The Montreal museum, or Journal of literature and arts, 1 avril 1833, Avril

TME MONTREAL MUSEUM.No.5.APRIL, 1S33.Vol.1.——mmmm—mmm n¦- mmmmmmm—— ¦ ¦¦ ———H————— Into it, Knight, thou shalt not look.—Scott.I passed my live-and-tvventieth birth-day at Oukenshade.Sweet sentimental age ! Dear, deeply regretted place ; Oaken-shade is the fairest child of Father Thames, from Gloucestershire to Black wall.She is the very queen of cottages, for she has fourteen best bed-rooms, and stabling for a squadron.Her trees are the finest in Europe, and her inhabitants the fairest in the world.Her old mistress is the Lady Bountiful of the country, and her young mistresses are its pride, Lady Barbara is black-eyed and hyacinthine ; Lady Betty blue-eyed and Madonna-like.In situations of this kind it is absolutely necessary for a man to fall in love, and in due compliance with the established custom, I fell in love both with Lady Betty and Lady Barbara.Now Barbara was a soft-hearted high-minded rogue, and pretended as I thought, not to care for me, that she might not interfere with the interest of her sister ; and Betty was a reckless, giddy-witted baggage, who cared for nobody and nothing upon earth, except the delightful occupation of doing what she pleased.Accordingly, we became the Romeo and Juliet of the place, excepting that I never could sigh, and she never could apos- 33 trophise.Nevertheless we loved terribly.Oh, what a time was that ! I will just give the sample of a day.—We rose at seven (it was July), and wandered amcr.gst moss-roses, velvet lawns, and sequestered summer-houses, till the lady-mother summoned us to the breakfast table.I know not bow it was, but the footman on these occasions always found dear Barbara absent on a butterfly chase, gathering flowers, or feeding her nest robin, and Betty and myself on a sweet honeysuckle seat, just large enough to hold two, and hidden round a happy corner as snug as a bird’s nest.The moment the villain came within hearing, I used to begin, in an audible voice, to discourse upon the beauties of nature, and Betty allowed me to be the best moral philosopher of the age.After breakfast we used to retire to the young ladies’ study in which blest retreat I Idled some hundred pages of their albums, whilst Betty looked over my shoulder, and Barbara hammered with ail her might upon the grand piano, that we might not be afraid to talk.I was acknowledged to be the prince of poets and riddle-mongers, and in the graphic art I was a prodigy perfectly unrivalled.Sans doute, I was a little over-rated.My riddles wore so plain, and my metaphors so puzzling, and then my trees were like mountains, and my men were like monkeys.But love had such penetrating optics ! Lady Betty could perceive beauties to which the rest of the world was perfectly blind.Then followed our ‘ equestrian exercises’.Now Barbara was a good horsewoman, and Betty was a bad one ; consequently, Barbara rode a pony, and Betty rode a donkey ; consequently Barbara rode a mile before, and Betty rode a mile behind; and consequently, it was absolutely necessary for me to keep fast hold of Betty’s hand for fear she would tumble off.Thus did we journey through wood and through valley, by flood and by field, through the loneliest and most love-making scenes that ever figured in rhymes or in canvass.The trees never looked so green, the flowers never smelt so sweetly, and the exercise and the fears of her high mettled palfrey gave my companion a blush which is quite beyond the reach of a simile. ( 2S9 ) Of course we always lost ourselves, mid trusted to Barbara to J 9 guide us home, which she generally did by the most circ itous routes she could lind.At dinner the lady-mother would in- quirc what had become of us, but none of us could tell where we had been, excepting Barbara.“ AVhy Betty, my dear, you understood our geography well enough when you were guide to our good old friend, the General.” Ah, but Betty found it was quite a dillercnt thing to be guide to her good young friend, the captain, and her explanation was generally a zigzag sort of per- formance, which out-did the best riddle of her album.It was the custom of the lady-mother to take a nap after dinner, and having a due regard for her, we always left her to this enjoyment as soon as possible.Sometimes we floated in a little skill' down the broad and tranquil river, which, kindled by the setting sun, moved onward like a stream of fire, tuning our voices to glees and duets, till the nightingales themselves were astonished.Oh, the witchery of bright eyes at sunset and music on the water ! Sometimes we stole through the cavernous recesses of the old oak wood conjuring up fawns and satyrs at every step, and sending Barbara to detect the deceptions, and play at hide and seek with us.At last our mistress the moon would open her eye and warn us home, where, on the little study sofa we watched her progress, and repeated sweet poesy.Many a time did I long to break the footman’s head when he brought the lights, and announced the tea.The lady-mother never slept after this, and the business of the day was ended.Things went on in this way for a week or ten days, and lady Betty appeared to have less spirits, and a more serious and languid air than heretofore.There was nothing now hoidenish in her behaviour, and instead of the upper lip curling with scorn, the under one was dropping with sentiment.Her voice was not so loud, and fell in a gentler cadence, and the Madonna braid was festooned with a more exquisite grace.When I btsought her to let me hear the subject of her thoughts, ( 260 ) the little budget was always ol so mournful a discretion, that I could not choose but use my tenderest mode of comforting her.She had, she knew not why, become more serious.She supposed it was because she was growing older, she hoped it was because she was growing better.In fine, she had determined to mend tier life, and appointed me master of the ceremonies to her conscience, which, sooth to say, had been in a woful state of anarchy.I could not, of course, have any doubt that tny sweet society had been the cause of this metamorphosis, and I congratulated myself with fervency.She was becoming the very pattern for a wife, and I contemplated in her the partner of my declining years, the soother of my cares, the mother of my children.It wss cruel to postpono my declaration, but though I have no Scotch blood in my veins I was always a little given to caution.Lady Betty had been a sad mad cap, and might not this be a freak of the moment ] Besides, there was a charm about the very uncertainty which a declared