Mabel, Vol. II (of 3)

e comfort,

me wher

if there c

so los

ut

nger fanned by its heavy gusts, had nearly abated, and what more was required to extinguish it, was afforded by the arrival of the fire engine, w

the village. Mr. Ware was rejoiced to see that the church remained uninjured-his own house, too, had escaped, and no fears were entertained for the Man

ndered it pleasant. Satisfied, as he believed, of the safety of Mrs. Lesly and her children, he had not been tempted from the side of the man, whose remorse called for all that attention which he only could give, and who, if he moved, piteously entreated him not to leave him. Well indeed might he beg him to remain, for in the various groups which surrounded him, he could

m a sense of his personal bravery in their service, or from an unconscious respect to his commanding manner-few stopped to enquire. On his pale countenance were marks of agitation-he looked indeed almost faint-and Mr. Ware, fearing he might have s

e means be taken to find out by whom this foul deed has been committed, for t

ere is one among us, brethren, capable of doing so terrible a thing as to endeavour to put a man to death, even though he were his worst enemy, much less to conceive so horrible a means, even while ruin was on our own hearth si

er, and all turned round, but h

at sin, and tell all we know of it; and if he who has done it be amongst us, let

n his arm, while he glanced timidly upon those who were about him; but carefully avoi

er, eagerly, "would you a

s the death of any man-it is also sin to tempt a man to do it. Many have been the galling words I have spoken, and the wicked, taunting things I have done. But, oh

r seized his

ell us?" said the st

ved my life-but even for that I cannot do as you say; and before the lig

s as much good as that i

ely, that your master would overlook your neglect of the trust he so implicitly confided in you. (Rogers groaned.) Nothing can defend you, but a hearty and sincere repentance; but I do say," said the soldier, as hi

usiness, though I know it is only right that the criminal should be punished. If, however, he would co

e makes you all partners in his crime, if you do not punish him. Let it be between hi

y amongst us," said he, looking round, "who is so unforgiving, as to think Colonel Hargrave wrong, should he give this poor man, an opportuni

, though many, at the same time doubted

f's dejected face; but when he tried to speak, the revulsio

rder, he turned away, and walked slowly down the village. As he did so, he was a

e rich oftentimes go before the poor. 'Tis a sad night,

sympathy in illness or death, which t

nquired, stopping and add

h the avenue, what should I see, but a light in old Molly's cottage. Now I knew she had been up at the Manor time enough for her fire to have gone out; and, says I, to myself, I'll just step in an

s all

s over?

ne to rest

ye mean?

he, and then-but

prung from them, a

spirit," said the

woman, "he's flesh and b

nd stable boys, and which were still neat and clean, and well aired, in the constant expectation of the Colonel's return, for the faithful servant was resolved, that, whenever her freakish master appeared, he should find her prepared for him. The accommodation thus afforded, was, however small, compared to the number of families,

who was superintending the removal of Rogers to the rectory, where he hoped that during the hours of

ned him, "may I beg you t

d to her?" said M

dead," replied

prise, "I heard she was safe, poor

death. There lay his little favorite on her couch, which had been arranged with studious care. By her side knelt Mabel

meet her brother with an affectionate kiss

she, "for I can do nothing for the po

ach other's safety can well enter into her feelings. Send away these good friends, and keep only one wi

eady woman to be with her, dismissed the rest (who had crowded in

tranger, and walked on tow

oo soon to offer comfort-for it seems like mockery in the first

ch heartrending scenes," he returned, la

for your exertions last nigh

hing of that," he

n the nature of man to receive

t

a favor bestowed by a stranger. You shall receive my thanks, at least; and do not think my simple-hearted friends less accustomed to feel because they often express their f

nd of yourself, sir," he slightly raised his hat, "I have seen enough to convince me, that you deserve my respect, even had I not seen it reflected from those whose hearts are difficult to win; and let me assure you, that I am more grati

lang

ut which may light it still. But," added he, relaxing into his desponding tone, "how very few have we to

ind an excuse for every fault-the more thoughtful pride of a father, and the thousand little kindnesses and confiden

e, the heart is kept warm towards the world more by its power of blessing others, than of being blessed itself-and that is in the power of all, even if it be but the gift of a kindly word and a

s one who has been so fortunate as bot

en much blessed through a life which I may call a

ude my confidence upon you, I can scarcely tell, except that your kindness encourages it. Yet, when I am far fr

. Ware; "but you are not going to-d

have sent my horse to the little inn at Fowly, and ord

to see after the comforts of the sick bailiff, while the stranger crossed the field