When John had entered his mother’s chamber, and presented himself to her, she said—As I know that I must prepare myself to meet that summons, from which no mortal is exempt, sit down by me, and hear what I have to say; for whilst my senses hold I wish to communicate to you some particulars, which it imports you to be apprised of, and as they are of a secret nature, I must rely upon your discretion for understanding what is due to the confidence, that I am about to repose in you. I suspect you have been informed by the soldier, who died in this house, of my attachment to his master Captain Jones—(’Tis very well: I understand your signal)—He has told you, and I tell you now again, that my whole life has been embittered by the disappointment and affliction, which I endured, when rigid honour on his part, and over-ruling duty on mine, tore me from the arms of that beloved man, and threw me into those of your unfeeling father. Great as my affection was for Captain Jones, and implicit as my trust, yet I take it on my soul to assure you, that our connection was in the strictest sense correctly pure, and after I was married I never had the fortitude to speak to him, or even see his face. I state this to you, my dear child, not only that you may have it in your power conscientiously to put to silence and dismiss all insinuations against my honour, but also more especially to arm your mind for ever against those alarming fancies, that might else occur to you, if in any future period of time the charms, the virtues and endowments of the daughter should engage your heart, as those of the father captivated mine.
This angelic girl, (for as such she is represented to me) now lives with Mrs. Jennings at Denbigh, who has the care of her education, and on whom my father has settled an annuity for that purpose. I have bequeathed to Amelia Jones two thousand pounds by will, which is the only sum I can at present call my own; but if, by the will of providence, your grandfather should be suddenly taken off before I die, whatever I may in that case inherit from him I shall leave entirely to you, and recommend this interesting relict of my lamented friend to your bounty and protection. And now before I reveal to you the wish, that lies deepest at my heart, let me furnish you with the means of being known to her. This case contains a miniature of her father in enamel, admirably painted, and on the reverse of it under a crystal there is a lock of his hair. Dear as this relic has been, and still is, to me, alas! I never more must look upon it, I could not bear it, and must now endeavour to employ my thoughts in other meditations; take it, my son, and as your gift present it to Amelia; she will thank you; and if her gentle character should gain an early interest in your youthful heart, think of your wretched mother, and resolve against the fatal sacrifice, that I have made to fortune and connections: what are they, if your choice goes not with them? what but misery, entailed upon you by the base surrender of your own natural rights? Ah! my poor child, could I but cherish a consoling hope, that you will summon courage to assert those natural rights, and resolutely shun the torrent of those sordid importunities, that will assail you, I could die in peace.
Live then, replied our hero, live, my mother, in that confirmed assurance, and believe nothing can shake my fixt determination to follow my free choice in that event, which must decide my happiness for life. Fortune I do not want, and for that idle pride, which pedigree entails on some, who have no other merit, I despise it; all are my equals, who are not debased in character and conduct: as for Amelia Jones, (forgive me, madam) being my father’s son, and she the daughter of parents by their virtues ennobled, I look up to her as my superior; and when I have the happiness to present to her this valuable relic of her father, I can well believe my second visit will confirm the impression I received upon my first.
What do you tell me? Have you visited and seen Amelia?
I should have told you that before, but was afraid the circumstances, that produced that interview, might agitate and discompose your spirits.
No, no, relate them. If Amelia gave the impression you describe, ’tis all I wish, ’tis all I pray for.
She appeared, he replied, in loveliness of person, mind and manners to merit their description, who report her to you as an angelic girl. My plea for visiting her was to deliver into her hands the wedding ring, worn by her mother, and sent to her by her father in the care of the poor soldier, his servant, who on his death-bed entrusted it to me. In the execution of this delicate commission I was so dazzled, and my senses were so engrossed by the appearance of an object, beautiful and impressive beyond my expectations, that the abrupt and awkward manner, in which I introduced my business, occasioned a surprise on her part, which for a time overthrew her spirits and deprived me of her company. In the mean time whilst I was contemplating her father’s portrait, which hung opposite to me, and in a kind of rhapsody, that I could not controul, pledging my protection to his lovely daughter, behold, she stood beside me; and before I could recollect myself I had clasped her in my arms. Shocked at myself for an action so audacious, I fled out of the house, and by a note to Mrs. Jennings endeavoured to apologize and asked forgiveness: it was granted to me on the part of Amelia, but Mrs. Jennings by her answer to my note imposed upon me the severe condition of forbearing to intrude upon her charge in the like manner any more. This I have hitherto obeyed; how then shall I fulfil your orders, and present this relic to Amelia?
You must write to Mrs. Jennings, state what your commission is, and ask leave to wait upon her charge. When you have done this, shew me your letter, and, if I am able, I will add a postscript. Now, my dear son, beloved of my heart, farewel! my feeble spirits can no longer bear the agitation this discourse has caused. I am not used to joy; it overcomes me—send assistance to me!
CHAPTER V.
Preparations for celebrating the Assembly of the Minstrels at Kray Castle.
The day was now come, when the assembly of the minstrels was to be celebrated at Kray Castle. Every body was alert: the great hall showed like an arsenal, hung round with trophies of armour, and decorated with the banners of the family, upon which the emblem of the winged harp held its station paramount.