EVELINA,

THE

PAUPER'S CHILD.
OB,

POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.

A ROMANCE OF DEEP PATHOS.

BY THE AUTHOR OF
" ELA THE OUTCAST," "THE MANIAC FATHER," &C. (_C,

LONDON :
PUBLISHED BY E. LLOYD, SALISBURY-SOUARE, FLEET- STREET,
 __ _

EVELINA,,
THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
OR, POVERTY, CBIME, AND SORROW.
A ROMANCE OF DEEP PATHOS;
BY THE AUTHOR OP "ELA, THE OUTCAST;" "THE MANIAC FATHER;*' __e. &C.

CHAPTER I. ask for foot', and I have none to give you ? O

THE DISTRESSED HOME.— THE DESPAIR OP
POVERIY. THE HUMBLE FRIEND. THE
BRUTAL PROPOSAL.
'You weep, dear mother; Ife.l yonr tears
upon laycheek ;and youlook so paleand ill that
God! ol an infinite mercy, what have we doi;e
tbat we should merit this terrible visitation of
Tby wraths Richard, my poor husband, what
can detain you, and in this fearful storm ? Alas .
alasIIfear that your melancholy errand has
proved unsuccessful, and tbat, dreading to meet

—
I
—
tremble to gazs upon you. 'Tis nnny hours
since we have tasted food;I amhungry andcold
very cold but stilt, my mother, I will not
again the famished looks of your wifeand child,
you have been driven to commit some terrible
act. Your proud and honest spirit can never
murmur. Dry then your tears, and let us offer
up our prayers to God, who will not desert us in
'
endure this unmerited affliction.
Mother, dear mother,' Raid the child, looking
this, our hour of dreadful need. upin her wretched parent's countenance, with
'My sweet child, my patient Evelina,' sobbed an expression of intelligence far beyond hei
the distracted mother, pressing the form of her years, of which not' more than seven had passed
shivering,pale, but lovely girl still closer to her over her head," you cannot think ao badly of
— "
bosom, and gazing, with despairing eyes and a
burstingheart, in her face, my own lovedchild,
can Icease to weep can I cease to weep
our wealthy fellow-creatures as to believe tbat
they will leavens here to perishof want.Colonel
Ormond is a great man, he has plentyof money
when I see your gradually declining looks, your andevery comfort, and surelyhe will not refuse
poor, tender, sinking frame ; when I hear you the supplication of my father, but will lot k

No. I,
 2 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
upon oor troubles with compassion, and affordus humble parents,he haddiscarded him, out himoff
die/.' with a shilling,and carrying his unnatural ani-
4My darlingEvelina,1 sighed Mrs. Marsden, mosity to the grave, b queathed the whole ofhis

—
'your tender innocent mind can yet form no
conception of tbe cruelty of mankind. Compas-
sion! alas1littleis the sympathy that the wealthy
have forthe miserable victims-' of poverty ;and
Colonel Ormond, I fear, is one whose heart ls
—
seldom softened to pity. Have they not stripped
us of everything we had in the world merci-
lessly torn the humblebeds from underus? and,
perhaps, before many hours have elapsed, will
not allow us even the shelter of theBe bare walls,
but will drive us forth, like the most degraded
reptiles thatcrawltheeartb, into the bleak air, to
continue to drag out a wretched existence,
through the niggardly charity of strangers,or to
perish, unheeded aud unpitied,by theroad-side.
Heaven, in mercy, look down upon us, for the
template.' —
gloomy prospect befoie us is toodreadful to con-
'1am oold cold, mother!' s_i_ the unfortu* seek the presence of the colonel.
nate child, tiemblingmore violently than before,
_nd her face becoming every moment more pale.
property to a verydistsnt relation, who was no»v
basking Inall the enjoyment it afforded him.
Colonel Ormond was in London the day this
cruel seizure was made, hut hereturned to 1is
mansion the following day, aod Mrs. Marsden
entreated her husband to seek an interview with
him, and try and move him to compassion. But
Marsden well knew the character of the colonel,
and felt convinced :*t was by his orders the dis-
tress hadb?eu leviedupon him, therefore that it
would b_ useless to appeal tohim for mercy, and it
was not until they had been rc any t;ours without
food, excepting a scanty meal supplied to them
by some of their humble neighbours, who couid
but ill afford It from their llmite I means, that
he yielded to the persuasions ofhiB wifa, and
the pale countenance of hispoor child, his darl-
ing Evelina, and hastened to Ormond Castle, to
The warring elemen's conspired to render the
horrors withuut more appalling. Tha wina howl ■

Her mother threw her arms ar und her and edin frightfu'
guits, drivinghall, rain, and sleet
enfolded her aa well as she could in her own Impetuously before it, threatening the destruc-
_c__ty apparsl; then she ledher to one corner of
,
the room which was more protected from tion of everything in its course. Theponderous
the clouds which hung over the sky rendered it
howlingblast, and theyboth crouched downnpon midnight;andthe very earth
the floor, the most pitiable objects of misery almost as dark aasteam,
sent upclou s of as horn a mighty engme,
and destitution tbat the most fertile imagination from the force ofthe violent t.rrents of hail and
could form a just picture of.
It was a bleak and dreary afternoon, about the rain whxh fell.
middle of November. AH things appeared cheer- The little Evelina grew more pale, and there
less and desolate ;It seemed impossiblethateven was a ghastly expression in her eyes,
the hearts of those who were blessed withthe which was truly appalling to behold. Her dis«
choicest gifts of fortune could be otherwise tracted mother was so faint, too, that it was
than depiessel and gloomy in such a season; with difficulty ahe could support her; or sustain
what then must have been the sufferings ot the her head upon her bosom, while she shielded her
poor, starving wretch, left destitute by thebrutal as well as she could from the pitiless b.ast, and
tyranny and sordid rapacity of man 7
must havebeen the argufah of those whose mis-
What wept 'My '
tears of thebitterest agony upouher cheek?.
God I'she exclaime J, what will become
fortnnes should have excited tho deepest com- of us? My poor child, my innocent girl, and
miseration, and whosehoneBt virtues shouldhave must you perish thus? All- pitying He ven,
entitled them to respect? come to oui relief. Richard, Richard, why o .
'
Yet such waa the situation of Richard Mars- you not return1'
din, his still lovely wife, and the little Evelina. Dear mother,' said the patient child, I
' am
Three daya before, th j merciless Bteward of bitter— better now. It was only a little faint-
Colonel Ormond had seized upon every articleof ness that came ever ms, aud the terror of the
his furniture for rent aud other arrears due, storm was toomuch for my childish frame. Poor
dragging the very beds fron underneath them, father cannot venture to return till the tempest
and laaving them nothing but tho bare walls of has'abated.'
their once happy homo to gaze upon ; and '
No, no, my Evelina!' ejaculated Mrs.
accompanied with the threat tbatin a few hours Marsden; not all the hcr.r___ of the storm, if
they would be ejected from even that miserable they
shelter.
—
were even ten ti-res more dreadful than
they are no danger, however terrible, could
£h vainhad Richard Marsden appealed to him prevent your father from retarningto our dwell-.
for mercy;she brutal answer 'he received w_s, a ing If he had gained the reliefhe went to seek.
recommendation for him to beg, or steal, or go He has failed to mo7e ihe heart of C.lonel
to the workhouse I' Osmond, and, In the f.enzy of hia despa r, has

dependent a spirit, too full of virtuousintegrity,

'
But Maraden was a mam of too prouS arid in committed some desperate and fearful act.'
Oh, horrible, my mother 1' gasped forth tha
t. conceive a dishonest action ;he had a strong child, with a shudder. 'Heaven surely
will
arm and a willingheart to work, let the employ a.ert bo s: ocking a calamity. Lst us offer up
—
ment be ever so humble or laborious, if he our prayers, r ut supplications, and they will be
ould gat It io do, and ho scorned the Ida ot heard indeed, indeed, they will!'
bec.ming a p.iuper. He was a man of superior Mrs. Mirsden kissed the g ast y cheek ofher
education and i;ir_l ectual aU-ainmenti. He had "augh'er *i.hfra_ticar Jour, and then they
seen born to _fflaence, but offending hia fa her fell on their kr-ees, and w th clasped haudg offer- both
oy his matri-'ge, his wife being the daugulsr of ed up to tha Tnrone of Grace those men
al aup„
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 3
plications which they couldscarcely find strength
to give utt-ranee to.
'
with a feeling ol themoat agonising disappoint-
ment, then it i_ not he.' She staggered across
It waB a piteous sight to behold them in that the room as well as she could, and opening the
looks and shivering forms, iu that at itude. The aud her sob.
wind swept in at the windows and the different
—
coid and comfortless room, with their famished door, gave admittance to thekind-hearted woman
They were both loaded the old woman with
crevices with the most cutting effect, and not a saucepau in hor hand, and something tied up
the least spark of fire burned In the grate, by Inher apron, andFelix, whowas a fine,hands ome
whose genial influence they might have gained intelligentboy, about ten years of age, with a
some trifling relief. Surely it must havebeen bundle on his shoulder. Tears rolled down the
a monster, indeed, whose heart could have poor boy's cbeoks when he beheld the deplorable
remainedunmoved at such a sight. condition of his youthful playmate and her mo-
Anotherhour passed of increasingmisery, and ther, and placing the bunlie on the floor, he ap-
still Richard Madden came not, although the proached Evelina, and taking her hand, looked
evening wasrapidly advanc ng, and thedistance in her pale countenance with an expression that
of the cot age was not far from Ormond Castle. showed the teelings which were passing in his
Something dreadlul must certainly hav. happen- breast. '
ed to him. AH kinds of terrible thoughts and '
Poor things,poor things1' said the compassion-
conjectures rushed upon the distracted brain of ate old woman, oh, what a cruel manmust Mr.
his faithful wite. She knew that the proud Flintbe to have done thisI But take heart,tak*
spirit ofher unfortunate husbandcouldnotbrook heart; things have come to the worst with you,
insult, even though sunk In the lowest depths and surely must soon mend. I have brought
of poverty and misery; an. Bhould Colonel you some nice broth, whichI
Oi'mond haveturned a deaf e_r to his appeal pose,and
—havemade oupur-
a little bread andmeat all that I could
to his humanity, aod to it added score and scrape together, and Godknows my means are
reproach, she shuddered to think what her small enough, or how gladly would I do more.
hu band, in the frenzy of his excited feelings, And my poorlittleFelix said as he had had a
might have been exasperated to do. Good God I good dinner and tea, he could not think of eat-
he might,even at the present time,be the inmate ing his supper, knowing that poor Evelina waa
of a prison. The thought waB too horrible for without; so hs has added that to the stock, if
endurance, and, c asping her burning temples, you will be pleased to accept of it. And then I
she gave utterance to repeat d groans of insup- have brought you some fuel to make you a fire,
portable agony. and a rug or two which may serve to make up
It was wonderful how the poor child could somethi .g of abed. Heaven help you! Iwish
support her delicate frame at ail, under such a I could do more. I'm sure my will is good
fearful trial; but she battled with it with all enough, aud I should have come before if it had
the courage of a little heroine, and Inthe mo- not been for the storm, I'm sure my heart bled
ment of her mother's greatest despair, tried to for you, whiie I listened to it.'
appear more calm. While the garrulous buthumaneMrs. Goodson
The tempest at lengthlulled, the wind gradu waB thus rapidly speaking, sbe was not otherwise

—ally died away in m.umtul, sullen echoes, and idle; she hastily spread a clean napkin on the
_
the rain entirely ceased; but tbe sole . n silence floor before Evelinaand her mother, placed on
the death like calm that succeeded was, if it some basins, pUtes, aod knives an forks, and
possible, almost as awful aa had beenthe storm the provi-iunsshe had brought, and then pro-
in its utmost fury. It appeared like the fore- ceeded with uncommon activity, for her age, to
warning of something moro dreadful that was kindle a fire in the grate.
about to happen. Mrs. Marsden's heart was full to bursting,aad

afforded a ray of comfort aud hope.

' __
Yet to the little and innocent Evelina it she could not _pe_k, while Evelina aud Felix
j>d has sobbed aloud.
' Come, come, poor things, do nat fret,' said
'
beardour pra. ens, my dearest mother,' she said,
In a stronger voice ; see, the s or__ has ceased, the kind creature, placing the saucepan ou the
and my father will return.' fire to warm the broth she had brought. 'God
'
'Heaven send tbat he may, my Evelina,' above will not forsake you in this your sad trou-
returned Mrs. Marsden. but my heart still mis- ble, and certainly the cruelty ofFliut will come
gives me. Had I only but strength, and could hom. to him. Perhaps Imaybethe nextvictim,
venture to leave you alone, I would hasten forth althoughI aud my husbandhave lived upon the
ia search of him ;but, alas 1 my feeble limbs estate fromchildhood, and our parents before na.
will scare. l y carry me ac.oss the room Ahi But there, now, tbe broth is all ready; so do uot
surely I heard a flotstep. There Is a knock at delay,but eat, eat, eat 1 andit will revive you.
the door I Richard, mybeloved husband, have I would come and stop with you to-night, aud
you indeed returned to your poor wife andchild, attend upon sou and comfort you, for Heaven
aod has your melancholy errand been success* kaowB your poor pale looks show how much yo.
'
sals' need it,but you know I cannot leavS my poor
You have nothing to fear, Mrs. Marsden, Bick daughter, who is very bad this evening,and
' only
said a well-known female voice, outside the cot- I snatched the opportunity of comingto you
tage, it is only I, your poor old neighbour, while Bhe had fallen into a doze. Now, do eat,
Dime Goodson, and my boy Felix; ao pray open that's a good creature, for I am sure you must
the door, for we have brought something lor be famishing.'
'
you.' 'Kindest of wemen1' excl.imed M.s. 'lars-
Gracious Heaven!' exclaimed Mrs. Marsden, den, pressing herhand and weeping tears ot the
 4 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD
'
warmest acfcnowledgmant, this Christian bene-
' Da not agitate yoursslf,' returned Mrs. Good-
volence, ani from one who can ao ill afford it, son; 'he will return shortly, I have no doubt,
goes to my heart. It will preserve my poor and, I hope, with good news, But I am sorry
' to say that I canoot remain any longer with you,
' life, but my husband
child's '
hopeit lest my girl should need my attendance. I will
And there will be some forhim too;I
will appease all your appetites for the present, call and see you in the morning. Good-by, and
aud God will send more,' Interrupted old Dame God ' be with you I'
'
Goodson. And may He bless you, and render the even-
But rayhusband Is away from home,' said ing ef your days happy, for all the kindness you
Mrs. Marsden; 'home,alas Idid I call it f And have shewn to me and mine I'said Mrs. Mars-*
I know not what has become of him. I cannot den, energetically, at the same time pressing the
'
eat without him.'
But do younot know whither he has gone V
good old woman's hand.
1Good night, Evelina,' said Felix, ■ my

'
InquiredMrs. Goodson.
He went to make an appeal to the humanity your
'
prayers shall be offeredup to Heaven for youand
parents.
of Colonel Ormond, our landlord ;and he has The little Evelina could make no reply, bat
been absent allthe afternoon. Much I fear that she suffered her young playfellow to press her
something has happened to him, or he would hand, and ber tears flowed fa6t. Theold woman
never have stayed away from usso long.' and her son departed, and Mrs.Marsden followed
" Oh, no, do not alarm yourself. What can them to the door, and anxiously looked out to as*
have happened to the poor man? They are cei tain, as well as thedarkness would permit her,
havingalongconversation together, and arrang- whether or nother husband waa approaching;
ingmatters; and then the storm might have but she saw nothingbut the retreating forms of
detained him. Now do let ma see you partake Felix and his mother, and she returned into the
of some food,or I shall be offended, Indeed Icottage in despair.
shall.' The Are which Mrs. Goodson had kindled now
Yieldingto the old woman's earnest and hu- sent forth a cheerful crackling blaza, whichcast
mane solicitations, Mrs.Marsdenand her daugh- a lurid reflection upon thebare and lonely walls
ter did partake of a small poitiou of the broth, of the room. The warmth, and the slight but
and some of theother provisions; and that, with nourishing refreshment which Evelina bad par-
the warmth of the lire, which was now blazingin taken of, had greatlyrevived her nearly exhaust'
the grate, did considerably revivethem ; but stlK ed strength, aud a slight hectic tinge had super-
they both anxiously watched the cottage door, seded the former ghastlypaleness ofher cheeks,
andlistened to the slightest sound, tmstlngevery but still her breast was tortured to the utmost
moment to behold the arrival of the object of degree, not only at the continued absence of her
their deep solicitude ;but still they were doomed father, but to witness the almost insupportable
to this insupportable state of doubt and sus- agony her mother was enduring.
'
pense. Suddenly, however, they were startled by
And now,' said Dame Goodson, having ar- hearing the sound of aman's voice upon the air,
ranged the rugs aad other articles ofbedding she and immediately afterwards the cottage door * as
'
hadbrought withher to the best advantageon the burst open, and Richard Marsden, his counten-
floor, there is a little somethingbetter to rest ance deadly pale, his eyes distended, his limbs
your poor weary limbs upon than the bare boards, trembling,and his whole demeanour disordered
and yon will find fuel enough to keep up a good to the utmost degree, rushed into the room.
II re all night, and I will bring yousome more in With a frantic cry of mingled delight and
the morning. I wish that I could accommodate alarm, Mrs. Marsden rushed, as well as her
you at home ;hut there are only two rooms enfeeb'od limbs would permit her, towards him,
in my cottage, you know, and they are barely and threw herself almost faiuting in, his arms ;
enough for me andmy family. Besides, most while Evelina, with a strength which from her
'ikely, if I had convenience to do so, I should recent suffering could not bave been expected,
bring down the spite of Mr. Flint, aud he would sprang toher feet, andrunning to him, clasped
of
tuiu usout our humble house as well. Ah, his knees, and looked up in bis face with an
'
ma!it is a sad thing to be lu the po war of such expression no language can properly pourtray.
cruel people. But keep up your spirits, Mrs. Richard, my husband, dear partner of my
Marsden, andyou, my dear Evelina, for Heaven, cares and anxieties,' exclaimed his wife, oh, '
I trust, has fresh happiness in store for you.' are you indeed restored to met Ob, what has
Mrs. Marsden shook her head, and her tears detained you so long? Your countenance, too,
'
flowed as fast as ever.
Toyou, my good friend,' she said, I
' is frightfully disordered, and your limbs tremble ;
am in- something particular must bave occurred to
debted for that which Iam afraid I shalt never be agitate you in this violent manner. TeU me,
able to repay, but by gratitude. Ob, what have you been disappointed1 Does Colonel
an example do you set to those who are placed Ormond remain inexorable, and is all hope at au
in the most affluent circumstances in life, and end ?'
_who take pride only to oppress and tyrannise "Hope!* repeated Marsden, in a hollow,
ver their less fortunate fellow creatures, who, hoarae voice, and staring wildlyfirst at hls wife,
'
oy the honest sweat of their brow, mase that andthen athis child, the word is bitter mockery
j
wealth they luxuriate in. But, gracious Hea- therels no hope for us, womaa ;none,none, but
/en!wbat can still detain my husband f Itis in the grave. Misery, starvation,
is alone our
jow past seven o'clock, and it vtaslittle more doom !'

han throe when he departed.'

"j Bs calm, dear Richard, for Heaven's sake P
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 5
ejaculated Mrs.Marsden ; 'dark and gloomy as Some instinctive power restrained me, or had I
oar sate at present ls, there is a great, and all. done him justiee, I shou'd have stretched him
bountiful God above, who solely wUl not dead at my feet, the moment that his lips dared
abandon ui ln oui sdveisity. See, haxe is '
to give utterance to it.'
food!'
1Food, food I— bat bow procured
Lydia, as you value my love
*' . Horror IhorrorI'
TeU me, 1Ok, yes, well may you start with horror
when you shall know all. Bat I cannot, dare
' 'Gracious HeavenI' said bls astonished wife, not, call thecrimson Dlushof shame and indigna-
what mean those doubtful looks ? It was tion into your cheek, my wife, by repeating tha
brought to me by our kind neighbour, Mrs hideous truth1'
'
Goodson.1 'Oh, name it, nam. it; this suspense ia
And shall I,Richard Marsden, who wasbore more dreadful than even the truth can possibly
to rank, to wealth, andstation, consent to drag be.'
out my miserable existence, and these of my 'Nay then/ said MarsdeD, 'even thoughIt
wife and child, from tha ebarity of those poor choke me, you shall hear it. The villain pro*;
people,' who need it nearly as bad as oui mlsed me not only the restoration of all that he
selves f has taken from me, but even to place me ina
'It wasgiven with the feeling of a Christian, state of independence, and at what price, think
and the heart of a fellow creature, ;
God willnever permit those poor people to suffer
'
Richard and you, Lydias
Oh, name, name it1'
for their humanity. It has probably saved the 1By Heaven!
the words choke me, I can-
life ot oar poor child, and preserved mine also, not.'
and therefore Iknow how highly you must
' For mercy's sake, or I
'
shall go mad
'
prize it.' Marsden hesitated for amoment er two, and
And of what useis it for as to prolong our his feelings were evidentlyin a state of the ut-

—
misery, Lydia, when aliis dark and hopeless! most agitation. At length, turning to Evelina,
Better would it be for us to rush at one. upon he gently put her from him, and in a sabdued
'
our fate, and save ourselves from the world's tone, said
'
scornaud persecution.' Retire, my poor child ; your young earsmust

dear husband,'
'
Oh, for He ven's sake, talk not thus, my not be polluted by hearingthe revolting disclo-
said Mrs. Marsden : but endea- sure.*
vour to tranquillizeyour feelings, and to partake Evelina, with an anxious and bewildered look,
of some of the humble refreshment which you retired to the other side of the room, and then
mmt ' stand so much in need of.' Marsden grasping the arm ofhis wife, and look-
—
Fray do, my dear father,' implored the little ing fear.ully in her face, said, in a low hoarse
Ereliaa, lookingup in his face withthe most In* voice 'Now, Lydia,
'
describable affection. you have asked for the disgust-
No, no,' replied th? wretched'Marsdea, with ing truth and you shall hear it. At what price
alook of
I
increasing wildness ; eat —
yourselves, think you, I say, the heartless miscreant offered
cannot; a burning thirst ls upon me my to restore me from my beggary, from pauperism,
throat is parched ; would that I had brandy, for am I not reduced to that wretched state,
that I might quaff away in deep libations the since I have been * compelled to receive the
'
fiendof thoaght.'
Alas, alas Ithis is dreadful, Richard ;what
'
charity of others f
Speak, speik, let me know ths worst al
can ' have caused this unnatural change?' once.'
Let me bar the door, and shield you
person,' cried the unhappy man, fiercely ; the
'
with my ' 'At the sacrifice of your honour!'
Great God! great God!' exclaimed the
fiend is abroad tbat would destroy you, Lydia, h rrer struck Mrs. Marsden, hiding her blush-
aad make me a wretch indeed. By ail ray ing sacs on her husband's bosom, and her whole
hopes, sooner would I see you a corpse at my frame convulsed '
the power of astonish-
'
feetI'
' —
Godof heaven,Richard, are you mad?'
Me ? yes,I am;I
ment aad indignation. Is it possible that
there can be so heartless a villain in exis
have met with that, this Sence!'
day, which would drive any man to madness. I
must be more thau man, did it not. My brain
is on fireI Oh, that Richard Marsden should
'
ever live to see this day.' * —
CHAPTER II.
THE DIKING VISIT OP THE LIBERTINE TO THE —
' Has then Colonel Ormond
Mentionnot bis name! It should freeze tbe
very blood in your veins. May the curses of
Heaven light upon him!' '
—
COTTAGE OP MISERY. THE RESULT. THE
TORTURE AND DESPAIR OP RICHARD MARS'
DIN. HIS ABRUPT DEPARTURE.
4 Oh, forbiar— forbear, my husband,' saidMrs.
'
It Is true, Lydia,' replied her husband, still
M'rsdeo, in terrified accents; 'Inever before supporting her trembling frame. This Is the
heard such fearful words escape your lips. Has _olonel Ormond from whom you expected I
'
then the colonel refused to liBten to your appeal should find humanity, aad who, in the midst of
all that abject misery which he himself has
'
for mercy? Has he made no proposal to
'
Proposal !' shouted Mauden, and his eyes caused, dared to make such a fiendish proposal
became hluod shot with rage ; oh, yes, he has te me, your husband, who has ever loved you far
made such a proposal to me, aa only a fiend more dearly thau hi. own life. God!tbe words
could mike. The monster Ithe miscreant ! still seem to hiss in my ear., and to scotch my
 6 "EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

brain. Why did I notat o_ce striKe the monster, "Apply for chanty to the man who luxuriates
whom I had been kept two hours waiting to see, in the possession of that wealth which should
at my feet, and trample upon bim ? But the have beenmine, aDd which be obtained by pre-
horror ofthe proposition took all power from me, judicingmy father against me, ifnot by a forged
and I stood pttrifi.d to the spot, as oue astound- will,' cried MarsdeD,
' bis eyes flashing with in-
ed. Tbe blood rushed to my brain, and my dignation. By the Just God above us ! I
eager tongue refused Its office ; but when I did would sooner that we had to beg our bread from
In some measure recover myself, I loaded the door to door. Lord Vernon Sidney is a villain,
miscreant with thebitterest reproaches, wbichhe who would but spurnme from him with scorn
only received with scorn, and after telling me, and ineult, and triumph in the misfortunes of
withaudacious effrontery, that I had better reflect ono whomhe always detested.'
upon it, be abruptly retired from the apartment; 'Alas . then, what course is there for us to
and, when I had given ventto my fruitless rage, pursue?' said Mrs. Marsden, wringingher hands.
I rushed from the castle, with a Becret determina- 'Despair surrounds ub on every side; and
tion, if ever the opportunity should present it- yet thereis ray uncle, Paul Langston, whom I
self, to have revenge for the inhuman insult have not seen for years. He ia rich, and,
offered to my feelings. Now, Lydia, can you although he never kept up any intimacy with my
wonder
' at my frenzy ?' family, I cannot believe that he would have tbe
'
No, no, my husband,* sobbed tbe agitated heart to see us perish for want, Write to him,
Mrs. Mareden. The villain Iwhat haB he ever Richard, and he will respond to your application,
eeen ln my conduct to inspire him with such un- I
lawful, such revolting, hopes ?'
' feel confident.'
Oh, no, no, Lydia/ replied Marsden, it
'
'
Nothing, my love,' replied ber husband. would be to no purpose. Is not Paul Langston,
* Your conduct has ever been most unblemished. your uncle, a sordid miser, who could never be
It is those modest charms, which Bhould rather induced to part with a single coin, unless he was
have repelled his advances, that have excited his certain to make twenty by it, and who never
diabolical passions, and the cowardly ruffian acknowledged either you or your parents ? I
thought to take advantage of our present miseries tell you again that such an applicationis hope-
to triumphiu the accomplishment of his wishes. less.'
But we can, we must, no longer remain here.
' Theu there is i_o hope for usat all,' said MrB
There is pollution about the very place. We are Marsden.
penniless, friendless, and better would It be for Her husband was about to make a reply, when
us were we dead, than thus to be exposed to the they were startled byhearing a loud knock at
horrors and degradation of a vagrant life.' the door of the cottage. Marsden hastily ad-
'Alac-! alasI wretched belogs as we are,' vanced towards it, and demanded who was
'
sighed Mrs.Marsden, what is to become of us? there.
And must we be thus left to perish of want ? No answer was returned, aud the knocking
Our poor child, too, must she thus early fall a was repeated. Mrs. Marsdeu trembled violently,
sacrifice to unrelentingpoverty? But no, it must and stares aghast towards the door.
not be; we must seek tbe aeylum of a work- 'God cf Heaven, protect no, Richard 1' Bhe
house, until foi tune may smUe more favours.ly cried. * They have come te ej.ct us from this

t
'
upon us/ now wretched shelter, or to drag you to a gaol.
Become the inmates of a parish poorhouse !' Our heartless oppressors aie bent to destroy
cried Marsden,
thought.
' his manly bosom swelling at
See you, Lydia, aud your fair child,
'
the us.'
Be calm, Lydia,' said Marsden ; at the
'
consigned to the tender mercies of besotted and hazard of my life Iwill protect you and my
heartless overseer., and even those of the pauper child.'
cfficial? By my soul's hopes, neverl There is Ina moment, he drew from his ooat-pocket a
work in tho country, and Iwill seek it out. long.bladed knife; but his wretched wife no
Richard Marsden is not to? proud, nor too lazy, soonerbeheld t atthan, with ashriek, she darted
to earn his living by the honest sweat of bis npon him, _ud succeeded iu wresting it from
brow ; but never will he suffer himself, and hiB hand.
those so dear to him, to become tbe victims of
' Richard, husband!' she frantically cried,
ignorant and oppressive parishauthorities. Much 1what would you do? Would you, in the des-
as my soul revolts at the bare idea of dis- peration of jour despair, sacrifice your soul, and
honesty, by Heaven! I
'
would rather become a become a murderer ? Oh, horror, horrorI '
felon, with the chanoe of procuring food for my God help me 1' ejaculated tbedistracted man,
wife and offspring. Your rich man has eome striking his forehead, 'for I know not what to
sympathy for tbe thief, as Is proved by the treat- Who's there ?' he once more 'do.
ment he receives in prison, but he has none for what brings you
demanded j and
now to the abode of misery and
or his heart broken, for the heinous crime of
'
the unfortunate pauper, who 1b starved to death, destitution ?'
Open the door, Richard Marsden,' replied
an
being poor 1'
4 For the love of Heaven, do not '
indiBtinct voice, but which he thought he had
talk thus, heard before. You have nothing to fear. I
RichardI It shocks my ears,
with the. most unconquerable dread, to hear you "
and fills mybosom woul 1 merelya word with you.'
Open the door, dear Richard,' said his wife
do so. Could wc but obtain temporary relief, we « itis probably some friend come to
might yet surm.unt the horrors of our present our pressing difficulties. ' assist usin
misery. Surely, if you were to apply to Lord 'A friend I' repeated MarBden. 'Alas !where
Vernon Sidley,hecould notrefuse you assistance.' can we hope to find one save in
heaven 1 How-
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
ever, I Bee It Is useless to struggle with our
iate, and we may ss well meet tbe worst at once.'
He slowlyunbarred the door ss he spoke, and
started back aghast, confounded, andhorror-struck
when tbe reflectionof tbe fire fell upon the fea-
tures of Colonel O mond. Mrs.Mars 'lenuttered
a faint scream, aod eunk on her knees, covering
her face with herhands.
For a few moments, the shameful and heart-
less libertine and Richard Marsien confronted
each other, and both were unable to speak.
Tbe face of Marsden beearae red with rage. He
set hia teeth, his boBom bw lied with tbe most
turbolent passions, and he clenchedhls fists, and
seemed half inclined to rush on the vi lain at
'
once. '
Base miscreant 1' he at Jength cried, dare
7
misfortunes, bad harvests,illness, and disappoint-
ment threw me back a few paltry pounds in
my rent ;and then you call me idle and impro-
—
vident! Bah I my blood toils with indignation
at the base aspersion I,Richard Marsden, who
sprang from as noble a family as you, and who
should bave been possessed of equal wealth, had
I not been robbed of it.'
During the time thatMarsden was thus speak-
ing,Colonel Ormond knitted his brows, and the
changes bis countenance underwent, plainly in.
dicated thathe was experiencing mingled feelings
of _bame, rage, revenge, and desire. He stood
by the door, and only once be ventured to cast
his eyes towards Mrs. Marsden, but his glance
met that of her husband, and he immediately
withdrew it. and listened to tbe observations of

—
you venture to this wretched home, which you
have rendered desolate, after our interview this
day? Begone, libertine, monster, lest my just
resentment tempt me to hurl you from the
threshold
' 1ke a dog.*
You would do well not to threaten Richard
Mareden. repHed the colonel, with the most as-
tonishing coo ness j 'however, I will have the
forbearance to heed not what yousay ;I came not
here to quarrel with you, but rather to come to
'
some amicable arrangement with you.'
Marsden,
' Oh, base, shameless man,' ejaculated
can you look upon this picture of misery aud
want, which you have caused, and yet treat your
wretched victims thus? Leave me, or my rage
will certainly overpower my reason, and I shall be
induced to do tbat which I might afterwards
repent.'
'
'Again I tell you, Richard Marsden,' said
Ormond, that your threats are useless aad un-
called for. I came tomake you some atoaemen t
lor the distresB I have brought upon you, under
the impression that you were idle and improvi-
dent.'
"Idle! improvide_t I' repeated the wretched ed herlooks.
man. 'Great God! can a human being endure
Marsden with the utmost confusion. He saw
that he waaa determined man, and that for him
to meet with any chance of success in his dia-
bolical schemes, he must change the tone of his
'
conduct.
Richard Marsden,' he said, I
'
amsorry for
what happened, whichoccurred entirely through
the misrtp esentatioas of ray steward, Mr. Flint.
But I am willingto make you all the atonement
in mypower, by restoring to you your furniture,
and by presenting you with asum of money, as
some trifling compensation for the sufferings I
havecaused you. You can continue to reside
on my estate, if you think proper, and I will
render you every assistance to promote your wel-
fare.'
Mrs. Marsden now looked up, and ventured
to glance towards the colonel ; but no sooner
did she behold the face of the base, designing
hypocrite, than she read at once the villanous
thoughts that were even at that momentpassing
in his mind. Crimson blushes of shame and
resentment again glared in the poor woman's
cheeks, and with a shudder of horror, she avert'
And think you,Colonel Ormond,' said Rich-
1

—
this ? Richard Marsden accused ofidleness and ard Marsden, after a pause, during wbich brief
improvideLce; he who has toiled early and late to interval be had been endeavouring to subdue his

—
support his wife and child, and never spent a indignation as much as possible, do you flatter
farthing in waite 1 Will you leavethis miserable yourself that I
abode, Colonel Ormond, before you arouse my that I
am to be thus trepanned, deceived
cannot read the monstrous thoughts
temper beyond control?' which are atthis moment passing inyour mind ?
* Be more calm, Richard,' said his wife, cling- Your very looks betray you, and Ispurn your
ing to him, and fixing upon Colonel Ormond a osier with feelings of disgust and horror, which
I cannotfind words to give expression to. No,
'
look of horror. *
Calm I' repeated Mariden, and can esn you no, I can meet death, and see my wife and poor
talk to me of calmness whila I am receiving the child dyingby my side, even thoughit be by the
insults of a man who has done us so much in- slow and lingeringprocess of starvation ;but I
jury, and would complete his infernal task by cannot, will not, meet dishonour I Begone, sir,
one of the most diabolical acts that ever stained begone, while you are safe.'lips,
the mind of a human being? Ican feel you Tbe libertine bit his and his bosom

Ifeel the wa'mth of your crimson blushes of

'
trembling on my bosom, my love, and methinks swelled with offended pride and conscious'guilt.
Richard Marsden,' he said, at last, you do
shame and indignation at the presence of that me wrongby entertaining these suspicions ofmy
man wbo could dare to couple your nane with motives,because I was silly enoughto make use,
such an infamous proposal. Colonel Ormond, Ithis afternoon, of some frivolous joke to you,
want no further words with you ;aud if you which ■■'
have one spark of manly feeling left withia your _
'Oh, God! Richard IRichard 1' ejaculated the
breast, you will immediately retire from the horror-struc and disgustei Mrs. MarBden, and
place where your presence excites somuch horror. she shrank still closer up her
to husband, whose
heaving violently with the
Does it not eatiefy you, that you have brought broad chest she felt wrath, which almost choked his
us intensity of hia
us to the brink of Btsrvation, and plundered
of ouihumble property, and for what ? Because utterance.
 8 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S _HI__-.

' Inhuman scoundrel,' he cried, clenching his affliction, the just God above, who sees the In-
'
fist, and shaking It menacingly at him, and so, Ugiltyof our conduct, will, I amcertain, shortly
when you have beggared an unfortunate man raise us again. Come, come, compose yourself,
and his family, and robbed him of all the lit- for, oh Ihow it wrings my heart to see you thus.'
tle property he had in the world, you dare to * Iknow it does, my dearest Lydia,' replied
make the honour ofhis wife the suhjsct of your Marsden, and manly tears started to his eyes ;
'
Jokes f Oh, shameless villain! What do you and It is the suffering of yourself and our child
uot deserve for this t Again I
the just Godabove
"nd wealthyColonel Ormond, I
though you
—
commaad you to that tortures me more than all. For myself I
disgustus no longer with your presence, or by care not, but to think ef the miseries and dangers
us, are the great you will have to encounter to know that we
will fell you to have no home, no friends, aud that we are to
'
the earth Uke a dog.' be driven destitute Into the wide world, like ao

'
able to oons_uer his indignation.
'
——'
Beggarly ruffian,' eried Ormond, bo longtr many wild beasts, la more thau Ican endure.
Then the degrading insulta of that heartless
Beggarly ruffian,' repeated Marsden, and his miscreant
eyes seemed to flash fire as he spoke. Ruffian, '
In your teeth— mlsereant I And since you will Think no more of It,Richard, think no more
punish you of
It; but trust in the goodness and mercy ef
persist in remaininghere, thus do I Providence, and wait calmly till to-morrow.
'
for your guiltyinsolence. Down, dog, down !' Wqo knows how
Oh, Richard, my husband1 for Heaven's sake bright a change a few hours
forbear,' exclaimedMrs. Marsden, dinging more may bring about iu our olrcumstances V
closely to him, as he wasabout to rush on the '
1Yes, yes,' returned the wretched husband,

colonel ;while thelittle Evelina, whohad alithis bitterly ; a bright change, truly,perhaps to see
me dragged to a gaol, and you left without a
time remained trembling byher parents, uttered protector, unprovided for, and at the mercy
a scream of terror, and threw herself on her
knees, with clasped hands and the most suppli- of that scoundrel who has had the shameless
diabolical, his
catinglooks, between her father and Ormond, effrontery to acknowledge his
who was unarmed, and whoseBlender figure pre" '
revoltingpassion.'
sented amost remarkable contrast to tbeathletic ' Bathe will not dare, Richard V
He will not dareIwhat is there that he will
and finely proportioned frame of Richard Mars*
'
den. '
not dare to do!'
But surely the law will protect us in our
And you, Colonel Ormond,' continued Mrs.
Marsden, 'Inow oondescend to speak to yeu, forlorn condition V
as well as my disgust and shame will permit me ls no
,
■ The law willpunish us my dear wife.
There
to do, to tell you that your conduct disgraces you Lydia,Justice it
for the poor and oppressed. Oh,.
mercy
as a man, a Christian, and a gentleman.' would bs a to us were the
Colonel Ormond had retreated nearer towards Almighty to take us to Himself."
■ It might, it might, Richard,' sighed
the door, andthe rage that filledhis bosom needs '
wife. But His will, and not ours, be done.
his
no description to bring it to the imagination. Come,
Andso, Richard Marsden,' he said, gnashing come, again let me Implore you to partake
his teeth, and frowning frightfully, ( you would of some refreshment, and then to endeavour to
commlta cowardly outrage upon me, at thever/
snatch an hour or two's repose ; there Is no fear
moment when I would offer you redress for tho of our being any furtherdisturbed to-night.'
wrongs I possibly may haveInflicted on you, and Marsden's mind wandered in the distraction
render you assistanceIn your present difficulties. ofhis thoughts,and for a time he seemed to he
Mark me, you shall have bitter reason to repent unconscious to the circumstances of the moment.
this, unless yeu make anampleapology for what He therefoio made no resistance to his wifo,
yon have said, and tha indignities you have who,faint as she herself was, led him towards
heaped upon me. This night, for the sake of that part of tho room where tbe remainder of
your wife and child, I willleave you undisturbed, the provisions, which old Damo Goodson had
but beware of to-morrow.' brought, were spread, and he threw himself on
With these words, the libertine, without wait- the floor, and covering his face with his hands,
ing for any further reply from Marsden, left the sobbed heavily. Mrs. Marsden seated herself by
cottage,
—
' closing the door violently afterh'm. his side, andby all tho fond endearments she was
The cowardly scoundrel,' exclaimedMarsden ; capable of, endeavoured to rouse him lrom his
I 1and must I submit to him to him that has lethargy of anguish.
brought me to beggary, and wouldadddlshonsur Evelina had beforeleft the side of her parents,
to misery J Oh, God! Thou art trjlng me and had stretched her limbs upon the rude
too far. Mypoor wife !my darling child 1 and pallet which Dame Goodson had made up for
must I not only see you starving, but insulted them Fatigue, and the genial
by the tyrant who ha^ caused thisV Are, had gradually overpowered influence of the
her, and she
'Dear R'chard,' said the palient and gentle was now wrapped in a calm
wife, looking up with tearfnl eyes in his face, sleep. Her mother imprinted and refreshing
and twiningher arms around his neck, for my her cheek, and then fondly a soft kiss upon
sake, for ihe sake ef our child, restrain your tion of her husband directed the atten-
feelings, and endeavour to think calmly and dis- him from Ms fearful towards her. It aroused
passionatelyupon our prsent wietched situation, her, fora few moments,
abstraction, and he gazsd on
The villain will not be permitted to triumph over earnestness andagony of thought with the most intense
ns altogether, and though we are at present, 'Sleep oo, little sufferer,' h. s'ghed
Heaven knows, sunk low enough ln the world's may the all-merciful God 'and
aoove watch over

15 AP51
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 9
your slumbers. Alas, alasIWhere will be your
resting
* 0_,place to morrow?'
do not give way to this dreadful des-
pair, Richard,' saidhis wife, lookingimploringly
'
in his face, andlaying her fair hand on his.
The Almighty will not reject the humble but
devout prayers that we have offered up to Him.
He will not leave u9 without a shelter, and
friends may yet appear to render us assistance
ln 'our destitution.'
Friends, Lydia I' replied Marsden; where
' Fondly they embraced each other, aad then
shall we seek them t * Who will commiserate
vith us In our hard lot ? We have no friends
but our poor neighbours, who have it not in
their po_er to assist us. Could Ibut obtain
employment, however menial, that Imight be
enabled toleave this neighbourhood, I
— could try
to hope, but as it is, alasIand with no other
prospect before us but starvation can any oue
wonder at my madness, my despair V
1Repose
'
yourself to-night, Richard,' again
supplicated Mri. Marsden, andto-morrow you
may seek and find that employment which you
'
so much require.'
And, Inthe meantime, what is to become of
you, Lydia,aad our poor child . WiU jou not
'
be driven from this wretched abode ?' '
Oh, no,' answered Mrs. Marsden; bad and
—
oppressive aman as Colonel Ormond has proved
himself to be,I cannot believe that he could be
so c uel so totally heartless as to drive ub
forth, destitute and perishing. Besides, Mrs.
Goodson, I am certain, poor aB she is, would
not see us want.'
(
And ahallI submit toreceive assistance from
the poorest of my fellow creatures, aud to tahe
that food from them wh'ch they want for their
own family! My heart recoils at the thought.
Lydia,it must not be/
Again the weeping Mrs. Marsden tried to
remontrate with him, and persuade him to eat,
but for s.me time in vain ; at length,to quiet
her anguish, forhe was too sick at heart to eat,
althoughhe had fasted so long, he yielded to her
solicitations, and forcibly swallowed a mouthful or
two.
'I
'I cannot eat any more, dear Lydia,' he said ;
am not hungry,indeed Iam not.'
'Come, 'then, my husband,' ejaculated Mrs.
Mars len, let ubofferup our supplicationsto the
Most High, who never turns a deaf ear to the
prayers of those who deserve His mercy.'
Tmtressed by the solemnity of her manner,
Rieiard Marsden made no reply; but immedi-
ately Bank ob his knees,and clasped his hands
together. His wife knelt byhis side, and long
and fervently did tbey mutually supplicate the
Almighty to look down with compassion upon
them, and to release them from their present
horrible state of distress. When they had con-
cluded, they fell Into each other's arms,and wept
unrestrained, unable to give any vent to their
powerful s.elingi.
How long they remained in this state, we
oannot say ; but suddenly Mrs. Marsden felt a
heavy drovstaess stealing over her senses, which
she could not shake off, but which wai not sur-
pricing, after the ta'i^ue, both of mind and body,
waieh sbe had undergone.
'[must lie dawn, dear Richard,' she said;
No. 2.
' sleep presses on my eyelids, and Icannotresist
it.''
Sleep, dear Lydia,' replied her husband.
'And oh, may its balmy influence bring you
comfort.'
4But you will
seek repoie also, will you not,
'
my dear husband V she inquired.
Presently, my love,presently. Heavenbless
you!'
Mrs. Marsden laid herself by the side of her
daughter, and, olosing her weary eyes, for the
present found a rosplte to her miseries.
Marsden arose from the posture in which he
had been sitting,and for a few mouuteshe strode
rapidly across the cheerless apartment, and beat
his breast, and struck his foreheadalternately.
Despair was upon his heart, hud madoess had
almost settled upon hisbrain.
Again he returned to the spot where his wife
and child were sleeping, and once more sitting
down on the floor, he placed his elbows on his
knees, and resting his head upon his hands,
gazed with frenzied looks at the unconscious
sleepers.
And as the wretched man thus sat, dark and
terrible were the thoughts tbat rushed upon his
aching brain, and fearful were the visions that
arose to his fevered Imagination. Hideous forms
seemed to dince around him, and ti point with
derisive looks at the pale countenanceus hie wife
and child. Then the grim phantom of Want
seemed tostand at the head of their rude pallet,
and while Itwavedits (leshless arms over them,
their aheeks became hollow and wasted, their
eyes sunk in their sockets, like those ofa corpse ;
.
and theyappeared t be suffering tbe ' most insup-
portable aud indescribable agony. Food1food !
give us food 1' he thought he heard them cry,
and with a srenz.cd exclamation, be started to
his feet.
'
—
'Christ help me!' he cried; shall I
this f No, no ;better that I
endure
at once terminate
their existence and my own, rather than that
they should be brought to so horrible a fate.
Heaven pardonme for the unnatural deed, and
receive their unspotted souls !'
The distracted man seized aknife as he spoke ;
madness was upon his brain, and fiends of dark-
ness seemed urging him on to the bloody doed.
He stood over the sleeping forms ofhia innocent
wife and child, with the knife in his hand, and
baredtheir fair necks to receive the fatal wound.
What amoment of terror was this, and the in-
tended victims all unconscious of the dreadful
fate which threatened them, Rut suddenly a
sickly faintneas came over him ; large drops of
per -pir_tion started to his burning temples, he
threw the knife from him, and started back
appalled and tremblingwithterror at the thoughts
which returning reasoncrowded withoverwhelm-
ing 'forceupon his brain.
' Wr_tch 1 unnaturalmonster 1' he exclaimed,
what bloody deed was I about to perpetrate f
Murder my innocent wife and child in their
sleep ? Oh, horrorIhorror! Let merush forth,
and wander anywhere, until I have got rid of
theseinhuman thoughts. Should Iremain here,
madness may again se;ze upon my brain, and
then I m:gtit imbrue my hands in the blood of
 10 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ",

those itis my duty to protect and oherish. They th.rain andhall rattled against the windows fit
Bleep soundly,andprobably will not awake before to *force them in.
my return, and will therefore be Ignorant of my Oh, Richard,' she cried, 'where can you find
absence. For this night they are safe, too, for no a shelter in such a storm as this, aud what could
one will venture to intrude upon them. God ind c_ you to leave the cottage at all1 Surely
helpxn.! God help me1' youneed not thus needlessly have added to the

scarcely knowing what he

wall the following words :
—
He drew apiece of chalk fromhis pocket, and, acute misery of my mind, and the dreadful
did, he wrote on the thoughts to which your mysterious disappearance
must naturallygive rise V
4Dear wife, fear not, Ishall soon return.' She walked towards the window, but the
He then snatchedup his hat,and with a groan frlgbtfulness ofthe tempest would not allow her
of agony, rushed irom tho cottage, securing the to contemplate it, and she again went to the
door afterhim. corner ol theroom in which Dime Goodson had
spread the substitute for a bed, and seated her**
self upon it, and anxiously listened between the
pauses of the blast to catch thesound of any

—
CHAPTER III.
——
THE ADVENTURE IN THE RUINS. THE ROB-
BERS. THE BURIED MONEY. THE MURDER
AND ACCUSATION.
Richard Marsden hadnot quitted the cot-
tage more than half an hour wheu his wife
awoke. The fire wasstill burningbriskly in the
grate, aud it cast a lurid glare through the
empty room. Mrs. Marsden immediatelyraised
her head, and looked around her, and not seeing
him anv where, bhe became alarmed, and started
to her feet.
'Richard, Richard, my husband, oh, where
are you?' she cried, wringingher hands. She
then entered each of the other deserted room.,
'
but'could not find the object ofber anxiety.
My God I' sbe ejaculated, whither can he
have gonef He surely cannot have deserted us
in this our misery. Ob, no, no,hecould not be
so cruel. Heaven preserve him from any rash
approaching footstep, but none met her ears ;
aodevery moment her alarm increase!.
Evelinastill slept soundly,and nothingseemed
likely to disturb her repose for some time.
'Heaven be thanked for this,' said the
wretched mother, 'may your sleep ha bound,
calm, and refreshing, my poor child; for were
you aware of the absence of your father, your
anguish of mind would be more thau your en-
feebled state could bear.'
She pressed a kiss upon the lovelygirl's lips,
and then resumed her weary watchingfor the
return of her wretched husband ; the most
dreadful forebodings entering her mind, as the
time elapsed, aid the
* storm Increased.
.
Richard Marsden, on quitting his lonely
cottage, with his hands clasping his burning
temples,rushed heedlessly on for some distance,
with all tbe air of a maniac; aud In truth
at that time he wa very littlebetter than one.
■

act to which his agony might drive him.'
She teturned to the apartment she had left,
and then, for the first time, her eye caught the
wiltingon the wall. She read the words again
and again, with a bewildered brain, and then
once more she wrung her hands and beat her
'
breast in the agony ofher anxiety.
'
Alas! alas1* she sighed, what can hemean
by this f What purpose could have taken him
out at such a time as this, and to leaveus alone
and unprotected.'
Again she seated herself by the side of the
sleeping Evelina, and ber tears gushed forth in
torrents. Ii vain she racked her bewildered
brain to endeavour to form a conjecture as to the
cause of her unhappy husband's conduct ;aud
imagined all Borts of fearful dangers that he
would be likely to fallinto ; but to no satisfactory
conclusion could the wretched woman come.
She knew of no place that hecould have gone
to ;and without auy person to consult with, her
suspense and anguish of mind rose beyond
endurance. Had it not been so late, and the
fear of leaving Evelina alone, she would have
sought the cottage of Mrs.Goodson, and making
her nad herhusband acquainted with the par-
ticulars, have had their advice upon the eubj.ct.
But aa it was, she bad nothingleft but toendure
ber doubts and her misery alone.
And now another storm arose, which threat*
ened to be as violent as that which had raged in
the afternoon. A;ain the bellowing wind, seemed
to shake the cottage to the very foundation, and
Still strange and frightful visions seemed to
arise tohis disordered imagination, and goaded
him on to frenzy.
He knew uot whither he was going, and he
hadno settled purpose; all that he kne.v was
that he had been goaded on to contemplate the
perpetration as amoBt hideous crime, and that he
was rushing from the danger; but when the
remembrance of those few minutes of horror,
when the livesof Evelinaand hermother bung
upon a thread, and that he might have become
their murderer, came to his recollection, his
agony of thought was almoit more than, in his
then distracted state, he had strengthto bear up
ag.list
At length, breathless with the wild speed at
which he had been going,he was compelled to
pause, and looking around him, found that he
waB a considerab e distance from the cottage, and
that it would take him some time to get back
again. But could he dare venture to returnin
hls piesent state of mind, wben probably the
frenzy of a moment might plungehim into the
perpetration of so horrtble a crimes He could
not ; and yet the agony and suspense which his
wife aud (laughter would suffer at his disap-
pearance, should they awake, was cause of
numerous conBictiog and racking thoughts in
his* brain.
My God Imy God!' he groaned,
striking
his forehead, 'what have Idor.e— of what
dreadful crimes have I been guilty,that Thou
should'st thus seveiely visit me with Toy wr .thI
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 11
And myinnocent wife aud child, am and was really frightful to contemplate and
why, if I
tP
doomed to suffer, should theybe made to par- listen to.
ticipate in my misery t Mercy 1 mercy, I he- Suddenly Marsden was aroused from the deep-
seech Thee, if not for me, at least for those who lethargy of thought he had sunk into, by hear-
are far more precious to me than my life's blood. ingthesound of approaching footsteps, which'
My father, had you been now living,
methinks seemed tobe entering the ruins. He arose upon
the wretchedness of ray present condition must his feet, and drew in his breath, and listened ;
havemovedyour flinty heart to relent, and have not that he was alarmed, for under any circum-
induced you to perform that duty towards me stances, he was a man unusei to fear ;bat iu
which I never by my conduct forfeited. And spiteof all the terrible thoughts with which hfe
shall anotherbask in that wealth which byright mind was haunted, his curiosity was excited1,.
belongs to me, and I and my wife and child be and he determined to gratify it if possible. Still*
left to perish of hun.er. By Heaven !reason there was nothingsurprisingin tbe circumstance,
and justice revolt at the idea. Lord Vernon, it as it was more than probable that the sounds
is well for you that you are not here, or 1know only proceeded from some travellers who had
not what,iuthe despair of my mind, I might be sought shelter In theruins like himself.
tempted to do.' The fo.tstepa approached nearer, aud pre-
He shuddered as these thoughts occurred to sently afterwards Marsden beheld a stream of
'
him. ' light upon the broken pavement, which seemed
Alas!he cried, poverty, want, andoppres- to proceed from a lanteru carried by somebody.
sion, havemade me a villain. Heaven keep atf He drew himself behind the ruins of a wait
temptation away from me in this fearful hour, or wherehe could observe all thatpaBsed, and with*
I know not, when I think upon my starving wife out entertaining much apprehension of beiDg
and chiid, what I may be prompted to commit. discoveredhimself; andin a moment afterwards
Colonel Ormond, villain, you are the cause of all he beheld two tall men, In long smock frocks,
this,and may the corse of Godpursue you for it enter ihe space he had just quitted. One of
todestruction.' them carried a small dark lantern iu his hand,
He wandered on unknowingwhere to go, or aad they looked steadily about them, asif they
what to do, and yet not finding courage to return were fearful of some otherperson being there to
to his miserable aud ruined home ; but at length observe them.
the wind suddenly arose, howlingaround him in Marsden had a distinct view of theic features,
terrific gusts, and then the rain poured dawn in and was certain, even bewildered as his mind
one complete sheet of water. 2.or the moment then was, that he should know them again.
—
the shock overpowered him, the fury ofthe wind They weresavage and desperatelooking feUows,
almost drove him off bis feet ;but he quickly andone of themhad a peculiar scar on his left
recovered himself, and s .Id cheek. They both had thick sticks, and they
'The ragi g tempest comes as if tomock my seemed altogether tbe sort of characters that
■

Bufferings; but I am proof aga ust its fury ; would not hesitate to perpetrate any crime. He
] heed it not; it is in unison with my mind. Immediately suspected they had beeu after no
But oh, what will now be the terrorsof my wife good, and this conjecture was quickly con-
and my poor Evtlma? S .all I
N ', no;Icannot meet them yet. I
return to them ? firmed.
caanot trust
'
There's not much fear of'any one observing
myself with them, for there is a demon raging us here/ said one of them ; for it is not many
in my brea-t, which goads me on to madness.' persons who would seek this gloomy, crazy old
Henow remembered the ruins of an ancient place,
castle which stood no great distance from the
' even '
for shelter from a storm like this.'
No,'answered the other; but we had better
spot, and thither he determined to go, and seek despatch this business as quickly as possible, for
Bhelter until the fury of the storm should bave I do uot think weare safe a moment whi'e we
abated;but he was eo worn out with the un- are here. I heard some footsteps approaching
common fatigues of body andmind he had so just after we had settled the business for him,
longbeeu enduring,that it was with difficulty and should they trace us here, it would most
hecould proceed;and being now drenched to lkely be a settler for us also.'
the skin, added to the misery ofhis condition. 'Ay,' coincided the ruffian; 'but now about
At last, however, he gained the ruins, which the swag. I did not think he hadso much about
had a most solemn if not ghastlyappearance in him. I think, as you say, it wo'Id be better
thatmiserable hour. The wretched man, how- for us to bury it here for a day or two, when wo
ever, entered them without a shudder, and cancall for it, and then if we should happen to
selecting a portion of them that was not so de- be taken on suspicion, they will find nothing
cayed as the rest, he threw himself upon one of about us to criminate us. We will keep a gui-
the fallen stones, and gave himself up to the nea or two for our present use, of course.'
'
horrorand despair of his thoughts. '
Agreed,' said the villain whobad spoken first,
His position was, however, a most dangerous so quick about It, for 1don't feel altogether
one, for, with every gust of wind, eome portion comfortable until we are off. Under this atone
of the ruins keptfalling,and threatened to crush will do ; we shall be sure to know the spot
him eve-y instant beneath them. But he again.'
heeded It not, and, in fact, in the dreadful state Marsden watched the murderers with themost
ofmind he was then, he would have met death breathless attention, and the conflict of his feel-
ia any shape without terror. ings, at that time, was of the most extraordinary
But the violence of the storm abated not ;on description.

