Alice, or the Mysteries — Book 04

								


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BOOK IV.
"A virtuous woman is man's greatest pride."--SIMONIDES.

CHAPTER I.


ABROAD uneasy, nor content at home.

    .  .  .  .  .  .
And Wisdom shows the ill without the cure.


HAMMOND: Elegies.
TWO or three days after the interview between Lord Vargrave and
Maltravers, the solitude of Burleigh was relieved by the arrival of Mr.
Cleveland.  The good old gentleman, when free from attacks of the gout,
which were now somewhat more frequent than formerly, was the same
cheerful and intelligent person as ever.  Amiable, urbane, accomplished,
and benevolent, there was just enough worldliness in Cleveland's nature
to make his views sensible as far as they went, but to bound their scope.
Everything he said was so rational; and yet, to an imaginative person,
his conversation was unsatisfactory, and his philosophy somewhat
chilling.
"I cannot say how pleased and surprised I am at your care of the fine old
place," said he to Maltravers, as, leaning on his cane and his
ci-devant pupil's arm, he loitered observantly through the grounds; "I
see everywhere the presence of the Master."
And certainly the praise was deserved.  The gardens were now in order,
the dilapidated fences were repaired, the weeds no longer encumbered the
walks.  Nature was just assisted and relieved by Art, without being
oppressed by too officious a service from her handmaid.  In the house
itself some suitable and appropriate repairs and decorations--with such
articles of furniture as combined modern comfort with the ancient and
picturesque shapes of a former fashion--had redeemed the mansion from all
appearance of dreariness and neglect; while still was left to its quaint
halls and chambers the character which belonged to their architecture and
associations.  It was surprising how much a little exercise of simple
taste had effected.
"I am glad you approve what I have done," said Maltravers.  "I know not
how it was, but the desolation of the place when I returned to it
reproached me.  We contract friendship with places as with human beings,
and fancy they have claims upon us; at least, that is my weakness."
"And an amiable one it is, too,--I share it.  As for me, I look upon
Temple Grove as a fond husband upon a fair wife.  I am always anxious to
adorn it, and as proud of its beauty as if it could understand and thank
me for my partial admiration.  When I leave you I intend going to Paris,
for the purpose of attending a sale of the pictures and effects of M. de
-----. These auctions are to me what a jeweller's shop is to a lover; but
then, Ernest, I am an old bachelor."
"And I, too, am an Arcadian," said Maltravers, with a smile.
"Ah, but you are not too old for repentance.  Burleigh now requires