lover has no idea of ; so I determined to observe, and act with deliberation.Our pastimes continued the same as before, and our interchanges of kindness increased.Amongst other things lady Betty signalized me by a purse and pencil-case and in return was troubled with an extreme longing for a lilac and gold pocket-book, in which l was sometimes rash enough to note down my fugitive thoughts.It had been given me by—no matter whom—there was nothing on earth that I would not have sacrificed to Lady Betty.She received it in both her hands, pressed it to her bosom, and promised faithfully that she would pursue the plan I had adopted in it ; casting up her dclinquincics at the end of the year to see what might be amended.Alas ! the pinnacle of happiness is but a sorry resting-place, from which the chief occupation of mankind is to push one another head-long ! Of my own case I have particular reason to complain, for I was precipilatcd from the midst of my burning, palpitating existence, by the veriest blockhead in life.He came upon us like the simoom, devastating every green spot in hi» ( 261 ) progress, and leaving our hearts a blank.In short he was a spark of quality, who drove four bloods, and cut his own coats.His visage was dangerously dissipated and cadaverous, his figure as taper as a fishing rod, and his manner had a je ne sais quoi of languid impertinence which was a great deal too overpowering.Altogether, lie was a gallant whose incursion would have caused me very considerable uneasiness, had I not felt secure that my mistress was already won.I shall never forget the bustle which was occasioned by the arrival of this worthy.He was some sort of connection with the lady-mothui , thought himself privileged to come without invitation, and declared his intention of remaining till he was tired.He ordered the servants about, and gave directions for his accommodation precisely as if he had been at home, and scarcely deigned to tender his fore-finger to the ladies till he had made himself perfectly comfortable.When I was introduced from the back-ground, from which I had been scowling with indignation and amazement, he regarded my common-place appearance with careless contempt ; made me a bow as cold as if it had come from Lapland, and, in return, received one from the North Pole.I considered that he was usurping all my rights in the establishment ; perfect freedom with Betty and Barbara was a violation of my private property, and I even grudged him his jokes with the lady-mother.We were foes from first sight.Lady Betty saw how the spirit was working within me, and hastened to prevent its cflcrvescencc.She gave me one of her overpowering looks ; and besought me to assist her in being civil to him ; for, in truth, the attentions of common politeness had already completely exhausted her.I was quite charmed with the vexation she felt at his intrusion, and loved her a thousand times better because she detested him.This visit, indeed, had such an effect upon her, that before the day was over, she complained to me, in confidence, of being seriously unwell.From this time, the whole tenour of our amusements was revolutionized.Lady Betty’s illness was not fancied ; she wa* ( 262 } too weak to ride her donkey, too qualmish to go inside the barouche, which was turned out every day to keep the bloods in wind, and nothing agreed with her delicate health but bcin" mounted on the box beside Lord S—.The evenings passed off as heavily as the mornings.Lady Barbara used to ask me to take the usual stroll with her, and Lady Betty, being afraid to venture upon the damp grass, was again left to the mercy of Lord S—, to whom walking was a low-lifed amusement, for which lie had no taste.The lady mother as usual, had her sleeping fits, and when we returned, we invariably found things in disorder.The candles had not been lighted, the tea things CT- O had not been brought in, and Lord S—had turned sulky with his bottle, and was sitting quietly with Lady Bettv.1 felt for her more than I can express, and could not, for the life of me, conceive where she picked up patience to be civil to him.She even affected to be delighted with his conversation, and her good breeding was beyond all praise.With such an example of endurance before me, and the pacific promises 1 had made, I could not avoid wearing a benevolent aspect.Indeed though the enemy had cut off the direct communication of sentiment between us, I was not altogether without my triumphs and secret satisfactions.The general outline I have given was occasionally intersected with little episodes that were quite charming.For instance, lady Betty used constantly to employ me on errands to her mother, who was usually absent in her private room, manufacturing caudle and flannel petticoats for the work-house.When I returned, she would despatch me to her sister, who was requiring my advice upon her drawing, in the study ; and thus Lord S.could not fail to observe the familiar terms we were upon, and that we perfectly understood each other.What gave me more pleasure than all was, that he must see 1 had no fear of leaving my liege lady alono with him, which must have galled him to the quick.When she had no other means of showing her devotion to me, she would produce the lilac pocket-book, and pursue the work ( 263 ) of amendment which I had suggested to lier ; indeed, this waj done with a regularity which when l considered her former hair-brained character, I knew could only be sustained by the most ardent attachment—My pride and my passion increased daily.At last by a happy reverse of fortune, I was led to look for a termination of my trials.Lord S.was a personage of too great importance to the nation to he permitted to enjoy his own peace and cpiiet, and his bilious visage would require to countenance mighty concerns in other parts.Mis dressing case was packed up, and the barouche was ordered to the door, but poor lady Betty was still doomed to be a suficrcr : she was somehow or other hampered with an engagement to ride with him as far as the village, in order to pay a visit for her mother to the charity school, and I saw her borne oil, the most bewitching example of patience and resignation.1 did not offer to accompany them, for I thought it would look like jealousy, but, engaged in answer to a sweetly whispered invitation, to meet her in her walk back.When I returned to the drawing room, Barbara and the lady-mother were absent on their usual occupations, and I sat down for a moment of happy reflection on the delights that awaited me ; my heart was tingling with anticipation, and every thought