As she drew near the chateau, these melancholy memorials of past times

multiplied. At length, the chateau itself appeared, amid the glowing

beauty of St. Aubert's favourite landscape. This was an object, which

called for fortitude, not for tears; Emily dried hers, and prepared to

meet with calmness the trying moment of her return to that home, where

there was no longer a parent to welcome her. 'Yes,' said she, 'let me

not forget the lessons he has taught me! How often he has pointed out

the necessity of resisting even virtuous sorrow; how often we have

admired together the greatness of a mind, that can at once suffer and

reason! O my father! if you are permitted to look down upon your

child, it will please you to see, that she remembers, and endeavours to

practise, the precepts you have given her.' A turn on the road now allowed a nearer view of the chateau, the

chimneys, tipped with light, rising from behind St. Aubert's favourite

oaks, whose foliage partly concealed the lower part of the building.

Emily could not suppress a heavy sigh. 'This, too, was his favourite

hour,' said she, as she gazed upon the long evening shadows, stretched

athwart the landscape. 'How deep the repose, how lovely the scene!

lovely and tranquil as in former days!'

Again she resisted the pressure of sorrow, till her ear caught the gay

melody of the dance, which she had so often listened to, as she walked

with St. Aubert, on the margin of the Garonne, when all her fortitude

forsook her, and she continued to weep, till the carriage stopped at the

little gate, that opened upon what was now her own territory. She raised

her eyes on the sudden stopping of the carriage, and saw her father's

old housekeeper coming to open the gate. Manchon also came running, and

barking before her; and when his young mistress alighted, fawned, and

played round her, gasping with joy.

'Dear ma'amselle!' said Theresa, and paused, and looked as if she

would have offered something of condolement to Emily, whose tears now

prevented reply. The dog still fawned and ran round her, and then flew

towards the carriage, with a short quick bark. 'Ah, ma'amselle!--my

poor master!' said Theresa, whose feelings were more awakened than her

delicacy, 'Manchon's gone to look for him.' Emily sobbed aloud; and, on

looking towards the carriage, which still stood with the door open, saw

the animal spring into it, and instantly leap out, and then with his

nose on the ground run round the horses.

'Don't cry so, ma'amselle,' said Theresa, 'it breaks my heart to see

you.' The dog now came running to Emily, then returned to the carriage,

and then back again to her, whining and discontented. 'Poor rogue!' said

Theresa, 'thou hast lost thy master, thou mayst well cry! But come, my

dear young lady, be comforted. What shall I get to refresh you?' Emily

gave her hand to the old servant, and tried to restrain her grief,

while she made some kind enquiries concerning her health. But she still

lingered in the walk which led to the chateau, for within was no

person to meet her with the kiss of affection; her own heart no longer

palpitated with impatient joy to meet again the well-known smile, and

she dreaded to see objects, which would recall the full remembrance of

her former happiness. She moved slowly towards the door, paused, went

on, and paused again. How silent, how forsaken, how forlorn did the

chateau appear! Trembling to enter it, yet blaming herself for delaying

what she could not avoid, she, at length, passed into the hall; crossed

it with a hurried step, as if afraid to look round, and opened the door

of that room, which she was wont to call her own. The gloom of evening

gave solemnity to its silent and deserted air. The chairs, the tables,

every article of furniture, so familiar to her in happier times,

spoke eloquently to her heart. She seated herself, without immediately

observing it, in a window, which opened upon the garden, and where St.

Aubert had often sat with her, watching the sun retire from the rich and

extensive prospect, that appeared beyond the groves.




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