Varney the Vampire. James Malcolm Rymer

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СКАЧАТЬ altogether different; her complexion altogether fairer—her hair of sunny chestnut, and her beautiful hazel eyes were shaded by long brown eyelashes, while a playful smile also lit up her countenance. She was the younger of the two.

      The attention of the two young maidens had been directed to the words of the aged owner of the house, for he had been speaking a few moments before.

      There were several other persons present, and at some little distance were many of the domestics who were not denied the privilege of warmth and rest in the presence of their master.

      These were not the times, when, if servants sat down, they were deemed idle; but the daily task done, then the evening hour was spent by the fire-side.

      "The wind howls and moans," said an aged domestic, "in an awful manner. I never heard the like."

      "It seems as though some imprisoned spirit was waiting for the repose that had been denied on earth," said the old lady as she shifted her seat and gazed steadily on the fire.

      "Ay," said her aged companion, "it is a windy night, and there will be a storm before long, or I'm mistaken."

      "It was just such a night as that my son Henry left his home," said Mrs. Bradley, "just such another—only it had the addition of sleet and rain."

      The old man sighed at the mention of his son's name, a tear stood in the eyes of the maidens, while one looked silently at the other, and seemed to exchange glances.

      "I would that I might again see him before my body seeks its final home in the cold remorseless grave."

      "Mother," said the fairest of the two maidens, "do not talk thus, let us hope that we yet may have many years of happiness together."

      "Many, Emma?"

      "Yes, mamma, many."

      "Do you know that I am very old, Emma, very old indeed, considering what I have suffered, such a life of sorrow and ill health is at least equal to thirty years added to my life."

      "You may have deceived yourself, aunt," said the other maiden; "at all events, you cannot count upon life as certain, for the strongest often go first, while those who seem much more likely to fall, by care, as often live in peace and happiness."

      "But I lead no life of peace and happiness, while Henry Bradley is not here; besides, my life might be passed without me seeing him again."

      "It is now two years since he was here last," said the old man,

      "This night two years was the night on which he left."

      "This night two years?"

      "Yes."

      "It was this night two years," said one of the servant men, "because old Dame Poutlet had twins on that night."

      "A memorable circumstance."

      "And one died at a twelvemonth old," said the man; "and she had a dream which foretold the event."

      "Ay, ay."

      "Yes, and moreover she's had the same dream again last Wednesday was a week," said the man.

      "And lost the other twin?"

      "Yes sir, this morning."

      "Omens multiply," said the aged man; "I would that it would seem to indicate the return of Henry to his home."

      "I wonder where he can have gone to, or what he could have done all this time; probably he may not be in the land of the living."

      "Poor Henry," said Emma.

      "Alas, poor boy! We may never see him again—it was a mistaken act of his, and yet he knew not otherwise how to act or escape his father's displeasure."

      "Say no more—say no more upon that subject; I dare not listen to it. God knows I know quite enough," said Mr. Bradley; "I knew not he would have taken my words so to heart as he did."

      "Why," said the old woman, "he thought you meant what you said."

      There was a long pause, during which all gazed at the blazing fire, seemingly wrapt in their own meditation.

      Henry Bradley, the son of the apparently aged couple, had left that day two years, and wherefore had he left the home of his childhood? wherefore had he, the heir to large estates, done this?

      He had dared to love without his father's leave, and had refused the offer his father made him of marrying a young lady whom he had chosen for him, but whom he could not love.

      It was as much a matter of surprise to the father that the son should refuse, as it was to the son that his father should contemplate such a match.

      "Henry," said the father, "you have been thought of by me, I have made proposals for marrying you to the daughter of our neighbour, Sir Arthur Onslow."

      "Indeed, father!"

      "Yes; I wish you to go there with me to see the young lady."

      "In the character of a suitor?"

      "Yes," replied the father, "certainly; it's high time you were settled."

      "Indeed, I would rather not go, father; I have no intention of marrying just yet. I do not desire to do so."

      This was an opposition that Mr. Bradley had not expected from his son, and which his imperious temper could ill brook, and with a darkened brow he said—

      "It is not much, Henry, that I trespass upon your obedience; but when I do so, I expect that you will obey me."

      "But, father, this matter affects me for my whole life."

      "That is why I have deliberated so long and carefully over it."

      "But it is not unreasonable that I should have a voice in the affair, father, since it may render me miserable."

      "You shall have a voice."

      "Then I say no to the whole regulation," said Henry, decisively.

      "If you do so you forfeit my protection, much more favour; but you had better consider over what you have said. Forget it, and come with me."

      "I cannot."

      "You will not?"

      "No, father; I cannot do as you wish me; my mind is fully made up upon that matter."

      "And so is mine. You either do as I would have you, or you leave the house, and seek your own living, and you are a beggar."

      "I should prefer being such," said Henry, "than to marry any young lady, and be unable to love her."

      "That is not required."

      "No! I am astonished! Not necessary to love СКАЧАТЬ