Abbey today. Such a day as this may not quickly be repeated. We might take our sketch-book.'

'It would be delightful,' said Miss Grandison; 'but before I go, I must pick some flowers for Ferdinand.' So saying, she sprang from her seat, and ran out into the garden.

'Kate is a sweet creature,' said Sir Ratcliffe to Glas...o...b..ry. 'Ah!

<script>