Ten Thousand a-Year. Volume 2.

Lodge and Alibi House, there were also certain quarters in the upper regions of society, in which it produced

nd unexpectedly acquired, upon all classes of mankind-it would appear passing strange that so prodigious an event as that of an accession to

y breathe-if they ha

nds," disappear like snow under sunshine; the edifice of pomp, luxu

insubstantial

ot a rac

nly fall, as it were, through a highly rarefied atmosphere, breathless and dismayed, into contact with the chilling exigencies of life, of which till then they had only heard and read, sometimes with a kind of morbid sympathy; as we hear and read of a foreign country, not stirri

d inexhaustible solace against the ennui of a wet day-I mean Debrett's Peerage, his attention could not have fail

hush;

el of the 37th regiment of light dragoons; Lord Lieutenant of --shire; elder brother of the Trinity House; formerly Lord Steward of the Household; born the 31st of March, 17-; succeeded his father, Percy Constantine Fitz-Urse, a

opoldina Plantagenet

ence, Grosv

anor, Cornwall; Llmryllwcrwpllglly Abbey, N. Wales; Tully-c

7; -- Barony, by writ of

the remaining ones, however, the names of which the diligent chronicler has preserved with such scrupulous accuracy, had become somewhat problematical since the era of the civil wars, and the physical derangement of the surface of the earth in those parts, which one may conceive to have taken place[11] consequent upon tho

old flight into the resplendent regions of

his way towards a dizzy pitch of elevation,-viz. that he has now, owing to the verdict of the Yorkshire jury, taken the place of Mr. Aubrey, and become heir-expectant to the oldest barony in the kingdom-between it

th without other lawful issue, become Lord Drelincourt, twenty-first in the barony! and in the event of her dying without issue, after her father's death, Tittlebat Titmouse would become the twenty-second Lord Drelincourt; one or other of which two splendid positions, but for the enterprising agency of Messrs. Quirk, Gammon, and Snap, wou

c apic

cum stri

ic posuisse

exclusively by two feelings-love of himself and of his daughter, (because upon her would descend his barony;) the latter exhibited its powers (supposing the brain to be the seat of the mind) in mastering the military details requisite for nominal soldiership; the game of whist; the routine of petty business in the House of Lords; and the etiquette of the court. One branch of useful knowledge by the way he had, however, completely mastered-that which is so ably condensed in Debrett; and he became a sort of oracle in such matters. As for his politics, he professed Whig principles-and was, indeed, a bitter though quiet partisan. In attendance to his senatorial duties, he practised an exemplary punctuality; was always to be found in the House at its sitting and rising; and never once, on any occasion, great or small, voted against his party. He had never been heard to speak in a full House; first, because he never could summon nerve enough for the purpose; secondly, because he never had anything to say; and lastly, lest he should compromise his dignity, and destroy the prestige of his position, by not speaking better than any one present. His services were not, however, entirely overlooked; for, on his party coming into office for a few weeks, (they knew it could be for no longer a time,) they made him Lord Steward of the Household; which was thenceforward an epoch to which he referred every event of his life, great and small. The great object of his ambition, ever since he had been of an age to form large and comprehe

es of that Future revealed to us in the Scriptures. To his enlightened and comprehensive view of the state of things around him, it was evident that the Author of the world

e DEGREE

ladder to all

erprise

EE away-untun

discord follows!