,«__.■■■. ___i ■ ■
-
tbe contrary, it seemed to increase every instant,
.. in i i__.i
Tbey quickly removed a small square stone
.__.__ >i ii.Jl _Hx'_h__i -a ■
— .!__»..- -.—
*
 12 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;
from the earth, and taking out a long clasp knife,
began to dig a hole with it, which they soon
accomplished ;andone of them having taken i
couple of pnrses, apparently well filled, from t
pocket underneath his smock-frock, extracted
two or three pieces of goldfrom one of
them, and
'
then threw them ioto the bole.
You must not forget the gold tickers, Joe,'
'
mid one of the scoundrels.
Oh, by no manner o' means," returned Joe.
'Therehe goes, and a very pretty little toy it is
too,which, before many days have elapsed, we
into the rowdy.'
will take the libertyof conwartln'piece
The gold watch, wrappedIn a of paper,
wasnow placed withthe money ; the hole filled
up,and thestone placed over it, in the same
manneras before-
'
■There,' sad the fellow who had been called
by h s companion in crime, Joe ; that's all as
snog as the bank, and they must be cunning
indeed, who can discover It. Now for a bolt,
while the coast is clear.'
They immediately withdrew from the rutnl,
andleft Marsden In a state of mind that lan-
guage must fail to do justice to. He could
scarcely believe the evidence of his senses, in
respect to wbat he had witnessed ;but n»w came
the fearful struggle of passion in his bosom.
Tho wretches hadevidently committed murder,
and that gold was the produce ef their crime.
For amoment he hesitated ;he felt that it was
his duty to create an instant alarm, eo that the
wretches might be pursued and brought to
punishment;but then the famished looks of his
wife and child presented themselves to his
imagination,and temptation held its sway over
hia better feelings. That goldwouldsave tbem
iiom want,and would probably bethe means of
placing them in comfort ;and had he not better
haveit thantbe wretches who had committed
tbe deedI This thought decided him, and has-
teningto the spot,he stooped down, aod with
the aid of his clasp knife,removed the stone,
dug out the earth, and came to the valuable
booty. And here again hisheart tailed him, for
hia conscience told him he was doing wrong;
but his wife and Evelina again rushed upon bis
thoughts,and with the laugh of a madman, he
snatched the purses and the watch from their
place of concealment.
Quickly he placed the lll.gotten booty in his
bosom, and heedless of the storm, which was
still unabatedin fury,he rushed from the ruins,
andfled breathless along the road which led to
'
his cottage.
'
My wife,my child, shall not perish of hunger,'
he cried ; for I have gold,gold, and I havenot
steeped my soul incrime to obtain it. Ha, ha,
haITyrant Ormond, I now defy you, for Ihave
tbat which will render me independent of you.'
Wretched manIhelittle anticipated the misery
that was ln store for him;but on he ranpanting
with eagerness to reach his dwelling,that he
might, as he thought,impart comfort to his wife
andchild.
But he was suddenly startled and alarmed to
behold severallightsglimmeringas if from lan-
ternsat no considerable distance in the same
road he was pursuing, and not doubliDg for a
momeut that the murder had been uncovered,
the
and that these were persons in pursuit ofand
assassins, he plunged into a more gloomy
unfrequented way by the roadside, and then pro-
ceeded towards his cottage by a more circuitous
route. What a tumult of thoughts rolled through
and distracted the unfortunate man's brain,but
nothingcould stay him in his hurried course
towards his dwelling with hie ill-gotten booty.
Once or twice,however, he started, and looked
eagerly around with alarm, as he Imagined he
heard the sound of pursuit ;but ho saw nothing
but the glimmering of the light he had before
seen at a dlstanoe, and Itseemed to him that the
persons who bore them were making their way
towards theruinsbe had so recently quitted.
« Ye are too late,' he said, with a laughof ex.
ultation, as he againproceeded on his way ;■ the
prize je seek is mine. Ibe gold is all secure,
and my wife and child shall be snatched from
the horrors of misery and want.'
What a fearful change will despair too often
work Inthe most noble mind. Under any other
circumstances, Richard Marsden would have
shuddered withhorror at the bare Idea of appro-
priatinga single coin of the money to his own
use,and he would nothave rested until he had
givensuch information as would probably have
Uito the detection of the villains ;but now he
was blinded by the horrors and hopelessness of
bis situation, and conld see nothingbut the pale,
haggardfaces,and attenuated forms of his wife
and child ;and the idea of the means he now
possessed of saving them from themost wretched
ot fates completely stifled every other thought.
AlssI little did he anticipate thedreadful destiny
that wasin store for bim ;bow dearly he would
have to pay for the tem_ oiary possession of the
price ofbloodI
In the utmost agony and anxiety of min„ hsd
Mis. Marsden watched and waited for tbe return
ofher unfortunate husband ;and when minu'o
after minute elapsed, and still he came not, her
misery became perfectly insupportable; and she
wrnngher hands, and wept bitterly. Once or
twice ahe was half resolved to rush from the
cottage, in spite of the storm,and the lateness of
the hour, in search of him ; but she, looking
at hersleepinggirl, could not, dannot,leave her
alone.
And now, between thepauses of the tempest,
the unhappy womanimaginedshe heard all kind
of strange and horrible noisesin the air. More
than once she was almost certain that she beard
the cry of Marsden, followed by fearful groans,
as if proceeding from some poor wreteh in his
dyingagony; and so powerful was that impres-
sion, that her brainbecame bewildered and dis-
tracted;her tremblinglimbs could no longer
support her exhausted frame, and she sunk on
tbe floor, and placedher flBgers in her ears, as if
to endeavour to shutout the appallicgsounds she
'
imagined sheheard.
'
Ob, Richard, Richard,' she ejaculated, why
did you leave me taus, aod for what purpose t
Surely it was cruel thus to add to my dreadful
feelings of anguish and suspense. Heaven pre-
serve him fromall barm, for much Ifear that
sometblog tearful is yet in store for us. Colonel
O.mond, cruelmao Iit is you that has
' »iou_o.t
our misery aud destruction.
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 13
'Mother, dear mother, oh, where are you ?' 19 gold,gold ;enough to make usonce more com-
said Evelina, who had just atvoke, and missed fortable and independent.
ber parent fromher side. Mr_ Marsden uttered ascream of astonishment
'lam here, my poor child,' said Mrs. Mars- and tcrrcr as her wretched huibaid displayed
'
d".n, staggering towards her, and strainingher to the money ;and a deadly feeling of horrot __t
her agitated bosom ; do not be alarmed, your through her frame. To her frenzied imagina-
'
mother willnot leave you for an Instant.' tion, at that moment every coin of the money
But where ii my poor father !' asked the which Marsdenstrewed upon the floor seemed
'
child, looking anxiously ronnd the miserable stained with blood, and the most agonising and
'
apartment. I do not seehim.' insupportable apprehensions immediately took
Mrs. Marsden, with a sigh, and wringingher
'
Alas I your father has gone, Evelina,' replied possession ofher.
Ob, Richard, Richard 1' she gasped forth,
bandsin the anguishof her apprehension. Axing upon him alook wbich seemed as if it
'Gone I' repeated Evelina; 'ob, where, my would have penetrated to his very soul; 'what
'
mother 1' has despair and madness driven you to dor
storm again rages so violently, —
1know not,and thehour is so late, and the How came this money in your possession!
thst— but do not Answer me, as you value my life, aod remove
be alarmed, my dear child ; he he will soon the dreadful thoughts that now distract my
return, I doubtnot. See, hehas left word tbat mind.'
he wil.'
' "Tis mine, wife,' answered Marsden. 'Fear
Ob, how conld he leave nsin such a state ?' not, thereis no one'that will come te claim it.
'
said the weeping child ; andfor what purpose I found it, and
can he again have bravedthe terrors ofthe night. 'Foundits repeated Mrs. Marsden, with a
Should he encounter that cruel man, Colonel look ofincreased amazement and terror. 'Ob,
Ormond, the consequences might be dreadful.' MarsdenIthis suspense is maddening. Wretched
' Fear not, Evelina, they will not meet again '
man, you woulddeceivemeI'
husband, in a
to-night. Itis not likely that Colonel Ormond
I repeat,' Lydia,' said her whom themoney
voice, thatI
Is ont at Buch an hour of the night andin such faint know not to
a tempest." belongs. I found it,not long since, In the old
' And I had such a sweet dream, dear mother,' '
castle ruins.'
'
Oh, most improbablestory,' ejaculated Mrs.
sail the poor child. 'Ithought tbat our horns Marsden ; you never gave me eaose to doubt
was again bappy and cheerful, and yourself and you before, Rlcbard, and, if you would not
my tet her were onomore smiling and content. driveme to destruction, you will at once reveal
Plenty was npon our table, and I imagined that to me the truth.'
mypoor father had a large sum of money, an 'Woman,' said Richard Marsden, with a
almost countless heap of glittering gold, and my look of sternness and ln accents of anger he
heart bounded with transport to beholdhow rioh had never assumed towards hls wl'e before,
'
we were. AlasIalasIto what a terrible dis- will you not believe my assertions t Think
appointment have I awakened1' you that I have committed robbery toobtain this
Mrs. Marsden pressed her still closer to her glittering booty! But, hark! wbat noises are
bosom, and her tears fell fast upon her face, those upon the air1 Do you not hear themt
andchoked herutteranco. But suddenly they and those lights that are flickering yonder.
were both startled byhearing a voiceoutside the What
cottage, and before they could move from the
' can this mean I' '
See,' cried the alarmed Mrs. Marsden, the
spot, thedoor wasburst open, and RichardMars. lightsapproach nearer. The persons who cany
den, breathless, and fearfully excited, entered the them are coming towards the cottage. God of
room. HeavenI what can be the meaning of this (
Mrs.Marsden andher [daughter, with an ex- Horrible apprehensions crowd upon my brain.
clamation of mingledjoyand alarm,flew towards Speak to me, Richard, and for the lovo of
giveme some explanation.'
'
him, andgrasped his hands eagerly.
Thank God, thank God!that you have re-
Heaven
'Let me
'
_»r the door,' exclaimed Marsden,
turned, my husband,* ejaculated Mrs. Marsden, with a wildand ghastly look. They must not
when she at length found strength to speak ; enter. Let me conceal the money I quick,
us,and whither have yeu been Insuch a stormV
'
'but, ob, tellme, how conld you think ef leaving quicklorIamlost.'
'
Wretched man,' screamed Mrs. Marsden,
Marsden, whosebrain was disturbed with the clingingto him, of whatrash and desperate
various and conflicting thoughtsthat rushed upon aothave you been guiltyf Horror! horror!'
it, looked wildly aod vacantly at his wife and 'Father! dear father!' oried the distracted

hysterical laugh.
'
daugher for an instant, andthen burst into a loud Evelina looking piteously and Imploringly up
in his face, ch, speak to poor mother, for
'
'Oh, Heaven!' exelalmel Mrs. Marsden, mercy's sake do.'
terror nearly overpowering her ; misery and 'OhIthey arehere I'frantically cried Marsden,
despair have destroyed bis reason. Oh, Richard, as the lights from a couple of lanterns gleamed
for the loveof God, speak to me;if only one in at the cottage windows, and a loud knocking
"
word.' was immediately afterwards heaid at the
' "
'Tis done, Lydia, 'tis done,' answered Mars- door. '
den, intbe Barne wild manner, our misery is Lost !lost !' shrieked Mrs. Marsden ; some
over; you shall not perish of want, nor you, my dreadful danger threatens us. Oh, Richard,
child. Fortunehas smiled upon me. See here, you have brought destruction uponus I'
 14 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
1Let them eome in
I' groaned the distracted
' A very likely story/ said the man.
man,* let them come in. I bave done nothlog! "Oh, surely you will not disbelieve it,' cried
What cau they want with me ?' Mrs. Marsden, her soul trembling with horror
The knocking was repeated, andthee several and * Soagony.
voices commanded them to open the door. The you admit havingbeen to t he castle ruins
horror-stricken wife and daughter,
frantically to Marsden, whose countenance was
clung 'recently?'
I
demanded one ofthe men.
do/ answeied the distracted Marsden; 'I
as pale as death, and the veinsof whose forehead had not returnedmany minutes when you name
were swelled almost to bursting with the in- to the cottage. By all your hopes beware how
tensity of his agony. you
'Open the door it is useless to disobey usI' For endeavour to criminate an innocent man.
imploreyou.
; '
said one of the men outside, if you do not I
the Bake of thesepoor sufTerers I
knew notevenof the death ofthe unfortunate
immediately comply, we will forceit open.' Colonel Ormond, and had not seen anything of
'For the love of God, what do you wants' himsince visited my cottagein the evening.'
* Perhapsheyou
exclaimed Mrs. Marsden, still clinging with will not attempt to deny that
frenzied
' vehemence to her husband. this knife is yours, it is marked with your name,
A foul and inhuman murder, '
and robbery
has been committed,' replied the man; Colouel blood?'
and the blade and handle are stained with
Ormond has been assassinated on hit way home Richard Marsden uttered a groan of Indescri-
from tbis cottage, and we have sufficient proof bable anguish and despair,and clasped his burn*
that Richard Marsdeu is the perpetrator of this ing temples. It was the koife with which he
monstrous crime.'
' — —
had raked the mould from the hole, and which
'My busbard a murderer and a robber!' inhis excitement he had left behind him. It
shrieked the appalled woman, oh, no no,no waa the same knife which his wife had also I
it cannot be ! It is some dreadful mistake. wrested from him,previous to his interview with
He is innocent ;his soul would recoil at the Colonel Ormond, and having slightly out his
bare idea of such a crime. And yet this gold 1 handia gettingit from him, had causedthe staia
Hoiror t horror V of blood mentioned.
It was not wlthoit the greatest difficulty that No words could do justice to the feelings of
Mrs.Marsdencould prevent herself from sinking tbe wretched Mrs.Marsden and Erelina at this
to the earth, while Evelina clung to her father's extraordinary combination of dreadful proofs ;in
knees, and looked the very pictare of despair vain Richard Marsden explained this fact; tho
aodhorror. The door wa_ now burst open, and men plainly showed that it made little or no im»
'
several men entered.
Seize the villain Iand behold, another proof
pression upon their credulity.
4 Wretched man/ said one of them,
' the evi "
of his guilt 1' cried one of the men, at the same dences of your guilt are too powerful. Colonel
time t he
.at picked up thepurses which Marsden Ormond was found near the wood, barbarously
had dropped on the floor. The unhappy man murdered; we instantly went is pursuit of the
w. s seized immediately, although he struggled perpetrator or perpetrators of the inhuman crime ;
violently, and In the course of which, the gold and thinking it not unlikely that they might
watchwhich the murderers had also buried in tbe haveconcealed themselves for a time In the old
ruins, fell fromhis bosom. castle ruins, we went tbere, and on searching
1
'
Ah!' exclaimed two or three of the men in a found this knife ; and knowing that you and the
breath, when they beheld the watch, another colonel werenot on good terms together, our sus-
and incontestible proof! It is the uafortunate picions naturally fell on you, and it ls our duty
colonel's watch. To prison with him.'
"Oh, mercy, mercy! Spare my wretched '
now to convey you to prison.'
'
Oh, horrible deBtiny!'groaned Marsden, strik-
husband 1' cried Mrs. Marsden, in tones ofmad ing his foreheadin a frenzy of despair, But I
ness, and sinkiog on her knees. 'He is inno- am innocent— ifI am not,may God forsake me
cent, innocent as this poor child. My Richard in my greatest hour of peril. My wife !my
would scorn to commit an act of dishonour, and childI Ob, that we had all perished ere this
never could he Imbrue his hands in the bleod of awful time arrived 1'
hls fellow-creature. Mercy, mercy1 I implore
' He is not guilty!' shrieked the heart-broken
yju,aa you hope for mercy from the Great Judge wife; 'It were monstrous to supposehim capable
of all. It is some dreadful mistake. Speak to of so hideous a crime! Nay, ye shall not tear
them, Richard, and explain to them how
money and the watch came into your possession. this him from me ;if he must go to prison, 1will go
with him ! Oh 1 mercy!mercy !'
'
God!God Iwhat will become ofus?' Iq vain she struggled, and clung to him;
He will have to account for the possession of whilst the little Etvina gave utterance to themost
the money and the watch somewhere else/ Baid piteous c ies ; the men at length disengaged her
the foremost of the men; 'but it is not veiy from him. andforced him away; and the unfor-
Ukely that he will be able to do that in a satia- tunate woman uttered one appalling shriek, and
'
fa:tory manner.'
I am accused falsely/ said Marsden ; by
' sunk insensible on the floor.
It was wonaerful that thepoor child could ever
the just God above us, I swear that Iam. Those find strength to e _d ure the accumulated and un-
who committed this bloody crime buried the paralleled horrors of tnat night; bnt she now
money and the watch in tbe old castle ruins; Isunk ou her knees, by the side of her mother,
beheld them, and, urged by despair ani the aud rent the air with her frantic cries. Thea
thought* of ray starving wife and child, Iwas she endeavoured to recal her wretened parent
to
induced to appropriate it tomyself/ life, but ia valD, and Jn a state of distraction
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 15
whichbaffles all description, sherushed from the ' Oh, no,it is not/ sobbed E /elina, and wring-
place, and ran with delirious haste towards the ing her hands; 'but again L implore you
ot
cottage of the Goodsons. come with me, or my mother willdie. Ileft her
insensible wben Icame to you. What will
become of me should 1thus be deprived of both
my parents?'
CHAPTER IV.
— '
'Unhappy girl/ said the compassionate old
woman ; yours is,Indeed, a hard fate. Alack
THE FREVZT OF MRS. MAESDES. THE EX- a-day ! What dreadful doings are these. Do
—
AMINATION, THE TRIAL. THE CONDEMNA-
not weep, Evelina; God is g.od, and will still
TION. EVELINA AND HER MOTHER BECOME look down with an eye of mercy upon you aud
THE INMATES OP THE WORKHOUSE. your unfortunate parents. I will come with 50U
directly ;Iwill only let my husband know tbe
The cries of poor Evelina rent the air as Bhe particulars, and— dear Idear! What a shocking
proceed on her way; her delicate and tender job is this.'
limbs shivered In the piercing wind, and the And thus talking Dime Goodson went to
horror of her feelings was almost to much for inform her hubaod, and toprocure such remedies
human nature to sustain. Unfortunate child, as she might require to restore her to anima-
her sorrows had indeed begun at au early age ; tion.
and dark and fearful was the destiny before Evelina continue, to sob hysterically, and
her. every moment of delay, before her return home,
Alhoughit waa now past four o'clock, it was seemed au age to her. At length Mrs. Goodson
still so dark thatEvelina could scarcely penetrate being allIn readiness, reappeared, and they im-
the gloom beyond ; bnt she was not far from the mediatelydeparted. With frantic speed,Evelina
village, and soon added speed to her footsteps. ran on, and was unable to answer the numerous
She arrived at the cottage, she look up at the questions which her aged companion put to
windows, all was burled in profound darkness, her.
ahe was so alarmed and bewildered, that Bhe They soon arrived at the wretched cottage,
scarcely knew how to act. But the recollection and found Mrs.Marsdenin justthe same melan-
of the situation of ber mother aroused her, and choly a.d insensible state as when Evelina had
she knocked loudlyat the door of the cottage, left her. Her face was so pale, and her features
and at tbe same time she supplicatedin tbe mo.it aa fixed, that Evelina feared at first that she was
piteous accents for help. The window above was dead ; and, sinking down by her side, with a cry
at length opened, and Dame Goodson looked out of horror, Bhe wept scalding tearsupon her face,
and beholdingEvelina, ber astonishment may be and called with the agony of despair upon her
'
readily imagined. name. But she soon perceived that her heart
' Mercy ou us/ exclaimed the old woman, still ■aintly throbbed ;and the relief the suffer-
what cm bring you, my poor girl here alone, at ing girl felt, was like recallingher from death
such an hour? Wait a moment, and Iwill to *life.
admit you immediately. Dear, dear, what can Poor thing,poor thing!' said the dame, plac-
have happened ?' ing the head ofMrs. Marsden on her lap ; 'this
Mrs. Goodson left the window, and having is, indeed, a dreadful trial for you. God help
hastily sliped on her gown, descended the stairs, yon, and yourunfortunate huBband.'
and gave admittance to our heroine, who imme- With what torturinganxiety didEvelina watch
diately sunk weeping, and almost lifeless in a her afflicted mother, while Mrs. Goodson applied
chair. Buch remedies as she had brought with her, to
'For God's sake what is the matter, Evelina V restore her to her senses;but for some tim. all
questioned MrB. Goodson; 'and wbat has her efforts were in vain, as she showed scarcely
brought you here at this time, and by yourself ? any signsof returning life.
'
Come, come, apeak, my dear child/ Mrs. Goodson, with some difficulty, lifted her
' Oh, ptay go back with;me/ sobbed Evelina ;up, andpl_ced herupon the temporary pallet her
—'my dear mother is dying and my poor father klndneis had supplied her with, and then she
ob, dear 1 oh, dear 1' continued unremitting in her endeavours to
Bless my soul 1 but what of your father, restore her to sensibility, and tried all Bhe could
'
child ?' to tranquillize the feelings of Evelina; but the
Heis torn away from ub by cruel men/ re- wretched glilwas completely overwhelmed with
'
turned the little unfortunate, with a burat of con- grief, and it was a wonder that she did not sink
vulsive agony ; they bave taken him to prison, entirely under such an accumulation of horrors
and charged him with murder and robbery !oh, for* so young a child. *
my poor heart will break/ Mother, beloved mother/ she sighed, will
'GraciouB HeavenI'
' can I
exclaimed the dame ; you never again look upon and speak to your
believe the evidence of my ears ? Accuse helpless daughter? MuBt I thus early lose you .
Richard Marsden of muider and robbery ? Oh, and my ill-fated father, where now are you ?
impossible? Bat who is the unfortunate man Confined ina dismal cell, and accused of crime _
'
he ia accused of assastinating and plundering?' which is toodreadful even to think upon. Oh,
'Colonel Ormond/ replied Evelina. Alas I why was I ever bornV
' What will become of me V
alas1 Thenagain her tears flowed afresh, and she
Colonel Ormond murdered!' cried the horror- was deaf to alltho attempts of Mra. Goodson to
struck Mrs. Gcoison; 'it mustsurely be all a consoleber.
dream, my poor child/ The husband of the dame now came to the
 16 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
crime at wbich
cottage,and deeplyaffected he waB at the wretched perished upon the scaffold, for a fervently
Most did he
scene wbich presented itself, and tried, aa well humani'ymust shudder. might
as his wife,to soothe the anguish ofthe suffering pray to Heaven that she experiencedie in childhood,
Evelina. rather than be doomed to such mise-
for a
By degrees they elicited from the poor girl ries. But must he die a death of shamebitterly
such particulars of the terrible events of the crime of whichhe waa Innocent ? How led
n^ht aa they wished to know ;and it may easily he cursed the fatal temptation whichhad him
he imagined with what astonishment and grief to take the booty of the murdererB, Instead of
they listened to them, and how deeply they revealing all hehad seen, and been the means of
commiserated with the unfortunate family. That bringing thereal perpetratore of the bloody crime
Richard Marsden could ever have been guilty to justice. But hadhe not been driven to It by
of so dreadful a crime, they could not for a the most awful misery, and the thoughts of his

—
me ment belive;but so strong did the proofs of starving wife and daughter? He had, and great
his guiltappear against him— the property of the as had been his error, it surely was most par-
murdered man being found upon him they donable underall these circumstances. He had
apprehended that it would go hard with him ; never in his life done wilful injury to any mortal
and the story of the manner in whichthe money being,and surely fortunehadbeen most unkind
and the watch cameinto his possession was such tohim to visit him with such unparalleled trials.
an extraordinary and improbable one, that they Hecontinued in a state of distraction until the
J fearedno jury would ever he broughttobelieve It. time arrived when he was to he taken before tbe
What a shocking situation was It for this poor justices for examination, and he had then made
child to be placed in!and Ifshe were thus early uphis mind for the worst,for how could he com-
deprived ofbothher parents, what was to become bat the startling weight of evidence that would
of her ? be adduced against nlm ;how could he hope to
It was a long time before the efforts of Mrs. persuade the magistrates of the truth of his
.
Goodson were crowned with any degree ofsuccess ; answer to the horrible charge Therewas nothing
aud then, althoughMrs. Marsden wan restored but despair and misery before him.
to life and the use of her speech, she evinced no A largeconcourse of persons assembled to see
signs of conclousness. She talked wildlyand him pass from the gaol to the Town-hall, and the
Incoherently, and did not seem to know her greatest curiosity and Interest were evidently ex*
distracted daughter. Mrs. Goodson did not cited. He had previously inquired ofthe o'jjcers
consider it safe to leave her a moment, and did afterhis wife anddaughter,but receivedno satis-
all that her humble abilities would allow her to factory answer from them, no more tban that
recal her to reason. they would not be permitted to Bee him, and
A* lengthEvelina was so completely worn out this increased the poignant anguish he was en.
with grief and anxiety, that she was unable to during.
bear up any longer; and throwingherself by the The looks of several persons among the crowd,
side ofher mother, she was almost reduced to the whichhe waahurried rapidlythrough,convinced
same state of insensibility. him that theypitied his awful situ .rion, aud in
Themurder of C _onel Ormond, and the accusa- spite of the overwhelmingevidence against him,
tion of Richard Marsden, caused a most painfnl were still inclined to entertain doubts ofhis guNt;
and extraordinary sensationin the neighbourhood, hut that affordedhk % no hope, noco .solaten, fjt
as soon as It became known ;but although sus- what conld interpose b^ween him andthe dread-
picion was so strong against him, no one who ful fate with which he was threatened ?
knew himcould believe him guilty of so diaboli- On entering the court, and being placed at
cal a crime, and they deeply commiserated with the bar, the wretched man cast one melancholy
the misfortunes of that wretched family ; while glance around, and then leant forward on the
there were but few only who pitied the fate of har, and coveredhis face with his hands. The
Cui nel Ormond, forhischaracter was wellknown examination commenced. The severalwitnesses
and detested, and the tyrannical and oppressive deposed to the finding of the murdered body of
manner with which he hadbehaved to Marsden Colonel Ormond (who had been stabbed in
had excited universal disgust. several places with a knife); tbey th n des.
I
But nopower of eloquencecould possibly depic- cribed the pursuit ;the discovery they had made
ture the sufferings of the unhappy prisoner, as in the old caatle ruina, and which led them to
I he paced the narrow cell to which he had been luspect Marsden of being the perpetrator of the
conveyed when he was forced away from home. ciime ;the subsequent app ehenvlon of him, and
He groaned aloud inthe insupportable agony of discovering the watch and money ofthe deceased
his thoughts,and wa_ several times inclined to inhia possession.
dash his head against the wall, and thus put a The steward,Flint, also bwore to the purses
be the sufferings of
—
ptriod to his miserable existence. What would and the watch as having be'onged to his late
his wife and child and what master, and swore to a qua rei which had

'
must hey now be enduring at the thoughtofhis taken place between the colonel and the prisoner
awful situation ? The idea was sufficient todrive ; on theafternoon bsforethe murder, and to some
him to frenzy; and what would become of them, violent threats which the latter had given
should he bj convictedof thedreadsnl crime with uferauce to whichall servedtomake the evidence
whichhe was charged? His wife would never of the unfortunate prisoner's guilt the more
survive his untimely and ignominious fate, and damning, andexcited themost painful
sensation
Evelina wouldthen be left an orphan in the wide in the court. All eyes were fixed upon the
world, buss_ted about at the mercy of any one, wretched man ; and maoy who had before
1 snd pointed at as the child of one who had believed him innocent were now Inclined to
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. U

look upon him with terrible doubt andsuspicion; hear the defence which the unfortunate man
but still they deeply pitied him, considering had to make. But a minute or two, and he
the provocation he had received, and ior the seemed to regainhis foitltude in a greatdegree,
Bake ofhis wi'e and innocent child. and proceeded in a firm but solemn voice to state
Richard Marsden trembled not; he was all those strange and awful facts with which tbe
firm in the consciousness of innocence, although reader has been already made acquainted, and
his heart wasready to burst with agony, when concluded withanother earnest and eloquent ap-
he thought of the probable fate that awaited peal for mercy.
him, powerful as theproofs of guilt were against A murmurran through the court whenhe had
him, and aB the awful situation of his wife and concluded, and his statement seemed tohave made
child aroEe to his imagination. the most powerful impression upon ever, one
A pause of amoment or two ensued, after the present, except themagistrates and theseveral
■teward had given his evidence. [Maradenraised witnesses, who consulted together in under
his head, and fixed upon the merciless Flint a tones ;but at length a dead silence ensued;not
look which would havestruck horror and shame the least sound, nor the lowest whiaper was
to the breast of any other than such an insensible heard; and one of the magistrates, whohad been
and hardenedscoundrel. But hemet the glance an intimate friend to the murdered man, and

'
circumstantial evidence unmoved, and a smile prisoner, said,
—
of the miserable victim or untoward fate and was evidently prejudiced against the m serable

of triumph even passed over hls forbidden This story Is, to say tbe least of it, prisoner,
'
features. ' amost improbable one ; but even if it be true,
Heartless villain!' exclaimed Marsden; it it proves that you have, en our own co -session,
is you who are the cause of all this ; with the committed a mostheartless robbery, by appropri-
malice of a fiend, and for what I know not, you atingthat booty to yourself whichyou w-re aware
have pursuedme. You are the urderer of an had been plundered from the corpseof tbe mur-
■

Innocent man, his defenceless wife, and un- dered vi.tim, and by conniving at the esc .pe of
offending child. Oh, man, man, if such indeed the assassins.'
you are, the curse of God, before whose terrible
judgment-seat you must one day appear, will 'but I
'To that I —
plead guilty/ aniwered Marsden;
was mad driven to despair and d-pera-
'
assuredlypursue you for this.' ti_n by the tbou .ht of my starving wife and
You hear him, gentlemen/ said Flint, child, and scarcely kne . wtiatI
'
appealing to the magistrates; you hear wiat
did.'
'Have you any witnesses to corroborate what
the frenzisd conscious less of guilt urges him to you have stated?' asked the magistrate.
■ay. I claica your protection while I speak the 1
Witnesses ?' groaned the dis'racted man ;
truth, and seek alone for justice on the base 'alas! alas! bow could Ihave them? Waal
' '
and cowardly assassin of my lamented master.' not alone? No eye but that of G><J oeheld me
Prisoner/ said one of the magistrates, this in that dreadful hour. Would tbat he had
languagewill do youno good. We sit here to struck me a breathless corpse, ere 1 could hsve
render justice, not tolisten to the wild invectives taken the glitteringdross by wtiich I ho ed to
of tho.e who standcharged against the witnesses save the lives of my poor buffering wife aud
summoned to give evidence before us. If you child.'
have anything to sayin your own defence, we '
'It has been proved,' sai_ another ofthe
magistrates, that the unfortunate deceased had
'
are ready to hear you.'
God of Heaven, thatI should come to this 1' gone to your cottage on the nightof the murder.
cried Marsden, striking his forehead. 'Oh, His mangledbody wa? found atno great distance
gentlemen,you have known me for years as an from your dwelling,between that and his own
honest, hard-wo king man, whose mind would mansion; it has also been satisfactorily sho vn
recoil with horror from the perpetration of any that you visited him ia the afternoon, when you
,
I here stand charged, and of which I
the Almig-ty Judge of all, that I am as innocent 1
—
crime,especially the monstrous one with which bad a serious quarre and left with threits of
swear by vengeance on your li.s/
And can you will you, wonder at my wrath
as any of your worships. For the sake of my and indiguation, * when I tell you tbe trutn ?' aaid
poor starving wife and child, if not for mine, I Marsden. I had called upon Goio eel Ormond
implore your mercy, impartiality and justice. to supplicate his mercy ; aud what was the mercy
I hsve been, by thiscruel men and his ill-fated he had the monstrous audacity to offer me? Oh
master, reduced to the most fright ul misery GodI blood freezes while I
my thiuk of it ;he
and want— my once happy but humble home offered to restore the humble property of which

who
'
stripped of everything, and the beds torn from he hadrobbed me, to give me
ment, If— if (the words choke
money, employ-
me), If I would
'
under me, and those loved baingB
This is quite irrelevant to the solemn ques- barter with him the honour of that wife whom I
one of the magistrates. have for many years cherished In my bosom,
'tion at issue/ interrupted bo
Have you anything to say in reply to theevi- as its dearest,its most p.ecious treasure I"
dence that has been adduced V A thrill of horror ran through the court at
' Oa yea, yes/ replied the unhappyprisoner, this statement, but the magistrates quickly sur-
(m_ch, much, though,alas! I
availme.'
"
fear that it will pressed it.
Oh, most false, most daring calumny 1' said
little
* Speak on.' Flint.
' By Heaven, it is true I'relumed Maraden,
Maraden passedhis band across his burning
forehead, and every one present listened with and you, who were the confidant of the deceased,
1

the mest breathless impatience and anxiety to must be aware of it/

I1 __»_■ ■ ■ ■■■._■-■

No. 3.
 18 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

—
The magistrates consulted together for a few
minutes, and then ene ot them, rising, sa:d,
* Prisoner,
' Uufortunate partner of my sorrows !' sobbed
thedistracted man, « my Uttle Evelina, offspring
whatever more you may have to of all my hopes, do I indeed ouce more enfold
say, you had better reserve for a higher court; ye to my heart, but under such dreadful circum-
from the evidence adduced against you, it only stances that my very blood turns to ice while I
surely
remains for us to commit you to take your trial think of them ;oh, God!my heart will
at the present assizes, for the wilful murder and break 1'
highway robbery of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry "
'But you have proved your innocence/ said
Mrs. Marsden ; say that yon are not the hor-
'
Ormond/
Mercy Imercy !' cried the wretched man, rible miscreant theysuspeoted you to be ;and
dashing his hands together, aud his blood-shot they will permit ub to die together I
Come,come,
'eyes starting from their sockets, with horror ; let us to our desolate home, lie down, and sub-
'
for my famishing wife andchild, oh, what will mit to the stern will of fate !'
Lydia I'gasped forth her husband, whilst he
'
become of them?'
Itis not our wish to punish the innocent for presBtd delirious kisses on her pale, cold lips, 'it
the guilty/ replied another of the magistrates; cannot be; they have already condemned me;
'
'your unhappy wifeand daughter shall be taken you appeal to hearts of stone. Cruel man,' he
care of ;and as you Bay they are famishing and added, turningto Flint, can you, even you,gaze
desti ute, we will make out an order for their on this scene, the work oT yourhands, unmoved?
immediate
' removal to the workhouse/ Thecurse of the bereaved mother and her help-
My wife, my tender Evelina, become the less' offspring will pursue you to desruction I'
pauperInmates of a parish
' workhouse!' exclaimed Ahi' cried Mrs. Marsden, fixin. upon ' tbe
Richard Marsden; sooner would I behold them insensible steward an appalling look, fell de-*
deadat my feet. Stand off!' he added, address etroyer of all our hopes and prospects, are you
'
eing the officers who hart advanced to remove here? Are >ou come to swear away the Use of
him from the bar; you shall not drag me to an innocent man, and to exultIn our misery f
your dismal dungeon?,until I havs seen them. Beware !for thoughyou may triumphat present
Godof mercy, look down upon me with a pity- inyour fiendish work, the vengeance of Heaven,
ing 'eye/ which ever pursues the tyrant and oppressor, is
Officers, do your duty, and take the wret hed impending over yonr head1 Oh, how wUl the
man away/commanded the chief magistrate. remembrance of this day torture you in your
At that moment a shriek was heard, so pierc- dying moments, wheu you may supplicate in
ing tbat it appauled and electrified the whole of vain for that mercy which you now deny to
the persons present ;and Mrs.Marsden, her face others. Tremble, man of inexorable heart,
ghastly, her lips livid, her dress disordered, and tremble!'
her fineauburn hair flowing wild anddishevelled And even the villain Flint did tremble beneath
over her shoulders, rushed into the court,sol the words and looks of the wretched woman, and
'
lowed by the trembling Evelina, and Mr. and his lips assumed alividhue.
Mrs. Goodson.
'
Gentlemen/ he said, at length, Icame
Everyone,even the magistrates, were paralysed here to do an act of justice, and to bring the
and awe struck by this unexpected appearance at guilty to that punishmentthey have merited by
such a moment of the distracted mother and her one of the foulest crimes that ever stained the
innocent, beauteous child. T/iey made way at human mind; am I, then, i appeal to you, to be

while she darted with the wild speed of a manaic

'
her approach, and offered no obstruction to her, thusinsulted and abused by this mad woman?'
Mad 1' shrieked Mrs.Marsden; / yes, yes, Iam
to the place where her husband stood, and fran- mad, and no wonder. Heaven help me ; but
tically threw herself, with hysterical sobs, Into whoIs the cause of this madness? It is you,

looked up in that wretched parent's face with an

'
his arms; while Evelina clasped his kneas, and cruel, relentless man ;it is you, AbelFlint 1'
'
My poor wife/ sighed Marsden, you speak
expression which mighthave moved even the to him in vain ;put your trust in Heaven, for
Bternest heart to pity. there is your only dependence.'
"Take him away/ said the chief magistrate;
we must not allow this scene any longer to be

CHAPTER V. — enacted Inthe court. Separate them, 1command

'you, officers/

—
THE DISTRESSING SEPARATION. EVELINA AND
HER MOTHER REMOVED TO THE WORK-
HOUSE. THE TRIAL AND CONVICTION.
band,
Separate usI'exclaimed theunfortunate Mrs.
'
Marsden, clinging more vehemently to her hus-
as the officers advanced. No, no, no,
you cannot maanit; as ye are husbands, as ye
'Murderers! what would you do?' cried are parents, ye cannot be guilty of mon-
the frantic woman, still entwiningher fair arms strous cruelty and injustice! Hehas such done noth-
'
around herhusband's neck, straining him to her ing ; the Almighty God aboveknows he has nos
di.tra 'ted bosom ; he is not guilty of the hide and yet ye would condemn him to an ignominious
ous crime with which you charge him ; his death!Mercy mercy !'
wretched wife and child came here to swear in ' Snare him, good, kind gentleman,
the face ot high Heaven and all that is just, poor father!" cried the little Evelina, spire eny
that he is not. Richard, my husbad, they shall her knees, and clasping her hands sinking on
not tear you from meI I before the
will eling to you like magistrates. They, however,
the ivy to the tree, and defy them to separate officers, who, in spite of the beckoned to the
struggles of the
ui!" wretohed woman, and the frantic shrieks of the
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 19
poor child, tore the prisoner from her arms, and his companion.
'Nowif this fellow hadnot suf-
bare him away to his dungeon. Mrs. Marsden fered himself to be grabbed before there was a
stood for a moment, and stared vacantly around reward off.rtd for him, and then allowed us to
her ;and then with an hysterical laugh,she sank nail him, I shouldn't have minded them having
inanimate upon the floor, Evelina throningher** a few indulgences. Here, lend a hand, Bill/
self, weepingplteously, upon her bosom. With these words, the constables dragged the
unfortunate Mrs.Marsden and Evelina from the
For a few moments the spectators werepara- floor, and conveyingthem to an adjoiningroom,
lysed and horror struck at the agonising scene called in the aid of a female ser ant, to recover
they had thus been compelled to witness ;but at them. It was some time, however, before any-
length, when two or threeef the constables pre- thinglike life was restored to them ; and then
sentraised the form ofthe insensible mother and Mrs. Maraden, after lo king wildly around her
her child, Mrs. Goodson and herhusband made for a second or two, snatched the little Evelina
'
their way towards the spot. frantically to her breast,and sobbed aa though
'
What would youdo, womanV demanded one her heart would break. '
of the magistrates, sternly.
4
Remove this poor woman and her child to cruel men bave not separatedus;but where oh,
—
My poor mother/ sighed our heroine, the

myhumble dwelling,
good old dame, where they Bhall willingly
'
' your worship/ replied tbe where is my dear father V
Oh, he is an ug enough, girl/ said one of the
'
receive all the care and assistance In my power.' constables ; but come, the waggon is waiting
I gone, woman, with your husband. You are '
'Pshaw!' ejaculated the magistrate, 'get you at the door, and we must be off.'
Ah!' ejaculated Mra. Maraden, her mind
'
already nearly a beggar yourself; the workhouse wandering, would you then take us to my poor
is the fittest place for such wretches as these ;husbandV
and they may thank our mercy and charity that 1

we send them there instead of comigaing them the man, winkingaside to his companion ; so,
'
Oh, yes, to be sare we would, Missus/ replied

to a gaol/ come along ; we have no time to lose.'

'
'Oh, no, good gentlemen, kind gentlemen/ 'No, no, mother, mind not what he says,'

not be so cruel. My poor mother and I —

supplicated the weeping Evelioa, you would ejaculatedEvelina, her eyes streaming with tears,

—
will and sobs almost choking her utterance; 'cruel
never trouble yon. indeed we won't we will man, you would deceive us. Mother, they are '
perish inthe open air, sooner ;but do not oh, going ' to take ua to that cruel place, where
do not send us to that terrible place. Dame, Hold your silly tongue, g'nl,'Interrupted the
'
dame oh, apea'_ tothe gentlemenfor ua, and officer, and he pinched her arm so violently that
Officers, clear the court/ command the stern ahe could scarcely repress a scream. 'Your
myrmidons of tbe law, which order was imme- mother knows bet'er than that. Come along,

spoken a few wordsin private to the magistrates,

'
diately obeyed ; and tbe villain Flint having marm,it will soon be all right.'
Oh, thaaka, thanka/ exclaimed the poorde-
'
luded woman; and shall I then ao soon embrace
also retired.
Evelina's strength could endure no more, and you again, my Richard? Why do you weep
with one piteous cry, she became asinsensibe as child? Come let us attend these kind gen.Vle-
ber' wretcaed mother. men/
See to the recovery of this woman and her Evelinacould not speak, but she looked up so
daughter/ said the chief magistrate, addressing piteouslyin her unconscious parent's face, aa she
one of the officers; 'and bere Is an order for suffered her to take her hand, that it might have
their admittance into the poor-house of Allover ; moved the most obdurate heart to compassion to
let thorn be removed there with as little delay as behold her, and they were passively conducted to
possible. The wretched poor may bless their the waggon, in which they were placed, and were
lucky stars that there are Cnristian magistrates quickly on their way to the parish workhouseof
tocare for them!' Allover.
Thus spoke the Reverend Mr. Cantall, and With melancholyhearts, Mrs.Goodson and her
he and hiB worthy colleagues left the benchand husband returned to their cottage; they saw,
the court together. plainlyenough,that nothing whatever could save
'His reverence is too good, too kind, too Richard Marsden from the fatal and dreadful
humane, to interest himself in this manner with consequences of the weight ofthe overwhelming
such wretches as these,' sail, one of the con- evidence that had been brought against him,
'
stables, helping to ratae the insensible forms of although they felt firmly confident of his inno-
Mrs. Mar.den and her child from the floor. Icence;and how Jeeply did they commiserate In
should think it waBquite enough to tax people tbe misfortunes of that unhappyfamily. Limited
withthe keep ofrealpaupers, without burdening as their means were, they would willinglyhave
the parish with the wives and brats ofmurderers done their best to support Mrs. Maraden and
and thieves. I should think they might have the little Evelina, until providence should have
been done for very comfortably together in pri- raised something up in their behalf; but now
'Ah!' sighed his humanebrother officer,* over of
son.' that they were consigned to the tender mercies
the parish authorities, they could not but
kindness is one of the Reverend Mr. Can tail's entertain the apprehension that their miseries
weak points ;however, there is one blessed con- would be rendered complete ;and should Mars-
solation that they won'thave too many luxuries den really be convicted, could they ever survive
'
at all events/ —
his horrible, ignominious, and untimely fate!
No, that they waa't, I'll warrant,' returned Oh no; they were certain that they could not ;
 20 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
not; and thus by one fatal blow would that Thenom was long, without a fl;e-place ;th
b_*
wretched family be Bwept off. coldbrick walls hadonce been lime washed,years
Aad when Mary Goodson, who was a most all signsof it hadvanished in the lapse of
lovely and amiable girl, about fifteen year, of since it had undergone that operation, and they
I1
age, and herbrother Felix, were informed of the were now black and gloomyas a charnel house.
result of the day, their grief exceeded allbound ; The room contained six stump bedsteads, with
particularlythe latter, who lovedbis litte playmat miserable straw mattresses, and an old dirty rug
whomhe never expected to see again, with all for a covering. Five of them wereoccupied by
the innocence of youth. Most oftheir poor neigh- aged females, whose haggard, starved, and
bours also deeply sympathised in their sorrow, spectre like appearance, plainlyshowed the hor-
for the MarsdenBhad been universallyrespected, riDle treatment to which they were subjected.
while their cruel oppressors were as much de- There were two windows on each side of this
tested,particularlythe hard-hearted steward, Abel room, secured with iron bars; aud these over*
'
Flint, who had ever exercised the duties of bis looked a large yard, where were two or three
office with the most unrelentingseverity ;and sheda, in which the able-bodied' paupers were
many were the poor families whom he had de- employed in various disguating and laborious
prived of ahome, and left to beggary. avocatiens ; but that which more immediately
A coroner's inquest was speedily held on the arrested the attention was a stone building,of
body of Colonel Ormond, aid as the evidence black and prison-like appearance ; and, in truth,
'
wasprecisely the same as had been adduced on it was so,and that of the worst description, com-
the examination, the jury felt bound, though monlycalled The Black Hole.' Into this dread-
withreluctance, to come te no other conclusion ful place any of the unfortunate wretches who
and to return no other verdict, than one of wil' were considered to be refractory were thrust for
ful murder against Richard Marsden. days, weeks, and evenmonths together, in dark*
Nothing could exceed tbe sensation whichthe ness and in filth, with scarcely a BUfficient allow-
whole of the melancholy circumstances created ance of black bread and water to suetaln their
ln the neighbourhood; but there were very few wretched existence.
that regretted the death of Colonel Ormond, Such was the benevolent asylum for those who
althoughthey expressed their horror and abhor- were reduced to destitution and want, of the
rence of the wretches who had committed so parish of Allover;and the master and matron,
foul a crime, and whichhad involved one whom Mr. and Mrs. M Doall, were well qualified to be
they all believed to be an innocent man in so the guardians of this receptacle of death; and
terrible a destiny. that, we imagine,is sayingquite enough at pre-
Intelligencebadbeen forwarded without delay sent to give thereader an idea of their character.
to Mr Francis Ormond, the only brother of the Poor Evelina trembled with terror when she en-
deceased colonel, and who was the heir to his tered this wretched place, and clung to her
immense property. He wasresidingat Boulogne, mother, who still remainedin a state ot stupified
and lf report spoke truly, ha possessed all the unconsciousness,
'Here, MrB. and stared vacantly around her.
vices of his brother, and therefore the tenants M'D.all/ said the constable who
had little to their advantage to expect from the ha^ brought them there, addressinga fat, coarse,
change. burly woman, with a red face, whose general ap-
'
Mr. Ormondarrivedat the castle in a few days, pearance presented a most lematkable contrast to
andappeared deeply afflicted at the untimely the po. r squalid oelngs around. Here,ma'am, I
fate ofhis brother, and aohorrence of the assas- have brought you two more lodgers ;and they are
sin, although It repuired no very d.ep penetra- recommended to your care by the worthy magis-

the hypocrite, and that the large acquisition to

'
tion to discover that he wa3 acting the part of trates/
The magistrates!' repeated the matron, with
his wealth more than consoled him for his loss. a savage loak, which completely frightened poor
The day after the arrivalof Mr. Ormond the little Evelina, if auythicg had been warning tt
'
foneral obsequies were performed with great complete her terror,after having viewed this ter-
pomp, and although the melancholy procession lible place. Sonce vagrant wretches,I suppose/
was followed by a vast concourseof persona, there continued Mrs. M'Doall; * too l_zy to work, and
were very few that exhibited any signs of regret. without courage to steal, and bo get transported ;
Mrs. Goodson and herhusband made several and so tbey get themselves foiBted upon us, and
applications to the workhouse at Alover, to be think to livea life of indolence, luxury, and
inde-
permitted to see Mrs.Marsden and her child, but pendence. But I think they will find themselves
they were peremptorily and insultinglyrefused ; rather mistaken, Mr. Snatchem.'
neither could tbey obtain any answer to their ear- ' I rayther suspect that they will, Mrs. M'Doall/
nest inquiries after their health. They could, coincided Snatchem, with aknowing wink.
therefore, only come to the most dismal conclu- "I am sure that both I and Mr. M'Doall,
sions, and felt satisfied that they would never rn_re are already such slaves to this establishment,who
and
be permitted toleave that abode of misery tlive. get bo ciuelly scandalised for our pains, ought to
Mrs.Marsden and her daughter, ontheir arrival be very much obliged to the uagistrates for tax-
at the workhouse, were conveyed to one ot the ing us with this additional burden upon our

—
wards,cheerless, dark, and miserable ; it seemed bands/
impossible that any human beings could long * It's allowingto the
Christian humanity
survive inthat wretched place the most cruel Reverend Mr. Cantall, Mrs. M-Doah,'of the
said
mind could scarcely have invented a more soul- Snatchem.
sickening den in which to punishiqualidpoverty 'Confound his humanity V said the worthy
for its misfortunes. matron. « Why could he not have seat them to
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 21
prison? The girl is so young, that I suppose the matron bad dignified with the name of a
some infidel wou'd call it monstrous, and the bed, and was buried in the BarneBtrange lethargy
whole of tbe vulgarand scandalous press would whioh had so long entranced hsr senses. Eve-
be upin armB against ub if we were to put her to lina had crouched herself up in one corner, and
bone-crushing. As for the woman, Bhe looks waB supporting her head, and shiveringIn ev _ry
"
half an idiot,and we Bhall be able to do nothing
with her but puther in the Hole," and that is
limb, and was horrified at the observationsof the
cruelmatron and the constable; she did not dare
full already. Who are they, Snatchem V to trust herself to look towards them.
4
'
Why, the woman is an insortinit, and the Mr. Snatchem now said something to Mrs.
'
girl
Oh, I —
M'Doall in an under tone, whereat she smiled
'
understand you, Snatchem. -Aban- graciously and replied
doned wretches ! And to send 'em here, too! LaIMr. Snatche-n, you are such a Btrange
'
Monstrous !' '
man ; but Mr. Mac Ibfrom home.'
;
'
No you do not exactlyunderstand me, Mrs. Iknow that.' sad the constable, 'for I
M'Doall/ said the constable. They are the him enter the Hog and Punch Bowl as I
saw
came
wife and daughter of RichardMarsden who has along; so he's alt right, Idare Bay, till he is
th s day been committed to take his trial for the escort-d home, in a glorious state of '
murder
' of Colonel Ormond.' 'Hu.h! Mr. Snatchem/ interrupted th*
Horrible !' exclaimed M'Doall, raising matron, placing her hands upon hia lips, 'I
' Mrs.
her hands and eyes; worse and worse ! I
am
shall really shocked at you ;if this should become
actually die at the very idea of having such crea- known rutof doors, only think of the scandal.'
tures in our establishment! Now, girl, what are * Not a word, Mrs. M'Doall, Iwouldn't the
for
you snivelling there about ? And )ou, woman; world. I respect you and your worthyhuBband
why do you stand there like a fool? She is too much. You knowme, 1 am quite mum;but
drunk, is she not, Mr. Snatchem ?' it's very cold, and really a little drop ■'
4 On my w.r_:ity,I 'Well, well I
cannot say,' answered the th nk too that we need some-
constable. thing to corns* rt us under all the cares and
Evelina shrunk still closer to her wretched anxieties we hate to endure; so f you will
mother, and endeavoured to make her conacious attend me, I wilt see if I can find a little wee
of what was going on; hut to no purpose, for drop ln the bottle.'
there Bhe stood, pale and statue-like, as if Bhe Mr. Snatchem bowed, and smi ed most plea-
were locked in some fearful trance, from which santly at this.
1Mother
—
nothing could arouse her.
'
'And mind you girl/ said Mrs. M'Doall, look-
dear mither !' sobbed the poor girl ; ing fiercely at Evelina, Ifyou kick up any
'oh, speak! Do you not see where you are? Oh I rumpus while Iam gone, Iwill punish you
madam, for pity', sake do not upbraid us in our Bevetely, and not a blessed morsel of dinner shall
misfortunes. We do not wish to be a burden to you have, and this is soup day.'
you: weare brought here against our will. Suf- The pooi child sobbei as if her heart wou'd
fer us, then, to depart; aud though we bave no break, ana reurnel no answer; iu fact, Bhe
—
home to go to, we must be content to wander in fortunate y scarcely comprehended what the
the cold air,or or to lay ourselves down and b.uta! woman eaid. Mrs.M'Doall and the con*
die!' stable then quitted the room, bolting and locking
Convulsive sobs choked the hapless child's ut- the doorafter them. i
terance, and she hid her face in the folds of her Scarcely a ray of sunlightwasadT itted through
mother's gown, and wept unrestrainedly. the dirty windows of that horrible placa, and
1A welliutored young brat
' this/ said theheart* wbat thtre was only seemed to render its terrors
less and ignorant matron. Let you go, eh, a'ter more visible. Poor Evelina can a fearful glance
your bein/ committei to my care by the magis<- around and shuddered. Never before had Bhe
trates? Oh, no;you are Base enough here ;and witnessed such a receptacle of misery, and to
we ehall see, before long, whether wecan't put think thas sh' and her mother were to be confin-
you to some honest labour by which you may ed there at the te_der mercy of such a wretch ae
earn your living. We have no lazy vagabonds the .atron, white herunfortunate father was the
here. Ifthey rre bo when tbey enter this asylum, inmate of a prison, wes almost more than her
we soon sind a way to cure you. Nothinglike childish strength could bear ; indeed, it was
strict workhouse drilling— nothing like parish wonderful tbat she did not at once sink under
discipline; eh, Mr. Snatchem !' It.
'Very true, Mr.. M'Doall/ replied the consta- Every now and then she could hearlow moans
ble. * We, the respectable part of the commu-= come from tbe different beds, which p ainly
nity,could not live at all, if thes-- here miserable showe that the occupants of them were suffer**
paupers were not kept under. The strict hand ing great agony ;and theie was na one there to
necessary.'
You are right, Mr. Snatchem,
—
of the parish, as well as the law, is absolutely administer to taeir wants, and offer them one
' word of kindness or consolation. Kindness or
' you are quite consolation, in that dreadful den? the very Idea
right/ observed the matron. The world ia very was preposterous.
much indebted to such peisons as we. But, see, Evelina could not venture to examine who
the filthy drink has overcome the creature, and wereher unfortunate companions ;in fact, she
whenshe is sober, we shall know how to talk to almost dreaded to breathe, and the very air she
her and to deal with her too.' Inhaled seemed pestiferous. The observations of
Mrs. Marsden, quite exhausted, had indeed the matron still rang Inher ears, and flightsus
sunk up_n the wretched straw _aa( tress which were the c.DJectures they gave rise to. Again
 22 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
bosom, ani sh«
she turned her gaze upon her mothers ghastly which escaped her parent's
'
countenance;box eyes were closed, apd Evelina moved her form slightly. poor girl.
would have believed her to be dead only that 1 Thank Heaven!' ejaculated the hor.ible
faintly palpitate. She ca'lrd 8_e wlil revive; but oh Ito what a
sbe felt her heart ceu.inty should she be restored to conscious-
upon her name, and shed abundance of tears
upon her pale cheeks; then she threw herself ness. Mother, I am here; oh!look up and
byher aide, and entwined her litt e arms around speak to me.*
h"r neck, and endeavoured by her caresses to Mrs. Maraden did openher eyes, and looked
around her, and beholding Evelina, she pressed
—
recalher recollection, but in vain.
* £he will die/ she sobbed ( shB will die, and her to her bosom, and kissed her with frantic
fondness. She then passed ner hand across bei
leave me alone in this shocking place. Oh! forehead, and seemed to be endeavouring to recal
child,
merciful God, hear the prayers of a poorme, let her■ thoughts.
and if it be your will to take her from My darling child/ she said, in a faint voice;
the same moment be my last/ 'Ifear we have slept long; it is nearly caik,
Inthis manner more than an hour elapsed, and your father has not returned. Where can he
when Evelina heard the bolt undrawn, and ex- be?'
pecting again to hehold tbe matron, sbe shrank 'Mother, mother/ sobbed Evelina, 'do you
closer to her mother with a feeling of the most not recollect youraelf? Alas! we are nolonger
indescribable terror. The door opened, however, in our cottage, lonelyand desolate as it was,
aid instead of the dreaded Mrs. M'Doall, two and
'
men, clad lu the workhouse garb, entered, '
Ob/ exclaimed Mrs. Marsden, starting from
'
One of them catried a bucket in his band con- the bed, as a sudden and dreadful thou .ht

in the middle of the room.

