Part 22 (1/2)

As he was just without the door, I drew him back,--and turn'd the key.--

Come hither, Sir;--Come hither, Mr. Morgan:--I have something of importance to communicate.

D----n ye, Captain, what's the matter now? (staring.)--I'll hear no more bad news:--upon my soul, I'll run out of it (attempting to open the door).

Hold, Sir; why this impatience?--Miss Powis _lives!_--Will you run from me now?--Miss Powis _lives!_--With that he sent forth a horrid noise;--something betwixt howling and screaming.--It reach'd the dressing-room, as well it might:--had the wind sat that way, I question if the village would not have been alarm'd.--Down ran Sir James and Mr.

Powis into the library;--out jump'd Mr. Morgan.--I held up my hand for him to retreat:--he disregarding the caution, I follow'd.--Sir James was inquiring of a servant whence the noise had proceeded.

It was I, said Mr. Morgan, rubbing his sides, and expressing the agitation of joy by dumb shew;--it was I, beating one of my d.a.m.n'd dogs for running up stairs.

If that is all, said Mr. Powis,--let us return to my mother and wife, who are much hurried.--Away we went together, and the affair of the dog pa.s.s'd very well on the Ladies.

I sat musing for some moments how to introduce the event my heart labour'd to give up.--_Every_ sigh that escap'd,--_every_ sorrowful look that was interchang'd, I _now_ plac'd to my own account, because in _my_ power to reverse the scene.

Addressing myself to Mr. Powis, I ask'd if he knew Lord Darcey's servant was below.--He shook his head;--No, he answer'd.--Then it is all _over_, Risby, I suppose in a low voice?--I hardly wish for his _own_ sake he may recover:--for _ours_, it would be selfish.

He was not worse, I reply'd:--there was hope,--great hope he would do well.

Blessings attend him! cried Mrs. Powis.--tears starting afresh to her swoln eyes;--then you really think, Mr. Risby, he may recover?

If he does, Madam, return'd! he is flatter'd into life.--Flatter'd! said Mr. Powis eagerly;--how flatter'd?

Why, continued I, he has been told some persons are sav'd from the wreck.

Up they all started, surrounding me on every side:--there seem'd but one voice, yet each ask'd if I credited the report.

I said I did.--

Down they dropp'd on their knees, praying with uplifted hands their dear,--dear child may be of the number.--Though nothing could equal the solemnity of this scene, I could scarce command my countenance, when I saw Mr. Morgan standing in the midst of the circle, his hat held up before his face, and a cane under his arm.

As they rose from their knees,--I gave them all the consolation I thought at that moment they were capable of sustaining;--and a.s.sur'd them no vigilance would be wanting to come at particulars.--I was ask'd, if there was any letter from Mr. Molesworth?--When answer'd in the affirmative,--the next question was, if it related to what I had just disclos'd?--I equivocated in my reply, and withdrew to write the few unconnected lines sent by John.

After he was dispatch'd, I return'd immediately to the hopeing,--fearing family.--Mr. Watson was sitting amidst them:--he seem'd like a Being of purity presiding over hearts going to be rewarded for resignation to the Divine will.

He heard me as I enter'd: he rose from his seat as I came near him, and pressing one of my hands between both his, whisper'd, I have seen Mr.

Morgan.--Then raising his voice, You are the messenger of joy, Mr.

Risby;--complete the happiness you have begun:--all present, pointing round, are prepar'd to receive it.

Here drops my pen.--I must not attempt this scene:--a Shakespeare would have wrote it in tears.

How infinite,--how dazzling the beauty of holiness!--Affliction seems to have threaten'd this amiable family, only to encrease their love,--their reverence,--their admiration of Divine Omnipotence.--Blessings may appear, as a certain great man remarks, under the shape of pain, losses, and disappointments;--but let us have patience, and we shall see them in their own proper figures.

If rewards even in this world attend the _virtuous_, who would be _depraved?_--Could the loose, the abandon'd, look in on this happy mansion, how would their sensual appet.i.tes be pall'd!--How would they hate,--how detest the vanity,--the folly that leads to vice!--If pleasure is their pursuit, here they might see it speaking at _mouth_ and _eyes_:--_pleasures_ that fleet not away;--_pleasures_ that are carried beyond the grave.