oppugnan

hould it not be so in the next? He felt certain that then there would be found corresponding differences and degrees, in analogy to the differences and degrees existing upon earth; and with this view had read and endeavored to comprehend the first page or two of a very dry but learned book-Butler's Analogy-lent him by a deceased kinsman-a bishop. This consolatory conclusion of the earl's was greatly strengthened by a passage of Scripture, from which he had once heard the aforesaid bishop preach-"In my Father's house are MANY MANSIONS; if it had not been so, I would have told you." On grounds such as these, after much conversation wi

dog should bea

en designed by Providence as a trial of his constancy, and from which he would, in due time, issue like thrice-refined gold. Then also would doubtless be remembered in his favor the innumerable instances of his condescension in mingling, in the most open and courteous manner, with those who were unquestionably his inferiors, sacrificing his own feelings of lofty and fastidious exclusiveness, and endeavoring to advance the interests, and as far as influence and example went, polish and refine the manners of the lower orders of society. Such is an outline-alas, how faint and imperfect!-of the character of this great and good man, the Earl of Dreddlington. As for his domestic and family circumstances, he had been a widower for some fifteen years, his countess having brought him but one child, Lady Cecilia Philippa Leopoldina Plantagenet, who was, in almost all respects, the counterpart of her illustrious father. She resembled him not a little in feature, only that she partook of the plainness of her mother. Her complexion was delicately fair; but her features had no other expression than that of a languid hauteur. Her upper eyelids drooped a

walked over, one day, to the other side of the House of Lords, completely fascinated by a bit of ribbon which the minister held up before him; and ere he had sat in that wonder-working region, the ministerial side of the House, twenty-four hours, he discovered that the true signification of Tory, was bigot-and of Whig, patriot; and he stuck to that version till it transformed him into a GOLD STICK, in which capacity he died; having repeatedly and solemnly impressed upon his son, the necessity and advantage of taking the same view of public affairs, that so he might arrive at similar results. And in the way in which he had been trained up, most religiously had gone the earl; and see the result: he, also, had attained to eminent and responsible office-to wit, that of Lord Steward of the Household. Now, things standing thus-how could the earl so compromise his principles, and indirectly injure his party, as by suffering his daughter to marry a Tory? Great grief and vexation of spirit did this matter, therefore, occasion to that excellent nobleman. But, secondly, Aubrey not only declined to marry his cousin, but clinched his ref

tant a family question as the succession to the Yatton property. The earl and his daughter were exceedingly anxious to see the claimant; and when he heard that that claimant was a gentleman of "decided Whig principles"-the earl was very near setting it down as a sort of special interference of Providence in his favor; and one that, in the natural order of things, would lead to the accomplishment of his other wishes. Who could say that, before a twelvemonth had passed over, the two branches of the family might not be in a fair way of being reunited? And that thus, among other incidents, the earl would be invested with the virtual patronage of the borough of Yatton, and, in th

imself sit for the borough, and announce immediately his intention of doing so, or give his prompt and decisive support to some gentleman of decided Whig principles. We say prompt-for the enemy is vigilant and crafty. Men of Yatton! To the rescue!!!-Mr. Titmouse is now, we believe, in London. This fortunate gentleman is not only at this moment in possession of the fine property at Yatton, with an unencumbered rent-roll of from twelve to fifteen thousand a-year, and a vast accumulation of rents to be handed ove

he read over half a dozen times with increasing excitement. The time had at length arri

g, when an incident occurred which ruffled him not a little. He had been recognized and publicly accosted by a vulgar fellow, with a yard-measure in his hand, and a large parcel of drapery unde

e blighted him, and quickened his pace without taking any further notice of the presumptuous intruder. Huckaback's blood was up, however-roused by this u

? You aren't ashamed of me surely? Many's the time you've trampe

ou go on so! Be off, you low fellow!-Dem vulgar brute!" he subjoined in a lower tone, bursting

u vagabond! Pay me what you owe me! You're a swindler! Yo

he little crowd that was collecting round them began to suspect, from Titmouse's agit

better! Ah, my fine gentleman-what's the time

ch off the stand, which was close by; and, Titmouse and he stepping into it, they were soon out of sight and hearing of Mr. Huckaback. Having taken a shilling drive, they al

rl's coronet on the panel; and a white-haired ol

hurch mouse," replied Titmouse as they entered the hotel. At that moment the waiter, with a most profound bow,