—
taining something hot, and the other several seemed to flash upon her brain, what wretched
wooded bowls, which they placed on the bench place is this? ItIb not our home! Where are
we? Oh, God! and haveI then been dreaming ?
'The new una, Snikes/ said one of ' the men, Yea, yea, Irecollect all now; they mocked my
pointing to Evelina and her mother. That'sa tears and supplications,aod bore him to a dismal
young un, at any rate. Here, you little var- dungeon, there, there to await his trial on —
of murder! And then and then
mint/ he added, filling abowl from the bucket ; the charge
4 here's your dinner ;your mother is asleep, so they told me they wouldtake me to him. But
she can without till
_o supper time. they have deceived me. Child, child, nnless you
mad, tell me where ' we are?'
Evelina was so weak that she could scarcely would ' drive me sighed Evelina, we are ln the
Btand, and as for eating, she (elt that would be Alas, mother/
impossible, but she was afraid to disobey, and pariBh workhouse, removed here by order of the
she therefore walked timidly to the table, and magistrates/
took tbe bowl from the man. She then dag- '
'In tbe workhouse V shrieked the distracted
your
gered back to the bed, and seating herself on it; woman ; let us begjne! They will destroy
perceiving that the m.n were watching her, she poor father, and we never shall behoid him again
pretended to partake of the soup, and put a if we delay. Come, come, we willno longer re-
spoonful of it in her mouth, but the taste was so main io this awful place, the very aspect of
nauseous that it almost turned ber sick, and even which my soulI'
' strikes horror to
the smell of it was dreadfully offensive. She For mercy's sake, dear mother, calm yourself.
saw the other poor emaciated creatures rise up Heaven will not forsake ua,but we cannot leave
iu their beds, aud take tbe portion allotted to here; the door Ib fastened, and there are persons
them with avidity, and eatit voraciously, plainly to watch us. Oh!pray compose yonrself, or
'
showing to what a dread'ul staleof hunger they' they will tear you from me!'
must have been reduced, by the benvolent
1
ConfinedI' exclaimad Mrs. Marsden, who
'
treatment of the workhouse of Allover. The dare detainus ? Wbat have we done ? Oh, hor-
men then left the ward, without making any ror!horror!and my husband incarcerated in
further obaerration. some loathsome dungeon,and igooiant of what

more
Evelina putby tbe nauseousbowl with a feeling haB become of ua! By Heaven! Iwill not
of sickening disgust, and tears gushed forth in remain here. I
torrents than before.
* Oh,rapidGod!' '
—
will arouse tbe whole neighbour-
hood with my cries. Wretches murderersI
she cried, and are we then give me my liberty, or may the curse of God de-
brought to t_is horrible place to perish ot hunger? scend upon your headB 1'
Never, can I and my poor mother partake of As she Bpoke, she rushed towards the door,
such poisonous fare as this. And is thisthe way Evelin . in vain clingingto her, and by tears and
that the wretched pauper is treated? Well might prayere supplicatingher tobe calm. The other
my unfort'_nete father feel such a horror of the wretchedinmates ofthe ward,alarmed, staggered
parish workhouse. Heavenhelp us! better that from their beds as well as they could, andcal'ed
we were dead than have to endure such misery loudly for assistance. Hasty footsteps were
as this. My poor mother, and will you never heard ascendingthe stairs, the door was opened,
again awaken to reason t AlasIalas I what and the matron, accompanied by two or three
will become of your child, in this her wretched men, rushed into the room.
andlonely state ?' ■ Woman I' exolaimed Mrs. Marsden,

Soe wrung her hands, and Bobbed hysterically ; voice which staggered the matron, restore to
' in a
then again she embracedher mother, and pressed memy huiband. Keep me not confined here,
the most ardent kl-ses of affection and emotio-i or tbe avenging wrath of Il.aven will pursue
upon her lips. She was aroused bya deep sigh youl'
 OK, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 23
Mrs.MDoall started back a few paces, as If evidently very much inebriated, or was giving a
in some conaternation, and gazed at the wild realty very excellent imitation of drunkenness.
'
demeanour of Mrs. Marsden witn amazement.
' Tueir broken sentences, which It would not be
Gracious me1'she cried, why, tbe woman's very interestingto the reader to quote here, was
mad ! She ought to have beensent to a lunatic followed by a very distant resemblance to sieg-
asylumInstead ofhere. Give herback her hus- ing,interspersed with numerous hickups, and
band, Indeed; well I
good woman,we mu . havenone ofthis nonsense
' '
never! Come, come, my then a heavy weightrolled upon the sl <or,
Dear me/ said the matron, that is Mr.
here ;so, if you are not q net, why, we will bave M'Doall ;somebodyhas been insultinghim, and
you put in a Btrait-waistcoat in no time/ it has overcome him, he is so very sensitive.
The wretched womanreturned no answer ;she Follow me,forI am afraid hehas fallenand hurt
had exhausted herself by her wild ravings of himaelf.'
despair, and onoe more sinking on the b d, Thus saying, Mrs.M'Doall and the men quit-
covered her face with her hands, and burst into ted the ward, and the wretched inmates were
a violent flood of tears. oncemore left to themselves.
Evelina sunk on her knees bef.re the matron, Mtb.Marsden at length looked up;her face
exclaimed
* Ob,
—
and with clasped hands and piteous looks, she wasbedewed with tears, and her cheeks were
ghastly pale; but the extreme violence of ber
for the love of God, madam, do not be anguishhad abated and set' led into the calmness
harsh with my unfortunate mother ;ihe knows of despair. She pressed Evelina to her bosom,

for indeed, indeed, wemerit it/ '

a voice of impressive solemnity,exclaimed
—
not what she says ; it is the violence o'her grief and was unable for some time to utter a syllable;
and despair that overcomes her. Pity ub, lady, at lengthshe claspedherhands together, and in
Whether it was the application of the title AlmightyFather of all good, look down, I
'lady' to her or the earnest supplications of so humbly beseech thee, npon thy poor suffering
young a child, wecannot tell, but certainly she creatures in this their terrible emergency, and

'
heard her make naeof
Well, well, I
—
was somewhat tottent ned, and after a pause release them from the sorrows which now afflict
she saidin milder accents than Evelina had yet them ;andoh!most merciful God, watch over
my unfortunate huBband, and avert the horrible
haveno wish to be harsh with and ignominouafate with which he is at present
the woman; no one is treated harshly here ;it threatened, as thou knowest his innocence.
is perhaps a fallingof mine that I am too for- Devoutly did Evelina repeat this prayer after
bearant, kind, and indulgent, although I am her mother, who then stretched herself upon the
treated withthe basest ingratitude for my pains. hard pallet,and drawing the form ofher daugh-
Ifyonr mother is ill,I will send thehouse doctor ter close to her, became totally absorbed in
and a nurse to her, but I must not havethe place thought.
'
disturbedin this manner/ Ina short time the doctor entered the ward,
Oh, thanks, thanks, madam/ returnedEve- accompanied byan old woman, who was to act
*
lina. God will surely bless you for any kind- in the capacity ol nurse. He was a man mild
ness you may show to my unfortunate parent.' in his demeanour and tpeecb, and possessed more
'But yeu must sleep in another ward, girl, hnmanity than usuaUy characterises the nature
with one of the other pauper children/ saidMrs. of a parish doctor. He appeared much struck
'
M'Doall. with the careworn appearance and emaciated
Ob no,no,no/ cried Evelina, withterror and frame of Mrs.Marsden 1 and after having put
'
anguish inher looks ;and again sinking upon severalquestions to her, he told her that he
her kness, do not separate me from my mother, should immediately order some nourishments
I imploreyou, or I shall die ;it is onlymy pre forher andEvelina, which he requested that they
sence that can compose her, and reconcile her would take directly, and also said that he would
to her hard destiny. Fray, lady, do not, oh, do see that they were removed without delay to a
not take me from her.'
Itcertainty must have been the word lady'
' more comfortable and wholesome apartment.
Ab well as they could, Mrs. Marsden and
thathad the magical effect, for tbe matron was Evelina returned their thanks for this unex-
again moved from her usualsternness and seve- pected kindness.
'
rity. ' 'But ohl benevolent sir/ ejaculated Mrs.
'
Well/ she said, Ifyou behave yourself, I do Marsden, shall I not be permitted to see my
not mind complyingwith your request, though unfortunate husband? Heis innocent! indeed
it is against the rules to suffer the juvenile he<is.'
paupers to sleep with the elder ones ;but mind '
1cannot say anything about that at present,
will see .
me, ifI hear anymore uproar or disturbance, Imy good woman/ said the doctor, butI
will remove you bothimmediately/ what can be done/
Evelinaendeavoured once more to speak her ■Oh, thanks, thanks,
'my good sir/ said the I
thanks, but emotion choked her utterance, and poor gratefnl woman. God will most assuredly
shehastened to her m ither, wbo waB still weep- bieBS you for this/
ingbitterly, which relievedberheart of a portion The doctor then departed, telling tbe nurse to j
ot the excessive anguish with which it was follow him.
loaded.
' '
Heaven has raised us up a friend, my dear
At this moment there wasastrage uproar down mother/ said Evelina ; this good man will in-
stairs, which Bounded like the stumbling and terest himself in our behalf; and, if we wait

;~ ; '.- .
—
scufflingof half a dozen persons,and wasquickly patiently, we may sind relief from our present
followed by the coarsevoice of a man who was sufferings sooner than we ~
' ■■ ■
b m_,-'„■*
— , g-HdU' expeoted. Come, my
~' —
 24 EVELINA, THE PA.UPO'3 CHILD;
dear aicther, revive; and even sad as our destiny not mention all I know. Come, come, get to
at pre.entis, a short time may change it to all
'
that we can wish.'
'
rest.'
Rest 1' repeated Mrs. Marsden, 'alasIwhat
'
Alas !no,my child,' replied Mrs. Marsden,
with a deep s gh ; think of the terriblesituation —
rest can poor creatures like us expect to sind in
such a place ? Heaven help us! Heaven help
of your father, andthe fearful evidence there is us 1'
against him, and then say, what is there to S'le sank on herkness as she spoke, and with
hope I They will condemn him ;and oh, horror! clasped hands, she mentally,but fervently, sup-
how my heart's blood freezes when Ithink of plicated tbat mercy for herself and her child
the dreadful fate to which he willbe innocently wliich she couldnot expect they would meet with
eontigned.' there.
At this moment the nurse returned, bringing Evelina shuddered, but endeavoured to stifle
with her some nourishments wiiich the doctor _Br emotion as much as possible, so that she
had ordered for them, and of which she desired might not add to the bitter anguish her mother
them to partake. They did, and as tbeyhad been was enduring; but still the kindness of tho
several hours without food, it greatly revived nurse, however powerless she might bs, the
'
them. different aspect of the room they were now in,
'
Do yeu think you can walk V said tha wo. the attention of the doctor, and several other
msn ; youcanlean on me, andIwill conduct circumstances, servedto impart some degree of
you to another room, where you will be much consolation to her bosom ; and, looking
affec-
I
'
more comfortable than you are here.' tionately in her mother's face, Bhe threw her
Oh, yes, Iwill try, although suffering has little arms around her neck, and triedto soothe
'
made me very weak,' answered Mrs. Marsden. ber with her fond aud innocent endearments.
Come, mychild, we wiH together;at any rate, Theold woman was evidently moved by com*
they will not have the cruelty to separate us.' passion towards them, and againpersualed them
With thassistance of the nurse,Mrs.Marsden to retire to bed, and at length,after havingagain
arose from the bed, and then leaning on the invoked the protection of the Supreme for the
shoulder of the former, and taking the hand of wretched Marsden, they yielded, and the nurse
Evelina, they left the miserable ward, the very followed their example. It
was some time, how.
aspect of which was sufficient to excite horrorin ever, ere either the wretched mother or her
tho bosom; of those unfortunate beings who en- daugbt .r conld compose their minds to rest, for
tered it.
—
the terrible thoughts whichracked their bosoms ;
—
The room theynow were removed to certainly but at last nature was completely worn out, and
presented a wonderful contrast to that which sleep refreshing sleep
they hadleft. It was small, but the walls were And thus wore away
came to their relief.
clean, and there was a oheerful firein the grate. poorhouse of the first dreary night inthe
the parish of Allover.
Ithad also two bedsin it, which were very clean, Horrible was the mental sufferings ofRichard
and there were Borne other rifling articles of fur. Marsden in his dismal cell; but his anguish was
ntture in It which added to the comfort of its ap- more
exolted onaccount of his wife anddaughter
pearance. The spirits of poorEvelina somewhat than his ownsituation, and the fate which in all
revived when she beheld it, and a portion of the propabillty awaited him, dreadful,
ignominious,
horrors of the workhoute were banished from and unmerited thoughit was. They were now,
'
her mind. he imagined to himself, the inmates ofthe work-
You bad better let me' assist you to undiess house, and ho had heard
directly/ said the nurse, and getinto bed with- doings enough of the brutal
in poorhouse of Allover, and of the
out delay ;you are much exhausted, and if you charactersthe of Mr. and Mrs. M'Doall, to convince
can get a few hours' repose, it will do you a him that they would be subjeted every
to
world of good. I shall remain with you all indignity and cruelty. And what wouldpossible
night, by the doctor's orders, so that if you become
of them, should heindeed be condemned? He
should want anything,Ishall be ready to attend
upon yon.' shuddered with horror at the thought, and as
he paced
Mrs. Marsden looked at her with gratitude, dungeon,the dark and narrow confines of his
his groans wore terrible to bear. With
'
for such kindness she did not expect.
his
Your heart is notinsensible to pity,my good andclenched hands he struck his burning temples
_
woman, peroeive,' said Mrs. Marsden; 'and in dashed his body against the cold .amp walls
despair. To have encouraged one ray of hope
fervently I thank you for your sympathytowards would havebeen madness,
apoor unfortunate woman and her chiid. Never prejudicedagainst for every one seemed
never, did I anticipate that it Would be our bard the
him, aud how could he refute
lot tobecome paupers. Have youbeen longan wouldoverwhelming weight of evidence which
be adduced against him on his trial ? Of
inmate
' of this bouse1' what availwould it be for him to protest his
'
God help meI'replied thenurse, with a deep innooence, whea he could produce
sigh, for more than ten yeirs, and I wish that I to corroborate his no witnesses
had'died before I entered It.' assertions? Oh, madman
that he was, to suffer tho Ill-gotten hoard to
Is then the treatment of the wrelched destl. tempt him ;
tute mmates sosevere V luqJred Mrs. Marsden, his situation, and yet, the abject wretchedness of
wiih a look of anguish. the starving state of his wife and
Evelina, the brutal insults he had
The received from
' nurse shook her head.
Bad enough, bad enough,' she said; I ' the murde ed man andAble Flint, bis mercenary
have and tyrannicalsteward, were
■witnessed kuc i scenes since I bave been here ought, surely, to welgiin his circumstances that
savour,
that have harrowed my very soul. But I date knew well that they would not;that but he
the stern
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S OHLLD; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 25
eye ofthe law would not recognise such claims _
although Bhe kept up wit most as ton's ing _
to its mercy. p=r.ev -ranee and exertion, that her constitution
But to die the death of the most blood-stained was rapidly sinking under the unparalleled
culprit, an* for a crime of which he was not dreadful shock of these accumulating horrors,
guilty;to have his memoryexecrated,aadthese so Probidy it wa) the thought of her poor teader
dear to him printed at as the wife and daughter child that alone sustained her; but it waa impos-
i of a murderer, were reflections that werealmost
too powerful, too dreadful, for the brain of the
unhappy man to support ; aad he dished his
sible that her breaking heart ould long struggle
against th? trials to which she was subjected.
Great was the interest that wasexcited on the
body upon the cold pavement of his cell, aud day of the trial ;the court was crowded to excess
gave himself up to all the frenzy ofhorror- as soon ai it opened, aad long ere the judges
Better wouldit have been for them, the unfor- took their seats upon the bench, and a melan-
tan .te prisoner reflected, had they all perished choly murmur might be heard to proceed from
together, terrible as even a death of starvation the greater portionofpersona assembled, which
mast be, than that such a fate as this shouldhave might easib and justly be construed iuto one of
befallen them- But Erelina and her mother commiseration towards the accused man, aud a
could never sarvle hu dreadful end, and fer- sincere hope that Providence would make his
vently he prayed that Heaven would take them innocence apparant, and bring him safely
to itself, and snatch them from the fearful thiough the awful ordeal he was about to un-
m'series they could only expect to meet within dergo.
this merciless world. As the difTeren1: witnesses ser the p'osecution
* # #
arrived, whisperings of dissatisfaction might
The assiz.s, has as b:en stated, were now on, have been heard among thu portion of the con-
and the day which had been fixed upon efor the gregation before mentioned ; bat when Abel
trial of the unfortunate Richard Marsden at Flint entered the court, the indications of dis-
lengtharrived. It came in, dark, che erlss, and gust became so marked aud load, that the
tempestuous, a. if portentous of the dreadful ofli.eri thoughtit the.r duty to suppress them.
fate which awaited the wretched vie. m of cir- The steward lo.ked round upon the spectators
cumstantial evidence ; and the humble neigh- with a frown of contempt, and then took his
bours oftheaccused man looked sad and sorrow- place a no.i. the other witnesses.
ful, for they could not believe him guilty, and Mr. and Mrs. Goodson were present; and the
they anticipated wi h feelingsofhorror the awful painful anxiety and fearful thougiita they were
tngedy which, in all prol.it. llty, would shortly enduring, were plainly visible in their counte-
be enacted. But what chance wa. there of h s nances.
acqiictal when he had no thing but his own Tbe judges now to*k their seats upon the
solemn protestations of innocence to refute the bench, and the prisoner waa ordered to be
frightful charge against hia? None; and they arraigned at the bar. A death-like silence per-
therefore made up their minds to the worst, and vaded the court, aod all eyes were fixed upon
c uli only deeply lament the miserable fate of the entrance where the accused would be
that unfortunate family. brought in. He was conducted nta the dock by
But none were more deeply distressed than the officers, and again a murmur of commisera*
the amiable family ot the Goodsons for
; tbey tion, and half stifled prayers for his acquittal,
viewed the poor sufferers with the same regard escaped the breasts of numerous of the anxious
as if th.y were their own relations, and would spectators.
williugl.havemade any sac isice in thetr humble The unhappyman had undergone a most re-
power to serve them in this awful hour of trial. markable change during the few short days he
Again and again had Mr. Goodson and his wife hid been incarcerated. His once manly and
supplicited the parish authorities to be permitted robust frame was worn to a complete sfceletoD,
to see Mrs. Marsden and her daughter, but in and he was but the mere phantomof whai oe had
vain ;they ony received insul s for their pains, formerly been. For an instant he raised his
and they were compelled to relinquish their eyes, and having bowed respecfully to the
effortsin despair; and to imagineto themselves ju!gea, looked around the court;but in the con- I
the sufferings to which they were exposed in fusion and despa:r ot his thoughts, he did not
that abode of wretchedness, tyranny,and oppres- seem to recognise any one. Hia countenance
sion. was as ghastly pale as that of a corpse, but his
Vainly would we seek to give even a faint lips, althoughlivid, quivered not, and there was
idea of the anguish, the maddening anguish, of an expression of conscious innocence in his
mind and body that Mrs. Maradenand Eveliaa demeanour, which forcibly struck every one. Ho
were suffering; with no one to pity them, Bave was accommodated with a seat, aad thea the trial
the poor, helpless old nurse; and she only in proceeded.
secret dared to evince any commiseration to- It would be a waste of time to detail minutely
trial, a* the evidence
'
'
j wa-ds thorn. The unhappy woman had been all the partlcu ars of the
made acquainted with the day appointed for the differed in norespect from that which had been _
trial ofher ill-fated husband ; and she could not givenat the examination befoie the magiatr es ;
but look forward to that day as one on which he it urght have been looked upon, in fact, as a
; waste bs legally murJered ; for that h- would coMplete mockery, as the wretched man wai
i escape conviction she did not dare to hope. already pr -judged, and he wjs unprepared with
Heaven alone knows how Bhe survivel with all any witnesses to combat the drealful ctnrgo.
theie hideous thoughts aad anticipations upon Still, however, there were one or two of the Jury
her mind ;but it was apparent to every one, who had their doubt as to hia guilt, a_d they I
■w
No.
*
 26 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

the distracted mother and ber child; but vain

retired to deliberate, s._t. were absent for upwards
Of an hour and a half, during whichtime the was everyeffort ; aod as hour after hour elapsed,
excitement of every one present was most pain- their suspense became almost insupportable.
ful, and the torturing aa&pense the wretched The doctor had, to no purpose, attempted to
prisoner was suffering was too powerful to he administer to Mrs. Marsden a powerful opiate, in
described. He scarcely ever venturedto look up ; order that he might throw her into a state of
and when he did, the ghastly expreeslon of his unconsciousness, which would have been an act
countenance, the convulsive throbbing of his of mercy to her at that terrible- crisis ; she
chest, and the wild and almost unearthlyglances successfullyresisted every attempt to force ber to
of hia eyes,struck terror to the bosom of all who take it ; and the more they sought to persuade
beheld him. her, the greater her frenzy became, while Evelina
At length the dreadful moment arrived ;the added her tears and supplications to those of hsr
jury re-enteredthe box; all eyes became rlvetted mother, and induced them to desist.
upon them; silence waa proclaimed; and the Thedoctor thought it would be useless to keep
usual question havingbeen put, the foreman, in the result of the trial a secret from the unhappy
a low but distinct voice,pronounced the, fearful woman, as Buspeuae mightprove evenmore fatal
verdict of ■*Guilty." than certainty, and he therefore desired, t~at
A thrillofhorror ran through the court, and when It waa Known, it should be communicated
Richard Marsden sunk forward in the dock, and to hsr as cautiously and tenderly as possible.
buried his face in his hands in despair. Tbey also endeavoured to persuade the poor
A painful pause for a few seconds ensued, child to leive the room as the trial was far too
"
and then tbe judgeput the solemn question to
the culprit, What he had to say why judg-
great for one of her tender years ;but she clung
to her parent with terror, who heldher frantically
ment of death should notbe passed upon him ?" to ner bosom, and called d>wn the curses of
The unfortunate man once more raised his head, Hearen upon the heada of those who should
and fixing a vacant look, first upon the judges, attempt to remove her ; and the doctor, there-
then npon the jury who had condemned him, fore, Buffeted tbem to remain together.
did not at fir. t seem to comprehend the question Inthis manner another dreadful tour passed
that had been put to him. But at last he re- away, and Mrs.Marsden and Evelina were left
covered himself, and made such a pathetic entirely to the care of the nurse, whodid all that
appeal to the judges,and again so solemnly pro- she could to console them, but with little or no I
tested his innocence and horror of the dreadfol effect. The doctor at length re-entered the
crime of which he had been convicted, that it room, and Mra.Marsden flew wildlytowards him,
must indeed have been an insensible heart that and grasping his arm, and looking into his
could have remained unmoved. Abel Flint, —
countenance, as if she would read his every
however, fixed upon the miserable man a look
of malicious triumph, and marked with contempt
'
thought, exclaimed
Now, now,tor the love of God, keep me not
the feeling of abhorrence with wbich he was in suspense; my unfortunate husbands Oh,
viewed by the majority ofpersons assembled in tell me, are yon the messenger of good or e.ilf
the court.
Another painful pause ensued, when the
'
The doctor shook his head.
Ah!' cried the frantic woman,in a voice so
judges put on theirblack caps, and proceeded to
complete their solemn and revolting task. The
'
appaling, that It resounded through the ._o!e
house, they have murdered him IThemonsters
unfortunate Richard Marsden was sentenced to have accomplished their inbuman task, and
death. doomed an innocent man to the gallowsI Let
It was at this awiul moment that the me go ! let me go! I am guilty as he, and we
writched man seemed to lose all self-posseaslo? ; will at leaat die together I Off, off"! Oh, horror,
and horror, the most nsupportable, agonised his horror!'
frame, wben he found that every hope waa at She could sayno more, her strength failed her,
an end. Large drops of perspiration stood upon andBhe sunk lifeless on the floor, while Evelina,
his brow, and hurried down his cheeks; and it with a piteous shriek, fell insensible on her
was truly appaling to witness the look he fixed bosom 1
—
upon th" judge,aa he clasped his hands together
and* exclaimed
Mercy, mercy Ispare me for the sake of my
wife and child! Iam innocent! Mercy, mercy,
mercy V
—
CHAPTER VI.
THE DAT OF EXECUTION. TUB HESPITE. THE
—
Fot amoment or two be.r_ade another ineffec- DEATH.
tual attempt to apeak, but h;_ strengt . wasex For a brief space we must leave the unfortu-
bausted, and covering his face with his hands, nate mother and her child, andfollow
he gave utterance to a yell of despair, and tank demned man to his dungeon. the con-
apparently dead in the dock, and the horror- For some time Richard Marsrleu remained in
Btruck spectators quitted the court, Abel Flint a state of utter insensibility, and it
escaping by a private way to avoid the rage of be thought that he was beganto
would never mote recover.
the populace. Miserable man ! fortunate would it have been
And what was the torturing anguish which for himhad he not, for oh, how
Mrs.Marsden and Erelina had been suffering it he for him to awaken to all thedreadful would
horrors of his
during this awful period t It was so excessive appaiently certain doom.
But at length
that even the matron was moved to something restoredto consciousness, and castinghis he was
languid
like a seeling of pity, and endeavoured to pacify eyes around him, and beholding the
awful sltua-
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
Ion in which he was placed, the full and terrible
remembrance of all that had happened rushed
with maddening force upon his brain, and he
Btruggledviolently wit ithose whoheld him.
' 4 Release me, villains, murderers 1' he cried ;
your dungeon walls shall not hold me from my
wife and chdd I Wretches! have you spark of
feelingor humanity? Would ye di'agan innocent
man to the gallows f Would ye murder him in
celd blood, for a crime which he never com-
mitted. Oh, beware, the eye of God is watching
all your action*, ai dhe will pursue you with
His most terrible retribution for thia ! Let me
go, I say ! I hear the voices of my wife and
cb Ud callingupon me for aid;you shal no longer
keep me from them !'
Again he Btruggled with the turnkeys in the
wildness of his despair; but t.is strength was
completely exhausted, and he sunk down on the
cold et .ne- bench which served for a seat, and
sobbed and wept like n infant. It was a sight to
move even the sternhearts of the turnkeys,used
as they were to such scenes, to pity, and for a
moment they viewedthecondemned with emotion.
The two turnkeys were ordered to remain with
him constantly until the fatal moment arrived,
which tbe law had decreed should terminate his
existence; and oh, what a night was that to the
wretchedman ! He thoughtalone upon hiB wife
and tender, innocent offspring ; iu imagination
he witnessed their be&rcre-tding agony, their
terrible despair " he heard their shrieks of horror
wbeu the certainty of his untimely and shameful
fate was announced to them ;and it was wonder-
ful that his heaitstrlngs did not burst a-surider,
or tbat reason did not immediatelyquit her seat
and leave him a raving maniac. But a lew honra
must intervene, and he would perish on the
Bcaffoid, exposed to the gaze ofa rude and unfeel"
ing populace; be who had never wilfullyitjured
a human being, and hls wife who had been the
patient unmurmuringpartner of all his woes,
—
and thatpoor girl on whom hia own soul doated,
would be :ett destitute the inmates of the parish
workhouse, and soaffold, and pointed at as the
wife and offspring of a r. urderer!These thoughts
were worse than even a thousand deaths would
have been; and Richard Maraden could have
wept tears of blood. And must henever again
be allowed to behold them in this world I No,
the dreadful decree was past, aud they coyld ex-
pect no mercy on this Bide t _e grave. Alas I how
fervently he regretted that they bad not all
perished of want, rather than that they should
have been brought to such a revolting fate.
Thus he continued to ruminate, and awful
were the groans of anguish and despair that
—
escaped his breast. It was a terrible thing to
wat oh the emotions of that unfortunate man in
his condemned cell to Dote his g_a-tly and
vivid countenance, his blood shot eyes, his con-
vulsed frame, and heaving bofcom. It was still
more dreadful from the solemn silence that
reigned around, and which waa only interrupted
at interval by the deep and impressive toaes of
the prison bell, which told the rapid flight of time,
and near approach of that hour when he must
die by the hands of the executioner ; and
then to hear occasionally his shrieks of despair,
'_
as he called upon tne names of his wife and
_ ■ ■■-■. ".■■__. ■ ■
-- bed upon which she had b*enlaid, why do you
27
daughter. But we must quit the awful BceDe.
With sorrowing hearts didtold Dame Goodson
and her husband return to heir home after the
conclusion of the trial, aud the doom of the
unfortunate Richard Marsden was sealed. And
many were tbe tears that amiable family shed
tbat night ; and the prayers they offered up to
Heaven to interpose between him and his fearful
and unmerited fate. Felix and his sister were
overwhelmed with grief and horror, and their
parents were too much distracted themselves to
attempt to impart to them any consolation. And
what would be the unspeakable torture, of Mrs.
Marsden, aud the little Evelina, when they
should be informed that all hope was at an end,
and that tbe terrible vengeance of tbe law would
certainly be carried Into effect. Tbe bare Idea
was awful to encourage.
Never could the poor old people forget the
looks of the wretched Marsden when his sen-
tence was pronounced. Still did his frenzied
supplications for mery seem to ring iu their
ears, and freezethe veryblood in their voins with
horror. Sleep that night was a stranger to the
inmates of that humble dwelling.
The following mornlog Mr. Goodson and his
wife oncemore proceeded to the wo khouse,aod
again requested to be permitted to a;e Mrs.
Marsden and Evelina; but they were, as tbey
had been on every occasion before, peremptorily
refused, and they were even threatened with
being sent to prison if they dared to annoy them
with their visits again. The good people were,
however, determined not to give up all hope,
and tbey therefore resolved to call upon one or
two of the Jurymen who had seemed to enter-
tain a doubt of Marsden'a guilt, ln order that
they might ascertain whether or not any steps
could be taken by way of a petitionto avert the
tenlble fate to wbich tbe unfortunate and inno*
cent man had been sentenced.
They were received by these gentlemen with
every kindness and courtesy ; and so far did
they succeed, that they obtained a promise from
them to get upsuch amemorial as they requested,
and to get the namesof alltheinfluential persons
they could, appended to it.
We need not say how unbounded was the gra-
titude of Mrs. Goodson and her husband ;and
they returned home with renewed hope,trusting
that the Almighty would never Buffer an inno-
cent man to perish in so awful a manner. But
not a moment was to be lost, for ou tbe following
Monday the awful sentence of the law was
ordered tobe carried into effect.
Mrs. M.rsden continued in a state of utter
Insensibility lor several hours, after she had re-
ceived the fearful intelligence of the conviction
and condemnation of her husband;and Evelina
was not without much difficulty restored; and
the doctor gave it aa bis opinion that it was
extremely doubtful whether so young a child
could ever survive bo terrible a shock.
Aud when Mrs. Marsden was once more
aroused to a full knowledgeof her misery, and
tho doom which awaited her husband, it would
defy the skill of the most powersul pen to pour--
'
tray her agonies.
'
MonsterB !' Bhe cried, as she started up In the
■■
!■ A U,
 28 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR,

"till hold mehere inconfinement, while my inno- ghastly looks, and careworn form. The doctor
cent husband implores my last embrace, before shook his head, and whispered aside to th«
impossible
he is snatched from me by an ignominious and matronthat he thoughtit was utterly
unjust fates Do y_u not hear his piteouscries, she could survive many hours ;and Mrs.M'Doal
not at all
aud yet you can turn a deaf ear to my aupolica- evinced, by her looks, that she was
"
tionsf Lydia,my wife I— Evelina,my child," displeased at the Intelligence.
he exclaims, '"have ye abandoned me in my 'See!' exclaimed the unfortunate womsn,
—'
despair? Will ye not came to me and bid me suddenly raising her head and looking vacantly
—
farewell, for ever, ere the hangman performs his around the room ; do you not obaerve them,
bloody ana r volting office?" HarkIdo you how tbey press towards the scene of the bloody
not hear him? And now that solemn peal;it drama! And how they laugh and chuckle in

— —
is the death bell ! great God stay their accursed anticipation of the rare sport which the legal
hands ; they are leading him forth to execution! murderers have prep _"ed for them? Oh, it ls a
I

ob, fiends— fiends iu human shape, the curie merry day for those who delight in breaking the
of the Almighty will fall heavily upon ye for heartsof the Innocent andoppressed. And now
this! Ri.hard !husband ! you mustnot perish behold !the gallowsappears in Bight, and there
thus ;they Bhall not tear you from me ; nay, the executioner stands thirsting for the blood of
— -
even though every earthly power should rise to his guiltless victim. Tbat Bound— do you not
oppose me, they shall not prevent me flying to hear it? Yes, yes, it is the musi to the enter-
you. I come, Richard, I come, to save you, or tainment—it is tbe knell of death. The hour
to die on your bosom I" has comeI Richard, Richard1 I come to join
As the unfortunate woman thus spoke, she you in your last moments.'
endeavoured to spring from tbe bed, but quite 'Mother! oh, mother!' shrinked Evelina,
exhausted with the violence of her ravings, she pressing ber cold tunito herlittle burstingheart,
as inanimate as a corpse. Evelina rent the air
'
sank back with a groan,and again became almost ; and g*z:ng in her fare wiih terror.
Who is it calls ?' ejaculated'the distracted

bosom of her mother, nothing

—
with her cries, and throwing herBelf upon the woman, gazing upon vacancy ; ah! it ia hia
could remove her. \ voice I And inw behold they lead him forth to
In this state Mrs. Marsden remained, and execution I God Ihew waisted that ferm that
sometimes she became so violent that it needed was once bo noble and manly;how pale, how
— —
force to hold her down in tae bed. Dreadful deathly yale, those cheeks, where once the robuBt
were the hours thatsucceeded ;and as the day of bloom of health was seated. Canit be he ? No
the execution rapidly approached, aud all hope no I it must be some sickly phantom of the
seemed at an end, the suffering woman was imagination! Richad, husband. Ifitbeindeed
obliged to be waiched night and day by two or you, why do you not speak to me ? I— I have
three persona, and Mrs. M Doall complained come to die with you, and our little one, too,
most bitter 7 of tbe trouble and responsibility shall accompany us to Heaven, faraway from the

— —
that waB thus placed upon her shoulders by the cares aud miseries of this cruel world. He

—
wife of a felon, who ought to have been con- passea me by he advances towards the place of
—
signed to a madhouse in the first instance, sacrifice he ascends the steps which lead to the
instead of being sentthere. Bcassold the people shout, they yell tbey mis<
—
The awful morningappointed for the execu*- call him murderer, and execratebis name.Liars,
tion at lengtharrived, and all waB terrible ex- he ia innocent I His conscience Is pure;hia
citement, suspense, and horror among thehumble hands are unstained with the blood cfhis fellow-
inhabitants of tbe neighbourhood;and many creatures ; Itis ye who are the assassins ;it is
—
respectable individuals who had known Marsden ye who are about to shed the bloodofan innocent
as an honest industrious man, and who, not- man. But no, Richard I you must not shall
—
withstanding the conclusive evidence whioh had not die. Stand baok, ye shtuting fiends, Igo

—
scarcely believe that he could ever have been here— I obi'
—
been brought against him on his trial, could to 6ave my husband. Richard, Richard, I am
guilty of so frightful a crime as murder these Exhausted by these dreadful exertions, the
persons had signed the petition with alacrity, distracted woman fell back on her bed, and, clos-
and it had been forwarded, with as little delay ing her eyea, seemed to be completely wornout;
as possible, to the proper quarter; but np to the , large drop* of perspiration bathed her temples —
fatal morningno answer had been reoeived, and her paleand ghastly features were distorted, and
it seemed but too painfully evident that the law altogether Bhe psesented a spectacle so awiul
would be allowed to take its course. that the little Evelina's horror became almost in-
The anguish of Mr. aod Mrs. Goodson and supportable; and it was iu vain tbat the other
the children was almost asintense as that of the peraons present tried to rranquillise her.
doomed man or his wife anddaughter could be ;1 1She is dying,sheis dyingI* sobbed the child,
and when tbe morning dawned, and still the j 1aed I thail b. Jest alone; oh, mother apeak to
petition remained unanswered, they gave them** j me for the love of Heaven! It is your poor
selves up to ab.o ute despair.
—
Ev.liaa who implores you ;oh, ifit is tbe will
In va-n had the doctor humanely triedto com- . of God to take )ou from me, let me die with you,
pel the wretched patient to take a sleeping my oeioved parent let me die with you.'
draught; and indeed such was tbe Intensity of The poor woman did open her eyes at the
her agony, that it is do-b'fnl whether anything sound ofher daughter's voice, smiled faintlyupoa
would ha.e beeu powerfulenoughto h .ve steeped her, and then pressed her with convulsive emo-
her senses in forgei fulness. It was awiul to tion to her thr bbmg bosom, but she Beemed in-
hear her piteous ravings, a d to observe her | capable of speaking.
 POVERTY, CaiME, AND SORROW. 29

"My poor child,' said the doctor gentlytak'ng in the bad with a strength that was almost iticre-
'
rao:her for a while, for the agitation you causs I
—
♥.hehand of Evelina, 'you must leave joor dible. 'Saved!— ha1 ha! ha!— merciful God, |
thank you ! Come,come, child, to your father j
■
her may be productive of the most dangerous to
consequence, in her present situation. Come, The words were stifled in her throat, and she
come, only for a few minutes, until we endeavour sunk back inanimate on the hed. Tbe poor
"
to reviveher, and then you sh-11return again.' child gazed frantically upon her, sbe kissed her
Leave her!' cried our heroine, in a voice of lips; she pressed ber little hand upon her heart ;
i

terror, and clinging' still closer to the wasted } she could not feel it beat; and then in a voice of

——
form ofher parent, leave her, and sheis dying? ; indescribable anguish, she called upon her name;
Oh, no,no,no, you cannot you will no be so j alas !those beloved lips could no more answer

kind si/.'
—
cruel aa to separate ub Ibeseech you, good, j her ;the puie and gentle Bpirit had taken its
j eternal flight ; Evelina gazed uponher mother'a
Again tbe Buffering woman seemed to be corpse.
aroused at the so.nd of her child's voice, and
oncemore she opened her sad eyes, and fixed
them with a look of tender meaning upon the
weepinggirl's face, aod thenahe turned her gaze
—
CHAPTER VII.
towards the doctor and the matron, with an ex- CHANGE OP SCENE AND EVENTS. REMORSE Off
— —
pression of earnest supplicationwhich they could CONSCIENCE. TUE YOUNG FUGITIVE. THE
DISCOVERY.
not misunderstand.
'No.no, dearest mother,' said Evelina, im- Eight years had winged their rapid flight since
printing fervent kisses upon the cold lips ofher the occurrenceof the sad events related in the
'
parent, they will not part us; the looks of this 1 previous chapter. E'ght years I And what re-
good gentleman tell me they will not. R .vive, markable changes have taken place in that period
revive,mother, and apeak to me ;if it is only ,of time.
one word, let me hear the beloved tones of your Eight years of bitter suffering had they been
voice again.'
The Hps of Mrs. Maraden parted,
—
to tbe hapless Evelina, whowas stiU the wretched I
aud st.e inmate of the parish woikhou.e of Allover the
made an effort to speak,but could not,and could tender, meek, and submissive victim of the
only embrace her hapless child more fervently cruelty of the brutal ma.ler and matron, and
than before. without a friend in the world to whom Bhe could
A dismal silence of about tenminutes ensued, appealfor redre_a, or who would viewher sorrows
which wa. only interrupted by the heart-rending with a pityingeye. No; where <ould the poor | —
_
sobs of Evelina, and the doctir and tbe matron felon's daughterhope to look for compassion ?
stood by i_ gazed on, expecting every instant A mercy would it have been to her had she long '
to ses tbe suffering mother breathe her last. since b 'ept the sleep of death in the pauper grave
It was now the hour at which tbe execution of her unfortunate mother.
waa appointed to take place. Twelve bad sructe And what was V e fate of Richard Marsden?
by the woikhouse clock, and tbe doctor looked The sentence of deal, had u. n commuted to
■

significantly at Mrs M'Doall, as much as to say transportation for life, aua Lo i__ v dragged the
* Thedreadful tragedy Ib over, and R chard Mar_ felon's chain far from his native land, and iu
d -n haB paid the penalty ofhis crimes of which hopeless misery.
he was convicted.' —
Mr. and Mrs. Goodson had long rested in the
He stooped down and pereelved tbat the dying Bilent grave ; Felix waa ploughingthe wide and
woman's features were becomingmore fixed and perilous deep ; and his sister having obtained a j
rigid, and that she breathed shorter and quicker. situation in a nobleman's family, had not been dL
Aga'n, with alook of gentlepersuasion, he tried near her native place for several years, and was ■

to remove Evelina, buthe could not, and lVirul at present in London. Painful were the thoughts
cf disturbingher mother inherlast moments,he ahe bestowed upon the unfortunate comp_n'ou of
desisted. her childhood ;and m&ny wera the tears she shed
At this nclar.choly juncture, a quick and when she reflected npon the sufleriogs Bhe was
heavy footstep was heard ascending the _ta'rs, i probably enduring, if sho still lived; for she
and the doctor hastened to prevent the lntru- never hsdbeen enabled to obtain any information
■lenof any one into the chamber of death; but I relating to her, and was less alone to dismal con-
befoie he coulddo so, the door was thrown open, jectures and forebodings of the worst.
and the coarseand vulgar person and besotted j Itia an old-fashioned house, situatedin rather (
countenance ofMr.M'Doall made their appear- romantic part of tbe country, to which wemust j
ance. now convey the reader, and remove the actionof
The doctor pointed to the bed, and placed hiB our drama.
fingers Bigoiflcantly on his lips ; but Mr. M'Doall, A very old houseIt was, probablyas old as the ;
who had evidentlybeen partaking of something two oak trees which stood on either side of is
more powerful in itseffect than water, took no ivy-mantled porch;nor could it boast of any

— —
heed of his caution, but nodded his head, and architectural beauty; aud having beeu patched
winking one eye, observed '
up and modernisedin different portion?,presented
'Hem! ha! -Isee dying; but they havn't something of a grotesque and outre'appearance.
hungher husband, much to the disappointment This fabric was kDown by the name cf the Dark
'
of a numerous congregation ! He is respited.' HaU, and certainly the name was q_ite in keep
Respited !'repeated the dying woman, in a ing with its gloomy and sombre appearance.
moment recovering her speech, and starting up j A smail village,or hamlet, waa contlgiucu. lo
 30 EVKLINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR,
1No,no,' answered Linsjston ; I
'
do not feel
thia building, and not far from it stood Charring
ton Abbey, the seat of Lord Vernon Sidley; it altogether well. Dismal thoughtshave obtruded
was of anoble Btructure, exciting the admiration themselves upon my mind, which Icannot
of the t-aveller, butit is to the Dark Hall, and '
shake off.'
dare say,* remarked
its proprietor, we wish to draw the immediate ' sir, I
Itia the weather,
attention of the reader. the housekeeper ; which, to be sure, is gloomy
F_ul Langston wasan old man, over whoso enough ;but la, sir, why should it trouble you or
head some seventy winters bad passed. H'.s me, surrounded,as we are, by every comfort
htow was wrinkled, and his -..it was white as '
that the heart could wish for ?'
the driven snow, but his frame was still stout
and robust, and showed tha'. in bis younger days
' —
Every comfort?' repeated Paul with a peculiar
look; yes, yes, you are comfortable enough, I
he must have possessed great muscular strength dare say, but as for me, Ihare _t times my re-
ftecti-ms, my moments of remorse., and then,
and vigour. His featuiea still retained all the
remains ot' a handsome man ;but their was a and then I
' am miserable.*
restless expression at times in his eyes which ' Dear me, Mr. Langston,' said Mrs. Snaeks;
what can you ever have done to repeat of? You
seemed to say that the mind was a stranger to
ease and content. '
have always been good, amaiable and charitable.'
Paul Langaton had been a widower for several '
Woman!' exclaimed tbe old man, with a
bitter look, you mock me by that fulsome flat-
years, not having married until he was fait
verging upon fifty, and then to a widow about tery. I have never been goo _, amiable, or
his own age, and whohad one son by her former charitable. I defy any oue to bring forward a
husband. The union had been far from a happy single proof of my exhibiting these good
one, and it was said that Paul did not evince qualities. I have had plenty at my command,
any remarkable s:gns of grief at her death. How- and allowed those who had every claim uponray
ever, he behavei very well to her son, notwith- affections to be perishing of want. It is eight
standing he was a wild, .hsipated young man, years th's very day since the unfortunate
and had associated himself with some of the Richard M .rsden, the husband of my own niece,
moet disreputable characters. was doomed to die a death of shame upon the
Paul Langston *as reporte. to bsrich ;how- gallows,for a crime of which, 1 belieye from my
ever, be that as it u-ight, he waa very parsi- very soul, be was innocent; and poor Lydiadied
monious in his habits, was never known to give broken-hearted in the parish workhouse. Oil,
a shillingin charity, and had no other domestic had my sister been livingon tbat fatal day, how
in his house than a middle-aged widow, named bitterly wouldher reproaches andcurses have de-
Mrs. Snacks, who a.ted as his housekeeper, and '
scended upon my head-' '
But,sir,' remarked Mrs. Snacks, allow me
who was at all times and all seasons most sub-
Bervient to his every whim, whether from dis- to repeat that I consider you have nothingwhat-
interested motives or not will be seen anon. ever to reproach yourself with. If Richard
It was a most cold and Inclement December MarBdeu waa idle and improvident, it waa no
diy ; the hoar froH bound every brook and duty of yours to support him in it ;aod if he was
Stream, and the snow which had been falling afterwards guilty of that
he was convicted
* dreadful crime of which
almost incessantly for geveral days, lay so thick
upon the ground, that theroada were rendered
quite impassable. passionately.
'
'If he was guilty1' interrupted Langston,
Itell you, woman, that he was
Mrs. Snacks was sitting atneedle work, inher not guilty. 1knew Richard Musden too well
little room, before a cheerful fire, and paid no to think for a moment that he could have com-
attention to the miserable weather without, or to mitted a Bingle set of dishonesty, and,therefore,
those poor creatures who were exposed to it ; In hia soul wouldshrink appalledfrom tbe bare cou-
fact, Mrs. Snacks was one ot those easy sort of temRation ofmurder. He was an injured, a
woman, who nevertrouble themselves to contem- cruelly injured, man; andinstead of beingre-
plate the gloomy side of things, and who thought duced to alife of slavery, ifhe bad had hia rights,
that, while she was snug and comfortable herself , he would now have been the lord and master of
she had no business to take upon herse f to in- Charrington Abbey,instead ofhe who now luxu-
quire who was not; and, she considered, that riates ' in the wealth.'
while theie were eo many par sh workhouses, * sir, Mr Langston,' said thehouse-
My dear
and such heavy poor-rates, it could only be the keeper, I'm sure you cannot mean *
what, you
truly obstinate who would persist In being house- Bay* ;and should LordSidley
less, and in distress.
'
What care Ifor Lord Sidley?' demanded
While Mrs. Snacks was thus employed,how- Paul ; he is fully aware that I
tver, she was suddenly a'ou.ed by hearing ber tbat too for a villain. But
— know him, and
bot I do not feel
master's bell ring, and sbe immediately put down welt; my mind ia disturbed, what with these
her work, and hastened to his room. He was thoughts, andthe constant visits of that grace-
seated in his arm chair before the fire, and less ion-in-law of mine, Stephen Bla k thorn, of
seemed to be so deeply immersed in thought, whom 1 cannot help entertaining a secret dread.'
that he was not aware of the presence of his 1Dear
me, Mr. Lang.t n,' said M^a. Snacks,
housekeeper u .til sue opok.. He thea started Whv Bhou'.d you dread Stephen ? To be sure he
and tanked round, and Mrs.Soacks could pe.celve, has been rather wild, and has spent a deal of
from the expression ot his coumenance, tha', he maney ; but then you know he must keep up ap-
was in one ot t '0_ gloomy mood* wbich he not pearanc.s, being a gentleman farmer, especially
1

un'rtquent'y indu ged In.

* Are yoi_ not . !when such nubleme . as Lord Vernon Sidney
well,sir V inquiredMs! Snack. think it nodi-^gra .e to call themselves
his friends.
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
But Iam certain, after all, that he loves you as
well as if you werebis own father.'
Loves me? pshaw1 Wbat heart has Stephen
Blackthorn to love anythingbut dissipation aud
—
extravagance? HaveI not epent a fortune upon
him placed him in a position to have become
byindustry independentand rich? but he haB
recklessly squandered everything, and is con-
stantly comingto me to extortmore money from
—
me to support himln his vices ;but he has ex-
hausted ray forbearance Iwill nolonger yield
to his demands I'
'I 'am sure, sir,' said the housekeeper, to whom
'
the expression of this detrmlnation was anything
but pleasant, I am sure, that you will think
betterof thia ;Stephen will ' ref.rm, I dare say,
as he
* Asgets older, and '
he gets older !' interruptedPaul. la not
a man of forty old enough to hive sown his wild
oats ? Woman, I have no patience to bear you
—
talk thus; but get you gone, and biing me a
glass of brandy-and-water Iwill try if that
will revive me and dissipate these gloomy
thoughts.'
Mrs. Snacks was surprised at this order, for it
was very seldom that her master indulged in
wine or spirits, and ahe hastened to obey it, with
the hope that it would serve to banish the gloomy
mood which at present beset his mind, and which
was anythingbut agreeable to her, as she knew
not what effect It mightultimatelyhave uponhim
and which might operate to her disadvantage.
When she returned to the room, she found
him still seated in his arm chair, with his head
resting upon his hands, and buried in profound
'
meditation.
Pat the brandyon the table, and take a chair,
Mrs.
'I
Snacks,' he said, when he observed her ;
would have a few words with you.'
Mrs. Snacks courtesyed, and took a chair'im- "
mediately, highly flattered by the unusual con-
descension of her master, aud curious to know
what he had to Bay.
nu_-y _»._ uuu s,u naj.
Hetook a sup of the beverage, and then re-
'
nuined silent for a few minutes.
I —'
have been thinking,Mrs. Snacks,' he re-
marked at last I havebeen thinkingupon the
dreadful suffering, to wh:cb poor Richard Mara-
den must be exposed if he be still living,
transported far from his native land, anddoomed
to a wretched life of slavery, without any respite
from his sorrows, without hope. And Icould
have saved him from all this by snatching him
' poverty.' he
from
But whydid not applyto you, sir V asked
the housekeeper.
4 Because
he knew my sordid, mercenary dis-
position too well,' answered vlr. Langston, and
' said Mr. Langston, for on her rests all my
hia proud and independent spirit would n.t
suffer him todoit. And his wife,myownnlcce,
she perished inthe workhouse.'
BLD J 11ILIC VUIM1UUIC.
'Well,' returned Mrs. Snacks, 'perhaps it
was better that the poor woman did die and
was taken'out of her trouble, for had she
'
lived,
And they had a child too,' continued the old
'
! man, notnoticing tbe observations ofhis house-
! keeper, a fair girl I have been told, who was
j left in the workhouse. Poor thiDg, poor little
innocent thing; I wonder if she be still alive.'
31
Mrs Snacks was much surprised tohear he_
maater express such sympathy and compassion,
and certain fearsand misgivingsbegan to take
possession of her mind, hut Bhe thoughtit wonld
'
—
be more prudentto humour the old gentleman's
temper at present, and Bhe therefore s .id
Oh, poor child, it was a shocking thingto
be left without pare its, and it would bave been
' '
a happy thingif it had pleased God to take her.'
Ne,' exclaimed Mr. Langston suddenly, it
would not be a happy thing,at least for me ;it
is only by that unfortunate child that I could
hope tomake some atonement for my cruel neglect
of her parents. I have the means, and it is my
duty tosnatch her from the miseries of a work-
house, and to become her future protector. Oh,
what sweet consolation it would be to me to
contribute all iu my power to her happiness ;to
remove the gloom of care and neglect from her
youthful brow, and. perhaps, te win her grati-
tude, herinnocent affection.'
Mrs. Snacks was astounded; In imagination
Bhe already behold her air-built castles annihl
lated, and herself banished from a situation in
which she had already r eape. so many advantages,
and where she hoped to gain the consummation
of her highest ambition. It was very fortunate
for her that Mr.Langston did Dot look at her,
being too deeplyimmersed inhis own meditations,
or he must at once have read her thoughts. For
a moment or two she was so bewildered that she
knew not what to say ; but at lengthshe did ven-
'
ture to make anobservation.
'
Why, yes sir,' she said, if you could get
the poor girl some respectable situation, to be
snre, it would be better for ber than remaining
in a workhouse , and she ought to feel verygrate*
'
ful for your kindness.'
Send her to service I'ejaculated the oldman,
with a frown; 'no, no; tbat would indeed be
adding insult to injustice and neglect. You
seem to misunderstand my meaning,Mra. Snacks,
or you cannot properly appreciate my feelings.
Thechild ofmy poor ill fatedniece must become
'
—
no servant; I would bave her to share my borne,
to have her constantly under my own watchful
eye to adopt her as my own grandchild.
Oh, I
understand you now, sir,' remarked
'
Mrs. Snacks, more confused than ever ; andI'm
6ure she oughtto be very grateful to you, very
—
gratefulindeed, for yourcondescension. But eight
years eight yeara ia a long time, aod it is pro-
bable that she i_ dead. It ia not at all impossible
that she wouldnot
' live long after the death of
hermother
'Heaven grant that Bhe is s'ill in existence,'
'
hopes of future happiness. But Iwill write
'
without delay to tbe parish authorities, and as-*
'
cert .iin tbe fact
,sir,you know best,' said Mrs. Snacks ;
'andWell
1hope you may not be disappointed in
your hopes ;but it brings an immense weight of
care and anxiety upon one's mind, when we have
"
ayoung person to manage.'
That care will be the source of all my plea-
sure,' returaed Mr. Langston, 'and my miod
seems lightened ofhalf its weight of care, since
I '
have formedthis resolution.'
Have you anythingmore to Bay to me, sir ?'
 32 EVELINA, THE PAVPER'S CHILD.

