Alice, or the Mysteries — Book 05

								

from Knaresdean.  It was a quiet, solitary post-house, and patience, till
some jaded horses should return, was the only remedy; the host, assuring
the travellers that he expected four horses every moment, invited them
within.  The morning was cold, and the fire not unacceptable to Mr.
Cleveland; so they went into the little parlour.  Here they found an
elderly gentleman of very prepossessing appearance, who was waiting for
the same object.  He moved courteously from the fireplace as the
travellers entered, and pushed the "B-----shire Chronicle" towards
Cleveland: Cleveland bowed urbanely.  "A cold day, sir; the autumn begins
to show itself."
"It is true, sir," answered the old gentleman; "and I feel the cold the
more, having just quitted the genial atmosphere of the South."
"Of Italy?"
"No, of England only.  I see by this paper (I am not much of a
politician) that there is a chance of a dissolution of parliament, and
that Mr. Maltravers is likely to come forward for this county; are you
acquainted with him, sir?"
"A little," said Cleveland, smiling.
"He is a man I am much interested in," said the old gentleman; "and I
hope soon to be honoured with his acquaintance."
"Indeed! and you are going into his neighbourhood?" asked Cleveland,
looking more attentively at the stranger, and much pleased with a certain
simple candour in his countenance and manner.
"Yes, to Merton Rectory."
Maltravers, who had been hitherto stationed by the window, turned round.
"To Merton Rectory?" repeated Cleveland.  "You are acquainted with Mr.
Merton, then?"
"Not yet; but I know some of his family.  However, my visit is rather to
a young lady who is staying at the rectory,--Miss Cameron."
Maltravers sighed heavily; and the old gentleman looked at him curiously.
"Perhaps, sir, if you know that neighbourhood, you may have seen--"
"Miss Cameron!  Certainly; it is an honour not easily forgotten."
The old gentleman looked pleased.
"The dear child!" said he, with a burst of honest affection, and he
passed his hand over his eyes.  Maltravers drew near to him.
"You know Miss Cameron; you are to be envied, sir," said he.
"I have known her since she was a child; Lady Vargrave is my dearest
friend."
"Lady Vargrave must be worthy of such a daughter.  Only under the light
of a sweet disposition and pure heart could that beautiful nature have
been trained and reared."
Maltravers spoke with enthusiasm; and, as if fearful to trust himself
more, left the room.
"That gentleman speaks not more warmly than justly," said the old man,
with some surprise.  "He has a countenance which, if physiognomy be a
true science, declares his praise to be no common compliment; may I
inquire his name?"
"Maltravers," replied Cleveland, a little vain of the effect his
ex-pupil's name was to produce.
The curate--for it was he--started and changed countenance.
"Maltravers! but he is not about to leave the county?"