The companionship of the young persons of her own sex, whom Lady Hartleton often collected about her, tended probably to foster and encourage these feelings in Ada, and the ready tears—tears which she had never shed when in misfortune, and exposed to all the harshness of Jacob Gray, would start to her eyes at the mention of a father’s or a mother’s love by any of the fair young beings who delighted in her company.
Sir Francis Hartleton had promised her he would have Albert Seyton sought for, and he had kept his word; but what degree of exertion on the part of another will satisfy the heart that loves, and Ada longed to search herself for him, who had cheered her under unhappier auspices, and loved her in her gloom and misery.
Into the friendly bosom of Lady Hartleton, she poured her griefs and anxieties, and if she found no relief of a tangible nature, she there at least found ready sympathy, and Lady Hartleton would say to her,—
“My dear Ada, I can do not more at present than weep with you, if you must weep, and comfort you, if you will be afflicted. Be assured, Sir Francis is doing his utmost to discover Albert Seyton’s place of abode, as well as toiling hard to unravel the mystery connected with you.”
Ada would then, in tears, exclaim against her own ingratitude, and accuse herself of selfishness, and Lady Hartleton frequently had the greatest difficulty to remind her that she considered her feeling natural, and in every way worthy of her.
It was early in the day preceding that on which the magistrate had discovered poor Maud, that Ada with a trembling voice, said to Lady Hartleton,—
“I have a great favour—to—ask.”
“No, my dear Ada,” said Lady Hartleton, kissing her cheek, “you have nothing to ask—everything to demand. Recollect, ’tis we who think ourselves much your debtors for your company with us, and consequently we are much bound to consult your wishes.”
“Ah, it is your kind heart which prompts your tongue,” said Ada, “and not your judgment; but I know you will not hear me speak to you of my gratitude, although it is a theme which I could never tire of.”
“Say no more, Ada, but tell me what you wish.”