was poetry.A scrap of paper was upon the table, and was presently enriched with a sonnet on each side, which I had vanity enough to think were quite good enough to be transferred to Lady Betty’s most beloved lilac pocket-book.I raised my eyes, and, lo ! in the bustle of parting with Lord S—, she had forgotten to deposit it in the desk.What an agréable surprise it would be for her to find how I had been employed ! How fondly would she thank me for such a delicate mode of show- 9 ing my attention.The sonnets were written in my best hand, and I was about to close the book, when I was struck with the extreme beauly of Lady Betty’s caligraphy.Might I venture to peruse a page or so, and enjoy the luxury of knowing her privât» thoughts of mo?Nny, was it not a sweet little finesse ( 264 ) to tench me the secrets of her heart, and should I not mortify lier exceedingly if I neglected to take advantage of it?This reflection was quite sufficient, and I commenced the chronicle of her cogitations forthwith.It began with noting the day of the month on which I had presented the gift, and stated prettily, the plan of improvement I had suggested.The first memorandum contained her reasons for loving her dear M—.I pressed the hook to my lips and proceeded to ‘ Reason the first.—A good temper is better in a companion than a great wit.If dear M—is deficient in the latter, it is not his fault, and his excellence in the former makes ample amends.’ How! as much as to say I am a good natured fool ! Was there no other construction?no error of the press?None.The context assured me I was not mistaken.‘ Reason tub second.—Personal beauty is not requisite in a husband, and if he is a little mistaken in his estimate of himself in this respect, it will make him happy, and save me the trouble of labouring for that end.’ Conceited and ill favoured ! My head began to swim.Reason the Third.—I have been told that very passionate regard between married people is productive of much disquietude and jealousy.The temperate regard, therefore, that I feci for dear M.argues for the serenity of our lives— Heigh-ho’ Furics ! * Reason the fourth.—I have sometimes doubted if this temperate regard be really love, but, as pity is next akin to love, and I pity him on so many points, 1 think I cannot be mistaken.Pity ! • Reason the Fifth_____I pity him, because it is necessary to place him on the shelf during Lord S.’s visit, for fear S.should be discouraged by appearances, and not make the declaration which l have been so long expecting.Place me upon the shelf! ! ( 265 ) Reason the Sixth.—l pity him, because if S.really comes forward, I shall be obliged to put poor dear M.to the mortification of a refusal!’ i f f • • • Reason the Seventh.—I pity him because he is so extremely kind and obliging in quitting the room whenever his presence becomes troublesome.tilt • • • • Reason the Eighth.-* I pity him because his great confidence in my affection makes him appear so ridiculous, and because S.laughs at him ! i i i i t • • • • • Reason the Ninth.—I pity him, because, if I do ultimately marry him, S.will tell every body that it is only because I could not obtain the barouche and four—Hcigh-heigh-ho ! !!!!!! Reason the Tenth.—I pity him because he has so kindly consented to meet me in my return from the charity school, without once suspecting that I go to give S.a last opportuni- ty.He is really a very good young man-—Ah well-a-day ! Ah well-a-day !!!!!!! &c.&c.—Let no man ever en- deavour to enjoy the luxury of his mistress’s secret thoughts.I closed the book, and walked towards the window.The river flowed temptingly beneath.Would it be best to drown myself or shoot myself?Or would it be best to take horse, after the barouche, and shoot S.?1 was puzzled with the al- ternatives.It was absolutely necessary that somebody should be put to death, but my confusion was too great to decide upon the victim.At this critical juncture of my fate, when I was wavering between the gallows and ‘ a grave where four roads meet’, Lady Barbara came dancing in to request my assistance at a drawing.She was petrified at my suicidal appearance, and, indeed, seemed in doubt whether the act of immolation had not been already effected.Her fears rushed in crimson to her cheeks, as 34 ( 26(1 ) *he inquired (lie causa of my disorder; and her beauty and tho interesting concern site expressed, cast an entire new light upon me.I would be revenged on Lady Betty in a manner far more cutting than either drowning or shooting.Barbara was the prettiest by far—Barbara was the best by infinity.Sweet, gentle, Barbara! How generously had she sacrificed her feelings and given me up to her sister ! How happy was I to have it in my power to reward her for it.Slit now would be tho partner of my declining years, the soother of my cares, the mother of my children ; and as for Lady Betty, I renounced her, 1 found that my heart had all along been Barbara's and I congratulated myself upon being brought to my senses.Business was soon opened, and we were all eloquence and blushes, [ expressed my warm admiration of her self denial and affection for her sister ; hinted at rny knowledge of her sentiments for myself; explained every particular of my passion, prospects, and genealogy, fixed upon our place of residence, and allotted her pin-money.It was now Barbara’s turn ‘ she was confused—she was distressed—she feared—she hoped— she knew not what to say.’ She paused for composure, and I waited in an extasy—‘ why ’ I exclaimed ‘ why will you hesitate my own, rny gentle Barbara ! Let me not lose one delicious word of this lovely confession.’ Barbara regained her courage ‘ indeed then —indeed, and indeed—l have been enga- o C ged to my cousin for more than three years !’ This was a stroke upon which 1 had never once calculated, and my astonishment was awful.Barbara then was not in love with me after all, and the concern I had felt for her blighted affection was altogether erroneous ! I had made the proposal to be revenged on lady Betty and my disappointment had completely ' turned the tables upon me.Instead of bringing her to shame, I was ashamed of myself, and mortification made me feel as * though she had heaped a new misery upon me.AVhat I said I cannot precisely remember, and if I could I doubt if myreuders could make head or tail of it.I concluded however with my ( »«?) compliments to the lady-mother, and an urgent necessity to do-camp.Barbara knew not whether she ought to laugh or cry.I gave her no time to collect herself, for Betty would be homo presently, and it was material to be oft' before they had an opportunity of comparing notes.In three minutes 1 was mounted on my horse, and again ruminating on the various advantages of hanging, drowning and shooting.I thought J had got clear oft' ; but at the end of the lawn, 1 was fated to encounter the bewitching smile of lady Betty, on her return to the village.Her words were brimming with tenderness, and her delight to he rid of that odious lord S.was beyond measure.It had quite restored her health, she was able to recommence her rides, and would order the donkey to be got ready immediately.So then, it appeared that the drive to the charity school had not answered to the purpose after all, and I was to ho the locum tenens of lady Betty’s affections till the arrival of a new acquaintance.I know not whether my constitution is different from that of other people.A pretty face is certainly a terrible criterion of a man’s resolution ; but for the honor of manhood, I continued once more to he superior to its fascinations.To adhere.strictly to truth, I must confess however humiliating the confession maybe, that dignified behaviour was very naturally sustained by the transactions with lady Barbara, for the consequence of whose communications there was no answering.I declined he donkey ride, looked a most explanatory look of reproach, and I declared the necessity of my returning to town.LadyBctty was amazed—remonstrated—entreated—looked like an angel—and finally put lier handkerchief to her eyes.There was no standing this.—‘ I go,’ said I, ‘ 1 go because it is proper to quit whenever my presence becomes troublesome.I will not oblige you to put me upon the shelf.—1 will not he too encroaching upon your temperate regard.—Hcigh-heigh-ho !’ With that 1 plunged my spurs into my steed, and vanished nt full gallop. ( 268 ) It was long before I heard anything more of Oakcnshade or its inhabitants’.In the middle of the following December I received a piece of wedding-cake from the gentle Barbara, and in the same packet a letter from lady Betty.She had written instead of mamma, who was troubled with a gouty affection in the band.She spoke much (and 1 have no doubt sincerely) of the cruel separation from her sister ; touched feelingly upon the happiness of the time I had spent at Oakcnshade, and trusted she might venture to claim a week of me at Christmas.She was truly sorry she had no inducement to hold out beyond the satisfaction of communicating happiness which she knew was always a paramount feeling with me.She was all alone, and wretched in the long evenings when mamma went to sleep : and reverted plaintively and prettily to the little library and the ghost stories.As for the lilac pocket-book, she had cast up her follies and misdemeanours, and found the total, even before the end of the year, so full of shame and repentance, that she had incontinently thrown it into the fire, trusting to my kindness to give her another with fresh advice.Dear lady Betty ! my resentment was long gone by—I had long felt a conviction that her little follies were blameless and not at all uncommon ; and I vow, that had her happiness depended upon me, I would have done anything to ensure it.I was obliged, however, to send an excuse for the present, for 1 had only been married a week.SONG." I STOOD AMID THE GLITTERING THRONG.“ B V Y.W.N.IAYLBT, K 8 Mrs.Martyn though a widow, had scarcely passed her twenty-ninth year, and notwithstanding she could not he pronounced any way remarkable, either for her mental or personal charms, yet she was one of those individuals whom it is impossible to see without washing to be more intimately acquainted with—and as she had not, like her late brother, formed the resolution of Continuing in “ single-blessedness ” her house was the rendezvous of the young and gay.At the time Laura was presented to this circle she had just attained her seventeenth year ; innocence and beauty were the characteristics of her countenance, whilst grace and modesty marked her steps.The arrival of the lovely heiress had been announced in tho neighbourhood by cards of invitation to a numerous parly,— not one excuse was returned, all were anxious for the first interview.After somo days of tedious suspense passed chiefly in tho selection of gew-gaws* ribbons and rouge the eventful evening arrived, and Laura made her debut in that coterie in which it would be conjectured she might in future, form an important character ; her entrée gave full employment to every tongue, the gentlemen were lavish of their encomiums, and tho air distingué which so peculiarly marked Laura, did not fail to produce among some of the ladies envy the most piquant; she was however as insensible to the flattery of the one, as she was superior to the invidious remarks and sarcasm of the other.Among the number numberless who professed their admiration of the fair one, was a Lieutenant Clifford, who had received his first commission in the regiment which her uncle had formerly the honor to command, and, from being an attentive young officer lie had raised himself high in the estimation of the Major, through whose favor, he now hoped to gain a more intimate acquaintance with Laura.He accordingly seized the first opportunity of paying his devoirs to his old commander, but ala9 ! a momentary disappointment awaited him ; he learned from the servant that the Major had left home for 66 London, and would not return for some days—but Clifford was not to bo discouraged he therefore further enquired if Mrs.Martyn and her niece were also absent ?“ They are at home sir” was the reply, and the man conducted the young officer into the drawing room, where he was received by the ladies with marked attention, particularly by the agreeable widow, who invited him sans-façon to pass the remainder of the day with them, his residence being a long ride from Elvyn Hall.Nothing could have been more happily suggested to the ar-dont feelings of Clifford, who it need not be said, accepted the invitation and determined, that moments so portentous, and so opportunely offered, should not be lost :-he believed ho had already seen enough of the young lady to feel convinced that he was not entirely indifferent to her, and, he was also fully persuaded that she was absolutely necessary to his own happiness, and therefore determined to lose no time in addressing her undo on tho subject nearest his heart.Clifford was not, what is generally termed, remarkably handsome, but, with a graceful person, possessed an accomplished and well stored mind.His character was os different, as his manners were •uperior to tho greater number of dashing young men, who fre.quented the fashionable and gay coterie at Elvyn Hall.And consequently it was no great wonder, that he was by Laura particularly distinguished, and singled for her own.But while this ominous attachment was daily gaining additional strength, the Major was cherishing ideas of a very different nature.He was calculating that a marriage between Laura and his son would bo very desirable ! and not at all improbable, they were both young and had never yet seen each other !