"Oh, do not do so, good my lady!" replied Janet; "leave him to God, who

punishes the wicked in His own time; but do not you cross Varney's path,

for so thoroughly hath he my lord's ear, that few have thriven who have

thwarted his courses."

"And from whom had you this, my most righteous Janet?" said the

Countess; "or why should I keep terms with so mean a gentleman as

Varney, being as I am, wife to his master and patron?"

"Nay, madam," replied Janet Foster, "your ladyship knows better than I;

but I have heard my father say he would rather cross a hungry wolf than

thwart Richard Varney in his projects. And he has often charged me to

have a care of holding commerce with him."

"Thy father said well, girl, for thee," replied the lady, "and I dare

swear meant well. It is a pity, though, his face and manner do little

match his true purpose--for I think his purpose may be true."

"Doubt it not, my lady," answered Janet--"doubt not that my father

purposes well, though he is a plain man, and his blunt looks may belie

his heart."

"I will not doubt it, girl, were it only for thy sake; and yet he has

one of those faces which men tremble when they look on. I think even thy

mother, Janet--nay, have done with that poking-iron--could hardly look

upon him without quaking."

"If it were so, madam," answered Janet Foster, "my mother had those who

could keep her in honourable countenance. Why, even you, my lady, both

trembled and blushed when Varney brought the letter from my lord."

"You are bold, damsel," said the Countess, rising from the cushions on

which she sat half reclined in the arms of her attendant. "Know that

there are causes of trembling which have nothing to do with fear.--But,

Janet," she added, immediately relapsing into the good-natured and

familiar tone which was natural to her, "believe me, I will do what

credit I can to your father, and the rather that you, sweetheart, are

his child. Alas! alas!" she added, a sudden sadness passing over her

fine features, and her eyes filling with tears, "I ought the rather to

hold sympathy with thy kind heart, that my own poor father is uncertain

of my fate, and they say lies sick and sorrowful for my worthless sake!

But I will soon cheer him--the news of my happiness and advancement will

make him young again. And that I may cheer him the sooner"--she wiped

her eyes as she spoke--"I must be cheerful myself. My lord must not find

me insensible to his kindness, or sorrowful, when he snatches a visit to

his recluse, after so long an absence. Be merry, Janet; the night wears

on, and my lord must soon arrive. Call thy father hither, and call

Varney also. I cherish resentment against neither; and though I may have

some room to be displeased with both, it shall be their own fault if

ever a complaint against them reaches the Earl through my means. Call

them hither, Janet."




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