inqu'red the housekeeper, biting her lips with ■which seems to have put you ln such a dreadful
vexation, and feaiful that if she remained any panic.'
Stephen Blackthorn was a tall, stout man,
longer, she should betray herself.
' No, no,' answered her master, you can' about forty years of age. Hi3 countenance was
leave me.7 not bad looking, andas he had received a liberal
of natural
Mrs. Snacks courtseyed, and quilted the education, and was not quite destitute
apartment. abilities, he could, when It answered his pur-
So,' sfce s .id, when she had got toher own poses, conduct himself as a gentleman.
1
'
room, this is a very pretty resolution ;and the His principles, however, were of the basest
woikhouse brat is to be brought here, to be order, and there was scarcely anything that be
placed aboveme as my youngmistress ? Theold would hesitate to do, to obtain the gratification
fool! But I'll see whether Icannot frustrate of his wishes.
his plans. I sincerely hope the victim is dead, On the death ofhis fatherhe became possessed
however,
or ifnot, why notlet her remain where she is? It of aconsiderable sum of money, which,
has become her home, and, I dare say, she is very he quickly squandered Inacts of dissipation, and
comfortable inIt. Imust see Stephen upon afterwards brought his mother to the verge of
this subject as soon as possible, or this amiable ruin. He then became connected with some of
turn in the old fellow's mind will ruin us both.' the most depraved of characters, andit was even
Mrs. Snacks became more and more enraged suspected that he w*s implicated iu some tran-
and alarmed the longer Bhe reflected upon the sactions for which his life, or his liberty, would
unexpected circumstance, and she had not the have been forfeitedhad the offences have been
least doubt that Mr. Langston would keep his proved against him. Themarriage of hismother
word ; for she knew very well thathe wasaman with Mr. Langston he hailed at a fortunate cir-
who, when he had made uphis mind to anything, cumstance, and soon contrived to ingratiate
could not be diverted from it. She had scarcely himself into the good graces of the old man, from
suffered these thoughts to enter her mind, when whom he extorted large sums of money at dif-
she heard a loud kr.ock at the outer door, and, ferent periods, which supported him in bit
on opening it, Stephen Blackthornentered. career of folly and extravagance, and he looked
1Isthe old gentleman in his room ?' he de* forward tohis death with anxiety, for he flattered
manded, chucking Mrs, Snacks under the chin, himself tbat be should come into possession of
with the utmost familiarity.
1
'
He is,' answered the housekeeper, and In
the greater portion,ifnot the whole, of his wealth.
It waB a most extraordinarything that Paul
such a strangetemper as I never saw him in be- Langston,who had hitherto never been know to
fore Ihavemuch to tell you after you have seen
; part with a single coin to any of his nearest and
him, Stephen ;and unless we nse some prompt needy relations, or any other persons, should
measures, we shall both be ruined, Ican tell become thus Infatuated with Steven Blackthorn,
you.' so that there was scarcely any demand that he
'Ruined!' repeated Stephen; 'why, what's might make upon hls purse, which he could re-
thematter now ? However, Imust see him; I fute; but so it was, and Blackthorn did not fa'l
have another demand upon his exchequer to to take every advantage of the power he posses-
make.' sed over him.
"You have aleady Stephen now associated with some of the most
Snacks ;
him out, Stephen,'
'andtired has ouly this fashionable libertines in the country, and being
said Mrs. he said
very afternoon thatit is his determination not to aman of Infinite mirth, his society was eagerly
''
do any more for you.'
Not do _ny more for me ?'
courted by sucb characters.
He had early formed a connection with Mrs.
' No.' Snacks,and on the death of her husband, he con-
Oh, the old boy must have been in one of trivedto get her engaged byhis father-in-law as
his mad freaks when he said that he would cut bis housekeeper, knowingthatin her he should
me off with ashilling. I
st tbat. I
—
should like (o catch him find a cleverand ready instrument for the work-
musthave some money a cool hun- ingout of his plans. In the frequent quarrels
dred or two; off to London to-morrow with that took place between his mother and Mr.
'
young Sir Hatvey Scamper.' Langston, Stephen Blackthorn always espoused
'
Then you could not catch Mr. Langston in the cause of the old gentleman, and by that
a worse mood,' remarked Mrs. Snacks ; he has meanB h-. prepossessed himself more than ever
'
actualybeen moralising.' inhis favour, and blinded him completely to his
Moralising? ha, ha, haI'laughedBlackthorn; faults, Mrs. L.ngston died, and Stephen pos-
* Ithink
' you are disposed to joke with me/
Indeed, I
sessed more po wer than ever, and entertained a
am not;and you will not wonder strong hope that he should be enabled at last to
at my alarmwhen I shall have informed you of induce old Langston to execute a will in his
all the particulars that have taken place this favour ; but In tbat he was disappointed.
astern -.od,' Therepeated deman.s of Stephen upon his
*
Well, here goes, luck or nothing,'said Ste- purse begauto shake the confidence of Mr. Lang-
phen, as he prepared t. ascend the stairs; 'I ston, and he reprimanded him for his extrava*
never sailed to come over tbe old boy yet, and gance, tellinghim tbat Ifhe continued thus to
'Y.n strange, indeed, ifI
it willbe do bo now.' supply his wants, he must ultimately bring him-
will see me again before you leave the self to ruin. Stephen presented to be very pen!
'
house, I suppose?1 said Mrs. S jacks.
Oh, yeB,' he answered ; 'for I
tent, and made great promises;and the further
ain anxious to carry out his views,he said that he wished toset-
to
hear what It is you have got to impart to me, and tlein some way ofbusiness, in order that be mi^ht
EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILE; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
acquire for himself an independence; and pro.
xnised that if Mr. Langston would advance him
asum of money sufficient to purchase a respect-
able farm,he would not trouble him again.
Inthis design of the profligate Blackthorn, the
only end he had In view was that of getting the
means for a wider range of dissipation ;and he
thought that by blinding old Langston with a
pretended repentance of past indiscretions, and a
seeming amendment in his ways of life for the
tuture, he 6hould be better able to keep pace
with his dissipated companions,moat of whom
COLONEL ORMOND VISITS THE COTTAGE OP
piness, and be then enabled to launch out into
all tbe wild extravagances at which his more
wealthy companions were such accomplished
proficients.
The old man was prevailed upon ; the farm
w.is purchased for him, and for some time he
seemed tohave abandoned his old habits entirely,
and to have beconae quite steady ;but be did not
carry on this deception long ;in fact,he launched
out Into such a scene of reckless Imprudence,
that he became Involved in greater difficulties
than before; the farm was heavilymortgaged;
independent of which, he had borrowed con-
siderable Bums of money from his abandoned but
No. 5.
33
commanded by far more money than he could ;
indeed, be had often been compelled to borrow
sums of money from several of them, some of
whom had hinted to Blackthorn the expediency
cf his coming to some kind of settlement with
them.
Blackthornhad bad his eye for some time past
upon a farm ac some distance from the Dark
Hall; and if he could but get Mr. Langston to
advance the Bum necessary to purchase it for him,
he imagined that he should be at the height of
what he, with bis evil passions, considered hap-
RICHABD MAKSDEN,
more wealthy associates, and he was fearfultbat
unless he showed some intention or the means
of repaying them, he might be deprived of their
future friendship, whicb, to a manof his dis-
position and habits, was most invaluable.
In this emergency, to whom could the un-
principledspendthrift apply but tooldPaul Lang-
ston ? and yet this waa a task which even h«, in
spite of all his boldness and indifference to shame ,
now shrank from ; and it was not until he was
driven to the very last extremity, that he re-
luctantlycompiled with tbe stern necessity.
Again in spite of all old Langston had said,
notwithstanding his attachment to his gold,
 34 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
which would not allow him to relieve his nearest
relations with a single penny, even when heknew
that they were plungedinto the lowest depths of
penury and wretchedness; again and again he
yielded to the demands of his profligate son-in-
law, and thus pandered to and encouraged his
vices. Yet although he did so now, it w_s more
from a secret feeling of unconquerable dread
which he entertained of Stephen Blackthorn,
than any .flection he bore towards him. In tha
course of these several interviews, Blackthorn
had let drop certain hmtB, almost amounting to
threats, which excited the old man's utmost
alarm, and he began to find that he had entan-
gled himself in a snare, from which, he appre-
hended, it would be no easy task for him to ex-
tricate himself; andhowever stern might he the
resolutions he at times i.rmed in bis mind, it
was extiemely doubtlul whetherhe would have
the courage to adhere to them, when he should
be put to the test. Bitter cause had tbe aid man
to cursj the hour when he gave his hand to
Stephen'smother, and thus become unconsciously
the victim ef a profligate villain, who would
stick at nothing to accomplish his extravagant
desires.
And now, at times, would the recollection of
the misery of his neg-eefe. relatives rueh upon
the brain of old Paul Langston; the melancholy
death of his niece, and the wretched, and as he
firmly believed, the unmerited fate of her un-
fortunate husband ;and bitterly did his con-
science repro_ch him when he recollected that
he, possessing an abundance, might have pre-
vented this misery, and had the happiness of
contributing to the comforts of those who had a
claim to, aod so well deserved bis benevolence,
instead of squandering his gold upon an un-
principled li be'tine ; who, perhapa, at some
future period, wouldseek his destruction. Some-
times when these thoughts haunted his brain,
Paul Langston waa driven almost to madnees;
but a feeling of shame prevented him from seek-
ing to render that justice to the poor child which
he had denied to her unfortunate parents; and
from the same feeling he even neglected to in-
quire after her, or toascertain the kind of treat-
ment she experienced inthe workhouse.
But to return to that part of tho narrative
from which we have thus slightly digressed.
Stephen Blackthorn ascended the staiis, and
without knocking at the door, he cut red the
room. Langston, who had continued wrapt in
tbe deep and painfulmeditation In whish Mrs.
Snacks had left him, started on beholding his
son-in-law, aud the expression ot his counte-
nance convinced the profligate of the kind of
teception he was likely to meet with. However,
he was fully prepared ior it, from whatthe house.
keeper bad intimated to him, and he was deter-
'
mined not to be daunted.
G.od day, father,' he said, in the most faml
liar tone, and extending his hand towards the
old man. P_ml rejected it, and the frown
became
'
—
darker on his wrinkled brow, as hesaid
'
'F .ther! b_h 1 Iam no fathe- of yours
At any rate, you have ever bi-en so to me,
sir,' said Stephen Blackthorn, with a well-as-
sumed look of regard and reverence, which, how-
ever, bad not its usualelf.ct upon Paul.
'
« Wall, well,' he ejaculated,impatiently, what
'
would you now ?' '
Why,' answered Blackthorn, Ihave merely
called to pay my respects to you, and to inquire
after your health.'
'Ahi'
—
said the old man, with a look of sus-
picion and contempt, 'you you are very kindi
well that is,II
—
—
Stephen ; no doubt you are very kind, and very
—
anxious about my health ; but but Iam quite
am not well this afternoon
—
my mind is ill at rest, and Iwould be aloue.
Dj youmark me, Stephen? I would be alone.'
'But my society may revive you, sir, and
bhake off the gloomy effects of the weather.'
'No, no,I am not disposed for company. I
shall find enough to do in communing with my
'
own thoughts.'
But pardon me, Mr. Langston,' returned '
Blackthorn, determiued not to be repulsed, I
'
would speak to you.'
Another time, another time.*
'
1Nay, Bir,my business will admit of no delay,
'
and Iknow you are too kind to refuseme
And what would you demandof me now?'
said Langston, sternly; 'more muuey, I sup*
pose?'
* Why, Mr. Langston, you have already been
so good to me that I almost blush to admit that
I do once more oome to solicit your a.si.tance;
but it is on a most pressing occasion.'
'Ahi I thought so,' remarked the old man.
'You seldom come to me, Stephen Blackthorn,
but to make a demand upon my purse ;and
hitherto I have been foolish enough to yield to
your request, until Ihave nearly impoverished
myself. But I can do no more, Ican do no
'
more.'
No more, sir?' repeated Stephen Blackthorn,
with difficulty suppressing his rage ;'you donot
mean that, I am sure.'
'Indeed, I do; alrea.y have I pandered too
'
long te your folly and extravagance.'
My folly and extravagance ! Am I to be re-
proached with my misfortunes?'
'Misfortunes,
pshaw ! at the gaming-table.
Itell you I can do no more (or you at present.
'
You must dependupon your own exertions.'
But consider, sir, how Iam involved ;and if
you refuse me, there is nothiog but beggaryand
'
ruin for me.'
Iamsorry for you, but caunot help you ;re'
collect what Ihave done lor you ;the large
sums of money you have recklessly jquandeicd
and all this Ihave .one, and left my own un-
fortunate relatives to perish of want. But pro-
bably their offspring is still alive, although she is
—
the inmate oi a workhou.e, and has been so for
many many yeare. She must be the object of
my future care and solicitude, and by my con«
duct to her, Iwill endeavour to make some
atonement for my cruel neglect of her unfortu-
'The ofT-priug of aman who brought disgrace
nate parents.'
your house I''Stephen could not help re-
u-jon
marking,bitterly; the daughter of a thief aud
a murderer I'
'Itisfalss, Blackthorn,' returned Paul sud-
denly; 'although Ric_ard Wars len wai con-
.
victed of that in_U'j>a crime, I do beluve that
he was as innocent of it as Iam; and Itrust
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 35
hat Providence will yet bring to light tbe real beggary stares me in the face ? And you, Mr.
assassins.' Langston, may repent this refusal of my last
A slight emotion of rather a remarkable
character passed over thecountenance of Stephen
'
request.'
Those are strong words, Stephen,' said the
'
—
Blackthorn as tbe old man thus expressed him- old mao, in a faltering voice ; do you mean to
'
self; but he checked it, andobierved '
threaten me V
Well, veil, they might have been mistaken,
although the evidence against him was certainly
'
No,' replied Blackthorn, again Bubdniog bis
indignation but you must make some allow
very strong. They might have been mistaken, ances for a man placed in my desperate si tua
to *be sure.' '
Besides,' said Langston, should it even be
tion ;you .re the only friend Ihave in the
world, and if you fail me, try hopes are a'l at au
true that Marsden was guilty,why should this end. I have promised to meet Mr. WellerdoD,
poor child havetosuff.r for the crime of her un- in London, by the day after to-morrow ; and if I
happy parent?' do not keep my word, it 'a all over withme 1'
'Oh, I '
dare say she is comfortable enough in Paul Langston reflected for a few minutes;
'the workhouse,' Baid Blackthorn ; but no he dreaded to lefusc Stephen, and yet he felt
matter, tbat is no bu-iness of mine, and Tin sure convinced that the money was not intended for
Iwish the poor girl no harm; why should I? the purpose he staged it to be, and that it would
But now, my dear sir, let me again appeal to not rei eve him from his futureextortions ; still,
you, and Iam certain, in spite of all you have if he were going to London, he might not be
said, you will not refuse me. One of my credi- annoyed by him for some time, and inthe mean-
tors in London is very pressing, and unless Iwhile he might devise 6ome scheme to rid him-
see him immediately,and come to terms with self of him altogether, and that idea de:ided
Men, I shall be entirelyruined; but on the con- him
trary, if I susceed In coming to some _nder-
' '
Well, Stephen,' he said, I do not wi.h to
atanding with him, I have no doubt that I shall, appear to be hard with you, although I, hav©
ere long, be able to recover myself, and to repay already done so much for you, and you know that
you these sums of mocey you have at particular you have not the slightest claim, no more than
' '
times been so kind _3 to advance tome.'
Repay me ?' said Langston ; no,no, I
of friendship, upon me. I will let you have the
do sum you ask, and hope that you will pu it to a
not expect it. I forgive you all, Stephen, but I good purpose, lor, remember,it is the last Ican
repent that I
'Nay, sir, cannot domore for you.' do for you at present, and thatit entirelydepends
you surely will not refute me ;and upon your own conduct what Imay in suture be
I solemnly
time that I
assure you that this stall
will trouble you. Now I
be '
the last induced to do for you.'
think that Thanks, my dear s-r,' said B ackthorn,
about a hundred pounds would be sufficient to taking the choque wbich Paul presented to him ,
'
do all that I require, and I shall ever feel most I knew you would not refuse me, and you r_a>
grateful for the obligaiion you will thus confer depend upon it I shall not be forgetful oi your
' me.'
upon
A hundred pounds 1' repeated the old gentle-
'
kindness.'
Well, well,' returned the old man ; I dare
*
man; 'what for you to squander io the vices say you wil! not ; butleave me, I am in no hu-
and frivolities of the metropolis ? No, Stephen, mour for any further conversation. When d.>
I think I '
have tried you long enough ; and once you depart (or Londoo?"'
for all, Itell you that I
another guinea.
cannot advance you
Think you Itis likely I would
'To morrow morning answered Stephen.
'Tis well,' thought Mr. Lntgaton, and the
reduce myself to beggary merely to encourage profligate having wished him good day, quitted
vo. in your Improvident career '—Leave me, the apartment, and made his way to the mum o:
leave me.' Mrs. Snacks, his mind agitated with f.cliogB of
*
And so, Mr. Langston,' Bail Blackthorn,
'
alarm and vexation.
unable any longer to cuncealhis rage, you will This was indo small degreeaugmented, when
—
Ihe face when a few pounds only would __
not assist me when misery and ruin stare me in the housekeeper made him acquainted with all
save the particulars what had transpired between
and probably to obiain a situation in life of
'
me, and enable m-e to redeem my circumstances, her and Mr. Langston.
S j,'he exclaimed, gnashing his teeth the
'
respectability and independence ? However, Iold icol woull introduce this woikhouse brat
am determined, let whatever may be the con- into the bouse, and discard me altogether. But
sequences, I will obtain the sum Irequire by if fortune do not desert me, I will crush his
eome' meansBlack'horn,'
Stephen
or other.'
ejacula'ed Paul, look-
'
hopes,and m.ke my own triumph secure.'
Probably the girl Is no more,' said Mrs.
ing earnestly at bim, and a feeling of dread Snacks.
taking | ossession of his besom, 'what would
"
'Ah,' ejaculated Blackthorn, that suggests
'
.ou do?' t j mean idea. The master of the workhouse of
sir,' Allovei and myself are well acquainted, aud I
' honourable and just,
Nothing but whatis
a_swered Stephen, if the opportunity be offered no doubt that by rewarding him for his trouble,
have
to me;but if not, I will not hesitate at any- I can prevail upon him to aid meio my plans.
thing to avert tbe evils with which Iam The ghl must be reporteddead, whether or no,
threatened, however desperate it may be.' and then all will be well. Iwill see M'Doall
1
RsBh man, forbear, and reflect upon what without delay; he ia just tbe sort osman toeater
you woulddo.'
'
Reflect ! of what use is reflection, when
'
with readiness into any scheme ot villany.
We must be careful how we proceed, and
 36 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;OK,
" Scarcely had he done ao, when a snrieK eo
whom we trust,' said Mrs. Snacks, or we may
spoil our schemes but get ourselvesinto
not only piercing, so appalling (which seemed to proceed
' from immediatelybeneath the window), saluted
'
trouble.'
Oh, never fear that,* returned Blackthorn, Ihis ear, that it made him start 'rom his seat and
will use every precaution, and will not rest tremble. Never had he heard anything so
until I have the wealth of old Paul Langston piteous or awful. Such a cry It was as would
secure. I will call at the workhouBe to-morrow i proceed from the unfortunate victim of the
on my way to London.' assassin's knife ; and it chilled the blood in
Thus sayiog, he departed from the house. Langston's vein. as he listened to It.'
Mr. Langston felt his mind greatly relieved 'Gracious HeavenI'he exclaimed, what can
when Stephen Blackthorn had quitted the room; be the cause of that pitifulcry ? Is it some poor,
wretch, exposed to all the ho/rorB of
but s-ill there was somethingin the wordsandthe houseless surrounded
night, and here am I
looks of that man which increased his fears and this inclement comfort,
suspicions. by every and to whom the voice of
■And yet why should I submit to the continual charity has ever appealed invain ? Ob, fortune,
demands of this spendthrift?' he said. 'Why how unfairly are thy gifts d stributedl Histl
should he comeupon my purse to support himIn what sound is that I'
his career of viceandprofligacy ? He has noclaim It was a low, wailing sound, which seemed to
upon me, and I have been a fool to suffer myself proceed from the same spot, and which gradually
so long to bs infatuated with him. A fool!no I died away until it could be heardno more.
I havebeen a heartless villain to support himin Mr. Langston immediately lar.g tbe boll, and
his nefarious course, and yet Buffer my own rela- Mrs. Snacks quickly made her appearance.
tion, that poor unprotected child, to linger out a
* Did you nothearIt ?' demanded LangBton.
life of wretededness in a workhouse, without even Mrs. Snacks looked at her mas er with an air
bo much as making one inquiryafterher. And of stupified amazement,and began to entertain
perhaps she is dead! Surely a child eo young a strong suspicion thathe was mad.
could never survive the honors of hir mother's 'It, sir/ she repeated; 'for goodness sake,
death, and the fate ofher fathsr ; and, if so, my what ' ?' shriek, that dreadful slunk, just now,
too late formed intentions are frustrated, and the Ths '
stings of conscience will render memiserable for out&ide,' returned Paul ; did you not hear it,I
tho rest of my days. But I will lose ne time
banishing this painful suspense. IwillImme-
in '
say?'
No, indeed, I did not, sir,' returned the
diately write to the parish authorities.' housekeeper; '\ou must havebeen mistaken;
But then a thouiand other doubts and fears it could only have been the wind, which, to be
arose in the old man's mind. How could the sure, howls dismally enough.'
child behold with any other feelings than those 'No, no,' said Mr. Lai gston, I
' could not
of disgust and horror that relation who had mistake that mournful cry. It surely proceeded
behaved with such neglect and cruelty to her from some poor unfortunate who, ruobably ls
parents? Would she not rather remain ln tbe peiishing of cold and hunger. Attend me, Mrs,
woikhouse, harsh even as might ba the treat- Snacks, I must be satisfied whether or not any
ment she experienced, than place herseif under person requires our assistance.'
the protection of one whom she could never He took up the candle as he Bpoke, and moved
trust, and towards whomshe could not entertain towards the door, and Mis. Snacks more and
any feeling of esteem I True, the parish more astonished and alarmed at the sudden
authorities would, no doubt, be very glad to re- symptoms of humanity he evinced, reluctantly
lease themselves from the burden, and to consign followed.
her tohis care,but if hecould not win her regard, Having descended the stairs, with much dif-
his hopes wouldnot be half accomplished. ficulty they opened the hall door, owing to tbe
Such reflections continued to rack the mind large quantity of snow that had drtsied against
of old Paul Langston, until the darkness of it ;and no sooner bad they succeeded in doing
evening had set in;and still he remained in his so, than a violent gustof wind extinguishedthe
room fexming innumerable plans to forward his light, and left them lntotal darkness.
* There, sir,
wishes. He was glad to think that Stephen I told you,' said Mm. Snacks ;
Blackthorn was going to London, and he hoped 1 what Is the use of carrying a candle out of
that something would occur to detain him there, doors on such a night as this? Besides, you will
for he might present some obstacle to his eatsh your death of cold if you venture cut into
scheme, as he could not but believe that he tbe frost and snow. It was only the wind you
would be jealous of the child, should he gether heard, depend upon it ; who do you think would
beneathhisroof. be mad enough to venture out such a n'ght as
More dismallyhowled the wind, and faster this ?'
fell the snow, and the horrors of the nightex- '
'Hold your silly tongue, woman/ sa'd Mr.
ceeded that of the day. Thegloomy thougts of Langston, angrily, and go and place a light in
Paul Langston gained strength ; and a melan- a lantern. Iam determined to be satisfied ;
choly foreboding crossed his mind of something quick, lor the life ofa fellow
creaturemay depend
of an extraordinary and important character upon it.'
beingabout to happen. He walked towards the Mrs. Snacks obe. ed, muttering to herself as
window, but the dreary scene which presented she proceeded :
itself to his view chilled his heart, and once '
Well, the old gentleman has certainly tiken
more he resumed his seat before the sire, and jeave of his senses, or he would never think ol
gave himself up to meditation.
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SOURO .V. 37
converting the oldhall into an aBjIum forthe The wretched object of Mr. Laugstoi.'s rnxiety
destitute.* was a young girl, ..pa ient)y not more than
Mr. Langston first listened attentively, but no fifteen or sixteen years of age, and miserably
sound met bis ear ;then he railed, but the voice clad. Beautiful and innocent »as ihe counten-
of the wind alone answered him, and the thick ance they gazed upon; but it was awiul to see
fallingsnow waa drivenso violently towards him, the dreadful ravages which care, want, and long
thathe was forced to retire tor shelter behind the suffering, had evidently r_a_o in so young a
door. thing. The lightform was the veiy perfection
He waited impatiently for tbe return of the of grace, although much emaciated, and cold,
housekeeper, who seemed to be as longas she pale, and inanimate aa she was, .he looked lite
could, for tbe purpose of vexing him, but at some exquisite marble statue.
length she came with the lantern, which her Even Mrs. Snacks could not help gaz'ngupon
master took from her, and prepared so issne the unfortunate giil with feelings of pity and
from the hall into the openair ; but Mrs. Snacks. admiration, and exerted herself to the utmostto
notat all liking the aspect of the night,loitered restore her, by chasing Lei limbs, and endea-
behind. vouring to impart warmth and animation into
Old Paul Langston found the task he had them, whi.e her master stood by, and gazed upon
he had nosooner emerged from thehall thanhe
'
imposed upon himself not a very easy one, and the insensible girl with the greatest anxiety.
'
Hapless child 1' he ejaculated ; alas1 what
was nearlyup to his knees in snow. However, could have brought her into this wretched situa-
nothing daunted, he made his way throu h it as tion? So young, and so lovely, too. How
well as he could 'owards the epot from whence unfortunate it is, that, in consequence of tbe
he Imagined he bad heard tbe shriek, calling snow beingso thick upon the ground, wecannot
with no small share of reluctance and the
'
upon Mrs. Snacks to follow him, which ste did procure the aid ofDr.Leeson.
Oh, do riot be alarmed, sir,' said Mrs. Snacks,
greatest difficulty. 4 the poor child
will recover, I hope. I cas feel
Mr. Lai'jgsttn held the lantern above his head, her heart throbmore tr. t ly than before, and the
in order to accelerate his view, and he had no blood evidentlybegins to circulate in her veins.
sooner gained the spot to wbich his attention was What a lovely girl she is T Wbat can have
4
Ab,' sighed Mr. Langston, I
'
attracted, than be uttered an exclamation of brought her to such a deplorable situation V
astonishment, which caused thc housekeeper read a volume
to exert herse f to the utmost ; her curiosity of care, and suffering, aud persecution, in ber
being excited, and on coming up to her master, ghastly looks, and emaciated frame. Aud such
she found him stooping down and gazing upon may have been ' the fate of that poor, destitute
some object wbich seemed to excite his deepest child, who
Interest and commiseration ; aud Mrs. SnackB He could not fioish the sentence, for the vio-
looking moic closely, was astonished to ete a lence of his emotions chokedbis utterance.
human form, partially buried in the snow, and ■Nay, sir,' said Mrs. Snacks, still continuing
apparently lifeless. withincreased energy, her efforts to recover the
4 Almighty God I' exclaimed
Mr. L.ngston, unfortunate little stranger, 'why shculd you '
with great emotion, as he placed the lantern on indulgein these gleomy thoughts The .
the ground, and raised the inanimate form in At this mernent, the poor girl heaved a sigh,
*
his arms , here is a sight to move the sternest and gave other symptomscf returninglife.
heart to pity. Poor thing, peer thing! what
'
Tbaok Heaven V exrlaimet Mr. Langston,
she musthave suffered ;but Iam afraid it is 'our efforts, I trust, willbe crowned with suc-
too late to save her— life appears ta be utterly cess. Have you some reviving cordial ready,
extinct/ '
* Dear me, dear me,' ejaculatedMrs. Snacks. Mrs.OhSnacks V
yeB, sir,' replied the housekeeper, pro-
'Now, who would ever have thought tbat any ducing a small phial ;'I h»ve taken care of
persoa would have been so foolish as to venture that.'
fromborne
' in such a storm as this I I'm sure She roois'ened the girl's lips with a small por-
I tion of the revivingcordial in question, and again
4 Home !' Interrupted Langston ' tbe
: poor a faint Bigh escaped herbosom. Mr. Laugstone's
thingcan have no home, or she would never anxiety Increased, and at length his humane
have been wanderingin such a tempest as this. hopes were gratified by the hapless object of bis
But take the lantern and go before me, whilst Iso.icitude openinga pair of the most teauiiful,
convey herinto the house. Heavengrant that but melancholy eyes tbat a mortal being had
Itmay not be too late to restore her.' ever been enraptured with ; but, although she
Mr. Langston raised the inanimate formof the gazed eagerly around her, she did not seem to
unfortunatein his arms,and again waded through have a perception of anythingbefore her. Mrs.
tbe mow towards the house, preceded by Mrs. Snacks administered another small iortion us
Snacks, with tbe lantern. the restorative to her, and by degrees she seemed
They soon gainedthe hall, and, entering the to awaken tomore consciousness, and gazed with
roomof Mrs. Snacks, the insensible being was anexpression of amazement, not unmlngledwith
placed in a chair before the fire. terror, upon Mr. Langston and _is housekeeper.
4 Warm 4My poor girl,' said the former, in the most
water immediately,' said Mr. Lang- '
ston; ■ place the poor thing's feet init, andthat compassionate accents, be not alarmed ; jou
may probable serve to restore her, if any life are safe now. Providence has rescued you from
still remain within her.' a fearful death, and you shallreceive everyat-
This order was complied with immediately. tentionthat humanity can prompt.'
 38 EVELINA, TUE PAUPER'S CHILD;

The poor girl gazed at him with increased 1 Ourheroine heaittted, and the agitation of Mr.
am.zeaer.t and perplexity; then, passing her Lan> ston becsme insupportable.
—
fair han*'s across ter forehead, ina faint voice
she' rj-C__tte_
'Your surname; tell me, tell me, I beseech
you; it is from no idie motives of curiosity I
Whtrc am I ? I do not any longer feel the ask.'

—
keen wmtry wind, or the pelting snow. This
strange room, and itmust be a dream. Where
ob, where am I
4Mar— Marsden V answered Evelin?,in a faint

blaz'.pg fire, so long a stranger to me— this and faltering voice. She was aroused by an ex-
clamation of astonishment, and emotion from Mr-
Langston, who in a moment snatched her tohis
' ?'.
With friends, my unfortunate child,' replied aems.
-
Mr. Langston. of Heaven!' he exclaimed, *and hast
* Friends !' repeated the youthful stranger, in thouGod
4

peculiar and impressive accents.

' indeed sent the poor, suffering, neglected
No, no, it girl to met Hast theu made me the humble
cannotbe; the poor workhouse girlhas no friends instrument of saving tbe life of her whomit was
—she hasno friends.' my duty long since to have protected? Child
4 The workhouse girl !' exclaimed Mr. Lang- of misfortune, it Ib Paul Langston, the uncle of
ston, violentlyagitated, ?_d looking more earn- her who give you being, tbat holds you to his
estly inio her features. My God, what a (ear- heart, and implores jour forgiveness for the cruel
4

ful coincidence 1 Even she who is the object of neglect with which he treated you and your ill-
my deepest thoughts maybe reduced to tbe same fated parents 1'
state of misery and destitution/ Evelina disengaged herself fromhis embrace,

—
Tbe child placed ber little hand upon bis arm, and recoiled from him with a feelingof uncon*
—
and, while she looked imploringly in his face, trollable repugnance ;while with a look, and in
she cried a voice of reproach which went to the old man's
'For the love of Heaven, sir, tell me how Iheart, she said
came here, and what is yo_r pursose with me? 4
You were rich, sir,and left my poor mother

place of suffering from which I have escaped; father

"
Bat you will not take me back to tbat dreadful to die iu a workhouse; while my unfortunate
oh, tell me tbat you will not1 Far better would Sobs choked her utterance, aud she Bank back
It have been for me had I perished in the snow, in the chair in which Bhehad been seatad, ina
thanto be again consigned to the mercy ofthose state of complete exhaustion. Lang6ton _ank on
cruel people, who have tortured and persecuted his knees before her ; hls heart felt as Ifit would
you will not ; I
—
me, till nature could endureit no longer. But burst from its tenement, as he tookher hand, and
see the tear of pity tremblingin ejaculated
your eye, and that assures me.' 4Evelina, I merit your reproaches ;but I was
4 Unfortunate child1' ssid Mr. LangBton ;blinded at the time by sordid availce. The Al-
'again I solemnly assureyou that you are now mightyhas, however, brought me to penitence,
with friends, and that no harm can come to you and to youI would make all the atonementIn my
here. Have you then, indeed, been the inmate power. This night, this very night, I had reser-
of a parish workhouse?' ved to seek you out, and to take you under my
4
Alas, alas, lor many years,' sighed the g:rl, protection. Do not then rtj:ct the offer which
for many years : wouldthatI bad died, sooner springs from my heart, and upon which all my
than have had toundergo those years of horrible hopes of future happiness depend. Oumy knees
suffering
' 1' I implore you , Iam au oldman, tottering enthe
Have you no parents, unfortunate childI' verge of the grave ;and you will not, you cannot
4Parents1' she repeated, and tears streamed refuse me the opportunity of
' making some re-
from her eyes; no, no, my poor mother died of paration for tbe sins of which I have been guilty
'
a broken heart in that dreadful place, and my before the presence of the Eternal Judge I'
father Evelina looked up, tears were sHreamirg down
She paused, and her bosom heaved with the her che.ks, but she could not behold the intense
most agonisingemotion. The agitation of Mr. agony of her aged relative unmoved. Ina mo-
Langston increased, and a strange foreboding ment the terrible past waB Jorgotten ; 6he saw
took immediate possession of his mind.'
4
' in the once sordid mi-er only a kindiriend whom
And your father, child," he said ; what of Heaven had sent to rescue her from sufferings
him?'
* Ob, I too horrible to endure. Thenew andtumultuous
tremble to answer tbat question,' 'said feelings which rushed to her bosom completely
thepoor girl, almost choke: with anguish; but overpowered her, and with an hysterical burst
he was not guilty,indeed he was not.' of sobs and tears, she threw herBelf into her
1 Good God V exclaimed Mr. Langston, and venerableuncle's arms, and waspressed with the
his heart palpitated more violently than b fore, fondest ardour to his gratelulbosom.
4
what can this mean ? Hapless child, I implore
you not to keep me Insuspense ; who wasyour
father, and what has become of him 1'
4
He is dead to me andthe world,' replied the
young stranger, solemnly ;and she oovered her
face with her hands, while her sobs were piteous
—
CHAPTER VIII.
Evelina's sufferings. her escape.
to listen to. Yes, it was indeed wur unfortunate herione,
4 Your name, girl, tell me, quicklyI' who waB thus bya most miraeuloua circumstance
'
4 Evelina1'

But your surname?'

preserved from a dreadful and untimelydeath by
that aged relative whom she had never before
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 39
seen, and whose name shehad never recalled to residence of Blackthorn; but as it was, she was
her memory except with feelings of dread and -impelled to wait with patience till sh. could
disgust. forward to him a letter, communicating the par-
But what were the emotions cf the repentant ticulars oi all tbat happenedto him, in London,
Mr. Langston as he held Evelina's tender frame though of course ho would hearof the escape of
to his heart and wept mingled tears of anguish, Evelina, on his application
to the woikhouss of
delight, and gratitude upou her pale cheeks? He AHover.
could not give utterance to them, but raising his What anunexampled crueltiea had been in-
eyes towards heaven, mentallyofferedup a prayer flicted upon poor Evelina, in that abominable
of thanksgiving. place, during the eight years she had been an
That night Mr. Langston felt a happ:er man inmate of it !and there was noone to Wiiom she
than he had ever done before in his 1 fe, and could appeal for protection. No one who was
Evelina for the firs*, time ior many years reposed permitted to Bee her !she was, indeed, a priso-
in comfort. But so sudden and so gieat was ner left entirely to the tender mercies of the
was the change which Bhe had experienced, that inhuman master and his wife. The old nurse
she could scarcely persuad. herself of its reality. who had evinced such kindness towavo's her
She had been prevailed upon to partake .lightly a__ her unsortuaale mother, was dead, aud the
of some refreshment, and notwithstandingihe doctor had been dismissed for his humanity,and
unparalleled sufferings she bad undergone, and a heartless unfeeling man was put in his place;
the manner in which her framebal been reduced, so that, in (act, she had not a single friend, how-
and her constitution injured by years of cruelty, ever humble, to interfere in her behalf.
she now felt gieatly revived, and after having We left her at the death of her mother, from
poured forthher gratitude to Heavenfor her pre whose ghastly corpse s.e was taken, and con-
serration, and the unexpected prospect that now veyed insensible to another ward, in which a
openedupon her, Bhe fell asleep. number of miserable, half-starved, friendless
The only dissatisfied person of the three actors children like herself were confined, aud whose
In this adventure was Mrs. Snacks, and when she haggard looks and atteaua'eu frames plainly
was alone in hsr chamber, she gave free vent to showed the brutal treatment to which they were
her vexation sulj.cted. The doctor, however, was unrernlt
4 Who could have thoughtof such an occurrence tingin his

takingplace ?' she muttered to herself.

* attentions to her, much to the annoy-
Who ance of Mr. and Mrs. MDoall, who consi-
could have believed that at tbe very critical dered that it was both unnecessary and prepos-
juncture of time when old Langstonhad resolved terous to take aoy trouble about th. Use of a
to make inquiries after the girl, accident should pauper child, who, it was their opinion,had no
place her under his roof, and in so short a time business in the world at all.
effect all thathe was so anxious for ? Fortune 4
'
The poor child will not be here long,' said
frowns upon the wishes of me and Stephen,and the doctor, for In my opinion,It is next to
what will be his astonishment and rage whenhe an impossibility that one so young and whose
comes to know what has taken place? This tender constitution has been so greatly impaired
Evelina must be removed by some mean, or by want and suffering, can survive such a terri-
other, or allthe hopes wbich Iand Blackthorn ble calamityas the death of her mother, and the
have bo long formed will be entirelyannihilated. fats of herunfortunate father.** *
Isold Paul keep in the same humour be is at 4 Well,' returned the
matron, it will only
present, there can be little doubt that he will make one pauperless inthe world, andgoodness
make ber the heiress of all his wealth, and en- knows there is enough of the varmint without
tirely turn his tack on StephenBlackthorn. This her. For my own part, Ithink it would be

fate guide tbe lootsteps oE the pauper hiiher, or

'
must and shall be prevented. Why did cursed better for the child if she were to die.'
Perhaps it might,' said the doctor, with a
'
why did she not perish in the snow ? I am dis- significant look ; it would save her many years
tracted and bewildered, and Stephen will be on of suffering and persecution.'
his way to London befors I
feelings revolted from the task of having to re
;over the hated being; sooner could I
-
can make him ac- 4 Persecution, indeed !' retorted the matron,

'
quainted with what has happened, Oh, how my tossing her head, aud looking dagger, at the
doctor ; what do you mean toinsinuate by that,
have Mr. Mildman ? I'm sure, neither Inor Mr.
administered a deadly poison than the restorative M'Doall ever persecute any one ;we are far to>
[ gave to her; and yet I shall be compelled to kind and indulgent to the ungrateful wretches
tilay the hypocrit*, or my plans will all bs frus- placed under our care, and that's the reasonthey
trated, and myself ano Stephen detected.' take advantage of us. Persecution, indeed I
Ti.us did the base-minded woman soliloquise, Wel', I like that.'
tnd there were no limits to her rage and disap*
(jointmeiit She could not sleep for thinkingon of contempt,and then said
—
Mr.Mildman turned upon thematron a look
it, and long after silence had reigned throughout
* At any rate, madam, Ishould think Iought
.he hall, she continued to pace ber chamber, to havono occasion to appeal to your f.clings as
ind to ventcurses on the head of Evelina, and a woman, to behave to this poor, friendless child
,o form the most diabolical plans in hermini with every tininess and attention.'
or her destruction. Had it not been tbat the * know my duty, sir,' said Mrs.
4 1suppose I
,oa_ was impassible, she would, in spite of the M'Doall, without having to be instructed in it
ateness of the hourand the raging of the storm, by you.'
ffhlch had not at allrelaxed in its fury, ha?e 4
1hope you do, madam,' answered thedoctor :
secretly left the house, and made ber way to the 4 for the sake of this poor little sufforer, Ido.'
 40 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
anl Gad will help you. The Almightymay
'
'Well, I'm sure I' said the matron, within
creased rage ; Ihave come to something to be yet prove your father's innocence, aod restore
lectured inthis manner, as ifI
You had better take the girl
.
were one of the him to you; but at present you must consider
most inhuman and unnatural beings inexistence him as no more.'
out of the work- 'Unfortunate girl,* said MlldBo.n, 4 try and
trial, and
house altogether,Mr.Mildman, andbring herup compose yourself under this dreadful
yourself, since you seem to take io much interest God will help yon. The Almighty may vet
In her.' prove yoor father's Innocnce, and restore him to
11wish it were in my power— I would wil-* you; but at pieeeut you must consider him as
Hnglydo so,' returned the humane doctor. no more.'
From that moment, Mrs. M'Doall made up
her mind to hate Evelina,and punish her more bands,
severely than any of the other young
' —
4 No more 1' repeated Evelina, wringing her

and weeping more bitterly than ever;

unfortu- both gone, both dead then I am indeed left
nates who were placed in her power : and well alone. G.d help me, and take me to Himself.
she kept her word,as wi'l be shown inthc course Ah, I remember all now! Mypoor father was
of the narrative. —
accused of shedding human blood ; he was tiled
It was two days before Evelina wasrestored to and condemned to be oh, Icannot repeat tha
any degree of consciousness, and life was only dreadsu1 word. Horror !horror 1'

—
sustained by passing some soothing liquids be- She pressed her hands on her eyes as if to
tween her lips. The first question the poor shutout some frightful spectacle, and her tender
child asked was what had become of her dear frame w- s convulsed with the most indescribable
mother? The doctor shook his head,and pointed agony. The doctor tried all that he could to
significantlyand solemnlytowards Heaven. Eve- console her, but with little prospect of his

truth rushed upon her recollection.

'
Una understood him, and the whole dreadful humane wishes meeting with success.
Your father did not die, Evelina,' he said ;
4
D.ad, dead!' she said : 4my mother dead t although such was theawful sentence passed
And shall I no more hear hsr beloved voice ? upon him ;mercy was extended to him, andthe
Shall I never again be enfolded iu her fond em- time may come when you will meet agaiu.'
brace ? Oh Iwhy am I left here ? Why did I 'Yes, in heaven!' sighed the child, 'but
not die too?' never again upon this earth. They have
4
It is the will of Heaven, my poor child,' banished hi_i from his native land; they have
said tbe docter, in his kindest accents ; and, loaded him with chains, and will inflict upon
4

however severe the trial may be to yoaat pre- him a lingeringdeath of torture. Cruel, cruel
sent, you must learn to submit.' men ;and they would not permit me to see him
'
But may Inot see her cold remaiss V cried agaiu, that I might imprint upon his lips my
the dis*r_cted "girl. May I
4
not be permitted to last fond kiss, and receive his farewell blessing,
kiss her cold and icy lips, which caa so more era they tore me from him for ever I'
return my fond salute ? Oh, take me to my Again her tears burst forth ln torrents, and at
mother's corpse, that Imay pay my last solemn length,completely exhausted with the violence
'
devotions to ber memory !' of her grief, she sank back ou the bed in a
Your mother's remains are consigned to the state of apathy.
grave, my child,' said tbedoctor. Mr. Mildmaa lefther to the care of the nurss,
And so they were; a pauper's grave con- and desired thatevery attention should be paid
tainedall that remained of what was once so to her by theold woman ; and those ordersMrs.
pure and lovely. M Doall was afraid to countermand, althoughher
'Buried!' sobbed Evelina. 'And shall I will was goodenough to do bo.
indeed never aga u behold her? Oh, it was Evelina continued in much the same Btate for
most cruel to snatch her from me thus.' several days, and was unable to leave her bed,
She burst into a violent paroxysm ef tears aud was deaf to all the endeavours of Mr.Mild-
and sobs as she sp_ke, which tbe doctor did not man and the nurse to console her. Indeed it
attempt to restrain, for he knew that it would was surprising that thepoor, afflicted child was
aff.rd her relief; and in this manner several enabled to bear up so well aa she did, and that
minutes elapsed, and the poor child's excessive she did not sink at once under such dreadful
agony of grief was quite heartrending to behold. calamities. But she was reserved for many
4
Spirit ef my mother now in heaven,' she more, if not sevorer, calami'ies.
solemnly ejiculated at last, clasping her little At length, when a month had worn away,
hands vehement'y together, and ra;sing her Evelina became more tranquiland resigned,and
innocent countsnaoc towards that sacred place to owing to the skill tnd persevering attention of
which she appealed, oh, look down upon your Mr. M'ldman, she was so far restored to convaN
4

poor, suffering child, and protect her, left help- c.cence, as to be able to leave her bed. But it
less and friencless as she is. But,' Bhe aided, was melancholy to behold that young child
as a sudden' and terrific thought dished upon mopingabiut with all the carewora looks of age,
her braifl, my poor father, where ishe ? Why aud buried in the darkness of her own sad
is hetaken from me? Why amI not permitted thoughts. Th _t countenaace whic _ ihou'd have
to see him? Ob, you wi1 not, at least deprive been clad in the sunshine of happine.s and
me ofhis protection. My fatherI take me to my childish playfulness wa_ ever wrapt in gloom;
lather, that we may weep our tears together to and those eyes which sh.uld always hav* spoken
the memory of my mother I' * with lnno;ent joy, was ever dull, tearful and
'Unionun.td giil,' siid Mr. Mildman, try languid.
and oo_op.se yourself under this dreadful trial, She shrank from tbe matron with terror, for
EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
her looks were ever stern and forbidding, and
her observations harsh and cruel. She recol
lected all that thatunfeelin g and ignorant woman
had said on tbe melancholy occasion, when
Bhe and her mother were first brought to the
workhouse, and Bhe shuddered with tenor as she
reflected upon them. And to think that she
must rema n in tbe power of a woman who was
evidently destitute of all seeling filUd her breast
with more terror than all. How fervently did
the hapless child pray to the Almighty to take
her ;for sad and dismal as was the prospect
beforeber, what had Bhe to hope for?
Thewretched faces of the children, like herself,
half-starved and broken spirited as they were,
addedtoher agony and despair, and proved toher
41
too keenly what she had herself to expect. They
were afrai l to speak toeach other, for the con-
stant dread of punishment was before their eyes,
and restrained their tongues ; and thus they
were deprived of tbe little consolation that con-
versation might have afforded them, and pro-
hibited front communicating their sad thoughts
to each o her.
For the first two months Evelina was tieated
with much more kiudnesi than she bad antici-
pated, and had belter food and a larger quantity
given to her than her companions. How often
would she willingly have parted with her own
meal to appease their hunger;and tbe sorrowfu
and greedy looks with which they eyed her
plainly showed the horrible state of want to

THE MEETING OF MARSDEN AND HIS WIFE AT THE TRIAL.

which they were reduced ;1 ut shehad no oppor- the 'hole. The food supplied to her was of
tunity of indulging -n her wishes, for there the most disgusting quality, and limited ln
was always some one to watch them, and such quantity, at which her stomach revolted, until
an offence would have been certainto be followed famishing hunger compelled her to eatit.
by a severe punishment. Alas, how dreadful were tbe sufferings of that
At length, however, through the mschinations poor friendless little one, and how many were
of Mrs. MDoal! and her husband, Mr. Mil. man the scald ng tears she shed I and, when she was
was dismissed , and, then, indeed, did our permitted toretire to her wretched chaffmattress,
heroine lose her only friend ; and bow com- worn out winlabour and g; let, too tired to s!eep,
menced those cruelties wh ch she was af'erwards many were the dreary hours she spent, In the
doomed to experience to such an extent. She darkness of the night, iraying for death to re-
was placed in a miserable shed In the cold yard, lease ber fern her miseries 1 But nature strug-
with a number of her unfortunate little com- gled against all, and she was still doomed to
panions, where Bhe was compelled to pick a cer- linger on a life of wretchedness, worse than that
tain quantity of oakum per day, undfr the of the slave. Toappeal to her heartless oppres-
penalty of asevere beating, or imprisonment in sors was useless; In fact, they seemed to have

No. 0.
 42 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
(elected her as a principal object on which to
exercise their barbarity; a_d the more she
suffe ed, the greater they appeared to exult.
And io all those horrors waa the recollection
of her parent'melancholy fate, while the matron
took a savage delightin con-tantly taunting her
with being a felon's brat.'
4 look; 'mercy to Buch a lazy baggage as
But we must pass hastily over the many
cruelties wbichEvelina had to endure during the
longperiod that she was aninmate of that awful
place, and come at once to the circumstance
which prompted her, in a fit of desperation, and
reckless about what became of her, to attemptto
escape.
Sick and wornout, she hadone daybeen unable
to accomplish the task allotted her, andhumbly,
but earnestly, implored the forbearance of the
inhuman matron. The answer the wretched
girl received was aviolent blow, whicb stretched
her insensible upon the earth,
When she recovered, she found herself in
darkness and horror; she was a prisoner, with
several unhappy beings like herself, in that '
horrible prison which was j-stly designated the
Black Hole.1 The only bed provided for her
was a heap of straw, and a filthy rug to cover
her from the piercing winter's blast, which swept
In fearful gusts in at a small grated hole made
highin the wall by removing one of tbe stones.
The effluvium tbat arose from thishorrible dun-
geon was loathsome andsickening ;unwholesome
damps dripped from the cold stone walls, and
vermin sported, with unrestricted liberty, over
the floor.
—
And yetin such a frightful den as this was
the innocent and delicateEvelina confined shut
out from every hope, from every comfort. It
was a wonder that the poor girl did not immedi-
ately expire with terror; she sank on her knees,
and rent the air with her cries. The agonising
moans of her fellow prisoners, many of whom
had been confined there for several weeks,
accompanied her, and rendered the terrors of
the place more appalling. Alas!there was no
one to heed their lamentations ; there was no
one to pity them in their misery. Then she
rent her hair,and beat her breast, and, throwing
her.elf into a state of insupportable agony on
the floor, her feelings overpowed her,and ber
senses left her. Themorning dawned, but the
faint lightthat was admitted through the hole in
the wall on'y Beived to make the horror of the
place more visible, and to reveal to her the
ghastly, spectre like looks of her fellow-pri**
sonerB ; and, heart-broken and despairing, she
clasped her hands together, and implored tbe
mercy of God.
In about a couple of hours afterwards, the
matron visited them, bringing for each unhappy
victim of her barbarity a very small portion of
the coarsest dry bread, and a pitcher of water.
The Inhuman woman looked upon them all,
especially Evelina, with anexpression of fiendish
exuitation; but our heroine, unable to control
her feelings, fell upon her knees belore her, and
with streaming eyes, aud in freDzied accents,
implored for mercy.
4 Oh, madam,' '
she cried, what have I doae
to merit such a dreadful punishment as this?
Pity me, spare me it was illness alone that
prevented me from completing the work youset
-
me to do; but oardon me, I
time, and I
ircK- I
supplicate you, this
will do my best to make up for it,
will. Mercy, madam, for the sake of
_«__._
Mercy!' returned the matron,
4 with a savage
you?
You are not punished holt enough, and if you
murmur, I will Bee what effect a sound flogging
will haveupon you. We support no idle brats
in the workhouse of All<jver.'
4 Ob, for God's sake, madam,' supplicated the
to a state of madness,
' girl,driven almost
poor
you will not be so cruel as to suffer me to re-
main in this dreadful place, where I must die of
cold and terror.'
4
Die, then, for what I care,* said the wretch;
4 of what value is the life of a felon's brat, like
you?'
4 No, no, no, you cannot mean it ; you will
not leave me here,' almost shrieked the despair-
ing Evelina. 4 My heart sickens, and my blood
freezes, at the thought. Ob, surely I
punished enough for the offence which I
have been
have
.
uoavoidly commits. Inpity, then, release me,
madam ;oh, do not have a deaf ear to my sup-
plication1'
4
'
Very clever, veryclever, indeed,' sneered the
matron ; no doubt your felon father and vagrant
mother took great pains to instruct you in the
part you were afterwards to play ; but it will
have no effect upon me, girl ;here you shall
remain until you have learned better ;and,
m.rk me, if youmurmur or complain, the whip
shallbe applied to tame you.'
How theblood of the pauper girlcurdled at the
brutal remarks of the mitrom ;she fixed upon
her a look of reproach that would have stung any
but the most insensible heart, but returned no
answer ;and pressing her hands upon her aching
temples, she sighed deeply, and sank upon the
heap of straw in despair. Her sen-es realed,
and for a time she became unconscious of the
horrors ofher situation.
For more than a week, Evelina remained in
this horrible place of confinement, suffering all
the tortures of fear and hunger ;so loathsome
was the food that was supplied her, that it was
only a very small portion of it that she could,
with much difficulty, eat aud that made her sick
and ill. Constaetly did she pray for death to
release her from her sufferings, yet still, although
delicate as her constitution was, it bore up in a
most extraordinary manner against that which
would havekilled much stronger persons.
Had she been kept confined there much
longer, however, she muBt have become an idiot,
and already her reason began to totter on its
seat ;but a length her brutaloppressors relented,
and she was removed from the prison, and
placed in the sick ward, where the doctor, by the
ordersof M'Doall, pa:d everyattention to her, he
probably having the fear of a coroner's fnq _est
before his eyes; and indeed her frame was bo
reduced by the punishment she had received
that her situation was a most precarious one.
Evelina was perfectly resigned to her fate,and
sincerely hoped that it might hethe will of
God
to take her; for what hope was there for
her iu
.
the dreary world and surely death would be
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
preferable to a renewal of those tortures she
had been subjected to for the first moment tbat
she entered tbe workhouse.
But her prayers were not heard, and she
recovered once more to linger in her dreary
career of wretchedness.
Frequently had she thought of attempting to
escape, for althoughshe knew not a friend in the
world to whom Bhe could apply for succour and
protection, surely all mankind could not be ao
cruel as to view her miseries with indifference,
and refuse her relief. Some charitable person
might take her into service, and, oh! how will-
ingly would she toil and do the commonest
drudgery for her support, and to obtain her
1 bsriy, and to be peimitted to live aod breathe
the sa_e as other human beings; and if she
cou.d not prove successful in tbat, she could be
content to lie dawn aod die, rather than return
to that wore than living tomb.
She had heard of the death of Mr. and Mrs
Goodson, and therefore all hope there was at an
end, but Bhe koew where Mr.Mildman resided,
and she could notbut thi_k, from tbe kindness
he had ever shown her, that that humane man
would take an interest in her fate, and try topro-
cure her a situation. Yes, to him, then, Eve*-
lina determined to apply cou'd she but effect her
escape from the workhouse; but long and an-
xiously the hapless girl watched, and nooppor-
tunity presented itself. The wretched inmates of
that receptacle of misery were so strictly watched
that it was quite impossible to elude the vigil-
ance of their oppressors, who, no doubt, dreaded
the consequences of an exposure, should one of
tbemescape.
Being considered s.fliclently recovered, she
' even in that dreadful form, than the life of
was now again placed in the oakum shed,' and
doomed to a repetition of tbe same severe tasks
to which she had been before subjected. And
there the poor girl toiled, with the dread of the
powers of the B'iack Hole before her eyes, till the
blood gushed from her fingers, and her delicate
frame was eo exhausted, that it was with diffi-
culty she could move her aching limbs. But no
pity, no mercy, was extended to her, and Bhe
ceased to appeal to the brutal wretches for it, for
she knew it would be useless, and that sbe
would probablyreceivenot'only taunts and abuse,
but punishmentalso.
I The disgustinghabits of the master rendered
him an object of terror to tbe young females,
whom, when he returned home drunk from his
nightlycarousals, at the hog and Punch-bowl, he
never failed to insult by the most revolting lan-
guage; and even his better half could not at
all times restrain him in his. unmanlybehaviour.
There were many fearfultales rumoured about
this man, which, no doubt, bad t_eir origin in
truth, but hithertohe had escaped detection, and
avoided that punishment which he so richly
merited.
Evelina still cherished the idea of escaping,
and was determined, at all hazards, to make the
attempt, the first chance that presented itself.
But it wa3 sometime ere theleast shadow of hope
came to her relief, and it seemed as ifshe were
doomed for life to linger out her days in that
awful place. But the time came.
Mrs. M'Doall wasill, and her husband being al-
43
most constantly absent from thehouse, they were
not so strictly watched as they had been, and
therefore the idea of gainingher libertyrecurred
to Evelina with tenfold force. To increase her
hopes, the bricklayers bad been at work at the
wall whicb surrounded tbe building for two or
three dayspast, and aladder «ai placed at each
side ofthe wall to enable them to carry on their
labours. The way to liberty was then easy, hut
all that our heroine wanted was tho opportunity
when she might not be watched, and that could
not be obtained in the daylight, when all eyes
were upon her.
She did not dare te communicate her thoughts
to any of ber companions, lest they should, in
the hepe of gaining favour w'.th their heartless
oppressors, betray her; but she was more than
oncehalf inclined to appeal to the humanity
of the workman, with the hope that they would
assist her; however, timid and doubtful of what
the result might b-, she forbore to do s., and
perhaps it was as well that she did.
During the whole of that day on which our
heroine had resolved to make the hazardous
attempt, if possible, the mentally prayed to
Providence to aid her, and invoked tbe spirit of
ber mother to wa'ch over her. It was a
miserable day; the snow fell fast, and the men
had been unable to pursue their labours, so that
they could not obstruct ber inher daring pro-
ject. But the horrors of the season somewhat
daunted her. How could she wander in such
a storm ? and wbat was to become of her witboat
ashelter, and thinly aud miserably clad as she
was . She must perish in the frost and enow.
However, death would be far more welcome,
extreme wretchedness she was at present leading,
and, in spite cf everyihing, she was determined
to run the risk.
'
4 Surely,' she thought, some kind person will
take pity on my youth and misery, and aff-ird me
a temporary shelter and relief. Human nature
cannotbe so cruel as to suffer a poor, frieucless,
destitute girl to periBh; aud if I can but reach
the house of Mr. Mil .man in safety, he, I am
certain, will receive me with kindness, afford
me relief, and advise me how to act. Oh, tbat
he would take me as his servant, with what
a cheerful hea<t would I work to endeavour to
repay him forhis benevolence. There is nothing
tbat Iwould not do to evince to him my
gratitude. He knows the cruelty I have ex-
—
perienced from those inhuman people, and he
wouldnot— 1 am convinced he would not Buffer
me again to fa 1 in their power.'
These saoguine ideas strengthened her resolu-
tion more than ever, and already the poor girl
beganto form the brightest hopis of the future.
Tbe day passed heavilyen, and at length the
darkness of the evening approached, aud the
labours of tho wretched inmates of tbe shed
ceased, andthe man who had them in charge
—
came to conduct them to their waid. Now .as
tho moment the heart of Evblina palpitated
violently, and she cast one anxious look to
wards the ladder, and then looked towards
the man to see whether his eye w_b upon
her ;buthe was engaged with the other ,>aupei3,
and did not notice her. She slunk behind, a_d
 44 EVELINA,THE
suffered her companions and the man to proceed
wlthoit hor. She concealed herselfbehind tho
door ot Ihe shed, trembling with doubt and
suspense; but the man never once turned his
head, and tho poor girl had tho satisfaction »f
eeelng him and those who followed him enter
'
the house,and she was alone.
aid in tho
God of Heaven!IImplore your
hazardous attempt I am about to make,' she
exclaimed, claspingher hands together;and then
■helooked around to make snra that there was
no one in the yard, but the coast was e,nite
clear.
She had no time to hesitate; a moment's
delay aod all might be lost;and should she bo
diseovered larking behind, sheknew well the
terrible punishment that would be inflicted on
ber, and it was quite evident tbat she would
soonbemissed. Fresh courage nerved her, and
having secured the coarse food whichhad been
given her, and which shehad preserved during
tbe day, she advancedtowards the ladder and
began to ascend it, but tbe spokes were so
slippery with the frost, and she trembled so
violently, that she could scarcely retain her
footing, and was in danger every moment of
falling. However, at length she reached the
top of the wall, but, to her horror and deipair,
she found that the ladder which hadbeen placed
on the outer side was removed, and thus all
chance of her escaping was apparently at an end.
She wrong her hands in despair, and wept
bitterly, for it was impossible that she could
venture to leap from such a height,and there-
fore there wasnothingleft for her but to return,
and the horror of tbe punishmentshe would be
certain to meet with made her blood run cold
toreflect upon.
She looked towards the house, and at that
moment beheld lights moving ln the window
over the porch, and could almost imagine that
she heard several voi.'es callingnpon her name.
Her brain turned giddy, andit Is a wonder that
she was not precipitated to the earth from that
'
fearful height.
Theyhavemissed me,* she ejaculated, 'and
Ishall be retaken, and again placed iu that
dreadful prison. Almighty and merciful God,
desert me not in this awful hour1'
But she could not,she dared not, venture to
retrace her steps down the ladder, and at length
worked up to a pitch of desperation, and scarcely
knowing what she did, she walked along the top
of the wall to some distance, not venturing to
look below, for hadshe dene so, she must have
fallen.
Suddenly she reached a part where there was
some scafolding, which she could with verylittle
difficulty descend, and uttering an exclamation
of joy, Bhe cla.pedherhands and raised her eyes
to heaven in gratitude. But at that moment
she though she heard a confused noise proceed-
ing from the house, and, terrified, she stepped
upon the scaffolding, and began to descend it,
which she could easily do by the ladders which
were affixed to it. She soon alighted npon the
snow covered ground, and for several moments
she stood io a state of bewilderment, and unde-
cided how to act.
Yis, Evelina was at liberty; the gloomy walls
PAUPER'S CHILD;
hut,
of the workhouse no longer coafined her;
alas! how much better waa the changes She
was alone in the wide world, without the cer-
tainty of havingono friend to whom she cen.d
apply in her misery, and with nothing but the
prospect of starvation before her. The cold was
most piercing, and the snow fell In large slakes
clingiDg to her thinly-^lad form, and impaling
ashivering sensation »o her blood. Although it
was little more than five o'clock, it was q'llte
dark, and Evelina was uncertain which way to
go; but shebeheld lights glimmering at a dis-
tance, which she imagined proceeded from the
town, and where shehad been g ven to under-
stand Mr. Mildman resided ; and to his house
she determined so make her way, trusting that
he wfluld notobject to receive her, and fluttering
hsraeif that the parish authorities would not
think of seaiching for her there.
Every moment, however, that she wasted in
deliberation, wai naught with da user,an ti Evelina,
committinghersell to tbe care of Providence,pro-
ceeded ou her dreary way,every now and then
lookingback, as ahe imagined that she heard the
sound of pursuit.
CHAPTERIX,
—
THB FURTHER PROGRESS OF EVELINA. DIS-
—
APPOINTMENT. A FRIEND IN NEED.
Such wss the excitement of our heroine that
she felt but little of the cold, and her heart
bounded with a sensation amounting to Joy, to
find hersell at liberty,notwithstandingthe missry
with which tbat liberty was fraught. Butthe snow
was so thick upon the giouud thatit was impossi-
ble for her to proceed as quick as she wished, and
to the town of Allover, it was a considerate
distance.
AlasI how pitiable was the destiny of this un-
upon
_
fortunate .Irl, and yet there was no one tobestow
her wordof compassion.
At length,breathless with the exertion shebad
undergone,our heroine was compelledto pauBe
for a minute to recover herself, and then she
looked around her with anxious eyes. Dismal
and cheerless was the scene which presented
itself to her gaze. Nothingbut frost aud snow,
whichever way abe looked; the face of nature
seemed clothed in the ghastly cerements of the
grave. Evelina shuddered, and recalled to mind
that awful night when she and her mother were
famishing intheir lonelycottage and awaitinghe;
father's return. Oh, how vividly did thehorrors
ef that eventful night flask upon her memory,
and tears of bitter anguish started to her eyes.
'Oh, why was I permitted to survive the
'
hard fate of those bereaved parents V Bhe ex.
claimed ; why did notkind Heaven take me to
itself, and thus at once have spared me all tbe
miseries I have since endured, and those 1have
probably yet to suffer 1 The worldhas nocbarm_
for me, for what is tobecome of me in it, friend-
less and destitute as I am? Better that Ihad
died— better that I had died 1"
She sighed deeply as she thus spoke, but at
lengtharousing herself to leoollectlon, and fear
ing that she might be re taken if she any longer
delayed, she again pursted her way. Inaoout
 OK, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 45
another halfhour she reached the lawn, but she
'
No home,nobed, no parents Vcried theman;
almost .eared to enter it, lest she should be seen * no shelter from the pieiciDg wind, and the frost
by any person, and removed ageia to the work- and snow . poor creature, poor c eat ure
I But
house. But at last Bhe mustered courage, and what could have brought joa te this terrible
proceeded towards tbat part ot the lawn where state .'
the shop ofD.ctor Mildman, she understood, was Oh, sir/ ejaculated Evelina, encouraged by
4

situated. She gained it. She saw his name his looks and the tones inwhich he spoke, 'I
over the door, but tbe shop was closed, and tho will tell you, sort am certain from jour manners
darkness that pervaded every window seemed to and the kindness with which you address me,
'
give certain notice thatit was vacated. A board that you wilinot betray me.'
'
—
affixedto the shutters now attracted tbeattention
words
4 Mildman, surgeon, removed to El.bury.'
'
Betray you ?' repeated the rustic ; why,yon
—
of Evelina, and on it she read the following haien't done anything wrong, have you!'
Oh, no, sir/ answered the pour girl ;'Heaven
ferbid. But but I have been for many years
Thepoor girl groaned with despair, as she read an Inmate of the parish workhouse aodI have
this. All her hopes were disappointed, and she this night made my escape from those cruelties,
was left without the chance of a shelter or relief, than to endure which, any fate would be far
and on such a fearful night as this, wbat was to more preferable. I thoughtto find DoctorMild-
become of her t To the town of Elsbury it was man here; he knows me, aod Iam certain
many miles, end It would be impossible for her would assist meln this awful emergenc;.'
to travelso far without rest, weary,as she already 4 ' do, indeed, pity
Poor girl,' said the man, I
was, and Insuch a storm. The sanguine hopes you, for I havechildren of my owd, and Idon't
shebad so recently formed were now succeeded know what they mightcomo to, should anything
by the most abject despair ; she took shelter In happen to me. Yourlooks convinca me that you
the doorway, and wept bitterly. She now per* have spoken the truth, for nothing but tha
celved the madmsa of her leaving the work- cruelties of a workhouse could make such a
house, bad as It was, without being certain of wreck of any poor young creature. But you
findingsome place of refuge, and for the first must notbe suffered to die inthe roadof cold and
time she regretted tbat she had done so. hunger,which you will certainly do if you are
Her limbs shivered with the intense cold, and exposed to the storm to-night. I am but a very
what '1th tbe terror andanguish of her miad, poor man, and have a large family, and G.d
and the Inclemency of the weather, she was so knows Ihave a hard struggleto keep them ; but
exhausted, that It was not without the greatest I canspare a meal, and part of one of my girl's
difficulty she could supportherself ;hut certainly bed, to a poor, sufferinggirl like you, and Iknow
she must perishifshe were exposed to tbe 6torm that my wife and the children wi1 make you
any leDgth cf time. welcome. So come, my lass ;If you will accept
While she thus stood, she was startled at of my offer, Iwill conduct you to my cottage,
hearing the sound of some one approaching, and which is only alittle way outof the town,'
faarful that it wassome person sent in pursuitof How did tbe bosom of our heroine swell at
her, she drew herself _p into the smallest space, this unexpected kindness , tears gushed to her
aed trembled in every limb. eyes, and it wassome moments before she could
Theindividual came nearer, and her appre- s^eak. * '
hensions were,in a great measure, abated, when Oh, sir,* she said at last, Ihave not lan-
she perceived that it was a man clad Inthe garb guage to expressmy thanks for this disinterested '
his work ;and so preposessed was she with the
'
of a labourer, who was probably returning from kindness. Iam a poor Bimp'.egirl, who
There, my .'ass,' interrupted the honest
honest and good-tempered aspect of his counte- fellow; 'that's enough; Ido not want any
nance, that she was half inclined to speak to thanks for a mere act of common humanity,and
him; but wbat could he do to assist her in her I only wish it was in my pov.tr to do more 'or
dreadful difficulty ? As he drew nearer to her, you. Take my arm, my girl, and we shall soon
however, she could not repress a sigh, which reach my cottage.'
attracted his attention, and he immediately
4
May Heaven reward you for this,' said our
b e h.id her. heroine, as she too.his arm, aud they proceeded
He seemed surprised to see one so young In on their ways*
such a position, bat the look which he fixed upon Inabout ten minutes they arrivedat a neat-
her paleface and shivering form was one of com- lookingcottage, just out of the town, and from the
passion, that reasasured oor heroin
' lower casements of whicb, the reflection of a cheer-
* Why,andmy las6,' he said, wbat do you herein ful fire might te seen, which gave nofice of the
such a storms Itis a night notsit to turnadog comfort which reigned within. Tbe heart of
out, and I'm sure you would have been much Evelina warmed,aud the certainty ofat least one
better at home and in bed." night's shelter and reat Imparted some consolation
'
4 Alas 1' replied Evelina, and her voice was

broken bysobs, Ihaveno borne, no bed to go

to her bosom.
The peasant knocked at the cottage door,
to.' which #as immediatelyopened by a healthy,rosy,
4

g3zed at her more ' .