OF DRED

ENOR

encil, in rather a feeble and hur

at the extremity of the room; and Titmouse, with not a little trepidation, hastily breaking a large seal which bore the earl's family arms, with their crowded quartering

gh unexpectedly, discovered so near a kinsman. On the event which has brought this to pass, the earl congrat

r of Mr. Titmouse's company to dinner, at six o'clock. He may depend upon its being strictly a f

r Square,

Titmouse, E

t his attention. After a little while, Titmouse began to chatter very volubly; but Gammon, after reading over the note once or twice, seemed not much inclined for conversation: and, had Titmouse been accustomed to observation, he might have gathered, from the eye and brow of Gammon, that that gentleman's mind was very deeply occupied by some matter or other, probably suggested by the incident which had just taken place. Titmouse, by-and-by, called for pens, ink, and paper-"the very best gilt-edged paper, mind"-and prepared to reply to Lord Dreddl

lington, and to express the high sense he entertains of the kind c

ed alliance which his Lordship has been so prompt and courteous in recognizing. Mr. Titmouse will feel the

talk Hotel

the Earl of Dredd

d before the reader. "Humph-'Lady Cecilia'-here she is-his daughter-I thought as much-I see!" This was what passed through his mind, as-having left Titmouse, who set off to deposit a card and the above "Answer" at Lord Dreddling

-and his

nd his d

his daughter. How many more?

who, early on the morrow, quit thee forever. Approach silently you conservatory. Behold, in the midst of it, the dark slight figure of a lady, solitary, motionless, in melancholy attitude-her hands clasped before he

esent, to Lady De la Zouch, and it was then at Fotheringham Castle. What a flutter there used to be among the beautiful little creatures, when they perceived Kate's approach! She turned her head away. She felt oppressed, and attributed it to the closeness of the conservatory-the strength of the odors given out by the numerous flowers; but it was sorrow that oppressed her; and she was in a state at once of mental excitement and physical exhaustion. The last few weeks had been an interval of exquisite suffering. She could not be happy alone, nor yet bear the company of her brother and sister-in-law, or their innocent and lovely children. Quitting the conservatory with a look of lingering fond

"this is very foolish; nay, it is unkind to d

ve you! How I'd go on my knees to serve

aintly, and, sinking into the chair, she buried her face in her handkerchief, "yo

e you first told me, to make up my mind to part with you, and, now it's coming to the time, I can't, ma'am-indeed, I can't! If you did but know, ma'am, what my thoughts have been, while I'

hoice, Harriet," said Miss A

se we've both always done our best; and, as for me, y

ained to you that we cannot any longer afford each to have our own maid; an

ly rather serve you for nothing, ma'am, than any other lady for a hundred pounds a-year! Oh, so

. Harriet perceived Miss Aubrey's ill-concealed agitation; and starting aside, poured out a

as Lady Stratton. Remember, Harriet, she was the oldest bosom friend of my"--Miss Aubrey's voice trembled, and she ceased speaking for a minute or two, during which she struggled against her feelings with momentary success. "Here's the prayer-book," she pre

"I shall never bear to look at it! And

roken-ties, not only the strength, but very existence of which, she had scarce been aware of, till then. She had bade-as had all of them-repeated and agonizing farewells to very dear and old friends. Her heart trembled as she gazed at the objects familiar to her eye, and pregnant with innumerable little softening associations, ever since her infancy. Nothing around them now belonged to them-but to a stranger-to one who-she shuddered with disgust. She thought of the fearful position in which her brother was placed-entirely at the mercy of, it might be, selfish and rapacious men-what indeed was to become of all of them? At length she threw herself into the large old easy-chair which stood near the window, and with a fluttering heart and hasty tremulous hand

e had, however, become somewhat calmer by the time that she heard the door hastily, but gently tapped at, and then attempted to be opened. Miss Aubrey rose and unbolted it, and Mrs. Aubrey entered, her beautiful countenance as pale and sad as that of her sister-in-law. The former, however, was both wife and mother; and the various cares whi