—at uny rate, ho would never deviate from his brother’s injunctions by allowing his ward to marry a subaltern—besides, Mr.Clifford had no private fortune, being the younger son of an ancient and honorable, though needy family-the thing was impossible ! it would never take place !—he resolved immediately to terminate an affair, which he feared would otherwise end in disappoint- ( 283 ) ment to his own wishes, and perhaps misery to his niece.He therefore sent for the young officer and after expostulating with hirn on the subject, insisted upon his promising to relinquish for ever all claim on the affections of Laura' “ That I can never do Sir,” was the stern reply ; upon which the major indignantly left him, and instantly gave orders, forbidding his ever being admit* led to his house in future,—nor was this the only step the cautious guardian adopted to complete his purpose, he immediately wrote to a noble friend at the war office requesting that Clifford might receive direct orders to join his regiment which was then on foreign service-this order however did not arrive so soon as might have been anticipated.In the interval an opportunity offered of communicating to Mrs.Martyn the result of the interview between the Major and himself-That lady espoused the lovers’ cause, and endeavoured by al! the persuasive powers of rhetoric to prove to her brother the cruelty of his mandate, but— the major was inexorable ! the gates of Elvyn Hall were no longer open—or allowed to be opened to the aspiring subaltern.At length through the connivance of Mrs.Martyn he obtained an interview with his chosen, he repeated to her the great probability there appeared ofhis being obliged to leave her-and finally intreated by the sincerity of her affection for him, to remove the possibility of her uncle’s disappointing their union, by giving her consent to a secret marriage.Laura at first stro ngly opposed a step which she deemed derogatory toiler duty—she had promised fidelity and could not be doubted—nor did she think her Clifford just in demanding any additional proof of her sincerity-this was a prudent argument but not calculated to allay the perturbation of a mind inilamed by love-and soured by apprehensive disappointment, Clifford continued to urge his suit——and to solicit with all the arguments his love was capable of furnishing him with.—When objections, founded on the basis of resolution, at length began to grow more and more faint, until at last womanly faiblesse yielded to entreaty !—And Laura consented to bocomc his wife on ( 284 ) condition, that hcr aunt should be present at the ceremony, and, that with that relation she should immediately return to the protection of her uncle, and remain under his roof until circumstances should render it prudent for Clifford to claim her as his own.Mrs.Martyn was an adorer of mystery, nothing could give her greater pleasure than being made a party in a secret of so much impôt lance as a private marriage.Clifford therefore found no difficulty in prevailing on her to sanction his project—in short she was very useful in making the necessary arrangements ; a day was fixed on which Laura should accompany her aunt to a village a few miles distant from their residence where a clergyman would be ready to tie the indissoluble knot.The ceremony was no sooner over than the newly married couple by mutual consent separated, and the Indies returned home—nor did the major entertain the least suspicion to what purpose their absence had been directed.A day or two now only elapsed when Clill brd received the long dreaded order to join his regiment, he was however determined not to obey without first bidding adieu to his own Laura-labouring under excited feeling be imme- diately set out for her residence, though be dated not,—know- « ing the Major was at home—presume to present himself at the house.W ith agitated steps lie paraded for some hours a sequestered path leading through a long avenue of trees at the back of the shrubbery, which he well knew to he the private walk of her he now so anxiously sought—alas ! hour succeeded hour aud not even a glance or shadow of Laura had appeared—the thought of seeing her had become hopeless! he was hesitating how to act—whether to address her by letlcr—or, to brave all consequences, to throw himself at the feet of her uncle, acknowledge his claim, and seek his pardon—overpowered with such contending feelings he was preparing to leave the place—when at the undecided moment fate favoured his wishes, and directed his beloved to the spot ; her surprise and 'excess of grief when she heard the cause of his visit were beyond her control,—her heart melted within her—her frame trembled with emotion—and she would have fallen to the ( M5 ) earth had not the extended arms of her no less agitated husband saved her ! Unutterable grief filled the heart of the agonized Clifford, who, prepared as he was for the event, could not restrain the tide of his feelings-—he pressed his lovely biidc to his throbbing bosom, while the tear of affection rolled down his check—they were in this manner giving way to the excess of sorrow, when the Major surprised them by his sudden approach, his countenance fully expressive of his displeasure, and of the annoyance he felt at finding Clifford so unmindful of his commands—and it might be said that “ fuel was added to fire” by seeing Laura so much afilicted at her lover’s departure.After a moment’s expostulation, in language proving the excess of his anger, he sternly seized the afilicted fair-one by the hand, and before she could well say, “ farewell dour Clifford” forced her into the house.Phrenzy for a lime took possession of her soldier’s brain—he raved—writhed in agony—threatened, and in wild despair, threw himself on the ground—then hastily rose, determined to claim his wife, and rescue her from what, he had too much reason to dread might be severity on his account—but the resolution had hardly been made when a sense of the impropriety of the disclosure flashed across his mind,—he saw the necessity of his quitting his beloved Laura in search of promotion, and that rank which would enable him