No home, no bed !' replied the man, and he good-tempered-looking girl, apparently about
narrowly, and with deeper seventeen years of ge, and who started with
intetest tbanbe;ore. Is it possible, my poor girl, evldeni surprise whenahe beheld Evelin*. The
tbat you speak the truth I Where are your latter shrunk back with the greatest timidity,
parentB V but the peasant took her hand, and lei her into
1
1have none,' said our heroine, in a faint voice. the t.om, wherehis wife, a comely-lookingdame,
 46 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

and two other girls, were seated. They rose ou and they saw that the chject of their solicitude
tbelr father's entrance, and welcomed him home partook of it also with much satisfaction. A
with the fondest affection, but, seeing ourheroine, silence of _me minutes enBued. The warmth
tbey expressed a; much astonishment as their of the fire, and the refreshment wbich had beeo
sister had done, aud their mother looked at her given to her, grea'ly revived Evelina, and Im-
throughher spectacles, and then at her husband, parted a gentle flush to her cheeks which made
with much curiosity. her appear doubly interesting, aud the cottager
No doubt dame,' said her and his family could not but contemp'ate her
' to you are amazed,
4

husband, see me accompanied by this un- with increased pity and admiration.
fortunate stranger ; she ia a poor girl who has Tbe meal was over, and Evelina, turning to
neither home nor friends. I found her trembling Robert and his wl'e, and sit kinj. on her knees,
in the frost aad snow ; so I knew that you would claeped their hands, and only by her tears and
not object to lether partake of our humble meal, sobs could express her gratitude. The good
—
and share the bed with one of our girls to night. peoplegentlyraisedher from her humble posture,
Had she been left exposed to the storm, she mast and Robert ?ail
4 Nay, unfortunate girl, you must not kn_el to
have perished.'
4Poor thing,poor thing,' sard the kind-hearted us, for indeed we havedone no more than the
dame, looking at our heroine with much com- nictates of common humanity should prompt us
*
passion, she does indeed look cold, ill, and to dotowar.s our fellow-creatuTes. I ouly wish
miserable,and toall that we can do for her,I'm that you had fallen into the hands of some
sure you know, Robert, she's heartily welcome. benevolent iiidtvidual who mighthave the means
Come, child, donot be ashamed, but take a c. air as well as the heart to relieve you; but do not
by the Are, aud warm your frozenlimbs. Ob, despair ; God is good, and will not desert you
how dreadful it is that oue so young should he while youputyour trust in Him.'
exposed to somuch misery.' 4 Oh, Bir,' remarked Evelina, 4 did you but

As the old woman said this, Bhe kindly took know half what I have suffered for eight years
the band of the destitute girl, aad led ber to a In that awful place, you would not wonder thatI
steat before the cheerful blazing fire, whileher should ruBh on any fate sooner than be exposed
daughters viewed her withthe greatest pity,and toit any longer. Eight years— eight dreary years
bustledabout to prepare tbe supper.
— since the death of ray poor mother. Ob, God!
Evelina burstinto tears at this unexpected it is wonderful that I
kindness, and at length faltered out
have survivedso long.'
The cottager and bis famiiy were moved to
4 Oh,
madam,my heart is too full to enable me tears, and they endeavoured to console her.
to thank you as I ought ; may the Almighty 4 And was your poor mother an inmate of the

shower down blessings on your hend for this workhouse when she died, unfortunate girl?'
unexampledkindness ioa poor destitute strarger.* JDq n'red the dame. '
4 We are
'
rewarded suflicieutly,my poor girl,' 4 Oh, yPB, yes,' sobbod our heroine ; and they
returned the dame, in the consciousnesa of would not let mo graze upon her cold remans.
having done our duty. But, al .s, what can have They consigned her to a pauper's grave, and did
reduced you to this deplorable stato ? Have you not permitme tbat last Bad consolation. But she
indeed no parents, no frieods V is in Heaven, and I oughtto bethaukfulthat she
4
None,none,' answered Evelina, and hertears is no longer exposed to the cruelties ofthe merci-
flowed still faster than before. My parents rave less world.'
4
been lost to me for many years, and since tbat 4 True,child,' said the dame ; aud that re-
4

time I have been an inmate of the workhouse ; flection ought to appe _s. your anguish. But
but I could1 endure the cruelties practised there your f_ther V
no longer, and this nightI made my escape, and Evelina shuddered, and c ._t her eyes to the
came to the town, thi. king tofiod ihebenevolent ground.
Di. Mildman, who I —
amcertain would assist me, 'Did he also die in that wratched place?'
and get mea situation anythingrather than go continued the old woman.
41pray
back to that dreadful place.' you, do not urge me upon that paioful

'most fervently do I
your sufferings, and I
— —
4Unfortunate child!' ejaculatedtheold woman, subject,' said Evelina, in a voice choked

commiserate with you in enfoUon; 4I Iknow not whether my p.or

wish it were in my po -er father lives cr not but, alas Ihe is lost to me
with

to assist you; but we are verypoor, andtherefora for ever.'

we cannot do as we would wish. What do you 4 Heaven forbid that I should wound your
intend to do . feelings, my dear girl,' rera.rked the dame ;
4
Make my way to the plaoe where Mr. Mild- but your observations have excited my curiosity
4

'
man isat present residing, ifI can,' replied our as well a_ sympathy. May I
heroine, and see whether it is in his power to
aak your name?'
Again did Evelina hesitate, and deep blushes
assist me; if he cannot, the sooner that death suffused her cheeks; but she felt assurei that it
terminates my sufferings the better.' was no idle curiosity which prompted the cot-
4 Oh, do not talk so, child,' said the dame ; tager's wife, and that she
would not look upon
1God will raise youup a friend in your misery her with auy the less compassion

—
when least expected. But come, take some of the daughter o-f a convict ;and she conquered
this nice broth; it will warm you, and revive her repugnance, as Bhe replied
you.'
because she was

1Evelina Marsden !"

Gratefully did Evelina look towards the dame ■Marsden!' repeated Robert and his wife,in
a
as she took the broth, but she could not . p ak. breath, aud theylooked upon tha wretched object
The family now sat dewn to their homely meal, of their charity with increased astonishment.
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 47
4 Yes,' sighed Evelina; 4I am the child of how happy must you be in having such parents
that unfortunate man; but indeed, Indeed, he to love, cherish, and protect you. May every
wasnot guilty of that dreadful crime of which blessingattend you and them through life, and
he was convicted.' way you never experience the bitter sorrows it
4 1am certain he was not,' exclaimed Robert; is my heard lot to endure.'
41knew Richard Marsden at on j time well, and 4 Thanks, my poor friend,' Bald the amiable
I
to which he was reduced
—
am confident that, notwithstanding the misery girl; 4 andoh, may the clouds that at present
nothing, I firmly darkenyourdcstiny.be quickly dispersed, aud
believe, could ever have urged him to commit a the brightest sunshine succeed to them.'
dishonest act, much more to perpetrate so fright- 4 Alas ! Helen,' sighed Evelina, 4 what prospect
ful a deed!'
4 Oh, thanks, thanks, for this opinion of
—
Is there before me of your wishes ever being
my icalised f I have not a friend in the world to

eyes.
'
illofated parent,' sobbed Evelina, with streaming whom I canapply, unlessMr.Mildman canassist
Heaven knows his innocence, and Ime ;though Heaven knows that there is not
trust will yet bring the realas.assins to' light.' common drudgery tbat I would not willinglydo..
4
It will, my poor girl,' said Robert, depend rather than again be consigned to that living
upon it. But come, cbild, you had better retire tomb, where they would be certain to kill me.'
to rest, and we w:11 see you in the Morning,and 4
Heaven save you from theirpower, Evelina,'
try what can bedone for you, in your distressed ejaculated Helen; '1 have heard of the mon-
situation, although our means, as I have said strous cruelties practiced iu that dreadful placo
before, are unfortunately limited. Helen,'' he before ;and I cannot help shuddering when I
continued, addressing his eldest daughter, this think ofthe fearful sufferings youmust havebad
poor unfortunate will sleep with you to-night.' to undergo, during the many years you were an
The looks of Helen showed how willing she inmate there.'
was that Evelina shouldbecome her companion,
and how grateful Bhe was to her pare ts for I
4
'
It would shock your ears, mykmd girl, were
to detail them to you,' saidEvelina ; theawful
their kindne8 a to tbe wretched wanderer and scenes thatIhave there witnessed freeze my
;
our heroine,as she gazedupon her, was inspired blood with horror and disgust when I recal to my
with confidence. memory. Justice will surely some day or other
Once more she would have sank upon her overtake those who are guilty 'of such atrocities.'
4 It will,' replied Helen; but come, Evelina,
knees before Robert andhis wife,but they pre-
vented her; and taking her hand kindly,they yon must be quite worn out ;so let us retire to
fervently wished her good night. bed, and thereis no no knowing what a good
in silence, night's rest may do for you.'
I Evelina could only press theirhands ; Evelina pressed ber hand, and theu sinking
and weep tears of gratitude upou them and
then Helen having embraced her parents and on her knees, Helen followed her example, and
her sisters affectionately, tookup the light and they bothprayed ferventlyand devoutly to Hea-
led the way to the clean and neat little chamber, ven.
above etairs. Our heroine arose from herknees much more
And r.ow happily did Robert Selborn and his tranquil,and embracingher amiable companion,
dame sleep that night,and heartily did they re- she repaired to retire to bed. Helen was quickly
turn their thanks to Heaventhat they had been asleep, but herunfortunate companion, notwith_
made the humble Instruments in rescuing anun- standingshe was so much exhausted with the
fortunate girl from almost certain death; and extraordinary exertions she bad undergone, re-
deeply larrented that they had it not in their mained for some time restless, and buriedinthe
power to assist her In tbe way theirbenevolent most painfulreflections.
hearts prompted them to do. Alas I what was to becomes of her ? Wheu
would she again know tbecomforts of this nightT
Ina few hours she would again be exposed to
the cold, and the gnawing of want, and where
would she find a resting place .' who would, like
—
CHAPTER X.
THE WRETCHED JOURNEY. THE ARRIVAL AT misery
Robert Selborn, take compassion upon her abject
1 She fearedthere were few likehim in
THE DARK HALL. this world, and that she might wander far before
Itwasmanyyears since Evelinahad witnessed she would again meet with relief. Her only hope
such comforts as were displayed in that little rested upon Mr. Mildman, and many weary miles
chamber, and she could not refrain from tsars. had she to traverse to the place ofhis residence,
compassion inher face, said
—
Helen took her hand, and gazingwith the greatest andeven then she might be disappointed. Mr.
Mildman mighthave changed in disposition in
4 Come, come,poor Evelina, youmust not weep, the course of the number of years which had
for indeed it wrings my very heart to see you elapBedsince shehad seen him, and he might not
do so;and I'm sure we all wish that it was in care to acknowledgeher, or take upon himself
our power to do more. But great as is your the responisbility of sheltering her from the
present misery, God will raise youup again ;and parish authorities ;and then she would indeed
Ido not despair of seeingyouat some futuretime be cast helpless and wretched npon the world,
comfortable and happp.' and there would be nothing left for her to do
4 Good,
kind girl,' ejaculated our heroine ; but to return to the workhouse, and to termi-
4 you have aheart I see alive to every noble and nate her miserable existence and her Borrows at
generous sympathy. Oh, how happymast your once.
parentsbe In possessing such a daughter, and These distractingthoughts continued to tor-
 48 KVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
emotion,
ture Evelina's mind for some time; but, at she Bpoke,and oar heroine, overcome by
length,balmysleep came to her relief and she could only embrace the generous girl, and weep
awoke not till ihe morning,ana found thatHelen upon her bosom.
4 Come, Evelina,' said Helen, at length; 'let
had alreadyrisen.
The storm had not ceased during the night, us go down stairs ;no doubt the breakfast is now
and it now raged as fiercely as ever. Evelina ready.'
shuddered as she heard the snow beating against Evelina took her proffered hand, and then
the chamber window,and reflected how soon she attended her down stairs into the parlour, where
must be exposed to its fury. the humble morning repast was already spread
' You have sleptcalmly,Evelina,' said Helen, upon the table, at which Mrs. Selborn and her
' aud Ihope you feel yourself refreshed.' other daughters were sealed. They arose on the
'Yes, Helen,' answered our heroine; 'I do entrance of H.len and our heroine, and greeted
feel better than I did ;it Is many years since the latterwith much fervour ;which Bhe returaed
I have before known the blessingB of a comfort- with allthe energy that her feelings of gratitude
able bed, and God only knows when I shall lest prompted. ■
to 'night.' 1You look better, my child,' said the dame

Do not despair, my poor friend,' said Helen; 4 thank Heaven for it. How fortunate It was
1Providence will
yet turn something up for you, that my good man beheld you last night,or God
and I
suffer you to leave us for a day or two.'
'
cannot think that my dear parents will knows what wouldhave become of you.'
Ob, Mrs. Selborn,' said Evelina, with much
'
1Indeed Icannot infringeupon their kindness emotion; I owe you and yonr worthyhusband
any longer, Helen,' returned our heroine; 'they a debt of gratitude, which I fear it will never be

than they can afford. Besides, I am fearful if I

'
have already done more for me, a poor stranger, in my power to pay.'
Do not 'talk of obligation, my good girl,' said
remain much longer in this neighbourhood,my the dame ; I should neverhave forgivenRobert
cruel oppressors will discover me, and what my if he hadleft you in the peltingstorm, to perish
fate would be if I should again fall into their of cold and hunger. Robert was obliged to go
power, I shudder to think on, If the storm would to work at an early hour,but he desired me to
only abateI might beenabled to reach the town tell you thatbe could not think of sufferingyou
of Elsbury to-day, and then, if I can see Mr. to depart from our cottage for a day or two.
Mild man, I shouldknow my fate atonce.' ' The weather may clear upin that time, and who
'Alas !' said the compassionate Helen, it Is a knows what may take placeV
long,long way for you to walk without money, Evelinasank at her feet.
without food.' 4 Oh, Mrs. Selborn,' she ejaculated, 'this is
< me, trust, my
God will help I on dreary too kind, but I must not accept of it. Why
journey/ replied Evelina; 'but let whatever should I,a stranger, become a burthen to you
may happen,I shall never cease, whileI
remember the disinterested and generous kind-
'
live, to when you can so ill afford it V
We are not sopoor ' as all that, child,' re-
ness of yourself and your amiable parents with turned the dame, aad Ihave no doubt we
feelings of the mostboundless gratitude.' shall be able to manage it without puttingour-
1Do not mention it, my
poor friend, for I'm selves to any inconvenience. A day or twc'i
sure that my dear parents,as well as myself, only rest will do you good, and something may take
regret that it isnot in their power to do more place to aid you In your difficulty. Come,come,
for you, and to release you entirely from the say nomore about it, child ;it is all settled, and
dreadful situation inwhich you are placed. But, I
Evelina, I hope you will notbe offended at whatI
' will not hear any excuses.' '
Amiable woman!' cried Evelina, you over-
'
am going fo aay/ she added with a peculiar look. whelm me with your goodneis. OnIif all
Offended, Helen ?' ejaculated oui heroine. hearts were like your's, how little misery would
*
Ob, I cojld never be offended with anything there be in the world.'
that you say or do. What mean you?' Mrs. Selborn gave her an encourlng look, and
Helen unlocked a small box which was stand- Helen evinced the pleasure she felt at the
ing on the table In the loom, andtook from it a humane resolution which her parents had come
little chain purse. to,and pressed the hand of Evelina In silence.
4
Itis only a small sum which I have saved It was sometime before the poor girl could
from the few pence my parents have given me recover from her emotion, and tben she was
at different times,' said the noble minded girl; pursuaded to partake of 'he breakfast which was
4 would tbat
it were pounds. But it will do spreadbeforeher.
you more good than me, who have everything 4 But,alas1Mrs. Selborn,' said Evelina,
that my heart can wish for. Take it, Evelina, not be in danger while I
4shall"I
remain in this neigh-
and naay God speed you with it.' bourhood?
— — The parish authorities might dis-
Generous * girl,' exclaimed Evelina, bursting cover me, and then Ishould probably be the
4

Into teas, and shall Ideprive you of your means of bringing yourself and yoar husband
little all ? No no, Icannot ;Ishould ever
reproach myself if Idid.' '
into trouble.'
Dj not entertain any apprehensions upon
Reproach yourself, Evelina,' said Helen, that subject,' said the dame; 'they will never
4

4
for vihat t Tbe tristeis of no use to me; I think of searching for you here; and probably
should only spend it in some useleis bauble. they may not trouble themselves any
further
Take it,my friend ;for you will hurt me greatly upon the subject,but may be glad to be rid ol
if you donot." what the wretches doubtless thought a burthen
She thrust the purse Into Evelina's bosom as upon their hands.'
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CttILB;OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. __
*Ohl Mrs. Selborn, you do not know them. oannot keepit asecret, and I oughtnot to retain
They will be most anxious to get me again in the generous gift.'
1What mean you, child!'
their power from a fear of an exposure,and that asked Mrs. Selborn,
they may also wreak their vengeance upon my eagerly.
head. Itremble withhorror whenI think of it.' Helen looked confused, and with an expres —
1Providence will protect

not suffer your heartless persecutors to work

your destruction entirely.'
—
you child, and will sion of gentlereproach towards our heroine
4 Evelina,'

Do not onot.'
she ejaculated, 4 this is unkind.
4
Your words inspireme with hope,' said Eve- 4
You perplex me, children,' said the dame
Una; 'I will trust in the goodness of the 4 Surely there can be no secret between yon
Almighty.' which you cannot wish me to know.'
4 And He will not desert you, my goodglil, 4 My dear friend,' said Evelina; 'it ia the

'
returned the good dame, pressing herhand.
But there is something whiehI must dis-
amiable Helen's modest spirit tbat would fain
keep her generous conduct to the poor pauper
close,' remarked oux heroine after a pause ; ' Igirl concealed from your knowledge;but I cannot

MR. AND MRS. SELBORN FINDING EVELINA IS THE SNOW ST08M.

consent to Ut It r main a secret from you. This her humble gift. She will never want it; God
morning she forced me to take this purse, con- will reward her tenfold for this dislnteresttedact
tainingthe proceeds ot ber litt'e savings; but IOf generosity.
—'
must now beg tbat you will endeavour te pre-
vailupon her to take it back again, and
We will pass over the .ceoe wbich followed
this little Incident, but it was s ometime before
'Evelina, Evelina 1' interrupted tbe confused any cf the parties interested could re. ver
Helen, while tee crimson blushes mounted in her from the emotion whi.h the ceiremstanee
fair cheeks ;but before she could fini.h the sen- excited.
tence, her mother enfolded her in he: arms, and At lengthtthey beo.ame more calm, and
of the suffer-
pressed tbe warmest kisses of maternal affection Evelina related all the particulars workhouse
on her lips. ings Bhe had encountered in the o*"
My own Helen, my noble, generous minded Ailover to Mrs.Selborn and her daughter lis-
4

girl!' said the old woman.

' Oh !how worthy is tened sto-*lhe painful recital with feelings o<
horror, and coromiieratioo. They could
this simple act of humanity to you. Keep the disgut, any
purse,Evelina,for I know nothing would wound never have thought that it was possible for
the feelings of Helenmore thanfor yeu to decline human beingto enduresuch
unparalleled cruel*

No. 7.
 50 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;
ties, especially one so young, or tbat there could
b? found monsters enough to inflict them upon
the innocent and defenceless ; and they were not
surpiised that Evelina should prefer any fate to
remaining In that terrible place.
4
My poor child,' said Mrs. Selborn, 'your's
has, indeed, been a terrible destiny ;butI hope
to God, that your troables will soon be at an
etad.
'
4 Yes,' sighed our heroine, In a voice of the
most irapresBive melancholy; inthecold grave;
not till then.'
4Nay, Evelina,' returned the dame; 'yon.
must not allow such dismal thoughts to take
possession of your mind. I do hope that we
shall shortly meet again, and that you will then
be surrounded by every happiness.'
' 'Aod should we not,' answered Evelina,
sbould death put a period to my miseries, my
last breath shall be spent in invokinga blessing
upon the heads of yourself and Mr. Selborn, and
your amiable family.'
Mrs. Selbirn and her daughters were much
appalledby her manner, and tried all that they
could to soothe her; in which, at last, they
partly succeeded ;and theremainder of the day
was passed in a more agreeable manner than
might, under the circumstances, have been ex-
pected.
Evelina bad been persua.ed lo assume one
of Helen's frocksin lieu of the miserable work-
house apparel in which she had been clad, and
her appearance waB much improved by the
change. They could not but a. mire h r great
beauty,in spite of the ravages which care and
long-suffering had made upon her, and Mrs.
Selborn shuddered when she reflected upon the
snares which might be set to entrap one so
young, inexperienced, and unprotected in the
sinful world.
The snow storm continued with but little
cessation throughout the day, and our heroine
could but feel themoBt Hvely sensations of gra-
titude towards her humble friends who had
sheltered her from the weather's inclemency.
But still she could not conquer the alarm she
felt lest her cruel enemies should trace her to
the cottage, andat everyknock that came to the
door she startled, and hurriedly ran into the
adjoiningapartment. It was iu vain tbatHelen
and her mother tried to banish these apprehen-
sions from her mind, and to convince her of
the improbability ofthe parish authorities seek-
ing herin such a place;the dread of once more
being consigned to the workhouse had made
such a powerfulimpression upon her, that she
could not divest herself ofIt.
Evening came, and Mr. Selborn returned
home from his daily toll, and appeared pleased
to seo the poor girl seated by the fire, in the
company ofhis wifeand children, and the change
for the better that was wrought in her appear-
anceby the night's rest she had enjoyed.
He welcomed ber io his usual honest, hearty
manner, and Evelina returnedhis greetingwith
amodest fervour which spoke more than words
could have done the sincerity and warmth of
her gratitude. 4__
Helen had got ber father's warm slippers
ready, and placed his arm chair by the fire, and
thenshe bustled about to prepare the supper.
—
It was a striking picture of humble and rionestic
happiness; and Evelina could not help sighing
when shereflected that she must so shortly leave
it, audbecome a wanderer iu the wideaud cheer-
less world, without one friend to pour the balm
of consolation into her bosom, to advise, or pro-
tect her.
But a few hours, and how dreadful must be
the change in her circumstances ; for she could
not think of remainingwith thoBe who had be-
friended her ;so ill able as they were to afford It,
even if they should wish her to do so. Should
shenot gain auy assistance from Mr. Mildman,
there was no other prospect before her but to
perishof want; and this dependence was a most
precarious one.
Mr. and Mrs. Selborn watchedher counten-
ance, and seemed to read her thoughts.
'
I
'
see, my poor girl/ said Mr. Selborn, you
do not feel easy in remaininghere, thinking it
will put ub to great inconvenience, and that we
have barely sufficient to provide for ourselves:
but do not suffer that idea to disturb you ; we
shall never be any the worse tor what we do for
you! And think you I could ever be so cruel as
to suffer you to depart on your dreary and un-
certain journey,in this tempestuous weather f—
No, no, I could not do it/
4 Oh, sir,' returned
*
our heroine, youhave
already done more, much more than I,an entire
stranger to you, had a right to expect, and my
spirit revolts at the idea of encroaching any fur-
ther on your benevolence ;the storm will abate,
and with the blessing of God, after the relief you
have afforded me, Ishall be able to reach the
place of my destination without difficulty.'
4
Unfortunate girl,* said the worthy cottager,
'you know not the danger of the road you will
have to travel, and which the snow has now
rendered nearly impassable ;but if you persist
in leaving ub, if you will only wait till the day
after to-morrow, neighbour Thorabeny will be
going within a mile or two.of Elsbury, and I
have no doubt that he will," to oblige me, give
you a lift in his waggon. I will speak to him
when I see him to-morrow.*
4 Oh, Mr. Selborn,' said Evelena, 4
this is in-
deed most kind,andnever shallI be able tomatk
my sense of it.'
*
Therenow,Evelina,' returned Selborn, you
'
confuse me by thesedemonstrations of gratitude,
and I'm sure it's little enough you have got to
thaDk me for.'
4
You have saved my life, sir,' answered our
heroine, 4 and inspired me with hope, and this
from one whom I hadnever seen before. Alas !
I fear there are but few in the world who are
'
like you andyour excellent family.'
■ Why,* said the cottager, the worldis bad
enough, and there is but little sympathy it in
with the suffering victims of poverty ;however,
I trust that you willnot find it so, and that the
hand of pity and benevolence may be extended
towards you. But see about the supper, dame ■
we will talk further of this to-morrow.*
4
But I fear, Mr. Selbarn,' remarked Evelina,
'that my terrible enemies will discover whereI
am concealed, and forceme back to that abode of
horror.'
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
'Oh, there ia not much fear of that,' replied
'
the .cottager, thoughI certainly didhear to-day
that your escape hao ca'tsed considerable excite-
'ment inthe parish, an. that they are resolved
to leave nomeans untried to find youout, though
it is thought, 'that having no friends in the
World, you will be driven by necessity to return
to ' the workhouse.'
Ah !' ejaculatedour heroine ;'thenmy danger
Is certain.1
1Not so ; of all places in the world, it is not
Ikelythat they would think of searching for you
here;and if they were to do so, I would tafee
good care that they should not find you.'
.
4 N t for the world woold I have such a cir-
cumstance take ylace,for you would get yourself
into trouble-'
4
What, for doingan act of charity andhuma-
nity, which they are not capable of?' demanded
Selborn.
4 That would be -the very reason tbat they
wouldpursue you with their vengeance,' observed
Evelina.
4 Not they,* replied the cottager.
' I
defy
them. I am not beholden to them for a single
fraction, and I trust that Providence, which has
hitherto been sokind to me, will alwayskeepme
and my fauii!y independent of them.'
4
Heaven grant thatit may,* earnestly ejacu-
Uted our heroine, 4for death is preferable tobeing
placed at their raer^y.' ,
The supper was now ready, and although
Evelina was not much inclined to eat, fearing
that ahe mig^it offend her generous friends, she
was prevailed upon to partake of the frugal
meal.
The Bopper ended, they, after some further
conveys .tinn, separated for the night, and
Evelina and Helen once more retired to their
chamber. Here Helen gently reproached her
unfortunate companion for hayingdivulged the
circumstance of the simple gift she hadpresented
her with ;which was only the means of a
renewal of Evelina's expressions of gratitude;
they embraced eachother withthe same affection
as ii they had been sisters, instead of almost
complete strangers to each other; and having
offered up their prayers to Ke^ven; they sought
their hermb'e and comfortable couch.
The next day was passed in a similar way to
the previous one, and Evelina, generallyspeak-
ing, was more tranquil and resigned,although a
deep sensation of melancholy regret would at
times steal over her mind, when she thought
how short was the time that che would be pera
milted to remain with the kind cottagers, who
had Tendered her such essential service, and
whom she mi£_t never behold again.
When Mr. Selborn returned from his labour
In the evening, after his usual salutations, he
said, addressinghimself to our heroine,
4
I have Been neighbour Thornberry to-day,
and he very readily complied with my request.
He ia a veiy honest, good hearted man, and you
may safely depend upon him. But indeed, my
poor girl, I .
feel much regret t having to part
whh jou so soon, and especially under such
circumstances ; but I hope that before loug we
may meet again, and that your prospects may
theu have become changed. Itrust, tay child,
51
that you will never forget that there is such an
individual as Robert Selborn inexistence.*
'Oh,sir,' ejaculated Evelina, weeding, 'what
an ungratefulworthless being Imust be, could I
ever cease to remember with respect and grati-
tude thos. whose unbounded kindness I have
experienced. Iwill remember you in my
prayers, andinvoke blessings upon you and your
family. God grant that we may meet again, and
that I may be able to make you some return for
that which I am indebted to you.* '
'Name it not, my girl,' said Selborn ; that
we may meet again Imost sincerely wish, but
as for any return for the trifling service I have
been enabled torender you, I seek it not, neither
doI require it. What I more than all regret is,
that we are compelled to part bo 6oon, and that
it is not inmy power to assiet you further ;but
I do trust, Evelina, that you will communicate
with us as soon as possible, for depend upon it,
short as the time is that we havebeen acquainted
with each other, no individuals canpossibly have
your interests more at heart than Robert Selborn
and
* his family.'
I know it, sir, I feelconvinced of it,' ejacu-
lated Evelina, With much emotion ; 4I must be
insensible to every proper seeling of gratitude
were I not. Ob, Mr. Selborn, little do I expect
tomeet withSuch kind,suchdisinterested friends
again, a3 you and your amiable family.'
4 Well, well,my goodgirl,' said Selborn,
'let.
me hope that you will be disappointed irfc hose
expectations I am sorry that I cannot accom-
pany you to the place of your destination to see all
safe ; but I am certain thatMr. Mildman, who is
an excellent gentleman, or else he would not
have been dismissed from tbe office he held iu
the parishof Allover,will receive you with every
kindness, and do all he can to assist you inyour
deplorable situation ;but if he should not be
able to do so, as I observed before, do not forget
that you have at least friends here, however
humble, and heBitate not to return to us again.
Something in the interim may turn up by which
wemight be ahle to assist you.'
Again did our "heroine express her thanks for
the warm generosity of the honest cottager ;in-
deed, her heart was overflowing, and she hadnot
language to express her sewings;and to think
that she must so soon be separated from such
kind friends, with tbe uncertainty when, if ever,
they might a£ ainmeet, inflicted a double pang
'
upon her bosom.
Thornberry will depart at five o'clsck in the
morning,' said Mr. Selborn; 'so you will be
ready by that time, Evelina. We will not bid
you fa1 1 well to-night, for we shall all be up at
that hour in the morning; therefore, my good
girl,I would advise you to retire to bed as soon
as possible, ao that jou may have agood night's
rest to prepare you for the fatigues of the
journey.'
4 Bless you, bless you all, for the setviSa you
have rendered to the poor destitute victim of
oppression,' ejaculated Evelina, emphatically.
'We shall
meet a»ain, Bomething assures me that
we shall, and under more cheerful circumstances
'
than at present.'
Continue to encourage that idea, my dear
child,* said the damer 'and it will give you
 92 BVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

strength to but with patience andfortitude any ' ■Alas! alasl' ejaculated the affectionate girl,
future vicissitudes you may have to undergo. but Evelina, a few short minutes, and then we must
You may depend npon it, that oui thoughts will put, ' perhaps sot ever.'
trust,' returned
be frequently devoted to yon, and most ' happy Evelina. "
Not for ever, dear Helen, I
I trust that something will occur to
shall webe tohear of your prosperity. we do
■I know you will, Mm. Selborn,' returned our bring ui together again, and that when
heroine, ■and Ihope the time will come when meet once more,it maybe under circumstances
congratulation,instead of sorrow."
wo shall be able to resumo oui friendship with- of 1
out fear of interruption.' God grant that it may!' laid Helen,
'
The eyes of the fair Helen expreised how vehemently ; but, w hen I think of themiserable
ferventlyihe responded to that wish, andafter a journeyyou areao soon about to
commence, the
are, and the uncer-
few more observations, they separated. But destitute state in which you
there wai little or no sleep for Evelina that
so fully was hermind occupied withthe
night, tainty of your
—
obtainiog relief when you arriveat
thought! your place of destination,it fills my bosom with
'
of her melancholy Journey, and tha uncertainty dread andanguish indee dItdoes.'
of her wishes being crowned with auccesi, on Oh, how kind is this of you to expresa io
arrivingat the place of her destination. much commiseration andsolicitude for one who
Evelina,
And Helen felt almost as ud and wretchedai Is almost an entire stranger to yon,' said
part, and the uncertainty of their ever meeting
'
herself, at tbeIdeaof their being about io toon to deeplyaffected.
I should despise myself,' answered Helen,
again. Short al the time waa that they had been 'could I do otherwise than sympathise ln the
introduced toeach other, the distressing situation bitter misfortune! of my fellow-creatures, especi-
inwhloh Evelinawas placed, andthe troubles she ally of one who, I feel convinced, Is entitled by

—
hadundergone,had taken the strongestholdupon her virtue! to io different a fate. But you will
the kind-hearted girl's sympathy,andmany were communicate with us at the earliest opportunity
the apprehensions she entertained, as to what will you not, Evelinas Dspend upon Itthat
would infuture become ofher. It waa dreadful we shall all of us be In a state ofthemolt piin-
'
to think that one so young, so lovely, and so ful anxiety till we hear from you.'
I should bo most ungrateful, and unworthy
strictly virtuous, should thus bomade the victim

——
of a cruel fate,and left destitute and friendless of your good opinion, did I neglect to do so. If
in the wide world;and Helen pictured to her- you do not hear from me In a few days, you may
'
selfwhat wouldbe her own anguishanddespair, conclnde the worst tbat death hat puta period
She wondered how Evelina could have found
'
—
should aho ever be placed ln a similar oondltlon. to my miseries, or
Ob, Heaven forbid I' interrupted Helen
strength tobearup against such accumulated and 'No, no you must not despair; the Almighty
aitrocioul erueltiei, and the thoughtawhich the will surely not forsake you, while you put your
melancholy fateof herunfortunate parents must trust tu Him. Something will occur to release
ever engender in herbreast. you from your present destitute eondltion. But
So deeply wete the poor girls Immersed in the harkII hear my parent! stirring; the time ia
conversation to which these lad thought! gave rapidly approaching, Evelina; may God watch
rise, that it was some time ere they could make over and protect you1'
up their mlndi to rest, andmany were thepro- Our heroine could not answer, and the two
mises of future friendship that wereexchanged girl! embraced each other al affectionately ai If
betnoen them, IfProvidence should ordainthat they had been listers.
they should ever meet again. When sleep did Ibe storm had abated during the night, and
at last close the eyelids of Evelina, themoat pain- had now entirely ceaaed; but it waa evident,
ful vision! haunted her imagination,andit was a from the appearance of the atmosphere, that it
great relief to her when iheawoke. The little would notbo long ereit recommenced la all its
Dutch clock ln tbe parlour of the cottage wai Just orlglnil violence; and therefore the prospect
atrickingtha hour of four, but Evelina did not before the youthful and unfortunate traveller
feelinclined to go to sleep again;audas the lamp wasof themolt cheerless description. She,how-
waa still burningin the chimney corner, ihe arose, ever, encouragedatee lings of hope,andsneceedod
and prepared to dress herself, as there was no much better than mighthave been expected.
time to spare, before the hour would arrive It wainow more than half paat four, and our
when Mr. Thornberry must depart with his heroine and Helen, having once more mingled
waggoa. their tears together, descended the stairs, and
Sad waitheheart of our heroine at the thought entered the parlour, where they found Mr.and
of parting from those honest, warm-hearted Mrs. Selborn (they not having thought Itpru-
friends, from whom in ao brief a space of time dent or necessary to disturb the younger chil-
ahehad experiencedsomany inestimable favours, dren) awaiting them.
andibe wept bitterly, which somewhat relieved They advanced kindly toward! Evelina, ant
her. She then supplicated the Supreme to throw took her hand, and her looka wore quite luffl-
over her theshield of his protection,and invoked dont to tell the reeling! of regret they were ex*
'
his choicest blessings npon the humble and perienclngat partingwith her.
amiable family. The moment ' of separation haa arrived,' laid
Helen, who had been asleep when Evelina Mra. Selborn, and indeed you may believeme,
arose, now awoke, and seeing that ihe wal up Evelina, that, althoughshort as tbe time la that
and dressed, she started from tbe bed with much we 1 ave been Introduced to each ether, I feelae
agitation, and inquired the time. Our heroine much solicitude for your future destiny as if you
Informed her. weremy own relation. But keep up your spirits,
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 53
my good girl,and let us hope that your worst exhioited almost as much emotion at their part
troubles are past, and that Heaven has many ingas herself.
yeanof happinessin store for you. Ood prosper 4 Good-bye, good-bye/ he ejaculated, "an")
yon,my child, wherever you go, and raise you God bless you 1 Take this, my poor girl it is
up friends where you least expected to find only a trifle, but it may serve to assist you.
.
them1 This ia the sincere prayer of a poor old Farewell, Evelina t and I hope that wo may
woman, who has nothing buther good Irishes to shortly meet again/
bestow upon you.' As he thus spoke, he thrust a few pieces of
This simple speech, so tenderly and so ear- silver into herhand ;and, before she could say
nestly given, affected Evelina to tears, and she a word, he hurried from thespot, and wasalmost
"ould only kneelat the good old dame's feet and immediately ont of sight.
give expression to her feelings of gratitude by Evelina was scarcely conscious what she did,
hot looks. Mrs. Selborn raised and embraced and Mr. Thornberry havingassisted herinto tho
her, and the parting soene was as affecting as if waggon, she sunk down in a corner amongst

tbe earliest daya of childhood, -

the poor girlhad been associated with them from some bay and horse rugs, and gave herself up
' ' entirely to the dismal thoughts which werekln-
The separation must takeplace/ said Mr. Sei d ed in her bosom, both at her parting with
_
born ; butlet nahope thatit wl'1 not be for long. those worthy individuals who had behaved so
It nowonlywants afew minutes to li " o'clock, and kindly to her, andat the uncertainty of the fato
Thornberry cannot delay. Iwill accompany you which was yet in store for her.
to him, Evelina.' The waggon now proceeded on Its way,toiling
Evelina and Helen once mon embraced, and throughthe snow, which in some places seemed
mingledtheir tears and sobs together. likely to obstruct its progress altogether;the

ear
'
'God blest you all!' vehemently ejaculated wind alsoblew piero ngiy keen, but for some-
heroine, for your unexampled kindness to time, nothing could arouse Erelina from the
tbe wretched pauper girl. Farewell, farewell, deep lethargy into which shehadfallen.
piay Heaven, not for over/ Io this manner, two hours or more elapsed
She took tbe hand ofMr.Selborn as she spoke, without anything particular occurring. Tbe
and Helenandher mother, who wereboth moved daylight now dawned, but only to render more
to tears, followed them to tbedoor, and watched apparent the dreariness of the scene, and im-*
them anxiously as they traced their wa. through parteda deadly chill to the heart of Evelina.
tbe snow towards tbe dwellingofMr. Thornberry ; The storm, too, again commenced, and added to
and when they were bidden from their view, the general misery, and Evelina sunk back In
they re-entered the parlour, and sinking on the waggon jn a state of mind bordering upon
their knees, earnestly prayed to Heavenfor the absolute despair.
future safety andprosperity of tho hapless object At length they arrived at a small road-si e
house, where Mr. Thornberry stopped, and
.
of their solicitude.
Batlittle conversation passed betweenEvelina invited Evelina into the house to partake of
and Mr.Selborn as they proceeded on their way, some breakfast. She would havedeelned, bat
for ber heart wai tro full toallow her to speak. Thornberry would not hear her; and she,
The air waa piercing cold,but our heroine's mind therefore, suffered him to assist her to alight
was too much engaged with painful thoughts to from the waggon, and they entered a room
suffer ber to need it much ; and at last they where a cheerful fire waa blazingIn the grate,
arrivedat the residence of Thornberry, and be- and seemed to invite the weary worn traveller
held tbe waggon waiting at the door. from tbe inclemency of tbe weather. Here
Ola Thornberry, who waa a hearty, good Thornberry quickly ordered breakfast, which
tempozed-looklngman,received tbepoor girl with was promptlyplaced beforethem, and, notwith-
.
mneb kindness j and seemed deeply to pity ber standing tho agitation of ber mind, E elina waa
prevailed upon to partake of it.
Situation.
* 4
1wish Iwar a goin' all the way/ he said ; This meal over, Evelinatook tbe pnrse from
bat fromEcclestown toElsbury, itbe little more her bosom, which Helen bad given ber, and wan
than two miles and a half, and perhaps after a about to pay for what shehad eaten, but Thorn-
longrest in the waggon, the poor girl may be berry would not permit her, and begged her to
able to manage that/
* Oh, make her mind quite easy upon that point, asbe
tbank yon, sir— Ishall ever most grate- could not think of suffering a poor girl, wbe>
fully remember yourkindness/ saidEvelina.
* Nay, do not say anything about tbat, lass/ could so ill afford It, to pay for anything while
' she was in his company. Our heroine returned
aald Thornberry ; my friend Selborn here has her thanks as well as her emotion would permit
told me all about your distressed situation, and her, and was then reconducted by Thorobeiry
I am way glad that I be able to accommodate to the waggon, and the journey vas resumed.
yon so far. But let me assist you Into the wag- The mind of our heroine gradually became
gon ;you will find a snug corner whicb I have more calm, and she resigned herself to the will
prepsred for you there, and where you may be ofheaven ;but still,many were the melancholy
enabled to keep yourself warm. Imnst be thoughts of regret which she beatowed upoa
moving directly, for tbe roads be in sucb a bad that excellent family from whicb she bad expe-
■late that it will take me much longer todo the rienced such essential service.
Journey this time thanusual.' Tbestorm increased as the morningadvanced
Evelina turned to Mr. Selborn, and herheart and tbe waggon could only proceed at a very
was full to bursting. She tried to speak, bat tedious pace on its way,but toEvelina It mat-
could not. Mr. Selborn took her hand, and he terednot ;ber mind was too deeply engaged to
 54 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

notice the lapse of time, and she was completely know anythingabout me, or whither I
sheltered from the inclemency of the weather in
the place which Mr.Thornberry had prepared
for her in the waggon.
It was three o'clock in the afternoon before
they reached Eccleston, where the journey of
Mr. Thornberry terminated, and now Evelina
had to pursue the remainder ot the way alone
aud on foot. But Thomberry persuaded her to
enter the inn at which they stopped, and take
somerefreshment, and again stopped her when
she would have expressed tohim her thanks for
this ki-dness. ' reach there before the darkness of the night
4
Itis a terrible day/ he observed, and it is
more than two miles and& half from this place
to Elsbury, and you will be completely lost in
am gone
for sooner would I meet death than fall again
into the hands of my merciless enemies/
4 Oh, yon may depend upon me,my poor girl,'
*
replied Thornberry; Heaven forbid tbat I
should 6ay or do anything to bring any poor
creature into trouble. But do you, indeed,
persist in going to Eisburythls afternoon, when
you see how fuiiouBly the stormstill rages?'
41cannot come to the resolution to defer my
journey, sir,' answered our heroine ; 'therefore
the sooner I depart the better, so that I may
sets in, Will you please to direot me tbe right
way V
I will point out to you the way/ said Thorn-
44

goiDg there. I cannot accompany you, or Iam berry, 4 aince you are determined ;but the snow
sure Iwould most willingly;and Iam afraid ls 30 thick upon the ground, that I fear you will
that every one is ao buiy at the inn, that J couldnever beable to keep to the right path.'
not get a man to conduct you there lor l-.ve or Evelina drew the little cloak, with which Mra.
money. But if you will take my advice,you Selborn had suppliedher, closer around her, and
will remain here for to-night, and I have no
herheart palpitating with wing'ed hopes and
doubt that I can procure you a comfortable lodg-
fears, she attended Mr. Thornberry to the doer
iog. By the morning the weather may have of the inn. Tbe scene which presented itself
changed, and then you may proceed to Elsbury without was enough to daunt the stoutest spirit,
'
without somuch difficulty.
thank
and Mr. Thornberry again tried to persuade her
for your kind offer, sir/ replied
to return ;but she remained resolute, notwith-
I
Evelina, butI
' you am so impatient to know at once
standing ail the dangers which presented them-
my fate, that I cannot think of delayingmy selves, and he therefore pointed out to her the
journey. The distanceis but Bhort, and I shall
direction in which Bhe was to go, and bidding
soon be there, and Ishall not take mnch harm her adieu, ahe departed from the inn, Mr.
from the storm :alas it ! perhaps may be neces-
Thornbeiry standing watchingher with anxiety
sary for me to inure myself to such trials as this,
and compassion as she proceeded on her way.
for Heaven knows how many more severer ones With the utmost difficulty did Evelina regain
I may have toencounter.* her way through the deep Bnow, which entirely
4
My poor girl/ said Thornberry, 'yon little concealed everysign of a path or road from ob
know tbe danger of travelling evena short dis" seivation, while the wind blew so keenly, aud
tance in the state theroads are at present. You the snow pattered againtt her bo violently,that
bad better let me persuade you; a few hours she could scarcely keepher feet. She lelt dread-
surely cannotmake much difference, andin the fully cold, andnow regretted that she bad not
morning I may be able to accompany you, and
eee you safe to Elsbury.'
11 donot knowhowit
'but something seems tois/ieturned
taken the advice of Mr. Thornberry, and was
—
half inclined more than once or twice to return
ourheroine,
to the inn, and remain there till the morning.
prompt me to perse- Itcertainly was foolish obstinacy on her part to
vere inaccomplishingmy journey this afternoon, persist in venturiHg on to Elsbury in such a
and I cannot resist the impulse, although moststorm, when, as Mr. Thornbeiry had observed,a
deeply obliged to you do I feel for yonr good
few hours' delay could nothavemade much dif-
intentions. See, the snow does not fall so ference; butit wasa remarkable impulse thathad
.heavily now, and tbe wind has abited : I will at
urged her on, and she couldnotresist it.
once depar, if you will direct me which way She now stood still for a moment, andlooked
to *go/ \>ack; althoughshe hadnot beeD able to proceed

you,child/ said the waggoner. But I

'
Indeed Itis very foolish and headstrong ot but slowly, ahe hadalreadylost sight of the inn,
see that
and as far as her eyes could stretch through the
His useless to endeavour to prevail upon you, falling snow, she could not perceive a single
and thereforeI will say no more upon the sub-individual. Tht. only guides that shehad were
ject. God bless you; may you arrive safe at the different trees which Thornberry had pointed
EUbury, and slud your hopes realised. This is out to her, and she began to fear that she should
'
what I sincerely wish.'
And may God prosper youand your family,
have some difficulty in finding out the place of
her destination. But again she resumed ter
■sir,' eaul Evelina, 'for what you have done formiserable journey, and her apprehensions In-
me. Pray, give my best regards to Mr. and creased. Herlimbs, however, Were sobenumbed
Mrs. Selboro aud their family, on your return will, theintense cold, thatit needed the exertion
.home, and assure them that the poor girl they of allher strength, and that was little enough, to
have so greatly b' friended, will not neglect toenable her to move at *_U.
write to them, and inform them what has become To add to her misery and alarm, darkness
of her, tbe first rroment that au opportunity began to set in, and she could Hot jet see any
shall present itself.' signs of human habitation or any person who
'
'Iwill do bo/ said Thor'nberry. might direct her on her way. And now more
And/ added Evelina, Iam sure, sir, tbat Ibitterly than ever did she regret that she had
seed not request you to keep it a secret tnatyou not been persuadedby Mr. Tb.wTKl.erry to remain
 ~ " ~
~_fii_______»"- _■■-»*-___■

OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 55

at the inn; for what was to become' of her should She Btrained her eyes with frantic eagerness,
she be lost and bewildered in that Btrangt place f to endeavour to see whether there was the least
She could never reach the residence ofMr.Mild- shadow of hopebefore her,but for some moments
man, andshe mustperishfrom the effects of the not the least ray beamed upon her misery.—
frost, which was more severe than even the Suddenly,however, she uttered a frantic scream
stoutest constitution could well endure. of joy, when Bhe beheld a light glimmeringas if
Again ahe paused, not knowing what to do, from a window at a distance fromher.
and while she invoked the Interposition of Hea- 4 Heaven
be praised !' she cried ;'Iam ap-
ven, abe wrunghar hands in inexpressibleagony proaching some human dwelling, unless that
and wept bitterly. To attempt to return to the light deceives me. Oh, give me strength to
inn, would be as bad as to proceed, and she reach it.'
became completely distracted with the horrors Once more she resumed her course, taking the
of her situation. But it was useless tostand direction of the light as nearas she could calcu.
inactive,and again sheproceeded, leaving it alone late ; but after glimmering for a few minutes,
to Providence to guide her footsteps iu the right it disappeared, and Evelina was again left in
way. doubt and fear, aud every instant her strength
The darkness now deepened;there was not a was failing her more and more ;but still she
star tobe seenin theheavens to light her onher urged herself on her way.
way, andthe falling snow, and thickly covered And now the light again appeared more dis-
ground, which appeared like one immense wind- tinct thau before, and Evelina felt certain that
ing sheet, were all that the wretched wanderer she was proceeding in the right direction; but
could perceive. Herlimbs were so stiff that she still her limbs were so exhaustedand benumbed,
could scarcely put them into action at all, aud that ahe feared Bhe should never be able to
the anguish and terrorofher mind nearly des- reach it.
troyed her energies. Her headbecame giddy,and it was with _is_-
4
My God!' Bhe exclaimed, 'I am lost I I culty she could preserve herself from falling.
cannot proceed much farther, but must sink Another ten minutes, the most dreadful that
down and perish. Foolish, obstinate girl tbat IEvelina even amidst all her Bufferings had ever
was, not to take the advice ofMr. Thornberry ; experienced, and t_en the dark shadow of a
andin the morning,guided byhim, I shouldhave buildingmether gaze, from the window of which
been certain to have reached the placeof my she perceive.i that the lightproceeded. It was
destination ia Bafety. AU merciful Father, do not many yards from her, and the poor girl
not thus abandon thy wretched creature.' : At determined to make bold to applythere, think-
that momentthe solemn tones ot a distant church ing it was impossible the inmates could refuse
bell emote her ear: itrevived her hopes, and her pity and shelter in her deplorablesituation ;
once moreBhe forcedher way through the snow, but close as she was to it, she felt so completely
in the direction from whence thesounds hadpro- worn out, that she feared it would be impossible
ceeded. for her to reach it. Herlimbs shook ae._Ssho
Full half an hourhad elapsed in this manner, were afflicted with the palsy, and har- brain
and still the poor girl saw nothing to banish her reeled, and rendered her almost unec__ciou3 of
terror or to inspire her with hope, although she what she was doing;bat still with a desperation
thought that, from the distinctness with which which nothing but despair could have created,
she bad heard ths church bell, she could not be she struggled on, and arrived at the gloomy
far from some town or village. building. She made an effort to reach the porch,
From the time that shehad quitted the Inn, but herlimbs tottered beneath her j a death-like
notwithstandingtheslowness with which shehad faiutneBs came over her ;all her energies seemed
been compelled to proceed, she felt confident that to be at once paralysed, and uttering one piercing
she had travelled full two miles anda half, and shriek of agony aud despair, she Bank upon the
unless she had wandered out ofher way, which, earth.
alas!was far too probable, she could not be any With what followed, the reader has been
great distance from Elsbury. But nowshe every already made acqaiuted.
moment became more faint and exhausted, and
the effects of the keen wind andnipping frost
were so intolerable, that she was confident she
could not much longer withstand tbem. CHAPTER XT. —
But to die a death like that was too horrible
gies, and made her shiveringlimbs perform their
unwilling task ;but ever and anon she wascomi
I_T THE —
to tbink upon, and agaiu sheroused all her ener- PAUL LANGSTON'S DETERMINATieW. A REVOLT
WORKHOUSE Off ALLOVER. ME.
M'DOALL IN A DILEMMA. HIS FLIGHT.
—
pelledtopause to rest herself, aud then she was Sue a were the harrowingparticulars thatEve-
in danger of being paralysed and frozen to the lina detailed to Mr. Langston, while seated by
ground. Several times she shrieked aloud for his side two days after her introduction to tho
help, but, alas ! no help was at hand. In her hall. Need we say with what horror, disgust,
dreadful emergency, the onlyanswer shereceived indignation,andbitter self-reproach did helisten
was In the voice os' the howling wind, which to the melancholynarratives Frequentlyhe in-
came with such terrific gustsat intervals, thatit terruptedhis lovely relative, to give veot to his
nearly drove her off her feet. emotioB, and the looks he fixed upon her suffi-
Almighty has forsaken me 1' she sobbed; ciently told the agony be waa enduring.
' Tbeuseless
4

it is for me to contend against my But what a change had that short period of
fate.' time wroughtin theappearance of our heroine ;
 56 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
no one could havebelieved that It was the lame A pause of tome momenta ensued, for both
Langston and his lovely niece were too much
wretched creature who had so recently escaped
from the brutalities of the parish workhouse, overcome by the vehemence of their vailed
starving and nearly dead from the Inhuman
emotion!, (o infler them at flnt to give ezpresiloa
treatment which shehad received. to their feeling!ln words.
Her countenance waa now mild and
serene, 'But tbe vlllsln M Doall and hi* inhuman
the glowof returning health might be leenupon wife shall pay dearly for their cruelty toward!
her eheeks, andher eyes sparkled with an anima- "
you and others, Evelina,' at last exclaimed
Langton. They little auapect what has taken
tion wbich had not imparted its fire to them for
elegantly, place, or Into whosehands youhave fallen ;and
tsany a day. She was ncat'y, if not delayin bringingthem to Justice;
attired,and the graces ofher person were dis- no time will I
played to the utmost advantage,although with. I have tha mean!;proofs of their guilt cannot ha
out vanity or ostentation. wanting,*nd by Heaven I will not teit aatisfied
When she beheld the agony of her venerable until Ibave obtained ampleredren,and exposed
i.latlve, whose heart walat last moved to all the atrocities that have been for so many
years perpetrated with impunity to the unsus-
Ihoae generous feelioga which ennoble humanity,
she beamed upon him one of the sweeteit imilei "
pecting world.'
My dear, sir,' remarked the gentle andfor.
of encouragement, and which mult have been
sufficient to convince him, that she sincerely for- giving Evelina, 'doubtless they will be suffi-
gave the past, that she wal anxloui to bury itln ciently punished at some future period, by the '
obii ion, tbat ihe wished to see him happy, and uphraldlngs of their own consciences, and
'
that hewas preoared to live withhim as friendly No, no, my love,' Interrupted her agedrsla.
' not be per-
as li he had always behaved with the greatest tlve ; the wretohei must not, shall
kind,en toher parents and herself. But Lang- mitted, thui to escape. Justice demands that
"ton could not so easily forgive
himself, however their inhuman acts should be laid bare to the
determined he was by his future conduct to public scorn and Indignation ;and theunfortu-
make ail the atonement in his power, when he nate creatures whom povertyhas placed in their
thought of the horrors he mighthave been the power should be released from their cruelty and
means of preventing; and it would be lome oppression. If Iam permitted to do this, if
time, he felt cerlain, before he should be able to Providence will allow me to achieve this object,
briDg his mind to anything like a degree of oh, what a consolation will it afford 10 my mlud.
tranquillity. I will but await a few days to mature my plans,
'Good God I Gaod God,' ho exclaimed, and then with energy and determination will I
when our heroine had come to the conclusion of set about my task. But, in the meaatlm . th. so
'
her melancholyrecital, and is it possible that honest, those kind-hearted people who so gener-
Eveliaa,
there can be such monsters in the world as to ously and disinterestedly assisted you,
Indict such atrocities upon one so young, so help- in the terrible hour of need, when but for them
less, and so innocent J And I, wretch that I you must have perished ;they must not be for-
am, have been the cauBe of all this. Yes, I had gotten. Oh, how greatly are we indebted to
wealth iu abundance, and might have snatched them, my dear child; what a noble txai.'e
you and your ill-fated parents from misery,and have they set to their wealthy fellow -creatures,
thenshould hivegained my brightest reward in whobut too often turn a deaf ear t.the pathetic
scenting their regard, and in the approval of appeal of helpless poverty!'
my own conscience. Oh, Evelina, deeply At the recollection of Mr. Selborn and his
injured, persecuted child, look not ao affec- family, tears came to the eyes of our heroine ;
tionately upon me, for I deserve it not ; you and fervently did ihe invoke blessings upon
Oh, you can never, never forgive me for my
'
shouldrather view me with horror andloathing. their heads.
Yes,' ihe ejaculated ; 'had it cot been for
cruel neglect of yen ;I
" can ever forgive myself.' those amiable p.ople, I must have died on the
My dear sir,'returnedEvelina, ln thesweetest awful night when I escaped from the workhouse.
loses, which toldthe sincerity ofher feelings, 'for To themalone an I indebted for my preservation
the love of Heaven donot tortore yourself thus. and roy restoration to you, sir; and never can I
Oh, indeed Ido forgive you, and amprepared to look upon them with any otber feelings than
love you, to look up to youas my dearest rela- those of the moit unlimited gratitude, until my
tive,my only friend. Come,uncle, if yon would heart ihall cease to beat. Dear Helen, how
sea me happy,you will banish these feelings of delightful shall I be, when I am permitted to
remorse wbich prey too heavily upon your mind, behold you once again. But, with your per-
and look forward to the suture with the lame mission, sir, Iwill immediately write to them,
brighthopei that I am prepared to do.' for I am certain that they will be molt anxious
'Sweet girl I' cried the old man, embracing to know what has become of the object of their
her; 'oh, it is balm to ihe lacerated soul to solicitude.''
listen to your voice;and yet, blind, sordid fool
tbat I have been hitherto to deprive myself of
' Do, my dearest Evelina,' laid Langston ;
and X request that you will convey to them my
sueh a blessing in my declining days. Yes, warmest acknowledgmentsfor their unexampl d
sweet innocent, you bid me hope, and I will kindness ; informingthem that Iwill communi-
endeavour to do so;you shall hemy guidingan- cate furthor with them at the ear.lest opportu-
gel; and whenever my heart feels oppressed, nity. At the same time, request teem to accept
your gentlesoothlngs sha'.l restore It to peace. of this trifle al tome little assurance of my
Almighty Father, Ithank thee for the mercy gratitu.e ; and this to Mr.Thornberry, to whom
thouhast extended towards me.' we are also much Indebted. Ere long, I wl'l s a
EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
what further can be done to mark my sense of
their noble conduct.'
As Mr. Langston thus spoke,he placed a fifty-
poundnote in thehand of Evelina for Mr.Sel-
born, and ten pounds for Thornberry. Her
heart overflowedat his generosity, and she could
onlypress the hand of her venerable relative to
her lips in silent gratitnde, and then, with his
permission,retired toanother room in order to
write thecommunication to thosehumble but
amiableindividuals who hadbeen her only friends
inthe most trying hours of adversity.
Mrs. Snacks had been listeningattentively at
thedoor of the apartment during the time this
scene had taken plaee, and the rage, disappoint-
ment, and alarm which the feelings of that evil-
57
blinded woman underwent, may easily be con-
ceived ;tbe more especially as prudence com.
pelledher to assnme a character which didnot
belong to her, and to behave with kindness,
humility, and solicitude towards Evelina, while
she could not but thoroughly detest her in her
heart. She hadsuddenlystepped inbetween tha
darlinghopes which she and Stephen Blackthorn
had so long encouraged;and unless something
was promptly done, she would be the means of
frustrating alltheir deep-laid schemes.
When she heard that Evelina was about to
leave the presence of Langston, she hurried
with noiseless steps toher own room, where she
gave the most unrestrained indulgence to her
excited feelings.