ve arrived? As I fancied would be the case, the De la Zouches!" Miss Aubrey trembled and turned pale. "You must see-you must see-Lady De la Zouch, Kate-they have

me, also?" inquired Mis

walking in the park." Miss Aubrey trembled violently; and after evidently a severe struggle with her feelings, the color having entirely

her fondly. "You shall not be troubled-you shall not be persecu

with energy. "It is a cruel and harsh word to use-and!-consider how n

losely her agitated sister-in-law

heart to relieve the intolerable oppression which she suffered

e you on so sad an occasion as this. Delamere

gasped Miss Aubrey, almost

id not dissent; and, within a very few minutes' time, Mrs. Aubrey returned, accompanied by Lady De la Zouch. She was rather an elderly woman. Her countenance was still handsome; and she possessed a very dignified carriage. She was of a

ttempting it, dear Kate-we could not stay at home; we have risked being charged with cruel intrusion; forgive me, dearest, will you? They," said Lady De la Zouch, pointedly, "will not come near you!" Mi

apartment, and revived the drooping spirits of Miss Aubrey, who walked gently to and fro about the room, supported by Lady De la Zouch and Mrs. Aubrey, and soon recovered a tolerable degree of c

imed Miss Aubrey, fain

rnestly at Miss Aubrey, who, as if conscious of some agitating allusion, burst into tears. After standing gazing through

ch severely tried his fortitude; but that fortitude stood the trial. He was a man of lively sensibilities, and appreciated, to its utmost extent, the melancholy and alarming change which had come over his fortunes. Surely even the bluntest and coarsest feelings which ever tried to disguise and dignify themselves under the name of STOICISM-to convert into bravery, and fortitude, a stupid, sullen insensibility-must have been not a little shaken by such scenes as Mr. Aubrey had had to pass through during the last few w

er of the property to the individual who had been solemnly declared its true owner, what real and ultimate advantage could have been obtained by such a dishonorable line of conduct? Could the spirit of the Christian religion tolerate the bare idea of it? Could such purposes or intentions consist for one instant with the consciousness that the awful eye of God was always upon every thought of his mind, every feeling of his heart, every purpose of his will? A thorough and lively conviction of God's moral government of the world secured Aubrey a happy composure-a glorious and immovable resolution. It enabled him to form a true estimate of things; it extracted the sting from grief and regret; it dispelled the gloom which would otherwise have settled portentously upon the future. Thus he had not forgotten the exhortation which spoke unto him, as unto a child: My son, despise not thou the chastening of t

frowning

a smili

lief is su

His works

s own int

ll make i

sounds issuing from an old rookery, and the faint low bubbling of a clear streamlet which flowed not far from where he stood. Here and there, under the deepening shadows cast by the lofty trees, might be seen the glancing forms of deer, the only live things visible. "Life," said Aubrey, to himself, with a sigh, as he leaned against the trunk of the grand old tree under which he stood, and gazed with a fond and mournful eye on the lovely scenes stretching before him, to which the subdued radiance of the departing sunlight communicated a tone of tender pensiveness; "life is, in truth, what the Scripture-what the voice of nature-represents it-a long journey, during which the traveller

s Aubrey-Mr. Delamere turning back-most seriously pressed his son's suit for the hand of Miss Aubrey, as he had often done before; declaring, that though undoubtedly he wished a year or two first to elapse, during which his son might complete his studies at Oxford, there was no object dearer to the heart of Lady De la Zouch and himself, than to see Miss Aubrey become their daughter-in-law. "Where," said Lord De la Zouch, with much energy, "is he to look elsewhere for such an union of beauty, of accomplishments, of amiability, of high-mindedness?" After a great deal of animated conversation on this subject, during which Mr. Aubrey assured Lord De la Zouch that he would say everything which he honorably could to induce his sister to entertain, or at all events, not to discard the suit of Delamere; at the same time reminding him of the firmness of her character, and the hopelessness of attempting to change any determination to which she might have been led by her sense of delicacy and honor,-Lord De la Zouch addressed himself in a very earnest manner to matters more immediately relating to the personal interests of Mr. Aubrey; entered with lively anxiety into all his future plans and purposes; and once more pressed upon him the acceptance of most munificent offers of pecuniary assistance, which, with man