publicly to claim his prize—lie therefore hastened from the spot which had been the scene of such contending feelings, and prepared immediately to obey his orders.Clifford now joined his regiment in Spain where he soon had an opportunity of distinguishing himself in his military career,— nor was he less esteemed for his valour, than for the generosity and kindness of his nature.Notwithstanding the vigilance with which the prudent Major watched the conduct of Laura, yet sho found means through the assistance of her aunt, to correspond with her husband,—the only alleviation afforded her to the pangs of separation.Merit soon raised the enterprising young subaltern to tho ( 286 ) command of a company,—but “as fortune doe9 not always favour the bravo,” this event was quickly succeeded by a reverse in his prospects-In an engagement with the army he was taken prisoner, and with several of his brother officers was conveyed to a garrison town, where, upon their parole they were allowed the liberty of walking through the city and its environs.Returning one evening to his quarters, he had approached the corner of a narrow dark street, when he suddenly came upon sounds which he distinguished to be the clashing of swords—impelled by the sympathizing feelings of his nature he hastened to the spot, the darkness of the night prevented the possibility of minutely distinguishing objects ; he however, saw sufficient to convince him, that one man was engaged in contest with at least three others, and that he evidently had no weapon of defence, except a small bamboo, while his opponents were brandishing their stilettos.Clifford quickly decided which side to espouse—and, although as a prisoner of war, he was without arms, yet by an extraordinary effort of strength, or agility he wrested tho stiletto from the hand of one of the assailants, and flew to the assistance of the man who had hitherto so nobly defended himself against such an unequal force.-A few seconds only laid one of the assassins at the feet of Clifford, the other two were quick in flight, leaving their fellow companion to receive the reward due to their villainy.By this time the alarm had reached the garrison, and a detachment of soldiers were dispatched to ascertain the cause and particulars of the affray which was circumstantially related by tho stranger, who, by timely assistance had just escaped with his life.—The fallen assassin who was severely, though not mortally wounded was secured, while Clifford, and the other gentleman were suffered to depart—they did not however separate until they had exchanged cards of address, tho stranger acknowledging his high sense of gratitude for the humane interference to which in all probability he owed his life, and expressed his intention to have the honor of calling upon his deliverer, as he was pleased to style Gilford on the following day. ( 287 ) The surpriso of our hero may be imagined when upon reaching his quai tors he read on the card the name» “ Captain F.Elvyn”——“ yes, yes it is—it undoubtedly is the cousin of my dearest Laura” ! he exclaimed, “ Heaven has thus in mercy enabled me to render him assistance,—but I will not divulge my secret—no,—I will not tell him the situation in which I stand with his family.nor, must I ever mention the name of her on whom my sole happiness depends” ! At an early hour on the following day Captain Elvyn mado his promised visit— He addressed Cliflord with reiterated thanks for the service he had rendered him, and for which, he said, ho should for ever feel the highest sense of obligation, he concluded by requesting to be honored, with a continuance of his friendship.From this period these young men were inseparable ; implicit confidence existed between them ! In due time Clifford entrusted his friend with the history of his marriage, taking care at the same time to conceal the name of the parties— Elvyn in return, related to him, every particular of his life not omitting to mention his father’s wish to promote an alliance between his cousin Laura and himself.“ Bat that will never bo effected,” continued the Captain “ Though I hear she is a very amiable and lovely girl —my hand will only accompany my heart and that is already engaged to the daughter of my Colonel who sanctions our attachment, and has promised to bless our union upon my return to England.” Had Elvyn been very observant, he might have traced in the various changes—and mingled expression of Clifford’s countenance the intense interest which his narrative excited in the bosom of his friend ; which recital however, concluded much to his satisfaction.Some few months had now elapsed when a cartel was established for the exchange of prisoners—happily in the number were included these two young officers who immediately prepared to visit their native land.Each had so much to anticipate, that it is difficult to pronounce to whom the greater share ( 2sa ) of happiness had fallen, but we do not hesitate to assert that Clifford evidently evinced the greatest impatience to be off.-The excess of joy that he felt in the anticipation of soon seeing his Laura, led him into a thousand follies, and rendered him alike insensible to the remarks of his fellow travellers on their journey, as he was to the variety and beauty through which they occasionally passed-upon arriving at Dover he betrayed the most petulant impatience—raving at the post-boy complaining of tho horses—the badness of the roads —the tediousness of travelling—the impositions of the Inn-keepers—in short Ire was anything but an agreeable companion—Elvyn was also anxious to reach the finale of his journey, yet he frequently could not suppress a smile at the irascible feeling betrayed by his friend, and which he knew was so perfectly opposite to his natural disposition.Upon receiving intimation that his son was on his passage to England—and, to prevent any delay to their meeting the Major had removed, with his sister and niece to London.As the military travellers approached the metropolis, Elvyn addressed his companion with “ my dear Clifford you must positively suppress your impatience for a few hours ; and allow me to introduce you to my family before you proceed to yours, I have already communicated to my lather that I have a friend with me, though I have omitted to mention your name.” Clifford paused for a moment then said, i will accede to your proposal if you will insure me a friendly reception from the Major.” “ That I will,” returned Elvyn, and from the fair Laura too— by-the-way, if it w’erc not for that shy mnrriage of yours I would bespeak you for my relation !” “ Then here wo arc” said Clifford “ for I believe this is Berkley squaro” in a moment the post chaise stopped—the boy had hardly raised the knocker when the door opened,—in on instant they were in the drawing room, met by tho Major, and his fair noice who had not the most distant idea who was the companion of her cousin,—as Elvyn introduced to his father his much valued friend, ho was surprised to see the scowl of angry ( 281 ) disappointment which clouded the brow of his parent—whilst Laura gave a terrific shriek and fell senseless on tho sofa— there was a mystery in the passing scene, that might have puzzled a wiser head than the captain’s to solve, and though indeed he found it difficult to unravel the secret, he had pre-senec of mind to conceal his real surprise—whilst Clifford fondly kneeling over his beloved, endeavoured by every endearment to recall her wandering senses, and justly upbraided the incautious act, which had placed her in so trying a situation, the Major became furious, and peremptorily desired him to leave her ; “ never,—never sir,” replied the agitated husband, “ she is—she is my wife—my own fond wife !” This unexpected declaration left no doubt on the mind of the Major that the young man was seized with delirium, for he had never conceived the most distant suspicion of the marriage ; his son however now found no difficulty in solving tho mystery, and taking Clifford by the hand said : “ and is it really Laura, who has been the constant theme of your enraptured conversation?“It is— I see it, let me then assure you my dear fellow that nothing could afford mo more sincere pleasure than thus finding in a friend whom I love, a relation to whom I am probably indebted for my present existence, and whose sterling worth 1 can so justly appreciate.”-Turning then to his father, he related to him the incidents of their first mcef ing, and the courageous manner in which Clifford had rescued him from the point of tho stiletto— ho proceeded to inform him of their previous marriage, and implored not only his pardon for the rash act, but intrcatcd also that his generous preserver might be with him a sharer in his pa-tornal affection.An appeal from a beloved son so opportunely offered, carried its full effect, tho feelings of the Major were subdued—he pressed his trembling niece to his bosom, and extending his hand to Clifford promised his blessing to them both—and assured them of his future friendship and protection.Thus by an unlookod for event were this amiable young cou- 37 ( 282 ) pie made happy ; affording an additional proof that the ways of Providence, although mysterious, are wise and good.Clifford has many years since discovered, that the advice given to his Laura in lier father’s dying words, were not unprofitably bestowed—virtue and affection have shone conspicuously in her family, and at this day render them an example worthy of imitation.Nor was the good old Major less happy in his son, who was shortly after his return to England united to the woman of his fondest love-lie became the father of several fine bop and now fairly promises to keep up the “ Good old family name” in-shire where he has ever since resided on the es- tate bequeathed to him by his uncle Colonel Elvyn.SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION OF STEAM.PARIS ACADEMY OF ARTS ANI) SCIENCES.At the meeting of the Academy, held on the 7lh January a memoir was read, in which M.Pcllctan treated of the 4 Dynamic effects of a jet of steam, and the means of applying it, in a simple and cheap way, to the purpose of the useful arts.’— “ A jet of steam,” says the author, “ when thrown into a cylindrical conduit, or into a pipe filled with air, imparts the active; power, with which it is endued, to the column of air, with-out any other loss than that occasioned by the friction in the conduit or pipe.” He then gives the general formulae applicable to every case in this phenomenon, and adds, that its correctness had been established by a vast number of trials on a large scale, and that lie was ready to repeat his experiments before a committee of the members, with an apparatus of his construction.H is detail of the results, which have already ensued from his discovery, arc deserving of attentive notice.44 A jet of steam issuing through an orifice of a millimètre (french measure), under a pressure of five atmospheres, possesses a velocity of five hundred and fifty-nine metres (1084|> feet) per ( 283 ) second ; it consequently moves at the same rate of velocity as a bullet discharged from a gun.But this enormous velocity is, in its simple form, of no practical benefit, inasmuch as it cannot be converted into a useful agent ; when, however, tho steam has been enabled to impart motion to a quantity of atmosphere, the velocity, it is true, is diminished, but the mass set in motion is increased ; and, by this operation, the active power of the jet of steam is susceptible of extensive application.The clastic force of steam has hitherto been employed under pressure, by the aid of machines, which arc necessarily complicated and costly, and involve a serious loss of power from their bulkiness and friction ; but steam, acting immediately by its own power can be made to effect its objects in machines of so simple a construction, that a steam-engine of one man’s power may henceforth be worked by a common lire.Pellclan remarks, that the force of steam, so applied, may be brought directly in aid of the mechanic, and will enable him to double and treble his daily gains, instead of its powers being limited, as hitherto, to filling the coffers of great capitalists at a compound ratio.The same jet of steam, when applied to the purpose of increasing the draft of furnaces, enables the proprietor to reduce their diameter to two inches, even whore a large furnace is in question, to lead the smoke in any direction which may suit him best, and to make use of the whole heat produced.By means of this jet also a vacuum may he effected at will, in any given space however considerable it may he, and permanently maintained, not only at very small cost, but through the medium of an apparatus of the simplest construction.This process is of ready application wherever evaporation or desiccation are to he effected.Acting upon a column of air, the jet supplies the simplest and most cllicacious mode, which can be adopted lor creating blasts in forges, furnaces, &c.It appears that the inventor claims priority in this important discovery, inasmush as he communicated the properties of the jet in a paper addressed to the Academy in the year 1829 ; and ho