THE INMATES OF THE WORKHOUSE PUMPING ON M'DOALL.

"And shall this beggar's brat, this pauper making him

acquainted with all that had
'
girl,' she cried, thwart thoBe projects that Ihappened ;and she
now forwarded him a second
further particulars, and requeu-
and Stephen have for years concocted, and by epistle,relating would return as quickly as possible,
which we expected to realise fortune, indepen- ing thathe
f— Never, never I it must nothe. Some for somethingmust bepromptly done, otherwise
dence wouldcertainly allbe annihilated,
plan must be formed to remove her, or to pre- theii schemes
judice the old fool against her. And yet, I am and Evelina would gain such apowerful bold on
affections, that it wouldbe im-
Inclined to apprehendthat that will be a difficult the old man's
crashher influence.
UBk. And yet, who would have thought that possible to meantime, Stephen Blackthorn, accom-
old Paul Langston, who has hitherto been in- Inthe
by his dissipated friends, proceeded on
sensible to any other passion than avarice,could paniedway
the gay metropolis ;but on their
ever thus have yieldedto the voice of compunc- their in tothe neighbourhood of Allover, he
'
tion f arrival
them, pretending that he had
Mrs. Snacki had already despatched a letter made an excuse to
to London, directed to the place where Black- to call upon a irlendthe on business, andpromised
her ho was going to itop, to rejoin them at next «tsge. Hs then
thorn hadinformed

No.18.
 58 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

made his way to the workhouse, and having re- 'And may Iinquire, sir what the nature ot
quested to see the master, he was ushered into a tbat proposaliss taid Mr. M'Doall, wit" muct.
private room, where Mr. M'Doill soon afterwards
made his appearance ;and with much complai-
' Why,' returned Blackthorn, 'it is useless I
curiosity.
_
sance aod obsequiousness, eeeiug that B aik~ mention It at present. But as regards tha
thorn was so fashionably dressed, and had all escape of the girl,I do not see that you have
the appearance of a gentleman, he begged to much cause to regret that, for no doubt it has
know hls business. taken a great burden off your hands.'
'It Is private and confidential, sir,' replied 'Ah, my dear sir,' replied M'Doall, 'there
'
Stephen; but as I have ever heard the most are many things to be considere I. Toe master
flattering description ot you as a man of business of a workhouse holds a very on*rons, a peculiar
and integrity,I thought tbat I
—
might very well office; a very peculiar office, indeed; look at
venture to trust you on a matter which very the unruly and ungrateful wretch" s he has to
deeply concerns me, and which requires the ut- contend with, and let him and the matron bi
most secrecy. I need not say, that what Iam ever so humane, they are sure to be looked upon
about to propose, may be rendered most advan- as little b.tt"i than rnoasters in human form.
'
tageous to us both.'
I
Now I'msure if ever there were two persons
should be most happy to serve you, sir,* who behaved with more than ordinary christian
returned Mr. M'Doall, with a polite bow, 'if you kindnes* and indulgence to thepaupers under
'
will pointout the way in which I
Very good,' said S epben; I
' can do se.' their care, it is myself aod Mrs. MDoall, my
am much wife. Tbey are treated more like gentlefoks
pleased with the candour of your manner, and tban beggars, are fed well, worked lit le, have
will at once proceed to mention to you the christian instruction, and good beds to steep on;
nature of my business. If Iam informed in fact it is our study to act as parents to the
rightly, some years since you received into your young, as guardians and benefactors to the aged
establishment the wife and daughter of one and infirm; and yet, would you believe it,
Richard Marsden, who was convicted of the notwithstanding all this, they nearly all of
murder of Colonel Ormond, and sentenced to tbem behave in the most refractory manner,
death; but afterwards, through tbe interposition and even presume to grumbleat our treatment
of several Influential persons of mistaken of them?'

daug' ter—
—
humanity, was transported forlife. Themother,
as Iam told, ' died in this house, but the
' 'Is it possible, sirs'
Is it true, indeed, sir. And I shouldn't at
all wonder but tbis girl will have the audacity
The countenance of M'Doall underwent and ingratitude to Impeach our conduct, and
change,
' an1 bebit his lips. to invent some scandalous story ef our in-
Tne giri, I understand,' continued Stephen, humanity,and tbecruelties practised here; and
taking no notice of M DoaU's emotion, 'the then the vile press will get hold of it, and wa
girl is still aninmate of this house V shallbe held up to the scorn and indignationof
' 1 No,1 said tbe master,
shaking his ho .d ; everyone in and out of tbe parish of Allovcr;
'
the gin,Evelina Marsden, is no longer here.' and the rate-payers will demand an investiga-
Dead V demanded Blackthorn, with increased tion into our conduct; and although I feel con-
hopes. fldent, lf Justic. be done us, we shall come o_
'No/ answered M'Doall; 'perhaps it would with perfectly clean hands, only think, sir, ofthe
have been better ifahe had been dead.' annoyance it will betohave our names handled
'Aht' ejaculated Stephen Blackthorn} 'I so unmercifully!'
cannot attempt to conceal that It would have 4 Very
true, sir,' returned Blackthorn, with
off* rded me considerable satisfaction.' well pretended commiseration, although he well
—
1No— no but she
stands between me and my relations, I
* None that suppose.'
'
Indeed ?' said M'Doall, looking at htm knew the character of tbe matter aud his
narrowly; ■are you th_m related to the girl,sir _* amiable (?) helpmate. But this girl
hat no
interests. But yousay sheis no longer an in- ' I know of.'
mate ' of yournot, establishment V Then shehas no one to make any complaint
She is tbe ungratefulhussy,' replied to, or to afford her any assistance, and will
the master; 'althougn she was till yesterday therefore soon bo compelled to return here,
evening, when shemade her escape.' depend on it. She must either do that, or
'"Made her escape?'
Yes ; she must have done so by the me, Mr. M'Doall?
perish of starvation. But do younot recollect
scaffolding whicb is placed against the work The latter lookedat him more narrowlythan
house wall, while the bricklayer* are miking the before, and
repairs. But should Bhe be re taken, most ejaculated—
then with alook of amazement, he
ae merely
' shall she be punished for her daring.' 1 Why,
And very proper, ioo, sir,'remarked Stephen, Cranfield,my old
' *"
can it he possible that you areNorton
who was rather pleased than otherwise to bear of
—
companion
'
The same,* said Stephen; your hand, my
tho flight of Evelina, as he thought It would boy; you and I have mingled in some strange
baffle all the intentions of Mr. LangBtoD, and do scenes togethe .'
away with all thy danger tbat he apprehended. 1Yes, yes/
returned M'Doall, in a faltering
1And I tru.t that should sh. again fall into your voice ; 'but
hands, you will be re_dy to we will not allude to them now
a^iee to the proposal we are both of us changed incircumstances ap-
I sha 1 then have to make tt you, and which,
as parently, andit would be as well to forget tbe
I before said, will be to our mutual advantage.' past.'
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 59
' .,
O Iunderstand' y-'U,' said Stephen, with a not believe the evidence of his eyesuntil be had
ha. sardonic grin; well, as youlike ;I do not read the contents again, and then jumping from
'
wish to recal the past.' his s. at, he clenched his hands, andfor some
' But what are you doingnow, Norton?' moments traversed his apartment, unable to
I '
Stephen; but now, as we know each other, we
'
will tell you tbat a .other time,' replied give ventto anything but the mostbitter curses.
What confounded fate is there in this ?' he
,
may venture to be aUttle less reserved ;should exclaimed 'are my hopes to be at onceannihi-
this girl again fall into your hands, I wish you lated at the very moment when Imade sure of
to secure her, and should any inquiries be made their beingrealised I Evelina beneath the roof
after her, you must say tbat she died seme years ofher relative, and to reach there at the very
since ;do you understand me ?' time whenhis heart is softened by remorse ; it
is 1
1Of course
I
—
dc,' said M'Doall; c hut what seems scarcely possible, and yet Snacks would
your motive for wishing a'l this, Norton ?'
Never you mind I
not attempt to deceive me, it is not likely. My
will reward you well for situation is now a most precarious one. Either
your trouble. Will you consent to do what Ithis girl must be disposed of, or I
—
am ruined.
require of yeu ?' But I must not, I Will not be daunted ;no, all
*
I will.' now depends upon my energy and deter-
'And mark me, M'Doall,' observed Black mination.'
thorn, with asarcastic gnu, 'of course, ifEve Ina It was some hours,however, before he could
again becomes an inmate of the workhouse, you reconci'e himself to this alarming and unex-
and your wite will not fail to behave towards her pected intelligence,and he was half resolved to
with your usual Christian kindness and Indul- return atonce to the ball, but prudence sug-
'
gence, eh V
I
gested to him the propriety ofnot doing so, for
will do all that you desire, Norton,1 said it might excite the suspicions ofMr. LAngston,
'
M'Doall, looking at Stephen suspiciously. and ln the agitated state ofmind he was at pre*
Very well,' said the latter, * then 1 wish sent, he might betray himself,but on receiving
you good day. You shall Bee me again before the second epistle from Mrs. Snacks, he scarcely
long.'
'
But wi1 you not furnishme with your ad-
'
knew whatto do.
Nothing but some desperate courseof action
dress, so that I
'
may communicate with you, if can save me from the annihilation of my hopes,'
necessary ?' a*knd the master. he cried; the infatuation of this old fool seems
no
1Oh, no,' answered Blackthorn,

consequence; I shall always

'
know where
fiud you. But you .will not forget what I
to —
that is o to be complete, and no doubt the girl will have
the artfulness to take advantage of it. Curses
have liyht on her whydid she not perish at the same
said to you, and you shall find that Iwill not time as her mother, and then there would have
faitin my promise to reward youhandsomelyfor been no obstacle between me and suture for*
your trouble.' tunel But n.w, and especially when I recol-
1I
'
will pay every attention to your instrnc lect the humour In which I
tions, Norton,' returned M'Doall, and I only and the manner in whic.i I
left old Langston,
have wearied him
wish that I had the girl at present In my by my frequent extortions, I have everything
power.' to fear. What is to be done? At any hazard
'Why, ' perhaps, it would be as well,' said and by any means, the girl must be removed;
Stephen; however, good day, old fellow. Iwill the ambitious hopes I have formed must not,
call' upon you again in a short time.' shall not,be disappointed.'
Good day, Norton Cranfield,' (which was the He waBso much agitated that it was some
only name he knew him by) said M'Doall, and time before he was in a humour to rejoin hls
showing him to the door, Blackthorn mounted wild and diislpatedcompanions, and even then
bis horse, and immediately Btarted off at full beentered Into their usual scenes of folly with
Speed to rejoin his friends. very little of his accustomed vivacity. His in-
Tbe escape of Evelina was not, after all, clination wonld have prompted him to return
altogether satisfactory to him, althoughhe could borne without delay, but upon mature reflection,
not see how it was possible tbat she could Ioag he thoughtit was better not to do bo, andhe
survivein such a cold and dreary season, aud therefore despatched an answer to Mrs. Snacks,
friendless and destitute as she was;but still he expressing that opinion, and desiringher to for*
would havebeen more contented ifshe had still ward himall tbe particulars that occurred, and
been an inmate of tbe workhouse, for be felt ia the meantime he would endeavour to devise
convinced, since his interview with M'Doall, some means to forward their plans.
that her fate would then be certain, and that he Ashas been before intimated, the escape of
should have little more to apprehend from her; our heroine had caused tbe most extraordinary
but after all he considered that he was pretty exlemeut in he w rkhouBe of Allover, especially
secure, and that there would be no further ob- among tbe paupers, whoall of them envied her
stacle toobstruct him in the gratification of hi* ber good fortune, as they considered It, for even
avaricious wi-hes. But he must pity his cards death was far more to he coveted thantbe linger-
nicely with old LangBton, for should he offend ing and dreadful Bufferings to which they were
him it womd be all over. subjected. When M'Doall and his wife were
Two days after Blackthorn's arrival in Lon- made acquainted with it, they could scarcely
don hereceived tbe letter from Mrs. Snacks, and believe it, andcaused a strict search to bemade
on openingIt, and perusingits contents, weneed in every partapparent, of the bn'lding ;but wheu tho
not try to describe tbe astonishment, rage, and truth became found, andthe poor girl could
disappointmentthat Ailed hit breast. He could no where tie their ng« exoe. _o_ ill
 60 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
kou_.li. Mrs. M'Doall was too 111 to loav. her bed, and the whole duties of the house, as far as
bid,batibe gave vestto her wrath la the most regarded the management of the miserable pan-
eouie .ad violent language, while her husband, pers, devolved on her husband. TMs circum-
who had not long before returned home drunk stance, which prevented his diurnal visits to the
Hog and Punch Bowl, addedto th. indignation
from th. Hog aud Punch Bowl, relieved himself
■little of hil indignation, by seizing s horse- under whichhil mind laboured, and he vented
wlp and flogging th. unhappy female paup.rs the whole of hie wrath upon th. poor wretches
whohadbeenlu the same shed with Evelina, all who were placed iu his power. He accused
round. them all of conniving at th. escape of Evelina,
Th. parish beadle aud other dignitaries were and if any of them ventured the least word ln
'
apprisedof the circumstance without delay, and reply, is was punishedby a blow, or confinement
.
astrict search after the fugitive was instituted inthe black hole and wheuM'Doall'sback wai
over th. town ;but without the least clue being turned, sullen murmura and threats arose from
gained to her discovery. the poor suffering creatures, which if he had
Mr.and Mrs.M'Doall passed a sleeplessnight, heard, he would probablyhav. been seriously
forall sorts of apprehensions haunted theirminds. alarmed. But the next day was to prove the
Should Evelina fallinto thehands of auy bene- prelude to the downfallof th. MDoalli la th.
volentindividual, what an exposureof theircruel workhouse of Allover.
practices wouldtake place ; and how could they The master had been walkingin the yard for
Itand against the weight of tho publicodiumand aome time, brooding over the disasters of the
indignation that would bo heaped upon them, last few days, when observing a poor little de
.specially when their guilt couldbe corroborated licate child in theoakum shed, whomtheruffian
by so many t They trembled at th. thought, thought was neglecting her work, he rushed
and scsreely knew how toact. into the place, and seising her by thehair ofher
And now, as is generally the case with most head, he dragged her forth, and struck her se-
accomplices in crime, they each accused the veral brutal blows, which earned the blood to
other of being the anchor ofthe inhumanities flow lutorrents.
which they so much dreaded being brought to Ihescreams of the helpless victim rent the
light,and tried tomake their own conduct ap- air, but still hecontinued beatingher in amost
pear as most Irreproachable ; and this only unmerciful manner ; and ascene of confusion
served toincrease thebitterness of their feelings. followed, which might well baffle description.
They thought that Evelina must have some The cries of thepoor child brought several men
person to go to, Irom whom she expected relief aud women, who were at work in tbe adjoining
and protection, or she would never have ventured sheds, to the spot, and worked up to a pitch of
(horribe even as her treatment was in the work- desperation by their own HMreament, and the
boose) toexpose herself to the terrors and almost present atrocious outrage, they surrounded the
certain coniequencei of such a night aithat was s ivage with themost menacinggestures,and for
on wbioh she had escaped;and that idea in- au inttanth.felt somewhat alarmed.
creased their fears.
Their rage anddisappointment wereincreased
' 1 Daring wretches,' he
furiously exclaimed, i
get back to your sheds, or I will have you all
after the visit of Stephen the '
Blackthorn to work- confinediu theblack
bouse ; forM'Doall now perceived that he had
hole I'
'
You ate a cruel monster,' said one of the
not only Involvedhimself lndanger, but that he sturdiest of the paupers ; and we can endure
hadprobably lost arich rewardfrom Blackthorn, this no longer. We are nocriminals, and there-

In vainherackedhismind to endeavour to form

'
who seemed so anxious about the fate of Evelina. fore why should we be tretted worse V
D d scoundrel,' said M'Doall, half
aconjecture as to the reasonStephen should feel choaked with rage, andadvancing towards the
such an extraordinaryinterest in the future se. man ;'I will teaeh yon to talk to me thus I'
curlty ofthe pauper girl ; he had never known However,he had no sooner given utterance to
himunder any other name than that of Norton the words thanhe was felled to the earth, and
Cranfield, was unacquainted with any ofhis con. thepoorhalf-Btarved wretches set up frightful
a
neotions,or tho particulars of hls early or subse. yell of execration and triumph,and Immediately
quantlife, and consequently was lost in per. his arms andlegs were secured with
plexity the more he reflected upon it. The cords.
The terrified master now struggled violently
transactions which he and Blackthorn had been and called aloud for help and mercy, but they
engaged in, asmay be imagined, were not of the heeded him not, but dragged him along
the
most honourable description ;and there were ground and placing him under the pump, two
oertaln circumstances in which they had been or three or tbem worked with such right
good
connected with one another, that, If they had will that tho unhappy devil was soon
been discovered, would have perilled their liberty drowned with a complete deluge of water,half.
lf not their lives ;bnt they wereboth so deeply presented aspectacle of the most ludiorous des. and
implicated, that they entertained not tbe least crlption.
fesr of either betraying theother. 'Murder 1 murder! Helpl help!" cried the
Two days more elapsed, andnot the least In- wretched M'Doall, whenever he could
telligencecouldbe obtained ol the fugltiie, and to do so, but the more he breathe
Mr. M'Doall and his wife gave it np ln despair. they pumped, while the shouts bawled the harder
Thelatter, what with the excitement caused by and the laughter was truly and the yells,
terrific.
this unexpected circumstance, the effects ot the Thehouse-beadle made Us appearance at the
oomplaint she was labouring under, and the scene of the riot, but observing
dread of exposure, was still unable to leave her on, he made a precipitate what was going
retreat, probably
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 61
n '
thinking discretion the better part of valour,' Under all these circumstances, it was not
and shouting 'murder! fire I thieves!' as he likely that the unfortunate master could
fled, with aU the strength that his lungs would verycomfortable. 'Facts feel
permithim.
are stubborn things/
and Mr. MDoall now in imagination saw an
Having length
at satisfied themselves with arry of evidence adduced against him which ho
pumping on tbe unhappy M'Doall, they took apprehended he should never
be able to rebut.
from one ofhie pockets the key ofthe,'black hole,' In fact, there was sufficient proof of the inhuman
and havingunlocked the door, gave liberty to conduct ofhimself and his wife lathe pale, care-
the poor creatures who wereconfined there, and worn faces of the wretched beings placedintheir
then bundling ln the half-drowned master, care; and in their miserable and emaciated
they turned the key upon him, ln spite of his forms, gaunt starvation might be seen, which-
frantio cries for help and mercy. !ever way the eye turned in that receptacle of
Havingaccomplished thus much, the pauper misery; and M'Doall and his worthy partner
rioters would probablyhave proceeded to pay the trembled for the consequences that were likely
matron a visit, previous to their leaving the toresult from an investigation.
house, but at that moment, the beadle, who had I Willingly would theyhave compromised
ttrs
hastened to the nearest magistrate, returned disagreeable affair with the paupers, andM'Doall
with several coostables, well armed, andafter a would have even endeavoured to forget the
"hort, but desperatestruggle,the riot was quelled, pump ; but there was no possibilityof doing so.
the aggressors weresecured, an I placed In the Ithad gone too far, and must take its chance.
1black hole/ aud M'Doall was released, more But they felt that
their longcateer of guilt was
dead than alive,and presenting altogetheramost drawingto a close, andthat they must endeavour
deplorableappearance. to hide their diminished heads, for public indig-
Itwould be impossible to do adequatejustice nation would be certain to be aroused against
to tbe shame aud indigaation or Mr. M'Doall, them, and they would nor be safe an hoar, if
when he was a little recovered, at the treatment they remained where they were known.
he had received. What! revolt against the To addto the utter despair of M'Doall and his
master of a parish workhouse1 it was nothing wife, one ofthe overseers called upon tbsm, and
less than high treason, and the wretches who produced a letter which he had just received.
oould perpetrate such a monstrous outrage It was from Mr. Langstot, informing him that
deserved to be hanged,drawn, andquartered, at Evelina Marsden was fortunately under his pro-
least. Such waa the opinion of M'Doall, and tection. Heaccused M'Doall andhis wife ol the
his amiable spouse, at any rate; and no doubt most wanton barbarity to the poor girl) aud ex-
they were right. But amidst allthese reflections. pressed his determination of immediately ge.lt n?
It became disagreeably apparent to them tbat redress, and of expressing the unexampled
the house had already become too hot to hold cruelties of the master and matron to the pub-
them, and they feared that the examination of lic. MDoall and his wife were perfectly as-
the offenders would elicit some facts which tounded at this unexpected Information, and
would notredound to their credit, and would by plainly saw that theymuRt meet with coademna-
no means add to the felicity of their present tlon, for the evidence that would be brought for-
situation. They would have been very well ward against them would be more than they cou'd
satisfied to have swallowed their resentment, combat; but they strongly protested their inno-
notwithstanding Mr. MDoall remarked, that cence, and declared that It was a conspiracy
' the pump stuck in his throat/ rather than that got up against them to ruin them inypublic
the casa should have togo before the magistrates; opinion.
but that could not be, and they felt themselves A meeting of the overseers and rate-f aysis
In a very awkward dilemma indeed. Already was summoned, when it was unanimously de-
in perspective they beheld themselves ejected cided to suspend the master and his wife, until

_
from the snug little picking of Allover, aad th. heloous charges brought against them had
thrown upon the wide world, with M'Doall one undergone a thorough investigation.] _
and a penny-halfpennya day (for he had formerly This reselmtion completedthe _e_p_lr of I'Do-
been a soldier, and nodeubt had been selected all and his wife ;tbey found nothingbut shame
as master of the workhouse in consequence of and ruin before them, and such was the preju-
his knowledgeof discipline, which It seems Is as dice against them that they eould net expect lo
;
necessaiy among paupers, who have a stomach meet with any favour their bad no doubt txtta
beyond skilly, as soldiers), andalthoughthey had the tenour ofMr. Kingston'sletter that be would
taken good care, ln their official prosperity,to persevere in hla resolution, andthe statements of
'
lay by a prettyhandsome sum for a rainy day/ Evelina, which could be so easily corroborated,
the thoughtof bsing sent forth in disgrace from would be more than enough to condemn them i
that establishment, which might yet produce they recalled to their memory the various acts of
her, aad they
them a small Goloonda of wealth, drovetbem cruelty tbey bad praotised towards
almost to a state of fren_y. Aad all these now, for the first time, shuddered at the enor-
calamities to he caused by one little miserable mity of their own guilt, and pictured to them-
pauper, whose life he considered of no more selves the punishment they were likely to
value than one of the mites which, itself in a receive.
state of pauperism, might creep into the black It was while they were ln this u_._vU._i
and filthy stuff called cheese, that was at certain state of fear, that Mr. M'Doall made a prepmal
perio _8 doled out to the poor starvingcreatures1 to his wife. Everything,he
said,combined against
The idea was monstrous ;he could not at all tbem. The horror of an investigation was more
reconcile It to
his thoughts. than they could contemplate. They would be cer-
 62 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
tainnot to find any sr.ends,and their condemnation
Would be Bure to follow. He therefore proposed
tbat they should content themselves with what
they had already made by their nefarious tran-
sactions, and secretly make their exit from that
place which now had become too hot to hold
them.
Mrs. M'Doall could not but view the necessity
of Buch a course with extreme regret ;but she
could not deny its policy, and therefore imme-
diately set about packing up such articles as
were portable, and many a bitter sigh didit cost
her while she waa so engaged. What would
now become of them. Never could they find
again such a home as Allover ;and tbey must in
future bury themselves inobscurity, for they well
know what the consequences would be, should
they become known. They would be scouted
from all society. There was nothing left for
them but to assume fictitious names, andto go
to some part of tbe country where they were not
like'y to be recognised,
That night when all the Inmates of the work-
house had retired to rest, and there was no one
to watch their proceedings, Mr. and Mrs.M'Do-
all took their departure, and bade adieu to the
parish ofAllover for ever.
—
CHAPTER XII.
CHARRIKGTON ABBP.T. THE RETURN 07 STE-
PHEN BLACKTHORN.— A PLOT.
CHARRit-GTON Abbet, the estate of Lord
Vernon Sidley, who is destined to playrather a
prominentpart in these pages, was a truly mag-
nificent structure, and could not fail to excite
universal admiration in the minds of all who
beheld it. It was a very aneient building, and
hae formerlybeen in the possession of Mr.Mars-
den, the grandfather of our heroine, but who, on
the marriage of his son against his consent, im-
mediattly discarded him, and made a will in
favour of Lord Veinon Sidley, to whom he was
very distantly rela ed, and bequeathed to him
the whole of bis estates, and all his other pro-
perty. Shortly a'terwards tbe old gentleman
died, buthe carried his implacability to the tomb,
and left his unfortunate sou to misery and
Want.
Itmust havebeen a hard trial for Richard
Man-den, who had been brought up inthe lap of
affluence, and was now compelled to get his
livmgby tbe sweat of his brow, to see another
enjoying that property which should have be
longed to him. But he bore it all with tha
most exemplary fortitude, happy inthelove ofan
amiable woman, which, in his estimation, was
far more valuable than wealth.
Lord Vernon Sidley was married at the time
that fortune thus smiled upon him, and had only
one child, a son, about four years old, of whom
—
he was doatingly fond, although he treated his
mother frith the coldest neglect interest, and
not affection, having tempted him to make her
his wi e.
At tbe time to which wenowrefer, Lady Sidley
had been confined to ber bed for several years ;
ud bei lord eoLiideud fees tn inaumbrace* that
he wouldgladlyget rid of, and took no pains t«
conceal his feelings from his unfortunate lady.
Lord Vernon Sidley was a libertine at heart,
andhe could not submit to suffer any restraint
in the gratification ofhis passion, and many were
theunfortunate aamsels who had to date their
ruin fromhis artifices. Fearful were the shame
andmisery he had brought into many a once
happy family;and, althoughhe was now what
mightbeconsidered an old man, his evilpropen-
sities were as strong as ever.
Westbourne Sidley, his son, was now about
twenty years of age, and was as opposite to his
fatherindisposition as could well be imagined.
Every noble and generous sentiment found a
place in his bosom, and he was universally
esteemed by all who had the honour of his ac-
quaintance. What his father wanted in charity
and urbanity was amply made up by him, and
theaffectionate attentions he paid to his afflicted
motherafforded her the most precious consolation
under the neglectof herhusband.
Thepersonal attractions of Westbourne Sidley
were equalto his intrinsic qualifications, which
rendered him a universal favourite wherever he
went.
Lord Sidleyhad always viewed old PaulLang-
ston with feelings of jealousy, knowing that he
was the relation of the -ate M>. Marsden; and
certainly there waB no love lost between tbem, for
Luifcston could not bnt view him only In the
characterof the usurper of the rights of another ;
and he had some strong suspicions that the will,
wbich bad been purportedto have been made by
the late Mr. Marsden, was a forgery ;forhe could
not believe tbat the old gentleman could have
been so cruel as to carry his animosity againsthis
Bon to the grave.
Lord Sidleyhad condescended to make acorn- J
ponion of Stephen Blackthorn ;for in disposition
and propensities he Just suited him,and he had
frequently lent him valuable aid in the prosecution
of his licentious stratagems, andhe knew he was
aman on whomhe could depend.
When his lordship heard of tbe extraordinary
arrival of Evelina Ma eoen at tbe house of Lang*
■ton. his astonishment and emotion may be
readily conceived ;and he could not help feeling
acertain pang of conscience when he leflected
that be was now luxuriating in that wealth
which should have belonged to her unfortunate
father, who he could nothelp imagininghad been
most unjustlypunished. He also felt the greatest
curiosity to behold Evelina (for he had been in-
formed that she was very beautiful), and he was
determined to do eo at the first opportunity.
Having given this necessary description of
Lord Vernon Sidley, we will bow return to that
patt of our narrative from which we have thus
shortly digressed.
The flightof Mr. and Mrs. M'Doall caused a
considerable sensation at Allover, and a letter
was Immediately forwarded to Mr. Langston,
makinghim acquainted with the circumstance.
"The wretches/ said Mr. Langston; 'tsielr
being unable to meet the investigationinto their
conduct is a plainproof of their guilt. But they
are sufficiently punished,driven as they are from
all society, and goaded as they must be by shbme
end remorse/
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 63
'Oh, yet/returned Evelina,'they must, indeed, for tbem, to mark my seme of gratitude and
be sufferinggreatly,and their future days willbe esteem/
those of misery and self-reproach. I am not Evelina again returned her acknowledgments
sorry, my dear sir, tbat they have saved us the to heruncle for his kindness, and the conversa-
painand troubleof an investigation,which would tion ceased.
havebeen attended with many unpleasantries, and Mrs. Snacks watched the progress which our
could cot have affordedus any more gratification heroine was rapidly making in the regard of Mr.
* True, '
than the present defeat ofthose bad people.' Lang-tun, and it was with difficulty that she
my love/ said Langston ; but still I could conceal her rage and disappointment; but
should have liked to see the brutalmiscreants she was forced to stifle her feelings as well as
broughtto condign punishment. When I think she could, and to assume an air of kindness to
of the cruelties tbey inflicted on you, I cannot wards Evelina, which, we reed not say, was
give expression to ray feelings of disgust and rrost foreign to hermind. The influence which
indignation. Alas! alas Iand I have been the the da_.se! bad gained over her aged relative,
indirect cause of all your luffe. ings, Evelina. My Mrs. Snacks felt assnred nothing could dimin-
cursed avarice exposed you to those awful trials ish ; and she therefore saw that unless eome
which itis astonishing to think tbat youdid not determined step was promptly adopted, the
'
Bink under.' schemes of hereelf and Blackthorn would be
Do not, dear uncle, thus' bitterly reproach frustrated, and tbe ho. ob they had for bo long
youself,' said our herone ; but let the painful a time encouraged would be annihilated.
—
past be buried In oblivion, and may you look Again she wrote toBlackthorn expressing tbese
'
forward to the future withthe brightest hopes.' fears, andurging him to return without delay,
Your words in-piro me with confidence, that theymight together concoct some plan to
dear Evelina,' said Mr. Langston :'and I will, prevent the evils they apprehended. Stephen
Indeed, try to anticipate nothinghut happiness Blackthorn's rage increased every day, and he
for the future. You will cheer my declining scarcely knew wbat course to adopt, to destroy
days, and impart to me that calm and content- the power wbich Evelina had obtained over Mr.
ment which I never before anticipated. Provi- LangBton. How deeply he regretted that she
dence has, indeed, been most merciful to me, in had dot perished in the workhouse; thenthere
thus enabling me to render some atonement for would have been no Impedimentin the way of
my cruelty and neglect/ the gratification of his avarice; the fortune of
Evelina raised tbe band of her venerable re- old Langston must have become his, for he
lative to her lips,and by herlooks expressed the would have had no one else to leave it to ; but
gratitude and esteem Bhe felt towards him.— but now he badcompletely tired him out by the
There was but one circumstance now to cast a frequent acts of extortionhe had practised upon
hhadow ot gloom over her mind, and that was him; and Evelina, it was evident, would enjoy
the wretched fate of herunfortunate father, and the whole of his favours, unless he adopted
fervently did she pray to Heaven that his inno- some plan to remove her, which he waB fully
cence might ere long be established, and that prepared to do, however desperateit mightbe.
he wouldagain be restored to his native land. He would have returned borne immediately,
ln these prayers, Mr. Langston most heartily but he could not excuse himself to his gay and
joinedher, and determined, notwithstandingthe thoughtless companions, and he was,moreover,
number of years tbat had elapsed since Mars. in some measure tempted to remain in London
den's sentence had been pronounced, to leave some time longer, In consequence of his meeting
no means untried to briDg the real assassins of with an unusual run of luck at the gamh'ing
Snacks,
Colonel Ormond to justice, and torestore him to table. Ho therefore wrote toonMrs.
liberty. telling her to keep a strict eye our heroine,
Ina few days Evelina was highlygratified by and to endeavour to ingratiate herself in her
receiving letters from Mr. Selbora and Helen, favour, which might be the meansof forwarding
in which they warmly expressed tbeir gratitude their plans and drowning the suspicions ot
to Mr. Langston for his generosity, which they Evelina.
said was far more than the humble services they These instructions Mrs. Smacks followed up
had renderd her duerved; and they congratu- to the very letter, and so well did shedeceived, perform
lated ber warmly on the especial providence her part, that our heroine was quite
tbat had attended her, and placed her under andtook her to be a very kind and amiable
very much
the protection of her only relat ve, at the very woman; and Mr. Langston was house-
time when she thought she had not a friend in pleased at the attention wbich the crafty
the world. They also hopedthat at some future keeper paid to his niece ; little diebosom, he Imagine
periodthey might have the pleasure of beholding the viper he was harbouring ln his who
her again, and that she would ever continue to was seeking to destroy his happiness, and that
so dear to him.
'
honour them with ber friendship.
My friendship.' repeated our heroine; 'oh,
ofher who was
Anxious to behold Evelina, a few days after
yes, my amiable friends, you must ever hold she had been at the hall. Lord Vernon Sidley
the warmest place In try esteem sot do I
; not made an excuse to call npon Mr. Langston, and
owe youa debt of gratitude which nothing can his wishes were gratified. He was struck with
was,
ever repays her uncommon beauty, and young as she
* You do, indeed, my dear child/ said Mr. the most guilty paBsions towards her instantly
'
Langston ; butI amnot goingtolet tbe services took possession of his breast, and he secretly
of Mr. Selborn and his family pass over in this made avow that he would obtain
possession of
manner;I must do something more substantial her.
 64 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
Our heroine, however, was not at »11 pre.
Mr. Langstonreceived his lordship verycoldly, posiessed with the manners and appearance of
and expressed by his loots that he was not Stephan Blackthorn, and thought she heheld a
b_g_ obliged to him for his visit.
Evelina was any-
eeuld Sot but look upon that man, who was larking expression In his eje which thoughts,
taskingin the wealtti which ahinldhave belonged thing but favourable to her. These
however, she did not reveal to her unole, for she
t. _et poor father, with feellogs approaching uncharitable,
to abborrenoe, and she felt glad when he
took fearedhe mightthink her unjustand
and, after all, Stephen might be worthy of her
Mt dsparlare ;for thehad noticed the bold and
earnest sue which he at intervals fixedupon warmest esteem. difficulty that Stephan could
her, and which raited a eentatlon of the most It was with great
conceal the rage he felt at the affection with
Blmgrteeblenaturein her breast-.
' relative,
glad he has gone,' said Mr. Langston, which Mr. Langston viewedhis lovely
'
Iam
wk.i LordSidley had quitted thehome ; andIhad and which convinced him of the influence she
already gained over Sim ;but still he was
hope h. will never again trouble me with his daunted, and doubted not
visits. He is a bad tnn,Evelina, and irremo- determined not tobe invent some soherae to
vable misery hat heeaused in many a worthy that he should beable to
fcieily. Bttldet, mychild, he is the usurper of annihilate her hopw, and to promote his own
year rights, and I wonder at hla boldness in wishes.
daring to lntrodece himself to you. One would After havingpassed some time in their com-
leave, andthen made his way
have thought that hls own conscience wouldhave pany, he tookhis
non.Um to avoid the looks of reproach with to the room of Mrs. Snacks, whom he found
'
v__a you must ever greet him. But thame anxiously awaitinghim.
Well, Stephen,'said the housekeeper, what
'
'
f.rmt aot a tart of hit guiltynature.'
Ilk. not hit appearance, dear uncle,' said think you of the girl V
I '
tkt damee], bnt Heaven .pardon me if Ido 'Curses Hght on her,' returned Blackthorn,
hint wrong. Surely it was most cruel in my house with a frown;■ why did shenot die in the work*
grandfather to discard his son, and leave him yearsago t then there would bave been
destitute, lavishing the whole of his fortune no obstacle remaining to the gratification of
upon one who was only ao distantly related my wishes. Oh, she has playedher cards well
to him.' with Langston already ; the old fool seems to
' 'It was, Evelina,' continued Mr. Langston; doat uponher with the same affection as ifshe
but evennow I have at times my suspicions were own child.'
' hisdoes,' '
said Mrs. Snacks, and she has
that the will purporting to be that of Mr. He
Marsden was not a valid one. However, time, completely supplanted you, Stephen, that's
perhaps, may reveal the truth, and justice, evident.' ' has,' coincided Blackthorn, but I ' am
thoughlate, be rendered to the injured.' She
When Lord Sidley left the hall, as heretraced not going to suffer myself to be defeated in
his way home, the extreme beauty andinnecene this manner. She must be removed, Snacks,
'
of Evelina occupied his thoughts,and Inflamed even if It be byher death.' '
bis'guiltypassionB. '
By Heaven1' he ejaculated, she it the I
Ah,' ejaculated the housekeeper, but still
hope that our plans maybe accomplished with-
fairest being my eyea ever beheld, and would out our being obliged to have recourse tosuch a
gtace the throne of a monarch. How I envy desperate plan as that. She is veryhandsome ;

would willinglysacrifice one half of my fortune

'
old Langston the pleasure of her sooiety, Ido yon not think she is?'
Why, for thematter of that' the girl is well
to obtain eu.h a price, and Iam determined enough,returned Blackthorn, and that renders
that Iwillnot resign all my hopet of getting her her the more dangerous. You tay that 'Lord
jnmypower.' Sidley visited the hall a day or two since f
'He did,' answered the
With these guiltythoughts the hoary liber-
tine entered the abbey, and immediately set
' And did he tee the girl V
housekeeper.
about endeavouring to Invent tome scheme to 'Yes, and ifI may be allowed to judge by
put his diabolical wishes into exeoution.
Evelina often thought ot the visit of Lord
hit* looks, he greatly admiredher.'
Ah!' said Blackthorn, after a pause, it
'
Sidley to tbe hall, trad tbe bold glances he had would be no bad scheme to persuade him to
bestowed upon her, and she felt a secret endeavour to get her in hit power. Should she
apprehension of tomedanger to be feared from become hit victim, [it would break her heait,
hwn, for whldhthe could not very well acoount. and thus my withes would be consummated at
She, however, trusted, after the cold reeeption once. Iwill tound bit lordship upon this
he had met with from Mr. Langston, that he subject, and lf Ifind him in the vein, Iwill
would not be Induced to repeat his visit ;and renderhim allthe assistance I can to place her
she resolvedmost carefullyto avoidhim.
At length Stephen Blackthorn, after baving
'
in hls power.'
'
It would be a good scheme,' aald the house-
'
been absentin the metropolis about six weeks, keeper, and no doubt would succeed.'
returned home, and lost no time in visiting the At any rate I '
willlose no time ln attempting
hall, wherehe warmlycongratulatedMr. Langs. to put it into execution,' said Stephen ; it la
ton on the recovery of his niece, and assumed so seldom that I bavefailed Inanythlngupon which
much of respect and sympathy towarda Evelina, I have fixed my mind. In the meantime, you
(bat the old gentleman was quite deceived, and know thepart you have got to play. Youhave
gave him a much heartier welcome than be already insinuated yourselfinto the good graces
£lh_twise would bave don. Of Evelina, and that will affoid ut a great
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHItB; OR,POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 65
advantage. You must be careful to retain her nity of callingupon Lord Sidley at the abbey, and
good opinion.'
* '
Oh, ye*,' returned Mrs. Snacks, you need
as his lordsh'p waa alone, Stephen was im'
mediately ushered Into hispresence.
not fear me In that respect. I 'So Blackthorn,' said Lord Sidley, * youhave
will take good
care that Evelina has no . uspicbn ofme.' returned from the gay metropolis then f There
Tbe two worthies now separated, and Stephen
have been Btrange events sine you have been.
away; and not the least remarkable is tbe res-
Blackthorn made his way home, resolving in
hla mind the most .illano _s ech. rues against tbe
toratijn of the girl, Evelina Marsden, to
her
peace andvirtu? of our heroine. aged relative.'
"
'Corses light upen that event, say I,' cried
B'ackthorn, passionately. It may be the means

CHAPTER XIIT.
—
THE FURTHERANCE OF THE PLOT —
— of depriving
' me of my fortune.'
Why, certainly,' remarked Lord Sidley, tbe
old gentleman seems to be quite infatuated with
THE NOBLE her,
and she does stand a very good chance, in
'
LIBERTINE. THE SEIZURE. THE RESCUE. my opinion,of supplantingyou In his favour..'
The day fallowing tbat of bis return Irom
London, Stephen Blackthorn look the opportu-
'
'Icannot endure ihe thought,' said Stephen;
that must bysomemeans be prevented.'

THE RECEPTION OP THE SELBOBNS AT THE DAKK HALL.

' Well, Iwish you success, B a.kthorn ; for 1 what would 1 not give to possess so fair a
you have pioved my friendopou more than one
occasion, and I should noe like to see your hopes
'
treasure 1'
Has Bhe then captivated you, my lord!'
annihilated intbat man&er.' asked Stephen.
* No,no,' said 'By Heaven, Blackthorn,' returned ord
Blackthorn, 'that must not be.
Itis confoundedly viXing to think tbat such an Sidley, I
" have done nothingbut think of her
obstacle to the gratification of my withes should ever since I beheld her. Youngthough she he,
present itself.' "
wbat would I not give to get her in my power !'
'I daresay you will beable to surmount It.' Indeed!' said Stephen, with a look of satis-
' It shall be no fault of mine if 1 donot.'
' even the gratification of that wish may
' The girl it very beauilul,' said his lordship.
faction,
'
not be impossible.'
'She is,' replied Blackthorn, 'a conqtest fit Say you so, Stephen?' inquired his lordship,
for a king/ eagerly.
1Ah I' exclaimed the heartless libertine, 'I do,' answered the villain ;'if you are

No. 9.
 66 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
really anxious to obtain possession of the girl,I give Mr. S.lborn and hls family a lastingproof
think it could be accomplished without any par- of my gratitude, and Ithink I have at last hit
ticular difficulty. I am inclined to assist you to upon a scheme. Ackford Farm is to be let on
think,
the full extent of my power; anything am I lease ;it Ib a small farm, certainly, bat I
'
prepared lo do to rid myself of her.' withproper care aud attention, it would supply
dear friend,* exclaimed Lord Sidley, a comfortable living for an Industrious roan
* yonMyquite delight me. Only aid me in this and his family. Iwill get you to write to Mr.
scheme, and there is nothing thatIwill not Selborn, my dear, nnklng him an offer of the
readily do to return the obligation.' farm, theleise of which I shall feel much plea-
'Enough, my lord,' remarked Blackthorn; sure in purchasing for him; and, if he thinks
then we underBtsnd each other V proper to accept my proposal, he can enter upon
* Yes, yes.' Us occupation aa stnn as helikes.'
■ ThenI will immediatelyset about my task ; Evelina wa9 affected to tears at this proof of
and have no doubt that in a few days I shail her venerable relatives generosity.
*
have inventeda plot that will afford you satisfac- 'Dear uncle,' sheBaid, how noble and bene-
tion.' volent Is thisof you, and Indeed your kindness
'Thanks, thanks,' said the debauchee ; could not be bestowed upon more worthyindi-
' should you require money, it Is at your com- viduals. Yea, Iwill write to them without
mand. I donot mind expending a handsome delay, and I feel convinced they will not decline
sum to obtain possession of such a lovely being your munificent offer.'
as ' Evelina Marsden.' 'Their generous, humane, and disinterested
Well, then, you have nothing to fear,my conduct towards you, my dear Evelina, convince**
lord,' observed Blackthorn; 'the girl ia as me of that,' saidMr. Laigato_ ;'and I think I
secure asit she were already in your power.' need not assure you what sincere gratification it
Again Lord Sidley pressed the hand of his will afford me to be able to serve such amiabe
vilHnouBfriend, and after some further conversa- being3. Besides, you will then bave companions
tion theyparted, his lordship entertainingthe suited to your age and taste, and will derive
moBt sanguine hopes of his diabolical wishes that pleasure which it is impossible, for you to
being gratified, and Blackthorn rather more experience 'Mygood, in the society of an old man like me.'
easy in his mind,since LordSidleyhad so readily
fallen in with hii desires.
'
kind uncle,' ejaculatedour heroine,
lookiog affectionately in his face, indeed you
Another month elapsed without anything underestimate the value your society and coun-
particular taking place, butlittle did our he- sels possess in my eyes, and I much fear th -t I
roiae suspect the dark plot that wasin secret have madebut a sorryuse of tbe timeI have been
concocted against her peace. Stephen Blackthorn under your protection, to be unable to satisfy
visited tha ha 1almost every day,and Evelina you of the strength of my gruitude aud esteem.'
began tolook npon him with feelings of greater 'My sweet child,' exclaimed Mr. Langston, as

Introduced to her.
'
respect than she experienced when he was first he pressed a paternal kiss upon the fair girl's
forehead, indeed I am fullysensible of tbe sin-
Springhad now sncceeded the severe winter cerity of your gratitude towards me forthe duty

withthat genial season the spirits ofthe damsel your regard; but I
— —
which had introduced Evelina to the hall, and Ihave so tardily performed, and tho power of
feel/ I feel myself un-
aod her guardianrevived, aud every day the be- worthy of your affections, he would have said;
camemore dear to him, and warmy he poured but perceiving the anxious look and gentle ex-
forth his gratitude to Heaven for having sent pression of reproach which Evelina fixed upon
him Buch a comfort in his old age. —'
him, he suddenly checked himself, and then
Evelina had frequently corresponded with Mr. added But come, child, we will talk no more
Selborn and his family, aud most ardently did inthis strain. At any rate, I am satisfied tbat
they express their wishes, especially the gentle the society of Helen Selborn and her parents
Helen, that they mightshortlymeet again. and sisters willadd to yo_r pleasures, andthere-
Mr. Langston had made every inquiry into foredo I feel the more anxious to evince the
the circumstances of this honest family, and, sense I entertain of tbe debt of gratitude I am
having ascertained that their means were exceed- under to them. So Iwill leave it to you to
ingly limited, he determined to do something write to them as speedily as possible. Iwill
permanent
* Do younotfor tbem at the earliest opportunity. leave everything to you, I repeat; you will re-
think, mydear,'
' said Mr.Langston quire no dictation, for you know my wishes and
to bis niece one day, do you not think that the intentions. I sh_ll await most impatiently the
Sei boms would be glad toleave theneighbourhood answer of Mr. Selborn, and I shall feel greatly
of Allover, If they could get anythingbetter to disappointedif he declines my offer.'
'
do, and were toreside near you?' Oh no, dear uncle,' said Evelina, her eyes
'
'
Oh, Bir,' answered our heroine, delighted at filling with tears of joy, I
the thought, most happy, I
know he willnot do
am certain, they so, and 1 shall have the happiness of once more
would feel, and nothing could afford me greater beholdingand being the constant companion of
gratification, than to bave that amiable family those amiable beinge, but for whose
kindness the
residing near me. What a sweet companion silent grave would probably have
inclosed my
should I find in the kind-hearted Helen1 but Icold remains. Oh, sir, howjcan I ever sufficiently
fear that pleasure will never bemine.' repay you for this generous conducts'
'
'Indeed,my beloved Evelina,' said the old 'No more.no more, Evelina,' returned her
gentleman, it may be nearer than you anticipate. venerable relative, with much emotion; "you
Ibave long been thinking in what wayI could ovetrwhelm me by suchardent demonstrations of
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 67
gratitude for that whloh I lookupon as a para- Blackthorn, and communicating this additional
mount obligation. Alas, how many bitter re- and unwelcome intelligenceto him.
proaches of conscience has tae conduct of Mr. Stephen utterd curses loud and deep, as his
Selborn saved me. But come, my dear child, worthycolleague proceeded, and when she had
I would fain banish these painful thoughts, and concluded, he paced tbe room with hasty and
look foi ward to the future with hope and plea- disordered steps, aodhis rage was so great that
sure. Ynu will write the letter, Evelina, will for a few momentsit quite took away from him
you not.'
' yes, 'the power of utterance. '
Oh '
uncle/ replied our heroine, and hei The old dotard,' he cried, at length, to
beauteous countenance glowed with delight, Isuffer this beggar's brat, this wheedling's off-
will do so immediately;never was a tak im- spring of a convicted murderer, to gain such an
posed upon me that afforded me such unspeak- influence ever him, that it seems she has now
able gratification.' the power to persuade him to anything. Some-
Mr. Langston pressed her lovely form to his thing must be done, and that speedily, or all our
boso _i, aud invoked a fervent benediction upon plans will be annihilated, and tho whole of the
_
her head, and she then quittedhis presence, and old idiot's wealth lavished upon the girl aad her
hastens .( toher ow apartment,to give fiee vent friends. Already,Imay say, that he has dis-
to her feeling., and to set about her agreeable carded me, for he haa refused to yieldin future
task. to my de man.a, and his manners and observa-
The pior girl's heart bounded with
_
at the bare dea of bavins the gent e II!e aod anything
tions plainlyshow that my visits tothe hall ace
but agreeableto him.'
' Stephen/ '
her family residing iu the same ne:_h. _■urhood Ay, returned Mis. Snacks, there
wiHiQer; and making suro that Mr. Selborn canbe verylittle doubt of that, and since this
wo.Id accept the ganerous offer of her uncle, she girl has been at the hall, I have fancied that he
formed the brightestanticipations of the future. has viewed me with anything bat favour, al-
With what alacrity did she sit herself down to thoughI bave takan especial care to oonceal my
writetheletter, aad how eloquent did shab.c.me real feelings from him. Something must be
as she proceeded. The offer of Mr. Langston done, as you say, and that quickly,or we shall
same ti _e the con*e_t of Mr. Selborn waB so
■
'
was made with such bewitchingdelicacy, at the find ourselves entirely defeated.'
And that can ouly be prevented by the de-
earnest y urged, that it ssemed impossible that structionof Evelina,'observed the villain Black*
he could resist It; and when she had complexJ thorn; 'but I have already concncted a scheme,
the epistle,Bhe hastened to her uncle, and with as I have before told you, which is likely to
a bosom throbbing with eager aad delighted meet with success. LordSidley has seen her,
hope:., she placed It in his hand. and is captivated with her personal charms ;I
The old gentleman perused it with eager yes need not describe to you bis character. I have
and it waa easy to perceive the gratification it sounded him on the subject, and find tbat his
&ff-_ded him. When hehadconcluded, be pressed inclinations are all that I could wishthem to be ;
her delicate hand in his, and warmly did he indeed, he is anxious to add Evelina to the long
'
express his admiration.
' list ofhis former victims, aud I havo promised
Dearest Evilina/ he exclaimed, how well, to aid him inthe accomplishment ofhis wishes.
how eloq icntly have you here expressed my Let her at once be removed from the hall, care
wishes ;thereis not a word thatI could add to mast be taken that she does not return there
this, and most ardently do I hope tbat tbe letter again, and then the success of ouz schemes may
may be attended with success. Itmust be des- be *considered certain.'
patched immediately to Mr. Selborn, aad most
'
Oh 1' ejaculated Mrs.Snacks, the plot is ex-
impatiently shall Iawait his reply/ cellent, and cannot fail,if properlymanaged. Bat