you. You will not, I am sure, forbear to gratify, by your momentary presence in the servants' hall, a bo

r. Aubrey, with emotion. "I am nearly unnerved as it is! Ca

d respect will be pleasant hereafter. Poor souls!" he added with not a little emotion, "you should see how crowded is Mr. Griffiths' room with the present

eive him. There were lights, by which a hurried glance sufficed to show him the deep sorrow visible in their countenances. "Well, sir," commenced one of them, after a moment's hesitation-he seemed to have been chosen the spokesman of those present-"we've come to tak' our leave; and a sad time it be for all of us, and it may be, sir, for you." He paused, and added abruptly-"I thou

was born to it," said one, who stood next to him who had first spoken. "Who ever heard o' a scratch in

nother, "but we shall never tak' to

quite unprepared for. I have had lately to go through many very painful scenes; but few more so than the present. My dear friends, I can only say from my heart, God bless you all! I

said a voice, in a vehement manner, from amid the throng, in tones which went to Mr. Aubrey

s always submit cheerfully to the laws under which we live. We must not quarrel with their decision, merely because it happens to be adverse to our own wishes. I, from my heart-and so must you, from yours-acknowledge a firm, unshaken allegiance to the laws; they are ordained by God, and He demands our obedience to them! society cannot exist without th

utterance, and he turned suddenly towards Dr. Tatham with an overflowing eye and a convulsive quivering of the lips which showed the powerful emotions with which he was contending. The next moment he ste

t you cannot wish to prolong so afflicting a scene as this. Mr. Aubrey is much exhaust

en completed all the arrangements, and transacted all the business, which had required his attention before quitting Yatton: which, at an early hour in the morning, he was going to leave; having determined to go direct to London, instead of accepting any of the numerous offers which he had received from his friends in the neighborhood, to take up with them his abode for, at all events, some considerable period. That, however, would have been entirely inconsistent with the pla

stead of passing, by the auctioneer's hammer, into the hands of strangers. The two carriage-horses, which had drawn old Mrs. Aubrey in the family coach for many years, were to be turned to grass, for the rest of their days, at Lady Stratton's. Poor old Peggy was, in like manner, to have to herself a little field belonging to Dr. Tatham. Little Charles's pony, a beautiful animal, and most reluctantly parted with, was sent as a present, in his name, to little Sir Harry Oldfield, one of his play-fellows. Hector, the magnificent Newfoundland dog, was, at the vehement instance of Pumpkin, the gardener, who had almost gone upon his knees to beg for the animal, and declared that he loved the creature like a son-as I verily believe he did, for they were inseparable, and their attachment was mutual-given up to him, on his solemn promise to take great care of him

s wages that morning from Mr. Griffiths, in the presence of Mr. Aubrey, who spoke kindly to each, and earnestly recommended them to conduct themselves respectfully towards his successor. Scarce any of them could answer him, otherwise than by an humble bow, or courtesy, accompanied by sobs and tears. One of them did contrive to speak, and passionately expressed a wish that the first morsel Mr. Titmouse ate in the house might choke him-a sally which received so very grave a rebuke from Mr. Aubrey, as bro

essings! But it was the parting with her school, which neither Kate nor her brother saw any probability of being kept up longer than for a month or two after their departure, which had occasioned Kate the greatest distress. There were several reasons, which will occur to the reader, why no application could be made, about the matter, from her, or on her account, to Mr. Titmouse; even if she had not had reason to anticipate, from what she had heard of his character, that he was a person unlikely to feel any interest in such an institution. Nor had she liked to trouble or burden the friends whom she left behind her, with the responsibility of supporting and superintending her little estab

