Alice, or the Mysteries — Book 05

								

thing, that old gray-haired minister evincing such grave interest in the
secrets of that young heart!  But they who would take charge of the soul
must never be too wise to regard the heart!
Lady Vargrave looked over his shoulder as he bent down to read, and at
times placed her finger on such passages as she wished him to note.  The
old curate nodded as she did so; but neither spoke till the letter was
concluded.
The curate then folded up the epistle, took off his spectacles, hemmed,
and looked grave.
"Well," said Lady Vargrave, anxiously, "well?"
"My dear friend, the letter requires consideration.  In the first place,
it is clear to me that, in spite of Lord Vargrave's presence at the
rectory, his lordship so manages matters that the poor child is unable of
herself to bring that matter to a conclusion.  And, indeed, to a mind so
sensitively delicate and honourable, it is no easy task."
"Shall I write to Lord Vargrave?"
"Let us think of it.  In the meanwhile, this Mr. Maltravers--"
"Ah, this Mr. Maltravers!"
"The child shows us more of her heart than she thinks of; and yet I
myself am puzzled.  If you observe, she has only once or twice spoken of
the Colonel Legard whom she has made acquaintance with; while she treats
at length of Mr. Maltravers, and confesses the effect he has produced on
her mind.  Yet, do you know, I more dread the caution respecting the
first than all the candour that betrays the influence of the last?  There
is a great difference between first fancy and first love."
"Is there?" said the lady, abstractedly.
"Again, neither of us is acquainted with this singular man,--I mean
Maltravers; his character, temper, and principles, of all of which Evelyn
is too young, too guileless, to judge for herself.  One thing, however,
in her letter speaks in his favour."
"What is that?"
"He absents himself from her.  This, if he has discovered her secret, or
if he himself is sensible of too great a charm in her presence, would be
the natural course that an honourable and a strong mind would pursue."
"What!--if he love her?"
"Yes; while he believes her hand is engaged to another."
"True!  What shall be done--if Evelyn should love, and love in vain?  Ah,
it is the misery of a whole existence!"
"Perhaps she had better return to us," said Mr. Aubrey; "and yet, if
already it be too late, and her affections are engaged, we should still
remain in ignorance respecting the motives and mind of the object of her
attachment; and he, too, might not know the true nature of the obstacle
connected with Lord Vargrave's claims."
"Shall I, then, go to her?  You know how I shrink from strangers; how I
fear curiosity, doubts, and questions; how [and Lady Vargrave's voice
faltered]--how unfitted I am for--for--" she stopped short, and a faint
blush overspread her cheeks.
The curate understood her, and was moved.
"Dear friend," said he, "will you intrust this charge to myself?  You