weneed not say that the anxiety of Evelina to

'
The letter was forwarded without delay, and when do you purpose puttingit into operation V
Ob, it will not do to be too precipitate:we
receive an answer to it was, if possible, even must watch a fitting opportunity when the may
gre.ter than that ofher uncle. be removed without any suspicion lightingupon
Batif the hopes of our heroine were so san- us ;in tho meantime, our conduct towards her
guine at this anticipated increase her
to happi- and old Langston must be marked by the most
ness, how great was the vexationandapprehen- profound respect. Itis only by such means that
sion of the evil-minded Mrs. Snacka, who had we may deceive him, and put him off his guard.'
been male acquainted by tbe unsuspecting Inthis belief, Mrs. Snacks perfectly coincided;
dameel with all the particulars. It was not and after some further conversation and arrange-
without the greatest difficulty tbat she could ment of their diabolical plans, the t_o worthy
conceal her rage from Evelina ;but she stifled individuals separated, fully determined on the
her feelings as well as she could, and pretended destruction of our innocent heroine,and reckless
to congratulate her on the prospec. of the plea- of the course theymight take to accomplish it.
sure 6hemust experience in the society of those
who hadbehaved with so muchkindness to her, CHAPTER XIV.
andpasseu a highencomium onthedisinterested selborn and his famtlt.
generosity of Mr. Langston, at the same time the artua.lof mr.
the .furtherance of the plot. eve-
that she eecr.tly cursed him in her heart, and awat prom the hall.
determined touse her utmost endeavoursin con- lina'borne
Junction with StephenBlackthorn ti thwarthim We have stated with what impatience Evelina
Selborn,
in his plans,and work thedestruction of Evelina. andheruncle awaited the answer of Mr.fears;
She lost no time In seeking the presen.o ot and how mingled were their hopes and for
 68 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
Mr. Langston wasnotless anxious than his niece/
tonfldent as he was that the society of those
amiable people,especially the youthful members
of the family, wouldcontribute so much to the
happiness of Evelina.
Tha letter cams at length ; and with what
eagerness did Evelina break the seal in the pre*
sence of Mr.Langston, and peruse the contentsI
Tears of transport started to her eyes. The con-
tents of the letter were all that could be wished.
Mr. Selborn, after havingIn the most simple but
forcible language,expressedhis unbounded grati-
tude to Mr. Langston for his disinterested gene-
rosity, accepted the offer, and only waitedfurther
instructions from him to remove from the
neighbourhood in which he was at present re-
siding.
There wasa note from Helen enclosed to our
heroine, in which that lovely girl expressed the
delight she felt at the thoughts of bo soonbehold-
ingher again, and at being permitted to become
her future companion, and many were theantici-
pations she formed of the happiness it would be
productive of to them both.
Mr. Langston expressedhisutmost satisfaction
at the language in which both of these epistles
were conched ; and the favourable impression
they had already made upon him, although he
had never seen them, was greatly strengthened.
He immediatelymade arrangements for the pur.
chase of the farm, which he completed without
any difficulty ;andthen another letter was for-
warded without delay to Mr. Selbsrn, informing
him that all was in readiness, and that he could
enter npon his new occupation as soon as he
thoughtproper.
The happiness of our heroine was now all but
complete, and abelooked forward to the arrival
of her bumble, hut amiable friends, with the
greatest anxiety. Little,however,did she imagine
the bise p 'Ot that was forming against her peace,
and the hitter enemies by whom she wasuncon-
sciously threatened.
Stephen Blackthorn frequently visited the hall,
but the reception he met with IromMr. Langston
was] anything but fla'terlng to his hopes, and
Evelina felt an unaccountable uneasinesB while
she was in his company.
The villain, however, well acted the part he
had assigned to himself, paid the greatest respect
to Evelina, and warmly applauded the manner io
which heruncle had rewarded Mr. Selborn, who
had rendered her such animportant service. Mr.
Langston was,indeed, somewhat deceived by the
Bpeciousness of his manner, andthus entertained
not the le_Bt suspicion ofthedark plot he con-
templated.
Another letter was received from Mr. Selborn,
in which he reiteratedhis thanks, and fixed the
day when they mightexpect himand his family,
and expressed his anxiety to get away from a
neighbourhoodwhich,from variouscircumstances,
had become disagreeable to him, especially after
the atrocities which had been practised in the
parish workhouse.
Tbe day fixed upon for the arrival of Selborn
and his family came at last ;and no sooner had
the sun peepedin at the window ofher chamber,
.has f.veliaa,who had been unable to sleep dutlng
fit. RlgUt, ftro.R fromher couch, end dreaeed her*
eels, expectingthem every mioute, notwithstand-
ing the earlioess of the hour.
But thehour of the morningrepast struck, aod
still they did not make their appearance; and
Evelina, whose patience was almost exhausted,
Joined her uncle in the breakfast-room. He
greetedher with his accustomed affection, aad
endeavoured to banish her anxiety,not doubting
but that her friends would be there anon. She
.
did becom a little more patient, and prepared
herself to meet them when they should arrive,
anticipating her restoration to Helen with the
same emotion and anxiety as If shehad been her
own sister. Little did she expect that her cir-
cumstances would be so changed when they met
again;and there were moments when she oould
scarcely persuade hersell that it was not all a
dream.
The weather was now charming, and every-
thingwore so different an aspect to what it did
whenshe made her escape from the workhonse,
that Evelina could not hut he most forcibly
struck with the contrast :and she wept tears of
gratitude to Heaven forhermiraculous preserva-
tion from an accumulation ofhorrors that were
almost too dreadful to reflect upon.
It was not till towards the afternoon that the
vehicle containingthe humane Mr. Selborn and
hls family reached the old haU;hut it came at
last, and Evelina darted to the outer door to
greet and welcome them.
Itis not necessary to particularise the meet-
ing, as tbe reader, no doubt, will be able to form
a conception of the character ot it ;but Helen
and our heroine were affected to tears, and Mr.
Selborn and his wife could scarcely find words
to express their Joy at beholding Evelina again,
aud their thanks toMr. Langston for the un-
exampled interest he bad taken In their weN
fare.
Mr. Langston's reception of the family ofthe
Selborns was, as mightbe expected, of the most
cordial description; and their appearance and
manners made the most favourable impression
upon him. Helen Selborn, in particular, he
thought (with the exception of his own niece)
was one ofthe most lovely girls he hadever seen,
and that never could two beings have been
better formed to share each other's friendship.
Encouraged by the hearty welcome tbey had
received,the humble family shook offtheirnatural
diffidence, and finding Mr.Langston as plain ln
his manners as inhis speech, they Boon became as
much at home as if tbey had been on familiar
terms for years.
Mr. Selborn, althoughhis education had been
limited, was aman of natural good sense and
intelligence, and his behaviour was far superior
to that of most persons occupying his humble
position in society. He had seen much of the
world, and having a keen perceptionand a reten-
tive memory, the experience which had thus
been placed in his way was not lost upon* Upon
many topics he could argue with considerable
ability, and Mr, Langston therefore
discovered
tbat he should find in him an agreeable com-
panion.
Mr, Langston having
repeatedly expressed to
Mr. Selborn his acknowledgments for tbe pre.
gemtion of big niece, end the subsequent kind*
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 69
ness of him and his family ; to ber tbey
' True,'said Snacks ;'sheIsthe main obstacle ;
entered more particularly into the business but after what you h.ve told me, I do not fear
of the farm, and ina very short time everything but that we shall he able to put her out of the
was arranged to the satisfaction oi all parlies. way.'
It had been arranged previously that the Sel- '
'It shallbe no fault of mine if we do not,'
borns should not enter on their new residence said Blackthorn, but still it would have saved
until tbe day after their arrival at tbe hall; and a dealof trouble had Bhe died in the workhouse.
thehours now passed Intheir society were the And then, this d— d officious fool, Selborn to res-
happiest which Evelina bad ever expeiienced.
—
cue her on the night of the snow-storm, when
How affectionately did Helen congratulate her she must, being Bhelterlesa, have perished to a
onlbe providentialchange in her circumstances, certainty I owe him a grudgefor that, which I
and the prospect of future happiness that was willrepay him one of these days with interest,
before ber ;and many were the tears of compas- depend on It.'
* No doubt
sion she shed, when sherecalled toher memory * of It/returned his abandoned com-
that night of horror, whenEvelina was brought panion ; but we must first look to the main
by her father, half perishing, to their dwelling; chance, the disposition ofE.elina ;let her once
andshe could notbut shudder whenshe refleoted fall intoLord Ternon Sidley _; power, and I ques
upon the narrow escape which that Innocent and tion mueh whether old Langston, should he dis-
"
much-Injuredgirlhad had from afrightful death. cover her, would feel much disposed to acknow-
But something told me, dear Evelina,' said ledge her again ;besides, something might be
Helen, 'thatProvidence wo .'_ <-,tch over you, fabricated to satisfy Paul that she was a willing
and that, however dark aud u.e.ancholy your party to her seduction ;and that would flal.h
prospects were at that time, the day wouldarrive the matter at once, for he would be almost cer-
when you would be placed In those circum- tain, in his Indignation,to make a will in your
'
stances which your virtues merit. Thank favour, and to banish Evelinafor ever.'
Heaven my anticipations are realised, and that,
'
True, true,' cried Blackthorn ; that ls not
under the protectingroof of youruncle, cruelty abad idea,and I will see what can be done with
and oppression can no longerreach you,'' it. Ne doubt Lord Sidley would be ready to lend
'Yes, Helen,' answered nur heroine, I bave a hand iu the plot ;forit would insome measure
*
indeed reason to be grateful io the Almightyfor exonerate himself.
Yes,' replied Mrs. Snacks, Mt would. But
hls mercy to me, notwithstanding the many
years of suffeiing Iendured; I am more than what think you of this girl,this Helen Selborn V
repaid in the happiness of this moment, and In 1She is
very hanl-ome,' said Blackthorn;—
"
the assurance that there is atleast one whom I1nearly
can love,and who 1know will return tbat feel-
' as beauts' ._ Evelina.'
HumphI'sai _.i
'
housekeeper, she might
ing with all the ardour of a sister/ also be disposed ui to his lordship.'
Helen looked more than her tongue could at 'That willbe a matter for after consideration.
that momentgive utterance to, and they having But above all, you must keep a sharp look-out
embraced tenderly,rejoined the rest of the com- upon what takes place here, and let me know
pany. immediately should anything transpire that is
In the course of the day, Stephen Blackthorn, likely to aidus in our schemes.
whose curiosi'y was much excited to behold the 'Of course Ishall,' said Mrs. Snacks, and
family of the S.ib rn_, visited the hall, and was they then parted.
introduced to tbem. Ste,henBlackthorn revolvedhis evil designs
Althoughhe received them with much polite- in his mind as he made his way towards his
ness, still there was something ln his manner home ;and he gave full indulgence, when there
which was far from pleasing to them ;and Mr. was no one to observe, in the rage and jealousies
Selborn Imagined more than once or twice that which filled his boBom. Seriously speaklDg, be
he observed him eyeing them with anythingbut was ready to perpetrate any crime, however
favourableglances, and there wassometinglnthe atrocions, rather thanthat his avaricious hopes
tone of his voice when he addressed them at should be destroyed ; and he was miscreant
times, which seemed to leave a doubt of hls sin- enough not to hesitate at anything, even tbe
cerity. shedding of human blood, to accomp ish any
And indeed the villain Blackthorn had the desperate project upon which he had fixed his
greatest difficulty imaginable in disguising the mind.
rage hefelt at the appearance of these fresh ob- Towards Selborn and his wife he felt a deadly
stacles to the accomplishment ofMb designs;but spirit of revenge, not only for their having,most
he wasmore particularly tban all struck with likely,been the means of saving the life ofher he
the surpassing beauty of Helen, and scarcely most hated, bat onaccount of the favour which
knew which to consider themost fascinating,she Mr. Langston had shown them, and he was fully
or Evelina. resolved to leaveno means untried to blighttheir
He took his leave at rather an early hour, not prospects, and to render them wretched; but
much to the dissatisfaction ofthe company, —
and this, of course, hemust do In the most secret
before heleft tbe hall, made his way to the apart' nanDer for -hould any suspicion fall upon
him, hisruin would bs inevitable.
'
ment of Mrs. Snacks.
<
Well, Stephen,' said the housekeeper, vbat Thecharms of Helen had made a deep im-
think you of our new intruders ?" pression upon his licentious heart,and he already
'
'Curses light upon then all)' returned the entertained hopes of being ultimately enabled
not them to make her his victim, notwithstandingh*f
ruffian passionately. But still it ia
vs have toIsa. bo much as the gUl Evelina,' strict virtue and Innocence, and tbe jealous cast
■ .>
 70 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

with which she would be watcbed over by her The farm was situate only a short walk from
parents. Hehad got within a short distance of the hall, which was another source of gratifi-
his residence, when he beheld Lord Sidley cation to aU parties, as it was nearly the same
coming towards him. thing as if they al resided beneath the same
'How now, friend Blackthorn,' said ' his roof, and not aday need to pass without their
lordship, when hehad come up to hi.i: ; how is visiting one ano her.
the fair Evelina Marsden V Helen viewed this change *n their circumstances
*
More lovely than ever, my lord,' replied with the moat unbounded delight; but much
'
Stephen. Oh, methinks you would now be greater was her pleasure to think ihat she would
completely enraptured were you to behold her.' in future be so near to Evelina.
'No doubt of it,* said Lord Sidley; 'but This, the first day of their residence in their
althoughI have watched eagerly near the hall new house, was passed in tbe most delightful
for the last few days, I have not been able to manner, and Evelina aod her uncle did not
meet with that de-lrabie opportunity. Old Paul leave them till the evening, when the latter
Langston seems to have a pretty good notion of returned home, with the happy consciousness
her value, or he wouldnot keep her so secluded. that he had donehis duty, and placed a worthy
I know also thathe views me with no friendly and virtuous family in a si uation of comfort,
eye, so I oannot form an excuse to visit him.' and of comparative independence.
' 'True, my lord,' remarked Blackthorn;
Langston,I
Oh, how widely different were now his feelings
am certain, entertains but a very to wbat the> had been when he was blinded by
;
Indifferent opinion cf your lordship but still, sordid avarice. How much more calm and
in spite of all his care and vigilance,he may be happy did he sleep, with the certainty that the
foiled in bis darlinghopes, a id it shall be my blessings of Heavenwould be invoked upon his
constant study to do so. Ifit be your lordship's head by Evelina, and those whom he had be-
wish still to get the girlin your power,I promise friended ; and ne.d we say that they were, and
you that youshall not be disappointed.' tbat never were prayer, uttered with greater
'Thanks, thanks, good Stephen Blackthorn,' fervour or sincerity I Mr. Langston had indeed
'
said the hoary libertine, with a look of satis- conferred the most superlative happiness upon
faction; your words encourage me to hop., for the most worthyindividuals,and he met with a
I know you will not deceiveme.' Just aad ample reward in the satisfaction it im-
1Your lordship has good lesson to think so, parted tohismind.
for you never found me to betray youin all the And great was tbe felicity wbich Evelina ex-
'
transactions we have had
I never did. And,
together.'
remember, Blackthorn,
perienced now tbat she bad thos? beings whom
shehad so much reason to esteem, so near her,
that I am no niggard towards those who serve and she pictured to herself the many pleasures
me. But I amall impatience. When will you Bhe would derive from their society. And she
attempt to put your designs into execution V would be the constant companion of the gentle
'I
'
will delay my plans no longer than I can and affectionate Helen, whose disposition was
help,my lord,' answered Stephen; but we must somuch in unison with her own, that had they
not be in t.o much of a hurry, or we mi^ht been sisters, they could not have been expected
render abortive all our schemes. Ina few days tolove each other more tenderly. Tbat thought
I hope to be able to let you know more. Yon was otIt.elf more than sufficient to transport the
may depend upon it tbatI am as impatient for amiable girlto a pitcn of ecstasy Bhe had never
theremoval of the girl as you can be to bave her before felt tv animate her breast. Hitherto she
in your power.' '
1Well,' returnedLord Sidley, after apause, I
had known nothing but the gloomy society of
thc inmates of the workhouse ; smiles of esteem,
will leave everything to you, confiding In your or looks of commiseration wereunknown to her;
'
prudence, perseverance, and fidelity.' sbe was left to the misery of ber own thoughts,
That you may do with safety, my lord,' Baid without one sympathising bosom to which she
Blackthorn. He then informedhis lordship ofthe couldconfide her sorrows; but never having met
arrivalof the Selborn family, and after somemore with anything but cruelty and oppression,
conversation of little Importance, they parted. looked upon every one with dread andsuspicion.
Thus it will be seen, that Evelina and her But now how striking was the contrast. So
friends were threatened withthe greatest danger; marked indeed was the change that she could
but whether the miscreants succeeded in their not, without tbe greatest difficulty, persuade
designs or not must be shown hereafter. herself that it was but all some delusive
The following day after their arrival from the dream.
neighbourhood of Allover, Mr. Selborn and his That night the most delightful visions flitted
family took possession of their new residence, before the busy imaginations
of our heroine, and
and were accompanied to it by Evelina and her when she awoke in the morning, it was with a
uncle. It was a small house, but particularly heart light aud buoyant, and with hopes the
neat, abounding with every domestic comfort, most brilliant aud sanguine tbat she had
and possessing a considerable quantity ofUnd in before indulgedin. ever
a high state of cultivation. AU the other ne- She descended to the parlour, and found her
cessary appendages of a farm, both animal and uncle already there, andhis
mecaaical, it had been furnished with, through greater expression of serenitycountenance bore a
and peace than
the liberality of Mr. Langston ; and the honest hadnoticed for some slme ;and he felt it too.she —
family, when they beheld it, were again at a Loss Such is the reward of
virtuous actions.
for words inwhich to express their gratitude to greeted him withthe greatest affection, Evelina
and once
tbe generous donor. more she expressed to him her gratitude for the
 OU, ?OYgftTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
unexampledbenevolence he had shown to those
who had rendered her such disinterested service
In the time of need. Mr. Langston embraced
her with parental tenderness, aod once more
requested her not to eulogise him for doing tbat
which he considered to be no more than his
duty, and the performing of a simple act of
Justice.
The morning repast bei. g over, Mr. Langston
proposed a walk to the farm, and we need not
Bay with what pleasure Evelina agreed, and
made immediate preparations for the joyful
visit.
They found Helen and her parents already
waiting to recei.e tVm, and the meeting was
as cordial as if they had been separated for
years.
Mr. Selborn aud hls family were as much at
home in tbe fann as if th. y- bad been its occu-
pants from their earliest youth,aod Mr Langston
could pere ive that Selborn would, by his induse
try, in the course of a very short time,place
himself in a position to realise independence,
which he could never,even by the strictest per-
sever nee, economy, and Judgment, bave done
in the humble and laborious situation in which
he was bo recently placed ; and he felt the
greatest satisfaction in tbe thought that honeat
integrity and worth would he thus properly
rewarded.
That day, like the previous one, was passed by
the friends in tbe greatest harmony and plea
Sure, and Evelina felt tbe deepest regret when
the time arrivedfor them to part, although they
knew that tbey should shortly meet again.
Thus day after day passed away, Mr. Selborn
and his family atevery meeting which took place
between them gainingmore favour inthe opinion
of Mr. Langston, and imparting a sweet conso-
lation to him in witnessingthe happy effects of
his bsnevolence on these who so richly merited
It.
Evelina andHelen wereseldom apart, and in
the sweet interebangeof sentiments, andin fol-
lowing the most intellectual pursuits, they
obtained that mutual instruction which tbey had
previouslyonly had an opportunity of deriving
In bo limited a degree. Sometimes they would
disengage themselves from the society of their
relatives and friends, andindulgeInlong rambles
among thebeautiful scenery in the neighbour-
hood,and being both of them themost enthusias-
tic admirers ofthe wonders aodbeauti.s of nature,
these little excursions formedthe most delightful
sources of their recreations.
Helen had a .great taste for music ; she
possessed a charming voice, and frequently when
they felt themselves tired with their rambles,
tbey wouldseat themselves in some retired spot,
and Helen would Bing some of her most simple
and beautiful ballads, in a style that must have
riveted the attention, and excited the admira-
tion of all who hadthe pleasure of listening to
her.
Our heroine, too, had a voice of the most
musical sweetness, and Helen had taken the
greatest pains to instruct her Inall she knew.
— Lord Sidley did not suffer the death of his lady
Sometimes then they joined each otherIn a duet,
and frequently did they impart additiona' plea-
sure to the family circle by their vocal efforts, or
71
breathe their dulcet notes upon tbe air when
seated upon the green sward in some secluded
place as above described.
Mr.Selborn and his family had now been at
the farm about two months, and nothing had
occurred jo disturb their peace, while the pros-
pects before them were of the most brilliant and
flattering description. Evelina and her uncle,
too, weremost happy,and the former had learned
to look back upon her early sorrows with tran-
quillityand resignation, although the melancholy
fate of her parents would often occur to her
recollection, and cast tbe only dark shadow upon
that which would otherwise have been all
sunshine. But little did any of them suspect
the evil designs which werebeingformed against
them.
Stephen Blackthorn, althoughhe had not yet
had an opportunity of putting his diabolical
scheme against Evelina into effect, bad not
abandonedit ;aud he andLordSidley continued
indefatigablein their endeavours to invent some
stratagem by which the latter mightget her in
hls power, and make ber the victim of his un-
lawful paasions ; but they had not hitherto been
able to hit upon any design which met their
mutual satisfaction.
Mr. Langston's prejudices and suspicions
against Blackthorn were somewhat renewed, as
he bad lately appearedmore steady, and bad not
made any more demands upon his parse. And
indeed Stephen didnot stand In need of it, for
LordSidley liberally supplied him with money
wheneverhe required it, and.thus the villain
reaped abenefit both ways, and was enabled to
carry onhis secret designs with a greater chance
of success. His lordship, however, began to
grow impatient at tbe delay In the gratification
of his wishes, and several times suggested to
Blackthorn tbe propriety of making aboldeffort
at once, and toseize upon our heroineinone of
her rambles, and convey her to an eatate which
he had Ina retired part of the country. This,
Stephen Blackthorn for the present opposed,
s'atlog as his reason, tbat in order to lull .uspl-
cion and prevent discovery, it would be neces.
sary to contrive some scheme by which tbe
damsel might be borne away In a more secret
manner; andat length the libertine nobleman
consented to abide by his advice entirely.
Just at this juncture tbe unfortunate Lady
Sidley, who had, through illness and her hus-
band's cruel neglect and ill-treatment, been a
snfferer for soman y years, expired ;much to the
satisfaction of bis lordship, whoconsidered tbat
he had thus got rid of an incumbrance, and au
obstacle to the full gratification of his aban-
doned propensities. Certainly be did not play
the hypocrite by making any display of grief,
wbich he did not feel on the demise of his lady ;
and her remains were consigned to the family
vault, with scarcely evendecent ceremony ;no
one evincing any grief, bnt Westbourne Sidley,
her son, and some of the oldest of the servants,
who had been devotedlyattached to her.
to interfere with his designs against Evelina:on
the contrary, he urged Stephen Blackthorn to be
as piompt as possible i» putting theminto opera-
tion, as bis patience was quite exhausted; and
 72 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
be promised him that, should he once get ber in
'
StopIstop I I beseech yon, lovely girls;
lordshipexclaimed ;
his power, .heshould never troublehim (Black- but one word with you!' his
thorn) again. and they could hear hit footsteps In pursuit of
Stephen needed nothing to prompthim to a them; but thil onlyadded to their footsteps,
epeed, and
his
deed wbich would remove the only obstacle to at length,havinglost Ihe sound of standing at
the gratification of his avarice ;but he did not they looke* back, and beheld apparently him
gating
like to be too preclptfete, lest his designs should tome dlstanoa from them, and and disap-
be thwarted ;and it being discovered, probsbly, with mingled feellngt of admiration abroptly
that he was the villanout author of the whole pointment after them. They turned farm,and
plot,he would not only be exposed to shame, but Into the lane which le* towards the
punishment. there lott tight of him, and they now ventured
and
Themore Blackthorn saw of Helen, too, the to panta, and take breath, after the exertion
more was he captivated with her charms, aod alarm theyhad undergone.
longedto get possession of her. But this was no Although there wal nothingveryextraordinary
"asy task,and heknew nothow he should accom- ln thit circumttance, yet It
canted tbe fair
plishIt:however, he couldnot think of abandon- friends much uneasiness, knowing the character
ingallhls hopes with any degree of patience. ofhit lordship, and especially after the boldness
them, and
Thusmatters stood at the period from which of tbe looks which he hadfixed upon
we have slightly digressed ; and the worthhy the words he had addressed to them to prevail
Mends conld not havethe slightest suspicion of upon them to stop and they determined to be
;
the evil machinations that were being concerted more'eautiout in theirrambles for the future.
against them, and flattered themselves that no- They soou arrived at the farm, where they
thing would occur to interrupt their happiness; foundMr. Langston andtheothersmost anxiously
but It was their fate ere longto discover how awaiting their return, andrather surprised at the
much they weremistaken. unusual lengthof their absence. They per-
One day Evelinaand Helen had rambled fur- ceivedln a moment, from the agitatedexpression
ther from home than usual. Attracted by the of their countenances, tbateagerly something had hap-
inquired what
fineness of the weather, for It wasnow themiddle pened to them, and they
of summer, and the romantic scenery, when it was. With some hesitation they informed
feeling themselves tired, and at It wai yet only them, andthe countenances of them all glowed
'
early Inthe afternoon, they sat themtelvet down with Indignation.

—
torest beneath the cooling shade of some trees,
previous to retracing their steps towards home.
Lord Vernon Sidleyit an abandoned, heart
less villain, as I '
have good reason to know,'
The spot was a most invitingoue so calm, so observed Mr. Langston, and mtny ue the
quiet, so secluded. As far as their eyes could sorrowing hearts that he has caused. It is
trace, they didnot behold a humanbeing; nothing dangerous for beauty and innocence tobe placed
bat the cattle that were grazing in the adjacent in his way, for he delights in its destruction.
meadows, and the bleating of the sheep, and the You mustbe more cautions, my dear girls, in
mellfluo s notes of the feathered songsters in the your walks for the future, for there ls no knowing
trees and bushes, were the only sounds which the miscreants that may lurk ln secret may
te entrsp
saluted their ears. you, or the guilty designs which already be
They patted a sew minutes in cheerful convert formed against you. The boldness of Lori
tation, and then t' e two lovely frienda, in the Sld'ey inpresuming to address you, surprises me
exhubsrance of their spirits, and not observing not, for no one ls better acquainted with his
any one near to listen to them, commenced sing- character than myself.'
ing one of those simply beautiful duets, with Evelina and Helen shuddered, but they could

''
whleh they so often charmed their dearest not make any reply.
friends, aud which even the most insensible Andcan it be possfcle," said Mr. Selborn,
could not have listened to without feelings of that his lordship candisp'ay such levity so toon
trsnsport and admiration. No two voicescould after the death ofhit wises
harmonize more sweetly;and wafted as their 1He ls
'
capable of anything, however base,'
melodious tones were upon the tranquil air, it returnedMr. Lmgston ; besides, he neverloved
bad amost charming effect. the late Lady Sidley, and he behavedto her, at
They were suddenly aroused and alarmed, all times, with the greatest barbarity ;ne doubt

human form upon tbe grass, and looking up,

'
however, by beholding the tall shadow of a she died of abroken heart.'
He must ' indeed be a bad man,' remarked
their astonishment and confusion may be easily Mr. Selborn, according to the aoeouut you give
imaginedwhen they beheld, standingwith folded ofhim.'
arms and lookt of delight,immediately behind
'
Andin which, Ideeltre to you, I have ' not
—
them, Lord Vernon Sidley I exaggerated,' returned Mr.Langston.
With a simultaneous ory of amazement and the property he now luxuriates la,belongs of
alarm for Mr. Langston had given them a right to theunfortunate father of my niece/
Even

faithful description of his lordship's character, Tea's trembled in the eyes of Evelina at this

—
and Evelina could not but regard him with in- allusion to her ill-fated father, and she covered
'
creased repugnance, knowing that he was her face with her hands and sobbed bitterly.
usurping the rightsof herunfortunate father But did not thelate Mr.Marsden discard hit
they started immediately to their feet ; and ton,and bequeath the whole of hil fortune tohil

Sidley, they fled as fast as their limbs could

'
without venturing even to glance towards Lord lordship!' inquiredMr. Selborn.
ft was represented so,' answered Langston,
carry them from tbe spot. 1but I have very good reason to suspect that tbe
EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 73
"will whs a forgery, for I can never believe that
Mr. Marsden could have been cruel enough to
carry his animoiity lo the grave. But I trust
the time will yet arrive when everything may be
brought to light, justice rendered to the innocent
and oppressed, and retribution heaped upon the
he.ds of the guilty.'
In this wish our heroine most fervently
Joined ; and after some farther observations, the
conversation dropped, and Mr. Langston aad his
niece shortly afterwards took leave of the farmer
and his family, and returned to the hall.
This adventure, simple and unimportant
thoughit might ssem to be, caused the greatest
continued to conversenpon it for some time after
'
their return home.
I will keep a watchful eye upon thislibertine
lord,' said Laagiton ; 'and above all, my dear
child, you must be careful to avoidhim as much
as possible. He will not ventueto visit here
again after the reception I formerly gave him,
and especially after this event, which he might
be certain jou would make me acquainted with.
wards
'
Should he have dared to raise hls thoughts to-
' you
Oh, my
— —
' dear uncle,' Interrupted the b!u-hl.
damsel. surelyyou judgehis lordship wrongly;
he could never be bo base bo bold so pre-
g

uneasiness to Erelina and her uccle, and they sumptuous.'

MRS. SNACKS ENTERTAINS BLACKTHORN

IN HER OWN APARTMENT.

' ' she retired to rest,she pondered over the adven-

My dear Evelina,' .turned her ur.cle, your
ture of theafternoon, and the observations which
innocence ai.d inexperience of the world render
you incapable of tuipicion, an! cause you to ber uncle had made respect:ng Lord Sidley, and
judge too generously of your fellow-cre.tures. espec ally when sbe remembered the bold looks
I tell you again thatLord Sidleyis a villain who which his lordship had 6_ed upon her on the
and then the
occasion of his visit to tbe ball ;Helen,
is capableof anything, or he would not be in his pursuit lie hadmade after her and and his
present situation. But let him beware how he all added to her
attempts to injureme, or she who is dearer to entreaties for tbem to stop, suspicions, and
astonishment, and excited her
me than my very life ; for old and feeble though
I am, I would bave such a revenge tbathe little she could not bat loik upon the aristocratic
anticipates.' libertine with (ear aod repugnance.
Evelina looked at her uncle with amazement Lord Sidley stood for some momenta tram-
to the spot after Evelinaandher companion
and alarm, but the received no answer, andthe fixeddisappeared, and he was undecided how to
aupper being over, they separated for the night, had
act It was the first time that be had leen
and she retired to her chamber. There, before

No. 10.
 74 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
Helen Selborn, but although he thought her
very handsome, he considered that there was no
comparison tobe drawn between her charms and
those of our henrne, who to him, on that occa-
sion, appeared far mor* lovely than she had
done b_fore, and he was determined to persevere
more than ever to obtain possession of hes, let
It be at any cost.
He walked tow.irds the abbey revolving these
thoughtB,and in a gloomy state of mind ;and he
had not been Ion* there, and had retired to his
study, when a domeaiic made his appearance
and informed him that Stephen Blackthorn re-
'
quested to see him. '
Oh!' exclaimed his lordship, that is fortu-
nate ! Show him up stairs immediately.'
The servant bowedaad left the room to obey
this order, and directly afterwards Blackthorn
* hi. appearance.
made
\Veicome, my friend,' said Lord Sidley; 'you
are the verymanI wanted to see.'
1And you maybe certain that I wanted to see
your lordship/ returned Stephen, 'or I should
not have come to the abbey. But you look ex-
cited, my lord ; may I inquire whether anything
particular has happened.'
His lordship relatedthe adventureof theafter*
noon,in a; fe* words aa possible.
1WeE, there is nothing
very remarkable in
this/ remarked Buckthorn, when he bad con-
cluded; 'no more than y.iu acted very impru-
dentlyin trying to address Evelina and her com-
panion, for should we attempt to put our plots
into- execution, that circumstance might be the
'
very cause of exciting suspicion against you/
Well, perhip» I was wrong,''said his lord-
'
shipil' bu; the voice and the charm's of Evelina
bad rjcaptivated me that Icould not resist the
temptation. Has now, Blackthorn, what is it
you have called to see me about f Have you
' nothing particular,' replied Stephen,
any good news _'
'noWhy,
more than that I
have at last resolved to
make a bold attempt to Secure Evelina to you,
and to rid myself of one whom I have so much
reason to dread and t. h_te/
'Ahi' exclaimed Lord Sidley, grasping the
villain's hand vehemently, * this 'resolution
"
delights me. Tell me, my good fellow, what is
'
It you propose ?'
Imust not be seen in it, bat I have em-
ployed others, whohave no reason to be so par-
ticular.'
' You
surely haven't disclosed our designs
to any one V said his lordship with a look of
alarm.
' made a parson of him. However, there is
Why, how do you suppose the Job couldhave
been done without, my lord?' demanded Black-
thorn. 'But you need not bs under the least
apprehension, they are only a few trusty friends
of mine, who will be as mum as you can wish
them, if they only receive the necessary induce-
ment to secrecy and fidelity/
1 Well, well; you kuow very well thatI shall
behave handsomely, although Ihad much rather
this could have been avoided. But as you say
they are friends of yours, J suppose It is all
right/
'
'Of course itis.'
What do you propose then?'
1That Evelina be conveyed away from the
dark ball, to your house at Sarnscombe.'
"That is the very thing Iwish,' said Lor^
?'
' 'but how is it to beoraccomplished
Sidley;
That must bemy task, rather that of my
colleagues,' answered Blackthorn.
'But it is indispensable that youshould give
me'someidea of what your intentions are.'
—
Well, then,
' they are simply these/ said
Stephen. Mrs. Snacks will contrive to drug
Evelina's drink at supper, and when she and
_
the old gentleman have retired to rest,my col-
leagues i,lbe admitted by the housekeeper, and
Evelina, being in a state of stupefaction, can be
borne away without being able to make any
alarm; a carriage must be in waiting toreceive
'
her, and the job's accomplished.'
Excellent t ejaculated Lord ' Sidley, with a
look ofthe greatest exultation; thisscheme of
your., Blackthorn, merits the highest praise for
its ingenuity. Itmust succeed.'
'Certainly it must,my
* What ' lord/ said Stephen.
is to prevent it f
'Nothing, nothing; If those you have em-
ployed are faithful/
'
Oh, they are light enough. I kn-w them
well, and they would not attemptto deceive me,
especially after I had helped them to a good
'
job/
AndMrs. Snacks ; of course we may depend
'Certainly/
on berl"
'When then shall the attempt be made?'
'
The night after to-morrow,' answered Ste-
' Blackthorn.
phen
Goad, good!' ejaculated the libertine; 'I
shall be in a perfect agony of suspense and
anxiety until I press the beauteous creature to
my bosom, and claim her mine, defying the
'
power of any one to take her from me/
And I shall be most happy to get rid of her,
said the miscreant Blackthorn. 'And I have
your lordship'spromise that she shall never trou-
ble me again?'
'Yon have,and Iwill not be worse than my
word.'
1Enough,I will sea you to-morrow and tell
you more about It. But you must mind that
your ton, Westbourne Sidley, does not obtain
evena hint of the plot,or it would be all up with
us; for you know that his disposition is very
different to your's/
'Ay,' returned the nobleman, 'he is a foolish
boy, and has a good deal of the temper of his
mother about him. Ithink I ought to have
nothing to fear from him, for two days ago he
left the abbey on a visit, and probably will not
'So for some time/
return '
much the better,' obaeived Stephen ; and
having disclosed to you all the business, I sup-
'
pose I may as well take my leave/
Stop Ihow many of your colleagues are
there in the plot('
'Only three/
1 Will that bb enough?'
'
Plenty ;they are men I can depend npon,
and' It would not be prudent to trust too many.'
Very true. I commend yonr caution ;but
wheu will you see them again f'
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
'I
promised tomeet them to-night,' answered
Blackthorn.
'
Here is money for them ; tell them to be
faithful, and they shallhave no reason to com-
plain of my want of liberality/
' will
I do so, rylord, and depend upon it,it
will have the disired effect Gold is a mighty
talisman that will penetrate through rocks.
Farewell, my lor ./
"GoGd evening,Blackthorn ;to-morrow, then,
you will call upon me again ?'
1
1will, your lordship, andthen we willfurther
'
arrange our plans/
Which must be crowned with success,' said
Lord Sidley.
* They
' must,' replied his villanous myrmidon.
Ihave as moch, if not more,interestin its suc-
cess than your lordship/
With these words Stephen Blackthorn departed,
ani1 it his lordship to his own reflections.
'
'Blackthorn is a villain oq whom Ican safely
rely/ he soljloqu;sed; he said truly that r e is
as deeply interestedin the success of the plot as
myself ;for the girl stands in his way to wealth.
He will not attempt to deceive me, and before
many days have elapsed I shall be in possession
of one of the lovliest beings that ever fell to the
lot cf man. The thought is ecstasy. Oh,
Richard Marsden, what wmid be your feelings
—
did you kaow that your daughter waa doomed to
be the victim of your greatest enemy the pos«
sessor of your rights ? If she knows the rela-
tion in which I stand as regards the fate of her
fatber, she must view me withhorrorand disgust.
But she must havebeen too young at the time
to ha.e been made acquainted with the particu-
lars, and if even she were, time must have
banished it from her memory. However, it
matters not, I cannot expect to win her esteem,
she cannot help
—
but once let me get her within my power, and
herself; she must yield to my
wishes. As for her reproaches, I am fully pre-
pared for them, and can laugh them to scorn.
Theconfirmed libertine is proof against the np-
braidlngs of his victim; he suffers no impedi-
ment tostand between him and the gratification
of his desires. Compunction.' I know nothing
of it, but by name; and the possession of such
a damsel es Evelina Marsden were worth any
risk tn obtain. She shall, she must be mine.
Stephen Blackthorn isa villain admirably suited
to my purpose, and it is to his own interest
especially to serve mein this particular. He has
welllaid his plans, aad is doubtless certain of
their success;I willrest my mind satisfiedupon
thi*t point. Oh, it ls a fortunate thing that
Lady Sidley h_s gone to her last home, for she
mighthave presentedsome obstacle to the accom-
plishment of my plans; but now I canleave the
abbey without any one questioning me as to
whither I am going, unless it is my son ; and
he Imay easily deceive as to the place of my
destination. Itis strange that Westbourn should
bo so unlike me in disposition; buthe always
looked up to his mother with the greatest re-
verence, and no doubt she took great pains to
instil her preceptsinto hismind. Well, be it bo;
he cannot obstruct me In any way, and hehas
ever shown the most implicit obedience to
my will. Inspile of the difference of his ptin«
75
ctples, I cannot but feel for the boy the most
paternal regard ; and Ihope that in time Ishall
be able to cure him of hie foolish whims/
Inthese villanoas thoughts did his lordship
indulge himself, and anticipated the ruin of
Evelina with the most fiendish delight. He slept
but little that night for ruminating upon bis
diabolical design., andhe awaited the arrival of
the nextday, when Blackthorn had promised to
meet him again, withtbe utmost impatience.
Stephen Blackthorn, after he had quitted the
abbe^y, made tis way to the placs where he had
appointed tomeet his colleagues, not doubtingbat
that they wouldbehold him withno smaU degree
of pleasure, when he should impart to them the
promises of his lordship, and especially when he
presented them with a more substantial gua-
rantee of the sincerity of his intentions,in the
shape of the gold he had given him to bs dis-
tributed among them.
The place of meetingwas an old public-house,
which waB known as theresort of no very re-
putable characters ;and waaso situated that it
■well answered the purpose of carrying on any
secret designs. He found them seated in a
little miserable back room, the walls of which
were blackened with tmoke and time, and they
— --— —
greeted him with considerable anxiety.
_"----— "_. ■ j-
They were attired a. simple rustics, bat per-
haps three more ruffianly-looking scoundrelB
could not be imagined ; and It was quite evi-
dent that they were well qualified for the perpe-
tration of any atrocious act. Blackthorn knew
them well, for they had been his associates in
many a diabolical stratagem; and indeed they
were so connected together, that they were in
constant dread of each other, and it was only
fear' that now linked them together.
Well, Blackthorn,' Baid one of the fellows, a
'
sturdy and ferocious -looking ruffian, apparently
between forty and fifty years of age ; you have
come V
'Certainly, Joe Elsby,' answered Stephen;
4 when did you know me hreak my word ?'
'Why, for the matter of that/ returned Joe,
' I don't know that you have, very often, with
us, at any rate; because you see that wonld
neitherhave been prudent nor convenient. But
'
have you seea the swell?'
I have,' replied Blackthorn, taking a Beat,
and helping himself to a glass of the spirits
'
which they had before them.
And does he keep in the same humour?'
asked another of the fellows, who was known
amonghis own companions only as Jack D_gley.
'
'There is not much fear of that,' returned
Stephen ; aud so you would say, if you knew
as *much of his lordship as 1do/
' Then the Job is settled ?' aaid Joe Elsby.
Itis.'
* And when will our services be required V
1The nightafter to-morrow.'
'
'All right, you will find us ready,' returned
Joe ; but what lays Lord
" Sidley about reward-
ing" us for our trouble ? '
Why,' replied Blackthorn, if you are faith*
ful to him, and perform your task well, you need
not fear thathe will fail to 1*0 the liberal, and as
an assurance of tbat, he has sent you this purse,
as a trifleia advance/
 76 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

Thus saying,Stephen Blackthorn emptied the
contents of thepurse on the table, the sight of
which seemed verymuch to gratify the villains.
* A cool forty,' said Joe, who had imme-
diately busied himself in counting over the
geld, ■ a ten each ;come, that will _overy well
for a beginning.'
1
"So I should think,* returned Blackthorn,
andyou oughtto feel obliged to me for helping
yon to a good Job.' '
■ Why, aa (or that matter,' said Joe, where
could you have found any such fellows whom
youeouldbave trusted so well? We know one
another, and thereis no fearof our acting shabby.
Many'b the rare scheme we have been engaged
ln together, and the goo. haul we have shared
'
among us, eh, Stephy ?'
Ay, ay,'returned the latter,impatiently, but
' bear her to the carriage tbat will be itt waiting,
"
we will not talk of that now.'
As you please,' said Elsby ;■ bu1;you willhave
at much cause to be obliged to us, as his lord-
"
ship/
so ?'
* Why
Why so ? Why, how greenyou pretend tobe
> * And you will notbe seanin the matter !'
B ack thorn. Does not this girl stand in your
way to the possession of old PaulLangston'sgold ?
and therefore it must needsbe doingyou a ser-
' True, true 1'her/
vice to remove
'Isuppose,Blackthorn/ continued the villain,
with a peculiar look, 'Isuppose that when old
La. giton does die, andif you should come Into
the poseision of his wealth (and a rare swag it
ls, I hafe no doubt), you will not fail to do
somethinghandsome for your old pals?'
1Wait till I
'
get his gold,' answere! Stephen,
with an uneasy expression of countenance, and
* Ifyou
then
you
will see/
' had notbeen a fool,' remarked Joe
Elsby, the gold would have been yours long
'
since/
By what means f' demanded Black' .ti
1Oh, of course you do not know1' rephc J e,_
affair than you choose to disclose, or you would
notbe so positive as to theinnocence of Richard
'
Marsden/
do,' returned Elsby, coolly,
' Well, perhaps I
hut that has nothing to do with our present
business. Tne night after to-morrow, you say,
'
the jobis to be done?'
'Yes/
Well, youmust give us further Instructions.
How is the girl to be conveyed from the hall,
without alarm f'
' creating will mix a strong
Mrs. Snacks * opiate ln her
drink,' answered Blackthorn, and when Lang-
chamber,
ston has retired to his and Evelina's
senses are steeped In unconsciousness, the old
woman will admit you to the house, and youmay
without the least danger.'
'Well,' observed Elsby, 'that all sounds
feasible enough,if mother Snacks only performs
'
her part ofthe business well/
There ia no fear of that ;she will have
every oportunltyof doing so/
'I will be close athand to see that the plot
succeeds, but of course it would nor be prudent
for me to be seen. You will have nothing to
do but convey her with all possible expedition
to Sarnscombe, where having seen her in se.
curlty, return hither ;Iwill meet you aod
'
bring you the reward for your services/
*
Very well,' said Joe Elsby, all that shall be
dona In a business-like manner, and of cou so
'
you will be punctual.'
Oh, you need not fear that,' returned Stephen.
4
But should the girl recover before we arrive
at the place of our destination, and c eato on
aarm ?' said the roflUn.
Oh, you will know how to manage her ;but
mind me, you must not use any more violrocs
thanis absolutely necessary.'
'
1We wish to do the best we can with har,' re-

marked Eiaby, but if you onlydrug her suffici-

Ironically. ently,it's a chance it she comes to her senses
11understand you, Joe/ said Stephen, ■ but before we arrive at tbe place of our destination,
Ieould not shed the old mao's blood/ ' for we shall travel with all possible speed, and
4 Pshaw!' exclaimed the miscreant, you
will shall soon cover the distance/
* Ay,
do so, some time or other/ I will trust to you, Joe,'said Blackthorn,
"Never!'
'
1and I haveno doubt you willmanage thebusi-
'But I yes, mark my words you will/
Bay
No, no/ said Stephen,with a slight shudder.
'
ness with your usual ability/
You may depend upon me. Shall we see
*
could never submit to his bestowing
But still I
his fortune upon this girl, the daughter of the
'
yon again to-morrow?'
Yes/
murderer,Richard Marsden.' 'And then, perhaps, you will be able to
* Aod how know you that Richard Marsden tell
usmore about it/
was a murderer?1demanded J_e.
* Was he not convicted on the clearest erit '
1
Very likely ;till then farewell.'
Good night/ said Joe and his companions;
'
dence '
' f replied Elsby, but he was
True/ innocent
and Stephen Blackthorn then departed towards
his ownhome, pondering oo the way upon his
'
ofthe crime of which he was convicted.'
Ahl how know you that V inquirelStephen,
villanous plans, aud anticipating the speedy re-
alisation of his wishes in the removal of the
looking with amazement and curiosity at his only obstruction to the gratification of his
companion.
'
avarloe.
'Iknow that Richard Miraden was not the
murderer of Colonel Ormond; but still he de-
'
Lit me but once get rid of her/ be said, as
be walked on hia way, and then I will devote
served to suffer for beinga fool, and spoiling the my whole thoughts to the securing of the lovely
"port for other'.' HelenSelborn. To make any advances towards
anceof Elsbynarrowly, as he said
—
Blackthorn lookedIn tbe repulsive counten- her inan honourable way,if such should evenbe
my wUh, Iknow wouM be useless, for tbe dis-
1Joe, you know something more
about this parity of our ages would never al.ow her to ea-
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
eourage my suit, and from wbat I
her already, I
have seen of
am convinced tbat she views me
with anything but a favourable feeling, If not will ready, which I will fiod means tosubstitute
with utter aversion. But I will not despair.Ihave for'the one he ha? already executed/
hitherto, at all times, been most successful in
my amours, and it would be strange indeed if Iyou ate ;i most valuable friend/
sufferedthis fascinating damsel to escape me/
The villain chuckled over these ideas, aud was the housekeeper, with alook of meaniDg whicb
of his diabolical plans. Lord Sidley waB indeed
filled with the most sanguine hopes of the Buccess Blackthorn well understood.
a most invaluable instrument to the accom-
plishment of hls wishes, for he would not only
take all the trouble of Evelina's abductionupon
his own shoulders, but would supply him with
cash, which was what he so much needed, in
order to enable him to carry out his projects, and
to deceive Mr. Langston, whohad received him
much more cordially at the hall than he had
done for some time previously, as he had not
made any more demands upon hia purse, and
he was inclined to believe thathe had reformed
his conduct, and was endeavouring to redeem
what he bad lost by his former folly and extrava-
gance. Alas1 had the old gentlemanbeen aware
of the dark designs the villain hadformed against
himand Evelina,how different would havebeen
his feelings, and what ready means he would
have taken to thwart him in his infamous
schemes.
The following morning Stephen Blackthorn
visited the hal),butit was more for the purpose
of consulting with Mrs. Snacks than to see
Langston or his niece. He found that they
were from home, on a visit to Mrs. Selbourn
and her daughters at tbe farm, and therefore the
opportunity he sought of further arranging his
'
plans with Mrs. Snacks was fully open to him.
All goes well," hs observed, after ha had
taken his seat ; 'Ihave againBeen Lord Sidley
and my colleagues in the plot, and they fully
enter Into my wishes. It now only rests with
you, Snacks, to complete the busineBB, which
'
must be done to-morrow-night.'
I am ready whenever you please,' replied the
housekeeper; 'Ishall not rest satisfied till the
girl is pot out of the way. The affect'on tbat
the old soo1, Liogston, lavishes upon her Ib
'
poison to me/
Nodoubt of It,' remarked Blackthorn; 'but
if fortune favours us, you will soon be rid of
your annoyance/
'The soonerthebetter. The beggar's brat Is
hateful to me, and yet I have played my part bo
well that I am certain she thinks tbat I view
her with the greatestrespe.t and esteem/
'That is as it should be; and Langston will
never suspect us of being the cause of wbat is
about totake place.'
4
He cannot bave the least idea of It, if we
only keep our own counsel, and LordSidl _y acts
'
with prudence/
Aud that he Js sure to do for his own
sake/
'Then Evelina Marsden, when she is once
removed from this place, will never trouble us
'
again?' said Mrs. Soack_ ' will take
Never,' answered BI.ckthorn ; I
good care of that/
'Her loss will break the old man's heart,
and thus all our end. will be accomplished.'
77
'
'They will/
But you must not f.rget to hive the forged
That shall be done without delay. Snacks,
'Iam, though not a disinterested one,' said
'
Of course, you do not forget our agree-
'Certainly not. We can trust each other, I
mentV
''Ishould
should think, or else it Is strange.'
think weought to doso/
Well, well ; there is nooccasion to talk upon
'
that now IHaveyou procured the drug V
I have,' answered Mrs. Snack., 'aud to-
morrow night will take good care to .dmialster
it to her at supper ti__e. T.ie old g ntleman
alwayB retires to his chamber at an early hour,
andthe opiate will take ess c.in a very short time,
so tbat we shall have it all left to ourselves. I
will watch from the window of my room, and
when I see'you approach with your colleagues, I
shall be ready immediately to give them admit-
'
tance/
' Well arranged,' said the villain B.ackthorn,
we wil be punctual; a carriage will be in wait-
ingcUs: to thehouse, and they willhave reached
the place of their destination b.lore the girl has
recovered her senses, or her disappearance from
tbehall
' be discovered/
You will not recompmy them, Black-
thorn
' V
Of course not; th.t might be the means of
betraying
* everything/
It certainly would, should the giil,by any
accident, afterwards
Mrs. Snac_s.
' contrivj to escape,' sud
Oh, how distracted a .d bewil-
dered old Langston will be toimagine into whose
power she has fallen, or b7 what means she has
'
been forced aw3y from his protection/
He will,' returned Blackthorn, with a look of
savage exu t _Mon ; 'and his torture will be foid
to my revenge. The old idiot, to suffer the
stings of remoiii. the better of him, aster
the lapse of bo many )ears.'
* Ay,' '
said the housekeeper, but it will be our
fault, Stephen,if he does not have bitter cause
''
to r.peut of hia weakness/
It will,' coincided her villanous companion.
'
Then all is arrangedV
Ifyou haveunderstood me rightly,it Is.'
"Tomorrow night the plot must be accom- 1
plished/
''
'To-morrow night.'
Ishall wait impatientlyits arrival.'
"I may depend upon your prudence V
Why need you repeat that q _e_tion ?'
1Well, well, I am sa'issied. Farewell, till we
'
meet again.'
You will see me again before to-morrow nl^ht,
'
Stephen!'
'
Most likely Ishall,' answered Blackthorn.
Jt woolIbe better that youdid, for Bomething
may transpire between this and then which may
req'iire our consultation/
'Exactly so,' said Blackthorn; 'Iwill see yo_,
thea/
They now conveised upon other subjects, and
I
 75 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

ister about auother hour they separated, an jy the solemnity cf her manner, wuat "-*u u»±<-
B ackthorn made his way to the abbey. Havin aen? What should we have to fears'
made hia lordship acquainted with all the ai "Iknow not, sir/ answered Evelina; 'but
thoughtshave occu*
rangements he had made with his colleague dl night the same dismal
auj Mrs. Snacks, he received further instruc )ied my mind, and haunted me in wy dieams.
tions from him, and the following night wa Heaven avert, I pray, any calamity that may
decided on for the completion of their vl!l<»ncu threaten us1' '
1Nay, Evelina/ said Helen, lookingtenderly
plot, which seemed certain ot meeting with sue
cess. n her young friend's face; 'you must not give
Nothing could exceed the delight of th way to those melancholyforebodings, for
which,
[ trust, there is not the slightest cause. Suppose
depraved nobleman as he anticipated the auccea
of hU schemes, audthe possession of the inno cvetake a walh,and, perhaps, Mr. Liogston will
cent and beauteous Evelina; and he lookei tonour us with bis company, and probably that
forward to tho time when he might clasp her i_ will serve to revive you/
his arms, withthe most insupportableimpatience Mr.Langston approvedof this suggestion, as
That Blackthorn would succeed la bearing be the day was very sine, and Our heroine having
away from the protectioncf her uncle he coul< ikewise assmted, they sallied fortb and bent
notentertain a doubt, for the plot was bo deep j their steps towards a most romantic part of tbe
laid that no one could have the least susplcior leigbbourhood, where there wa* scenery of that
of il,or trace tbe place of ber concealment afte; ieligluful description, sufficient to excite the
she had been borns away;and from all tha warmeat admiration In KitUna's susceptible
Blackthornhad said, and he did notbelieve thai >06om,and tobanish the dismal thoughts which
he would attemptto deceive him, the men whorx tad possession of her breast. But on this occa-
he had employedmight be depended upon, anc sion It failed to do so, nor were all the efforts of
would not be tempted to betray him whilo h. Mr. Langston and Helen effectual iu abitra'-tiog
continued to pay them well for secrecy, Oj aer mind from the unaccountable forebodings
such a youthfulmistress as Evelina he thought under which itat that time laboured.
he never couldbe tired ; and the hoary libertine Ithappened that at that very time,Lord Sid'
even flattered himself thatIn time he should bc ley was walking near the spot, and beholding
able toindace her to reconcile herself to hei them, he steppedaside, into a convenient place,
fate, and to view him with other feelings than where hecould watch them without being ob-
those of repugnance. Vanity and hardened servedhimself.
villany are generallyinseparable, and seldom wae With what delight did the abandoned lord
that truth moie ful'y exemplified than in Lord contemplate the charms of our heroine, aud now
Vernon Sidley. !*reat was his exultation, when he ttiought to
The hours which intervenedbetween then and himself how soon that peerless form would be
the tiTie appointed for the completion of the entirely in his power. Hecould scarcely restrain
pot appeared most intolerably tedious to him; himself within thebounds of reason ;and, more
but be endeavoured to control his impatun.e than once, he was very nigh betraying himself.
with the hope of the success of his schemes, aud by givingutterance to some exclamation of ec-
made such other arrangements as he considered itasy andadmiration. HelenSeloor.i was lovely,
necessary, resolving to follow Erelina 'o Sarns- but, oh,how farinterior in thelibertine's opinion
combe immediately,pretending that business of to her co upanlon; in short, he thought it was
moment called him to the oontinent, thus at utterlyimpossible that therecould be her equal
once hoping -to lull suspicions, if any eh-uld for loveliness of features, or elegance of form.
arise. Lord Sidley watched the unconscious party,
Tue mornlog of that day, which was to ter- until they were completely out of sight, and he
minate eventually,at lengthdawned, and Evelina then slowly retraced hia steps to the abbey, with
meeting her uncle in the breakfast- roiim was his passions more inflamed than ever, and win
miserably depressed in spirits, though from what greater impatience to become posseted of ene
cause she could not imagne. It was true that who bad so completelytaken him captive.
she had some strange and disagreeabledreams, When hereturned to the abbey, he gave him-
but as Bhe was not accustomed to take any parti- selfup entirely to the thoughts to which this

attribute her melancholy to tha .

cular notice of that sort of thing, she did not unexpected meeting with tbe object of his un.
She was lawful passions gave rise, and the longer hepon.
entirely at a loss to account for it, and all the deredupon them, the more his anxiety increa-
kind efforts ofher uncle could not banishit from sed.
aer mind.
' Thescheme cannot fail/ he muttered. * I
Shortly after breakfast Helen made her ap- cannot make up my mind to think that it will
pearance at the hall, and her so -iety served for a proveunsuccessful, for, il I could, it woulddrlva
time to arouse her, but her despondency quickly me to a pitch bordering upon madness. But
returned, and she frequently sighed deeply. In whyshould I alarm myself with groundless ap-
ipite of all the endeavours of Mr. Langston and prehension ? Stephen Blackthorn Is tooshrewd
Helen to compose her. to suffer himself to be thwarted, especially when
'
"You should chide me for my weakness, dear he has to much dependingnpoa success of the
ancle/ she remarked, but, Indeed, a sensation plot himself. It is well planned, ani must suc-
has come over me, which I findit is impossible ceed, and, they not entertaining any suspicion,
to conquer. God grant that nothingis about to (for it is impossible that they should,)
ba, p^n to interrupt our peace.' of the
danger that threatens them, will be thrown off
:AtJItyjdearcMij^_ _B.aid_Mrf Lanfistou, alarmed their -guard,, and thus the damsel will 1*11 an
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 79
easy victim. I shall bave her in security, for
' To-night,if yon like, after I have seen the
who will dare to accuse me of her abduction f girl secured/
and it would be quite useless to attempt to trace 'Ah,beit so; Iwill sit up for yon, for it
her to the place where I shall hold her in con- will be impossible for me to Test until I know
cealment. Oh, yes, all is .right, and hopeful the result. You will come to me at the abbey!'
* Iwin.'
for tne, and I shall possess one of the loveliest
andmoat precious treasures tbat man can covet/
' You will caution the men not to use any
Tbevillain laughedagain intheexultation and more violence towards their lovely charge than
delight of his sinful feelings; hut, In the midst necessary ?'
of them, he was Interrupted by the appearance of
'
Ihavedone so already,'answered Blackthorn ;
a servant, whoinformed him thatMr.Blackthorn 'but it ia doubtful whether the effects of the
wished to see him. Lord Sidley desired the drug which will he administered to Evelina will
servant to show him up stairs directly. be exhausted before they arrive at their destina-
'All
goes well,my lord,' said Blackthorn, when tion, and if so, they will be too far advancedon
he had entered room,
* My Colleagues will ready
the and closed the door. their journey,and she willbe too much overcome
be to attend me as by' her fears to offer any resistance/
soon as it ss dark, and Mrs. Snacks wili nodoubt Well, well,' said LordSidley, 'I am satisfied
perform her part of the business well. But have that everything will be managed for the beat.
you made ail the necessary preparations at Saras- Here is the letter which the men mustdeliver
combe.' to my faithful servant on their arrival at Sams-
1Everythinghas
been done/ replied his lord- combe.'
ship ; 'and a letter, which I will deliver to you Blackthorn took the letter, and after having
to giveto ode of the men, will cause them to once more promised to hasten to the abbey as
with everyproper reception/
* Andhave
meet soon as he had seen Evelina safely secured,
you secured a vehicleV asked Ste- departed.
'
phen.
I
Finding that the walk did not, as they had
have,'replied Lord Sidley. 'Ihave pro- hoped,banish the melancholy whichhad ao unac-
cured a carriage from a source whence nosuspi- countably taken possession of Evelina's mind,
cion can arise, and it will be forwarded to you they soon returned to the hall.
at any place, and at any hoax, that youmay think Theday passed away gloomilyenough, for all
'
proper to appoint/
I
that Mrs. Langaton and Helen could do, failed to
will send for it at nine o'clock to-night,' arouse our heroine, and Helentook her leavein
'
said Blackthorn. the evening,promising to call the next day,and
Anddid the fellows appear satiifled with the withmany affectionate wishes for tbe welfare of
money I sent them, andtne promise I '
commis- her inestimable friend. '
My dear child,' said Mr.Langston, as you
sioned you to make to them?' demanded his
lordship. do not seem well, we will take an early slipper
'Oh, yes/ answeredBlackthorn ;'there was, andretire to our chambers ;with the blessingof
God, a good night's rest will restore you to your
'
as I told you before, no fear ofthat/
willnot flinch from their bargains' wonted spirits.'
'They
No, no. How doubtful you are, my lord/ 'My good, kind uncle1' ejaculated Evelina,
' In particular businesslike this, it is as well 11fear I must appear very silly in your eyes;
trust you will pardon me. I do not feel
'
tobe cautious.'
Why, So it is ; but, when you have me at the
hut I
ill, so, therefore, do not alarm yourself, I pray
head of the plot, you can surely have nothing to you ; itls only a depression of spirits, whicb, as
fear. Fox my own sake, I would not employ you say, I trust a night's rest will remove. I
those whom I could nottrust/ cannot take my supper, my dear uncle, for I do
1Well, I believe,you, Blackthorn, and let me not feel at all disposed to eat.'
but once have the girl securely In my power, and 'Well, my love,' answered Mr. Langston, *I
I willmake your fortunesot you/ will not press you, but I must, indeed, Imust
1We will talk of that anon, my lord ; at pre- prevail upon you to take a nic_ warm glass of
sent all wehave got to think of is thecompletion negus, which willdo yoa so much good previous
business.' to retiring to bed. Come, child, let Susan pre-
of our
'Ihave seen her to-day, Blackthoxn, and never pare one for you, and then I willbid you farewel]
did she appear half so lovelyin mine eyes;Ifox the night/
am all impatience until Ican call hex wholly Evelina would fain have declined, but she did
not like to frustrate tbe good intentions of her
'
mine.'
Why,'' said Blackthorn, and his countenance uncle; and Bhe, therefore, gently and reluctantly
lowered, you havenot surelybeen so imprudent assented. Mr. Langaton then rang the bellfor
Snacks, who quickly made her appearance,
as to thrust yourselfupon her presence, just at Mrs.
this critical moment?' ' and received tbe order with secret satisfaction,
'No, answered his lordship, I met her and for it was juBt affording hex the opportunity she
her uncle, and Helen Selborn by accident ;but was so anxious for.
tbey saw me not ;I concealed myself ln a place Ina very s.ort time she returned with a small
where I could watch themwithout beingobserved tumbler of negus, and one of brandy-and-water
myself/ ' for her master, in which she had also taken good
1ThatIs well,' remarked Stephen. for the care to mix a portion of the opiate;and Evelina
least imprudence might frustrate everything/ having been perBuaded to drink the greater por-
■
When shallI .
see youagain demanded Lord tion of the wine, affectionately bade heruncle
goodnight,and accompanied Mrs. Snacks tohex
Sidley.
 80 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
chamber, Mr. Langston having desired his house-
keeper to inform him whenMb niece hed retired
'
to bed.
.
You may leave me, Mr. Snacks,' said *our
heroine, when they had gainedher chamber ; for
Iam goingto bed directly, anddonot require you
to assist me to undress. You can tell my kind
'
uncle go. (rood night/
3ood night,God bless you, miss !' said the
hypocrite, 'and grant to you a good night's
rest.'
She left the chamber andclosed the door, but
only descended to the first landing, and con-
ceded her light; then Bhe returned on tip toe to
watch and listen. She peeped through the key-
hole and beheld, to herInfinite satisfaction, that
Evelina, insteadof undressing,hadthrown herself
into a chair, and her head was resting on her
hand, while her eyes appeared heavy and languid.
The opiate was evidently workingits effect, and
anotherminute satisfied the base woman that her
plan had succeeded, for insensibilitysteeped the
senses ofEvelioa in forgetfulness.
With a diabolical smile of exultation she des-
cended to the apartment in which she had left
her master, whom she expected to find in much
the'same condition.
Well, Saaan,'he eagerly said on hex entrance,
how
' is the dear girl? Has sheretired to bed V
She seemsbetter, sir,' answered Mrs. Snacks,
but deaired me to inform you that sheintended
'
to retire torest immediately.'
Heavenbless herI' said the old man; 'but
I feel unaccountablysleepy myself, and will seek
my couch ; you will see whether my niece re-
quires anythingbefore you retire to bed, Susan?'
'Iwill, sir,' replied Mrs S__.ka; and Mr.
Langston taking up his lamp,left the room. On
arrislug at the door of Evelina's chamber, he
paused, and gently called upou her name, hutno
I answer was returned; all was silent, and con-
cludingshe wasasleep, he once more invoked a
blessingupon her head, and walked onto his own
room.
Mrs. Snacks hadbeen eagerly listening at the
foot of the staircase, and no sooner had she heard
her master close his chamber door, than Bhe
■galasilently stole upto the apartmentof Evelina.
She listened, all waa still as the grave within the
loom, and she then ventured to open the door
and peep in. Evelina was wrappedin a torpor
al. ost lesembling death. Mrs. Snacks grinned
with fiendish satisfaction, and once more quitting
the room, she asc.nded the stairs to thebed-room
of hex maste-. She p eped in at the door; he
had thrown lj.. _elf on the bed inbis clothes, and
'
was fast asleep.
All g es well,' muttered the wretchto herself,
'nothingcould be managed better. The old fool
will not awake again till the morniDg,I'llwarrant,
andthen Evelina will be secure enough. Now
then, I wonder wheu Blackthorn and his com
panions will arrive/
She hastened to her own room, and seatedher-
self by tbe window. It was a moonlightnight,
and the could distinguish every object that
moved for some distance. She had not been long
there when she perceived a tall figure, apparently
of a man, approaching, muffled up in a large
cloak. He advanced immediately underneath
.»■ ■ ■ I su .
i
the window, andlookingup, she immediatelyre-
cognized the countenance of Blackthorn. She put
herhead out at the window, and motioned to
'
him.
'
It's all right,' she exclaimed, In a low bat
distinct tones ; both Evelina and her ancle are
In a state of stupor. Have yoa everything
'
xeady ?'
'
Yes,' was the reply ; the carriage Is waiting
at the endof the walk/
'
Where are your men ?'
1 1will Bend them instantly/
'
And I will be ready to admit them. Quick I'
Blackthorn hastened away directly, and Mrs.
Snacks hurried down the stairs with noiseless.
steps, andunbolted the hall door with the utmost
caution.
She had not to wait many seconds, before
Blackthorn againapproached accompanied by two
of the men.
1
Follow me, silently,' ' said the housekeeper,
addressing tbe men.
house, Blackthorn, I
* No,' he answered, ' supposes'
I
—
You will not enter the
will wait here lose ni
time,and aboveall,be cautious/
The ruffialna nodded to Blackthorn, aad then
entering the house, followed Mrs. Snacks up the
stairs with nolseles footsteps ; on arriving at the
chamber of our heroine, Mrs. Snacks motioned
them to stand back, and having first listened she
'
softly openedthe doorand peepedin.
'
It is all right/ she whispered, shels quite
insensible. Rsise her gently in your arms,
thoughI do not think it would bean easy task tt
arouse her/
Tbemen didas they were instructed, and rais-
ing the unfortunate girl from her chair, they
followed Mrs. Snacks an safety down Btairs to the
hall door, where Stephen Blackthorn was an.
xiously waiting them.
He cast a guarded glance around, to make sure
that thexe vas noone watchingthem, and then
grasping the hand of Mrs. Snacks vehemently,
'
he ejaculated—
Thanks, thanks 1 We triumph! Excellently
managed. I will see you in the morning/
Mrs. Snacks returned thepressure ofhis hand,
and the men havinghurried on towards the place
where the carriage was waiting,with their sense.
lets burden, Blackthorn followed them, and Mrs.
Snacks re-entered the house, and gently closing
the door after he, made her way to hex own room,
very well satisfied with hex infamous night's
work, and anticipating the rewaxd she would
xeap anon foxhex troubles.
CHAPTER XV.
THE CONSTERNATION AT THK DARK HALL.—
THE RESULT Off THE ADVENTURE.
Stephen and his companions
Blackthorn
were not many seconds in arriving at the spot
where tbe carriage was waiting. The insensible
form of Evelina was placed in it; two of the
ruffians followed, another mounted one of the
horses attached to it; and havingreceived some
fnrtber instructions from Stephen, the vehicle
was driven off with tbe greatest rapidity.
 81
EVELINA. THE PAUPER'S CHILE; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 81
Blackthorn watched ituntil it was hiddenfrom He rubbed bis bauds logetbex in the satiifac*
his view in the darkness, and he then could not tion of hls feelings as he thus spoke, and then
refrain from bursting into a loud laugh of wrapping his cloak around him, proceeded at
'
triumph.
Finely entrapped by I' the t nfflan ex-
once to the abbey.
Lord Sidley had been waiting his arrivalin a
claimed. 'Hal ha! hal how surprised she will state of suspense whichit is needless to attempt
be when she comes to her sensea 1 Oh, by my to portray ; and his mind was filled with alternate
soul, old Snacks deserves Infinite credit for the hopea acd fears ; but when he heard the beU at
way in which she baa managed this. I did not the gate pulled violently, he conjectured it was
think she was half so clever. So, ao, my dainty Stephen, and hurriedfromhis room and met him
workhouse brat, you willnever trouble me again, on the stairs. Helaidholdof his arm, and drew
ox Iam veiymuch mistaken. Poor old Langton, him into the apartment in breathless haste, and
—
he will certainly bresk his heart over this Job, having closed the door, looking eagerly In his
sure. But) must send t > hia lordship,and'makt
'
and wbat a shocking calamity tbat will be, tobe cou.tenance, he said, anxiously
—
Now,Blackthorn, for Heaven's sa_e, do not
him acquainted withthe success of our stratagem. keep me in suspense ;tellme, what news what i!
Theold fellow will go literallymad with joy/ success ?'