is tenacious of tho claim, in const- ( 284 ) quonce of the latter application of the jet in impelling steam-carriages in England.The second part of Pelletan’s paper relates to steam-boats ; in this he mentions, that a boat built at Cherbourg, had been already propelled at the rate of three knots and a half per hour, by means of an engine of one-tenth only of the dimensions of an engine in another vessel, which goes at the rate of seven knots and a half; and that additions are making so as to give the new engine increased power.Pcllctan’s machinery involves no fly-wheels, nor any external enginery ; it is a re-acting machine, placed below the waterline, and beyond the reach of missiles : it takes up but little room, and docs not exceed one-tenth part of the tonnage which a vessel can carry.If the invention be indeed crowned with the success which the inventor conlidcntly anticipates, it will produce a complete revolution in the science of steam navigation.At the same meeting M.liiot reported in the most favourable terms on Pcrsoz’ artificial “ Ultramarine,” and the certainty at which he had arrived, in producing the identical articles in quantities ; and M.Costa/, read a paper on 4 A new mode of expressing the absolute elevation of geographical positions.’ M> Geoffroy St.Hilaire look his scat, on this occasion, as President of the Academy ; and M.Gay Lussac was elected Vice-President for the ensuing year.AMERICAN UIOGRAPIIY- The following obituary notice, from the Albany Argus of the ISth March, been handed to us by a friend of the late JSlrs.Lupton.We insert it with pleasure, persuaded it will tend to increase a taste for literature and science among the ladies in Canada ; and for another reason also, that the deceased had many friends in Montreal who will join in rendering homage to that lady's merits and talents.MRS.LANCASTER LUPTON.It may perhaps bo permitted one who has much known the subject of the present imperfect sketch, to trespass for a fw ( 285 ) moments upon the time of his readers, in faintly pourtraymg the life and character of one, who deserved, if ever erring mortal did, to have inscribed upon her tomb, a woman, in whose spirit there was no guile.” In a sketch necessarily so brief as this, it would be impossible to descend into minutiæ.Of her early life, the writer of this article knows but little.She was born at Walton in Delaware county.Iter father, Dr.Platt Townsend, was as justly esteemed for his science and skill in his profession, as for his many amiable qualities.Mrs.L.was married early in life, to Lancaster Lupton, Esq.a gentleman of high professional and literary attainments, and for a short time resided in the city of New-York, where her husband died, leaving to her sole care and protection an infant daughter, who survived until she had nearly completed her sixteenth year.Mrs.Lupton’s early education had not been distinguished by any peculiar advantages ; but upon the death of her husband, she devoted herself with even greater energy and pcrscvcrcnco I than before, to the acquisition of knowledge, not only as a source of rational delight and intellectual and moral improvement but with special reference to the instruction of her daughter.She personally conducted the education of her child, and witnessed with all a mother’s joy the rapid development of precocious talent and youthful loveliness, till in the hour of their brightest promise, death blasted forever her fond anticipations, by suddenly withdrawing the object of her care.The devotion to literary and scientific studies, commencing with her earliest years, was pursued with renewed and unremitted vigour upon the death of her child.Since that event, Mrs.Lupton has resided in different sections of this state, and for a short time in Canada : admired and loved wherever she was known.Her last place of residence, was at a relative’s on Long Island, where she closed her earthly career, in the emphatic words of holy writ.“ dying the death of the righteous.” ( 286 ) The talents of Mrs.JL.were of so high an order, and her acquirements of so varied and lofty a character, that it is no injustice to the living to say, that she has left behind her, in her own sex at least, few who could equal her in energy of intellect, or extent of acquisition.She had a general knowledge of natural history, in one branch of which (Botany) she was a laborious student, as well us an amateur and proficient.She spoke french with facility, and was extensively acquainted with the literature of that language.She read Spanish and Italian with ease ; was a tolerable Latin scholar, and by great diligence and self-denial, had so far mastered the Hebrew, as to have perused in that language the whole of the Old Testament.She was well versed in the polite literature of her own country, and language ; her knowledge of ancient history was distinguished for its peculiar accuracy and extent ; and her taste and skill in the fine arts excited universal admiration.—She was an honorary member of the National Academy of Design, and executed, during her leisure moments, many pieces in painting and sculpture, which have elicited from those who stand at the head of their respective arts in this country, high, but well merited commendation.In the midst of all these studies and pursuits, she neither overlooked nor despised the ordinary avocations of her sex.The productions of her mechanical skill in embroidery, needle work, dress and fancy articles, would of themselves have entitled to the praise of uncommon industry.In a word, there was nothing she attempted in which she did not excel ; and in an industrious and well spent life, there was but few things within her power, that she did not attempt.In this connexion, it should also be mentioned, that she spent much of her time in society, and mingled in its enjoyments with great vivacity and spirit.If it be asked how she found time to attempt and to accomplish so much, the answer is to be found partly in the fidelity with which she uniformly devoted a por- ( 287 ) lion of each day, and sometimes weeks iu succession, to close and laborious application, and partly in the readiness with which she mastered the subjects of her studies.To those who knew her well, all that 1 have said, or can say, will he deemed at best but faint praise ; those who knew her not, may at least infer from the facts that have been stated that she was one of those tare and highly gifted females, whose en-dowments arc not onlv an ornament to her sex, but to human nature itself.But it was not alone for pre-eminence in talent that Mr».Lupton was admired and loved.