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"A virtuous woman is man's greatest pride."—SIMONIDES.
ABROAD uneasy, nor content at home.
. . . . . .
And Wisdom shows the ill without the cure.
HAMMOND: Elegies.
TWO or three days after the interview between Lord Vargrave andMaltravers, the solitude of Burleigh was relieved by the arrival of Mr.Cleveland. The good old gentleman, when free from attacks of the gout,which were now somewhat more frequent than formerly, was the samecheerful and intelligent person as ever. Amiable, urbane, accomplished,and benevolent, there was just enough worldliness in Cleveland's natureto make his views sensible as far as they went, but to bound their scope.Everything he said was so rational; and yet, to an imaginative person,his conversation was unsatisfactory, and his philosophy somewhatchilling.
"I cannot say how pleased and surprised I am at your care of the fine oldplace," said he to Maltravers, as, leaning on his cane and hisci-devant pupil's arm, he loitered observantly through the grounds; "Isee everywhere the presence of the Master."
And certainly the praise was deserved. The gardens were now in order,the dilapidated fences were repaired, the weeds no longer encumbered thewalks. Nature was just assisted and relieved by Art, without beingoppressed by too officious a service from her handmaid. In the houseitself some suitable and appropriate repairs and decorations—with sucharticles of furniture as combined modern comfort with the ancient andpicturesque shapes of a former fashion—had redeemed the mansion from allappearance of dreariness and neglect; while still was left to its quainthalls and chambers the character which belonged to their architecture andassociations. It was surprising how much a little exercise of simpletaste had effected.
"I am glad you approve what I have done," said Maltravers. "I know nothow it was, but the desolation of the place when I returned to itreproached me. We contract friendship with places as with human beings,and fancy they have claims upon us; at least, that is my weakness."
"And an amiable one it is, too,—I share it. As for me, I look uponTemple Grove as a fond husband upon a fair wife. I am always anxious toadorn it, and as proud of its beauty as if it could understand and thankme for my partial admiration. When I leave you I intend going to Paris,for the purpose of attending a sale of the pictures and effects of M. de——-. These auctions are to me what a jeweller's shop is to a lover; butthen, Ernest, I am an old bachelor."
"And I, too, am an Arcadian," said Maltravers, with a smile.
"Ah, but you are not too old for repentance. Burleigh now requiresnothing but a mistress."
"Perhaps it may soon receive that addition. I am yet undecided whether Ishall sell it."
"Sell it! sell Burleigh!—the last memorial of your mother's ancestry!the classic retreat of the graceful Digbys! Sell Burleigh!"
"I had almost resolved to do so when I came hither; then I forswore theintention: now again I sometimes sorrowfully return to the idea."
"And in Heaven's name, why?"
"My old restlessness ret