nd have tried to be a good friend to you. Be sure not to forget your spelling and reading, and your needle. Your mothers have promised to hear you say your catechisms; you must also be sure to say your prayers, and to read your Bibles, and to behave very seriously at church, and to be always dutiful to your parent

rine A

, 15th

y; it was, on the contrary, rather irregular, and evidently written hastily; but

the Hall. The first thing which attracted their eyes, after passing under the gateway, was the large old family carriage, standing opposite the Hall door, where stood some luggage, sufficient for the journey, ready to be placed upon it; the remainder having been sent on the day before to London. How mournful was the sight! On entering the Hall, they found its heart-broken inmates all up, and dressed. The children were taking their last breakfast in the nursery; Charles making many inquiries of the weeping servants, which they could answer only by tears and kisses. In vain was the breakfast-table spread for the senior travellers. There sat poor Kate, in travelling trim, before the antique silver urn, attempting to perform, with tremulous hand, her accustomed office; but neither she, nor Mrs. Aubrey, was equal to t

their appearance at the Hall door. Kate and Mrs. Aubrey were utterly overcome at the sight of the carriage, and wept bitterly. They threw their arms passionately around, and fervently kissed, their venerable friend and pastor, Dr. Tatham, who was grievously agitated. Then they tore themselves from him, and hastily got into the carriage. As he stood alone, bareheaded, on their quitting him, he lifted his hands, but could scarce utter a parting benediction. Mr. Aubrey, almost overpowered with his emotions, then grasped his hand, whispering, "Farewell, my dear and venerable friend! Farewell!" "The Lord God of thy fathers bless thee!" murmured Dr. Tatham, clasping Mr. Aubrey's hand in both of his own, and looking solemnly upward. Mr. Aubrey, taking off his hat, turned towards him an unutterable look: then, waving his ha

the law of Erasu

adopted, and these two high authorities cited, in the last edition, (the ninth,) of that celebrated standard text-book, Phillips on Evidence, p. 205, published since the former edition of this work. There is an impression, however, that this strict rule would not now be acted upon; on the ground that the presumption resulting from a continued possession, in conformity with the effect of a deed with erasure or interlineation, is strong enough to overcome the presumption of forgery afforded by the alterations themselves. Still it is possible to foresee great danger arising out of the adoption of such a rule: for a man enjoying an estate in lands, less than one of fee simple, may alter the deed so as to give to himself that superior estate, and then, after a lapse of thirty years, produce the deed so altered, and thereby defeat the innocent party challenging his title to the property. Possibly it would now be submitted as a question for a jury to decide, whether the alteration had been made previously or subsequently to the delivery of the deed? for if previously, the deed remains valid and binding. A deed thirty years old is called "an ancient document," and is said to "prove itself"-i. e. to require no proof of its execution, provided it shall have been produced from a custody which may be reasonably and naturally explained,

land thus held, and afterwards dies in his father's lifetime, is the heir of the father, who also makes his pedigree through the son, estopped by that son's conveyance?" The conclusion arrived at is, that, according to Lord Coke, if such conveyance had been with warranty, the heir would be bound, if assets descended to him from the son.[A] But stat

agreed that he and his heirs would "warrant, acquit, and forever defend the feoffee and his heirs against all pe

le." A feoffment with warranty binds an heir, however, not by estoppel, but by rebutter, "in order to avoid circuity of action, which is not favored by the law."-(Co. Litt. 265 a.) He might be estopped by a lease for years, and by matter of record-or by fine and recovery, before those methods of assurance were abolished; but a conveyance by Lease and Release would not bind the heir, on the subsequent descent of the estate: for he had no right at all at the time of the release, made, but that once in the