THE ABDUCTION OF EVELINA FROM THE DABK HALL,

rably, both the girl aud old Paul Langston are

"All tbat you could wish, my lord,' answered
drugged;and not more tban twenty minutes
"
Blackthorn.
Ay, say youso V 'eagerly cried his lordship, sioce I saw her safely placed In tbe carriage, and
Quick, quick, tell me all.' driven off to the place of her destination. Will
'
grasping hit hand.
Thegirl Is secured, and is now on her way that .
' satisfy your lordstip delightedlibertine ;
so your bouse tt Sarnscombe,' said tho ruffian
Blackthorn.
' I
Ob, yes, yes,' returnedthe
owe you an obligation, Blackthorn, which I
Lord Sidley started hastily towards him, anJ can never repay. My joy is oo great, that I can
taking hit hand in his, while be fixed upon him — scarcely contain myself. Eretina mine 1 the
sweetest creature on earth in ony power I What
'
alook of the keenest penetration, heexclaimed
bliss can go beyond tbat ? But come, ny good
* Now, on your soul, Blackthorn, is this true V
friend, let mehear the whole particulars.'
'
Canyou not take my word,mylord V angrily
demanded Stephen ; why am 1 t j bedonbted ?
1First of all, my lord, have you alittle wine

Itell you, once for all, that our plothas suc- handy f for Indeed I standin need of a drop of
ceeded beyond even my most sanguine expecta-
tions. Mrs. Snackt hat played her part admi-
'
something.'
Yes, yes,' answered theImpatient Lord Sidley,

No. 11.
 82 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
pointingto whereitstood. Blackthorn, without
ceremony, helped himself, and then wiped the
perspiration fromhisforehead, whichhad gathered
there from thehaste with whichhehad walkedto
theabbey.
■ And now,' saidhis lordship, 'do not keep
me any longer Insuspense, I pray you.'
'Why, my lord,' replied Blackthorn, 'Ican
tell youno more than I bave done already.'
'
1ButIam so eager to hear every particular
connected with the affair, that
1Well, well,' interrupted Stephen, 'since it
Is your JordBhip'spleasure, I will tell you.'
He thes related to his anxious listener allthose
particulars (atleast, as far as he had been able to
glean from Mrs. Snacks during his brief inter-
view with her,) with which the reader is already
acquainted; and, when he had concluded, hls
'
lordshiponce more graspedhis hand, and said
— at being so suddenlyand unexpectedly torn from
Stephen Blackthorn, you have proved your.
self to be one of my best friends; this intelli-
gence hasrenderedme the very happiest fellow
lnexistence. Oh, what blisshave I not now a
right to anticipateis in store ser me 1'
' Why, yes, your lordship,' replied Stephen,
'Imust say that you havemuch reaaon to rejoice,
for Evelina Marsden is a maiden oi superlative
charms, and willrendex you au invaluable mis-
trees. AllI hopels that you will keep hex to
yourself, and not suffer her to annoy me ag.In.'
4 Oh, youneed not fear that,Blackthorn,'
' said
LordSidley. Iwill watch her as carefully as if
she wereamine of gold.'
'That's enough; I shall depend npon yonr
promise.'
'You may. But the woman who has ren-
deredus such invaluable aid in oui plot must
not'gounrewarded.'
Why, that no doubt she will be willing to
leave* Betoit youx lordship'sgenerosity.'
so, and she shall have no cause to re-
pent her confidence. I shall probably see her
before long.'
'Most likely.'
'
But should the opiate not be strong enough,
and Evelina should recover her senses in time
raise an alarm ?' suggested his lordship.
to ' *
Pshaw,my lord,' cried Blackthorn, o*" what
use is it entertaining these apprehensions? Mrs.
Snacks would be sure to administer a sufficient
dose ; besides, if Bte should recover from the
effects of It before they reach their journey's
end, the men I have employed will know how to
''
deal withher.'
I hopethey will not use any violence ?'
Oh no; I have strictly enjoined them not to
nee any more violence than may be absolutely
necessary to silence ber cries. They will not
attempt to disobey my injunctions.'
fI am all anxiety to feast my eyes on the
bright treasure thus * thrown into my possession,'
said Lord Sidley, and will not delay my depar-
ture to Sarnscombe any longer than the day after
to-morrow.'
*I
would advise you not to go so soon,my
lord,' said Blackthorn.
' ! Wuy V demandedhis lordship.
' It might excite suspicion.'
*
Ho could!.? Who would dare to suspect
me ? No, no; I ca- not delay my depaxlure any
longer, for my brain will be on fire until IBhall
once more beholi her who has so captivated my
senses.1
'Bat will not your lordship's son,should he
return, think
' your absence from the abbey
strange.
'And what matters what he thinks?' said
'
Lord Sidley; he knows better than to question
ray conduct. However,Iwill leave aletter for
him, in which I willinform him that I am called
is uncertain when I may return. I
impossible to leave Evelina for some time not
—
by sudden business to the continent, and that it
Bhall find it
until I may have succeded in some measuxe in
subduingher indignation, and abating the vio-
lence of that grief she will he sure to experience,
her venexable relative. Oh, Blackthorn, I
picture to myself what the distraction of that
easily
old man will be, when he discovers the loss of
his beautiful niece.'
'Serve him right,' ejaculated Blackthoxn;
1the old dotard,
what business had he with re-
morse, after so many years of hardened villany?
I trust the loss of his niece will break hia heart,
andthen his gold will fall into the possession of
one who will know how to make use of It, and
to enjoyhimself with it.'
' 'Ay,ay, friendBlackthorn,' said Lord Sidley,
you will know how to spend the wealth which
old Paul Langston has been at sneh pains to
accumulate, well enough,I haveno doubt, and
I wish you every success. But you may want
money for present use; so take this purse,and
when we meet again we vill settle about the
final reward to yourself and those who have
assisted us In the plot.'
* Which hadbetterbe done before youleave the
abbey, my lord,' obsexved Blackthorn; 'short
reckonings make long friends, you know,and
the fellows would notbe very well sati fled,
unless Iwere prepared to settle with them on
''
their return from their expedition.' |
Very well, be it so,' returned his lordship;
It matters not to me ;so we will settle this '
business to-morrow.' j
* Very good,
' my lord.'
But I no accident will occurto them on
hope
'
theroad todefeat our plan .'
Oh, do not alarm yourself, mylord, there is
notmuch dangex of that. They will txavel by
tbe most unfrequentedroute, and besides, thexe
Is nothing ia the appearance of the vehicle to
excite any curiosity.'
'Very true; but still you cannot wonder,
Blackthorn, under all circumstances, that
£
should betortured by mingledoubts, hopes, and
'
fears.'
Why,' to be sure, that is all reasonable
enough, answered his companion; 'but to-
morrow will set your doubts at rest, and when
the men return, you will findthat your apprehen-
sions are groundless, andthat Evelinais eatlrely
in your power.
1 Well, I will endeavour to think so, Black-
thorn.'
'And you will find that my words will he
verified,' replied the .atter. < You say
that the
'
houee at Sarnscombe is very retired?'
Itis situated in one of the moat secluded
 OK, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 83
spots that can be imagined; it would have been all the resistance she will be sure to make, and
utterly impossible to have selected a placebetter the bitter reproaches she will heap upon my
adapted to my purpose. I have not regularly head, she must yield to my wishes. What can
Inhabited it for many years, only visiting it saveber ? Nothing,nothingI Oh, this Is the
occasionally, when I have been on shooting ex- greatest triumphIhave evex achieved, and I
cursions. Itis inhabited by three faithful ser- know not scarcely how tocontain my feelings of
vants, whose integrity I can safely depend on, ecatasy. She is now far on her way to Sarns-
and to whom I haveforwarded every necessary combe, and if fortune does not frown upon the
instruction, as regards Evelina, iu the letter Iplot,after it has proceeded thus far successfully,
'
committed to yonr care.' before the morning dawns she will be secure
But did you not before prepare them for the within the walls of my lonely mansion, where
'
girl's reception?'
'
Oh, yes,' answered Lord Sidley, imme- But I
the most penetrating eye cannot discover her.
must be certain that Westbourne does not
diately after you andI had concocted our plans.' become acquainted with what I have done, or I
» That is well,my lord,' remarked Blackthorn, am certain, that notwithstanding my parental
' for it would have been a bad plan to have authority,he wouldnot fail to do his best to
omitted doing so, and suffer them to be taken release her, and torestore her to her venerable
by surprise. But it is late, and Imust Bee relative. Itis strange that asonof mine should
about returning home ; I will see you to morrow, be so squeamish about honour. But I suppose,
my lord, after visiting the hall, to see what be will learnbetter as he grows older. How-
effect the loss of Evelina will have upon the old ever, it is a fortunate thing that he is out of the
man.'' '
Ah I* ejaculated Lord Sidley, I
way at present, or he might have presented au
can picture obstacle to the accomplishment of my designs.
tt myselfhia distraction ; his vain endeavours to I know he entertains no very good opinion of
form a conjecture as to where she is gone,or StephenBlackthorn; and the frequent visits of the
'
into whose pow.r she has fallen.' latter, within the last few days, and our being
The plot has been so well managed through- closeted together, might have excited his suspi-
out, that he cannothave the least idea,' observed cions, and led to some unpleasant discovery.
Blackthorn; 'and Ihave behaved towards Ob, how anxiously do I await the return of the
Evelina lately with such marked respect, that it men, that I may ascertain all the particulars.
would be strange indeed if she suspected tbat IShould Evelina after all escape, the disappoint-
am'at all Implicated in the outrage.' ment will be more than I can endure. But no,
No doubt, every means will be usad that Iwill not torture myself with such ideas. My
prudence cansuggest to trace her, andtodiscover plans have so far succeeded, and nothingnow
'
the authorsof the plot.'
And to no purpose,' returned Blackthorn,
can thwart them.'
Inthis state ofmind the abandoned nobleman
'if yon only act, my lord, according to my ad- remained for some time, before he thoughtof
vice.'
'Which retiring to his chamber, and when he did bo,
you shall find me do to the very and threw himself upon his couch,it was iuvain
letter,'said hia lordship. 'The men you have that he endeavoured to court sleep. His breast
employed,you say, may be dependedon, and are waa too much agitated by conflicting ideas to
not likely to be temptedby any reward that may suffer him torest, aud again he arose, and tra-
be 'offered ?' versed bis chamber, until the first dawn of day
They will not, Iam certain, while your peeped in at the wiudow.
lordship continues toact liberallytowards them.'
* They Mrs. Snacks, in her own apartment, continued
shall have no cause to complain of me to exult in the tuccess of hex schemes, and to
in that respect. If they remain faithful to me, picture to herself the future sufferings of the
they will find me an employer whose favour it unfortunate Evelina,and her .ged uncle. She
may be to theirinterest to keep, and I may often had, from the first introduction of the poor girl
require their services again.'
'Exactly '
so,my lord,' said Blackthorn ; and
into the house, felt the deepest hatred and jea-
lousy towards her, and she was fully resolved
my word for it,you will find them just the men that nothingshould be wanting,on hex part, to
for your purpose, whatever it may be.* bring her toruin and misery ;bat, now that they
After some other conversation of no impor- had succeeded In removing her, and that in so
tance, Blackthorn and his lordship separated, ingenious a manner, that not the smallest sus-
and the former bent his steps towards his home, picion coaid attachitself to them, her triumph
revolving in his mind, with feelings of exulta-
tion, the successful adventures of the night,and
'
knew no bounds.
She will never trouble us again,' she solilo-
anticipating the future triumphof his vlllanons quised, 'for Lord Sidleyis not tbe sort of man
designs. to be daunted in his designs. She must become
After he had departed from the abbey.Lord the victim ofhis evil passions, and shame and
Sidley continued to pace his apartment for some grief will then certainly break her heart. Oh,
time, and laughed aloud In the delight of his the plot is an excellent one, and could not have

'C ever fellow

feelings.
to
' 1 shrewd villain!' he muttered
himaelf. How excellently has he managed
this stratagem, and bow much do Ifeel myself
indebted to him ! I feel satisfied that the beau-
teous girl is now mine, an . that nothieg can
reicue her lrom my power, and that, in spite of
been better worked out. Old Paul, too this,
unexpectedcalamity will certainlyprovehis death
blow, and then there will be no further obstacle
to the completion of my wishes and those of
Blackthorn. Of course, he will not fail to keep
hia promise to me? Oh no, I can depend upon
him ;besides, I have him in my power; aal
 84 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
should heventure to attempt to deceive me, 1
should carry my revenge io far as to woik his
sleepssoundly, from the ______
luin. All ia still. The old man, no doubt, still
of the drug, and
little dreams of what has happened. He will go
mad when he discovers tbe fatal truth. Serve
him right for becoming humane and benevolent
in hisold age. BahI'
As tbe guilty woman thus spoke, Bhe once
more took up the lamp,and with silent bteps
ascended the stain. She entered the chamber
lately occupied by the unfortunate Evelina, and
here she again gave vent to her feelings of de-
'
moniacal triumph.
"
Poor thing, poor thing,' said the heartless
wretch, ironically; and yet it is a pity tublight
such happyprospectB, to annihilate the bright-
formed hopes of future fortune which she had
no doubt encouraged. Ah, well, we are all sub-
ject to disappointmentsin tbe course, of our lives
and, of course, she cannot be expected to
go without her share ; but, after all, will she
not be the mistress of a nobleman ? Yes,
and that Isa very great honour for the offspring
of a felon, and the recent inmate os a work-
house/
Au expression perfectly unearthly overspread
the woman's features as she gave utterance to
these observations, andthen she quitted theroom
and proceeded to that in whichher master slept.
She listened when she got to the door, and,
hearing him breathe heavily, she was satisfied
thathe had not yet slept oil the effects of the
opiate ; she therefore ventured to open the door,
andfound him stretched upon the bed In the
same posture as whenshe hadlast seen him.
Mrs. Smack smiled with satisfaction, and
after contemplating him in silence for a few
seconds, she oncemore quitted the room, and
retired to her own chamber. Here she again
gave free indulgence to the inhuman feelings
which held possession of her mind. She fully
preparedherself for what was sure to take place
in the morning, when the disappearance of
Evelinashouldbe discovered and alreadypictured
to herself the frenzy of Mr. Langaton, when
heshould become acquinted with hls irreparable
loss.
At length,it being long past midnight, and
Mrs. Snacks feeling at length exhausted with
thinking, and the unusual excitement shehad
undergone,did seek her bed;butIt was some
time before she could go to sleep, and then the
dreams of the guilty womanwere anything but
of a pleasant description.
It was juststrikingthree o'clock before Mr.
Langston recovered from the effects of the
opiate, and the lamp was still burning ou the
table, wherehe had placed it when he entered
the chamber. He felt a cold shivering Inall hls
llmbe, and, passing hls hands across his temples,
he at first had no e .act recollection as to where
be was. Ina moment or two, however, he re-
covered himself,and, starting up, looked around
him with Borne amazement.
* Not '
undressed1' he exclaimed ; what can be
the meaning of this? and I must bave slept
many hours, forit will apparently soon be day-
light. Ah! I recollect now; Ifelt strangely
overpowered byBleep on entering my chamber,
and must have thrown myself unconsc!ousTy
upon the bed without undressing,and even now
will try to snatch an
I feel drowsy and stupid;I
hour or two's repose.'
The old man undressed hlmBelf, and entering
the bed, was soononce more wrapped in sound
repose. But fearful visions haunted his imagi-
nation, and rendered his Bleep anything but re-
freshing, and he awoke in very little more than
an hourin astate of great agitation.
He endeavoured to recal the particulars of his
dreams to hia recollection, but they were so sin-
gular and so unconnected that he gave up the
effortin c'eapair. Hecould onlyremember that
Evelina held a prominent part in them, and
when he recollected her depression of spirits on
the previous day, he could not help feeling coa*
sideiab'e uneasiness, and amelanchol > foreboding
of he scarcely knew what, entered his bosom,
Being no _- nearly five o'clock, it was broad
daylight,and Mr. Langston not seeling disposed
to go to sleep again, arose and dressed himself,
resolving to take a walk, thinking the air m'ght
do hi_i good, as he felt a violent headache j
On arriving at the chamber-door of our he-
roine,
' he '
paused to listen. All wasstill.
Dear girl!' he ejaculated. She still, doubt-
less, Bleeps soundly ;may all good angels watch
around her pillow,and render her dreams those
of happiness and of hope. God send that this
night'srest may tend to restore her to hex ac-
customed health and spirits.'
He walked on, and, quitting the house, en-
tered the long poplar walk that commenced a
little beyond the garden wall.
Themorning.air came fresh and invigorating,'
and Mr. Langston felt much better aa hepro-}
ceeded. The birds were just beginning to tune
their little throats, and presently carolled forth
tbelr morning lay. Att around was calm and
beautiful, and harmou'zed with the feelings of
Mr. Langston, who continued his ramble, not
thinkingtoreturn till the hour of breakfast, when
he hoped to meetEvelina, greatly refreshed by
her night'srepose. Alas, how little did he anti- i (
clpate the misery and disappointmentwhich was
in store for him.
Wrappedin profound meditation he had fixed
,
his eyes on the ground, when, proceeding still
alongthe avenue, hejperceived somethingglitter-
ingin the grais. He stooped and picked It up. It
waB a goldbracelet with a diamond clasp, and
his amazement may very well be imagined, when
he discovered thatIt was the very bracelet worn
by Evelina, and whichhe hadhimself made hex
'
a present of only a few weeksbefoxe.
GraciouB heaven!'exclaimed Mr. Langston,
turning very pale, andhis Upa quivering; what
"
i« the meaningof this ? and how came this trinket
here? I am certain that I saw it onthe arm of
my niece when she retired to her chamber last
night. There ls some terrible mystery in this
which I cannot fathom, and a stiange misgiving
comes over myheart. But surely nothing can
have happened.
chamber. I
Eveline must be secure in ber
willreturnhome, andbanish at oaee
these fearful thought..'
Againhe examined the bracelet minutely, to
be certain that he was not mistaken ;but he was
thoroughly convinced, from tho inspection, that
 OR, POVERTT, CRIME, AND SORROW. 85
he wasnot, aadhe turned back and retraoed hls '
—
'She is gone she Is gone I'again sobbed Mrs.
steps with all possible speed to thehall. Snacks. I found the chamber empty, as you
He rang the bell at the gate, but It was several seeit now, when I entered it, and the bed has
minutei before it wasanswered, and his patience evidentlynever been slept In. Oh, dear, what
was nearlyexhausted, when Mra. Snacks made ever could induceher to abandon her home in
her appearance, and seemeJ not a little asto-
'
this manner V
nished to behold him at that early hour of the
morning.
* Has my niece left hex chambex yet —
not again to repeat tbat word. My child— my
— —
V he Evelina voluntarily abandon her home her
—
Woman !' criedMr. Langston, fiercely, dare
'

'
eagexly Inquired.
Dear me, no,
aged xelitlve oh, never,never 1 it were mon-
sir,' answered Mrs. Snacks, strous to imaginesuch a thing. But she can*
'consider how early it is, and as she was so nothave quitted tbe hall1 Evelina1 Evelina I
poorlylast night,she will probably feel Inclined for the love ofHeaven come to me, or I shall go
to lie an hour er two later this morning, which mid !'
itis to be hoped will do the dear young lady The distracted old man rushed all over the
'
good.' house, calling wildlyupon her na Tie, and Mrs.
'
Susan,' said Mr. Langston, hastily, ashe en- Snacks followed his example. Bat when he
tered the ball, do you notknow this bracelet ?' discovered that she wa., Indeed, nowhere about

'
ejaculated
—
Mrs. Snacks stared at the bracelet with themansion, he threw himself on his knees, in a

Why, surely that must be Miss Evelina's

—
much astonishment and some confusion, andthen paroxysm of grief, and clasping his hands toge-
ther, sobbed bitterly.
'Oh, God! oh, God 1' he groaned; 'this
'
bracelet, sir.'
It Is,' said Mr.
'
Langston, the one I myself
blow Is more than Ican bear; what base trea-
chery has been st work here? My poor child-
presented her. IpickedItup justnow la the she whom I
'
poplax walk.'
Impossible,sir/ said Mrs. Snacks, * fox the
— hoped to be the prop of my declin-
ing years— is gone from me. She would neve*
never leave me of her own accord. Tell mei
young lady had it on her wrist, I'll b wear, last woman ; did you not hear any noise in the
nigbt, when she xetired to rest. night V
'Yes, yes,'
said Mr. Lanston, with much agi- 'Oh, lord, no, sir,' said Mrs. Snacks. 'I
tation, 'I, myself, saw it there;and yet I but heard nothingat all. After I had left you, and
just now found it inthe place Ihave mentioned. seen the doors secured, I retired to rest, and
Thereis some fearful mystery Inthis which must being rather fatigued, I sleptsoundly. But how
be immediately solved. Are you certain that eould any one have gainedan entrance lute the
'
Evelina has not left the hall this
Oh, I
morning?'
am quite positive, sir ;it is not likely
"
house?'
I will immediately alarm the whole neigh-
she* would do such a thing,so poorly as she was.' bourhood,' exclaimed the frantic old man, start-
Hasten to her chamber, then, immediately, ing to his feet, and his countenance 'exhibiting
andbanish this suspense by ascertaining whsther all the wild expression of a madman. Wretch s
shehas risen yet.' shall not depriveme of her whom I love dearer
'I will, sir,' answered the housekeeper, with than my own life. Evelina ! Evelina! oh,
well feignedalacrity, and walked up the stairs, where a* tbou ?'
whle her master enteredhis study,and throwing Thus Baying, tbe poor old gentlemanrushed
himself into a ohalr, awaited her xeturn with from the hall, much to the relief and amaze-
much Impatience and many misgivings. ment of the wretch, Mrs. Snacks, who, as soon
Now was the time for Mrs. Snicks to complete as he had left the place, threw herself into a
the plot ; and she had no sooner entered the ohalr, and b arstInto a convulsive fit of laughter,
chamber than she gaveutterance to a piercing which was some minutes before it subsided, and
scxeam of terror, which reached the ears of Mr. then not till the worthy woman's face was red,
beheldher ashe imaginedin a dreadful state of she"had undergone.
agitation, and about to faint. He cast h is eyes
—
Langston, who rushed terrified up stairs ; he black, andblue, with the violence of the exertion
'
Capital excellent !' she exclaimed ; I de-
towards the bed, and beholding It empty, his clare it's as good as a play. Oh dear, oh dear I
heart sank within him; and he eagerly de- I never expected halt such sport as this. The
manded—
* old fool may callupon his datingEvelina 111 he
Where's your young mistress? Where's my ruptures a blood-vessel, and ahe will not hear
beloved niece ?" him. She is far enough off by this time. Oh
4 Oh, dear Ioh, dearIoh, dear I* groanedMrs. dear, I shall certainly never get over this jo_e.
Snacks, wringinghex hands, and xoMing hex body What eould ever bave been managed more
* actually deserve a fortune for my
to and fro, that ever I should live to aee thb cleverly? I
dayl Oh, the dear child1 Oh, thesweet deax ingenuity. H>w amused Blackthorn will bo
young lads 1' when hehears of it. He,he, he! Now, if the
'
'Speak, woman1' cried the distracted Mr. old fellow should take it into bis head to drown
Langston; where ls Evelina?1 or hang himself, in hii despair, that wltl com-
1

hypocrite
'
God of heaven only knows, air,' replied tho plete the joke. The bracelet must have been
; sheis gone 1 sheis gone _' disengaged from her wristin conveying her to
* Gone!'repeated Mr. Langston, gazing wildly the carriage, f_r I'm certain she had It on when
'
and eagerly around the chamber ; there Is she retired to her chamber last night. Well,
some mockery in this. What has become of ray eo far,at any rate, our plot haa met with much
poor child !' greater success than I could have anticipated;
 86 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

and if the girl should, by any accident, bere- her parents would be a fruitless task. It seemed
stored to her crazy old uncle, which I trust she tobe scarcely possible that such a calamitycould
guilty
will not, the least suspicion cannot fall upon havetaken place :lor who couldhave been
either I or Blackthorn, as we have not been at of so daring and cruel an outrage ? and by what
all in the matter. I did not think I was half so means could the villains have gained admittance
clever a hypocrite though.' to the haH, or have succeeded ln bearing Evelina
Itwill be Been by this, that tbe amiable Mrs. away without her cries alarming Mr. Langston
Snacks had much underratedher intrinsic qua- or hi. housekeeper ? A few minutes of the most
lifications, a thing quite common with ether intense agony followed, and none of them wexe
modest andunassumingindividuals inthe world. Ina condition to endeavourto Impart consolation
Having indulgedin these little exclamations of to the wretched Mr.Lingston.
delight, MrB. Snacks refreshed herself with a Helen wept bitterly and wrang her hands'with
glass of brandy, and prepared herself to receive anguish, and painfully did she recall to her
Mr. Langston in a becoming manner ou hiB memory the melancholyforebodings of oor he*
return to the ball. rolne the day before. It was some time ere they
Inthe meantime, the distractedPaul Langaton could form the least conjecture as to the best
With hishands clasped to his burning temples, course to adopt ;but at length, Mr. Selborn
andgroaningloudly, dashed alongtheroad which suggested thatit would be prudent to make the
led to the residence of Mr. Selborn, where he magistrates acquainted with the circumstance
arrived shortly, and just as the farmer was without delay, so that tbe most vigilantinquiries
emerging from the house, and was about to cross might be immediately set on foot. Mr.Langston
the yard. then expressing a desire to returnhome, Mr. Sel-
Surprised to behold Mr. Langston so early, born accompanied him to the hall, where he waB
and at tbe wildness of his demeanour, Mr. taken so ill that his fenses leit him, and he was
Selborn was fearful that something serious had instantly conveyed to bed, and his medical
happened,andimmediately hastened toopen the advisor was called in. Shortly after this, the
gate, and give him admittance. He had no villain Stephen Blackthorn arrived at the hall,
sooner done so than Mr. Langston staggered and upon being made acquainted with what had
towards him, ansi, grasping his arm, was unable happened, 'he evinced much astonishment and
'
to give utterance to anythingbut a groan. excitement, and pretended to question MrB.
For Heaven's sake, Mr. Langston, what is Snacks very narrowly.
'
the matter ?' demanded Selborn, with breathless
haste.
'
'This is a most mysterious snd melancholy
Somethingserious must have happened affair,' he observed, andI am at a perfect loss
to agitate yon thus. Pray, do not keep me io to form a conjectureupon the subject. I could
suspense, but tellme what it is.' not have believed that the amiable Evelinacould
'My child, my Evelina!1 gasped forth the have had an enemy in the world, after leaving
'
wretched man. that wretched asylum where it was her hard lot
But It seems to
Ah1 what'Say,of her V hastily inquired Mr. to pass her days of childhood.
Selborn. she ill?'
* 111, illI Oh,isshe me impossible that the villains, whoever they
has left me. No, no, she may be, can escape long, and immediate steps
has not left me of ber own free will. She was must be taken to discovex them and bringthem
—
t Jo foad, too virtuouB, to do that. Some villains to justice, and to restore the poor girl to her
havetorn her from me. She is gone she ls friends. MrB.Snacks, see after your master, to
gone' ! Oh, God1' whom I feax this will pxove a death-blow, and I
'
Gone !' cried the astonished andalarmed Mr. will immediately wait on the magistrates and
Selborn. Ob,
mistake in this.'
impossible. '
There must be some obtain their assistance.'
And if you have no objection, sir, I will ac-
'
\\ Mr.Langston impatiently shook hia head, but company you,'said Mr.Selborn.
'could notreturn any answer, and Mr. Selborn,
■
'
taking his arm, supportedhim into the parlour, and I
As you pleaae, sir,' answered Blackthorn,
thank you in the name of my father-in-
and placed him in a chair. Helen and her law, for the interest you take in this business.'
mother were there, and, with anxious looks, Blackthorn and Mrs. Snacks exchanged looks
they iQQulred the cause of Mr. LangBton's vio- with one another, unperceived by Mr. Selboxn,
lent emotion. and then they quitted the Hall.
'My child I my poor Evelina!' at length Having made the magistrates actual .ted with
'
sobbed the poorold man, aud tears chased each allthe particulars, Blackthorn and Mr. Selborn
other down his venerable cheeks. Last night separated, promising each other to bo indefati-
sheretired to her chamber very poorly, as Helen gable intheir endeavours to discover the villains
knows she had been allthe day; this morning Iand to restore Evelina to ber distracted uncle.
walked forth early, and picked up her braceletin Tho plausiblemanner ol Blackthorn quite de-
the poplar walk, althoughshehad it on hex wrist ceived Mr. Selborn, and did away with many
when weseparated last night. I returned home, prejudices which he had previously imbibed
and on my housekeeper repairing to her room, against him.
toascertain whether she badrisen, it was found Selborn returned to the hall, and found his
tbat she had dial ppeaxed, and that her bed had daughter there, and ia an excited state of feel*
never been slept in. Oh, God 1 have mercy on ing which may be vexy readily imagined. As
me, and suffer me to retain my seusesunder this for Mr. Langston, he was still in a state
of
dreadful calamity.' insensibility, aod the doctor expressed serioua
Todescribe the astonishment and horror this apprehensions at the Bhock his feellugs had
brief account caused ia the bosoms of Helen and sustained.
 POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
Blackthorn, after he quitted Selborn, made
his way to the abbey,chuckling with deUght at
the favourable aspect of affairs, and entertaining
strong hopes that Mr. Langston would never
xecovei the loss of that fair girl on whom he had
fixed the whole of his affections.
'The fates promise to favour me,' ' he mut-
tered to himself, as he walked on; and Idid
not expect tobe halfso successful. Thegirl,no
doubt, is by this time in safety, and where they
will find it a difficult matter to discover her.
She must never appear to trouble me again. Oh,
no,I will take good caxe of that ;or, if she even
should escape, before then, old Langston will
probablybe no more, and I shall have secured
to myself tbe whole ofhis property. I shallhave
no reason to fear her then, and ifshe can obtain
her liberty she may and welcome for me. Mother
Snacks has well playedher part, or we should
never havebeen able most likely to have put
our plans into execution. She deserves a good
reward, and I willnot be worse than my word
with her,in one respect, but lfshe expects I
sincere Intheother promises I
am
have made hex,
Bhe is a fool.'
On arriving at the abbey he wa« instantly
shown into the presence of Lord Sidley, who
received him with much eagerness and plea-
sure.
1Well, '
Blackthorn/ he inquired, have yon
' '
heard anythingfrom the hall ?'
Ay,'replied Stephen, I
was there not more with a
87
'You have every reason to be, my lord,'
replied Blackthorn. 'JoeElBby and his com-
panions would use all the expeditionthey could,
and probably arrivedat tbe place of their desti-
nation before daylight this morning.'
'Andif they did, I may hope fox their return
between
' this and the evening.'
' You may.'
I await it with the utmost anxiety, and if
they use promptitude, Iwill make them an
extrareward to that which I have already pro-
'
mised them.'
They will lose ' no time far their own sakes,'
said Stephen ; but talking about the reward,
my lord,it will be as well to settle that business
'
at once.'
Very well,' said Lord Sidley. 'Here is the
moneyI agreed to pay them, which I will leave
to you to settle with them ; as for yourself, I
must leave you to name your own sum, and any-
thingwithin the bounds of reason,I am ready
to give you.'
*
'
What is between you and I,my lord,' re-
marked Blackthorn, we willsettle another time.
But there is another who needs some guarantee
of your gratitude, for the active part she has
taken ln our plot."
'Mrs. Snacks?'
' 1 The same.'
Ay, I am indeed greatly Indebted toher, aud
I request you to ask her acceptance of this purs?,
promise that Iwill remember her hand-

state ofinsen .ibility.'

'
than an hour ago, and left old Langston in a somely another time.'
The fool parts most freely with is money,'
' '
And they have no suspicion f I mean Lang- thought Blackthorn; probably thinking that by
ston andthose friends of his, Selborn, is not that right ' it belongs tohis iutended victim.'
'
theirname ?'
' Anl now,' said Stephen, 'are you still
Suspicion?' repeated Langston; certainly resolvedto depart yourself for Sarnscombe to-
not ;bow is It likely they can have ? The morrow ?'
business was managed too cleverly for that, I 1That dependsupon the time when the fellows
have pretended tbe greatest affliction at the return, and theIntelligencethey bring,' hislord-
mysterious disappearance of the girl, andmyself ship replied.
and Selborn have been to inform the magistrates 1For my part,' observed Blackthorn, 'I think

of what has taken place, and to obtain their as- you had muchbettet defer your journey for a day
sistance in the capture of the villains who have or two. Should you absent yourself too soon,
'
committed this daring outrage.' ' some suspicion mightbe excited against you.'
Ha!ha Iha !* laughedLord Sidney, andof
coarse you heartily hoped they might succeed, _
'Ido not veay ' well seehow it
Lor Sidley, besides I
can,' returned
cannot rest until I have
'
Blackthorn?' had an interview with tbe lovely Evelina, and
' '
Certainly,* coincided Blackthorn, with an poured forth my passion ather feet.'
ironical smile, but you must acknowledge, my Itis not at all unlikely that the grief and
lord, that this p'ot has been managed with re- horror she will naturally experience at being
markable
' Ingenuity.' ' thus torn from her home, will render her in a
Yea,' returned his lordship, thanks to you, condition not fit to behold you, and you must
my friend, whom I shall never forget. But I allow her some time to recover herself, or yon
with charge.'
'
wonder if the men arrived safe at Sarnscombe cannot expect to accomplish your wishes.'
There Is some reason in tbat, certainly, but
' their precious
to prevent them? The hour was late;
—
There is not much fear of that. What was still my impatience is insupportable. Another
there think should my eon return, Ishould not be
were bat few person, about, a rtainlynone who able to effect my departure with so much safety.
would take any notice .,. 'hem; and the However, we will wait the return of the meo,
road they were to travel is l.nely and un- and then we will talk farther upon this subject.
frequented. Even If Evelina should have I hope no accident will occur to prevent them
recovered from the effects of the drug that had reaching
been administered to hex, wbich it is not very
* Whatthe placeof their destination.'
shoald occar V demanded Bl.ckthoro,
likely taat she would, there would most likely impatiently.
' don't
beno one to hear her cries for help, or to fly to
her'assistance.' ship,
'
I know how It la,' answered his lord-
but I cannot get rid of some misgivings
I feel a little more assured on these coast' that * will beset my mind.'
derations,' said Lord Sidley. Pshaw !my lord, this Is ridiculous. There
 88 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.

is no fear ofthe men, whohave often been en- were made to console him and to insptre him
gaged infar more desperate jobs fian thi*. Bat withthe hope that Providence would watch over
_ heroine, and shortly restore her
I must depart, aud return oncemore to the hall, .n protect out
to see how old Langston gets on; I only hope In safety to his arms. '
1Oh, no, not' he sighed, I shall neverbehold
tbat this will prove his death-blow, and thenmy
her again, or ifI do, it will be under such cir-
"
fortune le secure.'
Where are you to meet tho men V cumstances that I shudder with horror to con-
4 At oar usual place ofrendezvous. They will template. The miscreant, whoever he Is, his
Sarntcombe, according to laid his plaas too deeply to be under arty appre-
leave the carriage at
instructions, and walk back, so that it is not hension of deteotion until he has accomplished
likely they can return here much before night.' his brutal desires ;and the shame and misery
'And you will call upon me Immediately after of tbe poor girl willbe effected. Oh, God Iand
you hsve seen them, to let me know what suc- could not her innocence escape pollution? What
—
cess they have met with, will you not?' asked has she done, that oruel fate should thus relent-
his lordship. lessly pursue her ? Evelina, should you Indeed
Blackthorn replied Inthe affirmative, and then fall a victim to the inhuman seducer, It will
took his leave, and once more bent his course break myheart, and I shall look forward to the
towaxds the hall, pondering with much satisfac- tomb asmy only goal of hope. May the corses
tion upon the present aspect of his affairs. of outraged Heaven descend upon the wretch or
He found Mr. Langston in a most deplora- wretches whohave done this !'
ble condition, still quite insensible, and raving Stephen Blackthorn who was present when the
ln the most mslanoholy manner. He was distracted old man made nae of these observations,
attended by Mrs. Selborn, much to the annoy- concealed his real feelings with wonderful ability,
anc. of Mrs. Snacks, who was, however, and evenreciprocated Mr. Langstoa'emalediction.
"ompelled to stifle her vexation, aud pretend to So well did the villain play his part, that every
bemnch obliged to her for the solicitude she one who saw hi n was deceived, aad whatever
evfnosd in her matters misfortunes, and the prejudices they might previously have enter-
assistance she rendered her. Blackthorn affected tained against him, they were now completely
ti bs deeply concerned at toe situation of r.moved by the apparent sincerity of his man-
the old gentleman, and was not at all sparing ner.
of his curses upon tbe headi of the villains Oh,how the mlacreant exulted at the success
who had committed so daring end inhuman a of hia nefarious schemes so far, and he enter*
deed; but it need not be aald that he ear- tained the strogest hopes that tbe shock would
nestly wished that everymoment would be Mr. havesuoh aaeffect upon the system of old Paul
Langaton slost. Langstoo, that be wouldnever recover from II;
Tha magistrates had lost no time la taking and then Indeed his __rtune was made. Who
the proper steps for the detection of the villains, was t,_ stand between him and the old mau'i
and the recovery of our heroins ; but hitherto wealth? Heknew very will, from what Mrs.
they hadnot been enabled tu gain the least Infor Snacki had communicated to him, and which
matlon, and it seemed not at all unlikely, eo indulgence she had gained by her usual prying
cleverly had the plot been contrived, that it syatem, that Paul had made a will la favour of
wouldremain, for some time at lent, InvolvedIn Evelius ;that will he had everyhopeof abstract-
_
myatery. It waa strange by what means ingfrom Ita depository, and substitutinganother
the perpetrators of the outrage bad obtained which he ha already forged, and which in the
access tv the house, for none of the entrances event of tbe old man's death, wouldestablish his
had been forced, and all the doors w_re found claim to all he possessed without de put.'.
the same In the morning as they had been se-
.
But moat anxiously did the villain wait the
cured outhe night before. Suspicion never for return of Joe Eiaby and his companions. Iu
a moment rested on Mrs. Snacks, who was gene- spite of all his assorts to the oontrary, he eould
rally believed to be a very faithful servant".o not help having some misgivings as to tbe result
Mr. Langaton, and thua every one who reflected Of their plot ; and yethe could not account for
on the circumstance became lost in the maze of such thoughts entering his breast. The opiate
fruitless conjecture, and give up the task in des- which had been administered to E7ellna by Mrs.
pair. Thus were Blackthorn and Mrs. Snaoks Snacks, would, no doubt, maintain Its effect for
left to exult in secret at the success of th.ir a considerable time, and until tbey had arrived
diabolical schemes. at the place of their destination ; and evenifshe
Great waa the aeguish of theaffectionateHelen should recover, they would know how
at this unexpectedcalamity ; and many were tha with her, and prevent her
to deal
cries from bringing
tears ahe ahed when she thought of the uncer- any assistance, although it was not likely that
tain fataof our heroine. In vain she tried to she coald de so considering the liteness of the
imagine Into whose hands ahe had fatleu, but hoar,and the lonelyand unfrequented route they
■he waB unable tu fix upon any one the slightest purposed to travel. Of their fidelity, he enter-
suspicion ; and as the day advanced, andstill not tained not the least doubt, as he bad
tbe least intelligence could be gainedof thepoor
triedIt on
frequent importint occaslonB h.fore, and they
girl,Helen's anxiety andapprehensionsIncreased, had never failed to accomplish
their designs with
and she formed all binds of fruitleis conjectures, the greatest ability, which they
and gsve her up as entirelylost. weremore likely
than ever now to do, as they had the promise of
Mr. Langston's senses were restored to him, ao much larger a reward than they
and then hls sufferings became tbe more acute, the habit of receiving. had been in
and be was completelydeaf to all the efforts that After Blackthorn bad pasted some time with
EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 89
Mr. Langaton, and by the anxiety he evinced in Evelina not be restored to him. She is secure
tbe restoration of Evelina, completely winning enough
'Yes,before this time, Itrust.'
tbe old gentleman's confidence, he quittedhis I hope Ido not
so. see how it is pos-
chamber, and before leaving the house, repaired sible that our stratagem should fail.'
* Certainly
to the apartment of Mrs. Snacks, whom he ' not,' returned the housekeeper,
'
found in a state of highglee and expectancy. especially as you say you can thoroughly de-
Our plot works '
well, Stephen,' she observed.
* Ay,' auBwered Blackthorn, pretty well, '
pend upon Joe Elsby and the others.'
I ' them often enough before,' said
have tried
though Iwould much rather that the old man Blackthorn, and never hadany reason to com-
hid remained in the same state of insensi- plain
' of them.'
bility that he was an hour or two since, and That is enough.'
* It
which led me to hope that the shock would very may appear so;and yet I must say that I
soon be attended with a fatalresult. Our plan am not without my apprehensions.'
would be only half complete should he recover.' 1Pshaw 1 I do believe that_you have any
'TrueI* coincided Mrs. Snacks, 'but I
not believe that he can longj survive, sr-Wd
!do '
reason for them.'
IJiope not.'

THE RESCUE OF EVELINA BY WESTBOURNE SIDLEY,

'Lord Sidley's liberality will secure their apprehend that they will not do so,' aaid Mrs.
fidelity.' Snacks. 'But what time do you expect them
'Their fidelity I do not doubt,but some acci- to return?'
dent might occur to defeat tham, and to rescue 'Not till night,' answered Blackthorn, 'as
they will leave the carriage at SarnBCombe, and
'
the girl from their power.'
Ob, there is not much fearof that,' will walk bick.'
'
"'Ido notknow.'to Then till that time endeavour to wait with
Nay,It is folly give way to such fears, when patience, and depend upon it, the result will be
there seems to be not the least reason for them. moat ' setiasactoiy.'
predctions will be verified.'
The drug I mixed withher wine was a power- 'Ihope y.nr
ful one, aod will notloseits effect for hours, and Never fear but they will. As for old Lang-
by that time they will have arrived at SaruB- ston, a few days of suffering and anxiety ' will,I
combe, and then all ber hopes of escape will be have no doubt, settle hi. business.
at au end ; nor is ir possible that any one can 'I hope so; tbe sooner the better.'
* He will never be able to survive the loss of
ever discover the place of her concealment.'
* No,' 'lf
remarked Blackthorn ; Indeed they hls niece. You may reckon his fortune as
'
once get her there, I
And Ido not see that there is any reason to
'
shall consider her secure.' already your o_n.'
Youare most sanguine in youi anticipations.

No. 13.
 90 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
<
And it is not often thatI am disappointed in
' Why, that, perhaps, might bave answered
my shrewd expectations. Had not the old fool your lordship's purpose ;but still when your son
accident, have dis
suffered himself to be stung by the feelings of returned home he might,by
remorse, his life might have been prolonged a covered her, andprobably even therisk of incur-
few years more.' ring your wrath would not have deterred him
'
'Ay,'returned the villain Blackthorn, 'and. from venturing torelease her.'
He would never have been bold enough to
we mighthave been content to have shared his
fortune withhim ;but that this workhouse girl havedone so.'
'
should supplant us wasnot tobe endured.'
' Certainly not,' coincided Mrs.
'
Snacks, but the
I think It wouldnot have been well to run
hazard. Bat after all, I do not think we
|
wehave taken a very ready course to disappoint have so much reasonto apprehend the failute of
'
her hopes.'
be well.'
. our scheme at present.
have to and of
The distance from
I \Fe have and if our plans succeed all will Saroscombe Isit,considerable, and as they will
walk course must rest on the

I After some more conversation of no interest,

'
'And thereis little orno fear of their doingsi.' road, theyhave hardly had time to get back yet.'
It is a pity you did not instruct them to
Blackthorn left the hall, and as the evening take the coach after leaving Sarnscombe,' said
'
rapidly advanced, he made his way towards the Lord Sidley.
placeof rendezvous, still with many doubts and
misgivingsupon hismind. These werestrength- I
'
Well, perhaps it would have been better had
dooe so,' returnedBlackthorn ; but I did not
ened as the time passed away, and still his col- think of it/
leagues did not make their appearance, and 'It would have saved us a deal of anxiety.

bOBom. Of their prudence and fidelity, he en-

'
numerous apprehensions took possession of his But how is old LangstonI'
Hehas recoveredhis senses,' answered Black-
,'tertained not the smallest fear, but there were thorn ;'but his sufferings are still very great,
many accidents which might have occurred to and I am in hopes that the loss of his darling
' '
them, aad thus have thwarted their schemes ; niece will prove his death-blow.'
and he continued to traverse thelittle back par- 'So much the better for you.'
lour of the tavern with hasty and disordered
steps. The clock struck nine, and they were
' True, my lord.'
But has he expressed any suspicion of the
his impatience or to wait there any longer, do-
'
still absent ; and Blackthorn unable to control perpetrators of this outrageV
He has not. It has been managed too
parted to the abbey,in order that he mightcon- cleverly throughout for he or any other person
sult Lord Sidley on the subject. He knew
his lordship would, if possible, be enduringeven
that'to havethe leaat idea.' '
That is well,' observed his lordship; and if
greater anxiety andimpatience than himself and all succeeds according to our wishes, we shall
onhis arrival at the abbey he found that he was have nothing to regret. My impatience and
not mistaken. suspense are so great that I am half determined
'
Lord Sidley was pacing his apartment in an to depart to Sarnscombe immediately.'
agitated manner when Blackthorn entered, and ' That would be madness, mylord.'
it wasevident that he had suffered the greatest
fears toenter bis bosom.
' Why so f*
Because it would be fraughtwith imminent
'Ah, Blackthorn,' he ejaculated, 'Iwantedto danger when there may notbe the leaat necessity
see yon. Tell me, have you heard anythingof for it. An hour or two may remove all our
the men V .
doubts. J e Elsby and his companions will be
countenanceof hls lordship became even more
'
Blackthorn answered in the negative, and the sure to return as speedily as they can.
Yes; that is, if nothing has happened to
gloomy
he
'
than it had been before.
* So late,* remarked, and no intelligence
' them on the road.'
Oh, they are right enough, take my word for
of them ;I
deceived us.'
'
begin to apprehend that they have It.'
I wish Icould think bo. By Heaven, j.
'
That I
my lord,' said Blackthorn.
'
willstake my very life they havenot, would sooner sacrifice one half of my fortune
Itell you again than tbat my hopes should be disappointed;
thatI would never have recommended them to besides, should the girl bave been rescued from
you, had I not been able tohave trusted them. tbeir power, and they taken iuto custody, they
If they have failed, you may depend upon it, it would doubtless reveal all they knew to save
'
is no fault of thelie.' themselves, and I cannot contemplate the con.
Some cursedaccident thenhas perhaps taken sequences of snch an exposure with aay degree
the girlis rescued from theirpower, through the
'
place to frustrate our well laid plans ;probably of fortitude.'
You alarm yourself unnecessarily,my lord,
interference of travellers,and they may be in indeed youdo,' said Blackthorn ; even were '
custody.'
* It Ib premature to encourage such apprehen hend,menIto be taken into custody, as you appre-
the
know them too well to believe that they
■ions,' said Blackthorn. '
* Itmay be,' returnedhis lordship, but I would ever betray you. They would remain
now faithful to their promise, let the consequences
regret that I '
did not have her secretly conveyed to themselves be what they might.'
here, whore Bhe mighthave been concealed with- You seem to have great confidence in them
should have occurred to remove her to some
'
out any suspicion, until a fitting opportunity Blackthorn.'
I have, or I
otber place.'
should not have trusted them
and recommended them to you, my lord.'
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 91
* Well, Iwillendeavourtoawait withpatience, 'And Iam sincere.'
althoughit Is now getting so late, that I almost 'Ido not doubt it for a moment. But it is
beginto despair of their returning tonight.'
1Perhaps they may Bee the prudence and ab-
'
questionable if you do not quickly tire.' '
Never !' exclaimed the libertine : my pas-
solute necessity
' of not doing so,' replied Black** sion may andmust Increase in strength, but can
thorn. But I will returnto the tavern and neve, abate.'
'
awaitthe result.' 'Why, Evelina Marsden is certainly a very
Yon will let meknow immediately that you lovely creature ;but youmust be prepared to
'
hear anything t' saidhis lordship.
I
' meet with her reproaches, and, of course, you do
will,' answered Stephen, thoughprobably notexpect to be able to win her regard.'
* All that wit and perseverance can do to
'
that may notbe till the morning.'
My patience will be quite exhausted before accomplish that desideratum shall be exercised,*
'
'
that time.' said his lor.ship; and I do not despair of ul-
certain that all ls right.'
'
Nonsense. Ifyou hear no harm you may be timately succeeding.'
there is nothing like having a good
* Of this 1am determined,' said Lord Sidley, heartWell,
' thatif the men do not return to-night, I
upon the matter. At any rate, your lord-
will, ship will not suffer yourself to be daunted by
at all hazards, depart for Sarnscombe in the any resistance she may offer, I suppose V
morning.* 'Certainly not,' returned Lord Sidley; 'I
'That would be ridiculous, my lord, and should be unworthy of such a treasure were I to
might at once excite suspicion in the neigh- do so. Torn away from her friends, and entirely
'
bourhood.' at my mercy, it will be madnessfor her toremain
I do not see how It could do so;however, obdurate.*
suchia my resolution. Until I am satisfied that
'Then I may depend upon it that you will
Evelina is securely in my power, 1 must be never suffer her to trouble me again1'
miserable.' 'You may. Her loss will doubtlessly break
1And have not I as great cause to he as her venerable relative's heart, and therefore you
anxious as yourself, my lord?" demanded will have then no'.hlngfarther to apprehendfrom
* Why, Idont know but what you may,' her.'
Blackthorn.
'Very true. And I will not attempt to deny
*
answered Lord Sidley; that is, if you are sin- that it is that idea which has induced me to
cere ln your anxiety to get the girl out of your render your lordship the assistance thatI have
'
way/ '
done to get the girl in your power.'
And you cannot for a moment doubt that, I And if your plans have succeeded,1 said
think, my lord. I have a fortune at .take.' Lord Sidley, 'you will have rendered mean
'True; that should make you anxious. And inestimable service, and one which I will not

will take good care that she does not trouble you
'
only let me once get the girl in my power, I fail to reward with the greatest liberality.'
We understand one another perfectly well
"gain.'
'
Itis on that understanding that I have
'
upon that point, my lord,' satd Blackthorn.
Ibelieve we do,' returnedhis lordship.
'
But
exerted myself so much to assist you. The the time wears away apace: ft is now half-past
damsel is anoble prize to one of your lordship's ten o'clock, and the men are surely not going to
'
taste.'
is, and you need not donbt that I truly
'
return.'
Well, and if they do not, that should not
She
appreciate it. As I hav. frequently satd, there alarm us, for tbey probably will not be able to
is no sacrifice thatI
possession of her.'
'
would not willinglymake to get back till the morning.'
My patience wbl be completely exhausted
obtain
'And Bhe is yours,my lord; depend upon it, before then. But shall I see you again to-
Evelina Marsden Ib now safe at your house at night V 'If they arrive,' replied
'
Blackthorn ; but if
'
Sarnscombe.'
Would thatI had an opportunity of realizing they do not, it will be no use for me to trouble
here again.'
'
your predictions.'
A very short time will do so,take my word
' to come
myself
Then, ifI do not see you again, I suppose I
II
they are still ?'
'
for it.'*
Youappear most sanguine,Blackthorn ;are
may conclude that absent
'Youmay, my lord,' answered Blackthorn ;
jI
wishing his lorsbip good night, he quitted
* Iam. Why should Iseek to deceive you * and
you sincere!"
the abbey.
'I do notknow why you should wish to do LordSidleyremained for a few minutes wrapped
i

so.' in deep meditation, after he had departed, and

'Certainly not, when I am as much inter- his mind wai ina state of the most unconquera-
ble aoubt and apprehension. He did not enter-
'
ested ln her captivity as your lordship.*
Exactly so. Oh, Blackthorn, only let mo tain the least suspicion of tbe sincerity of Ste-
know that the beauteous damsel is inmy power, phen Blackthorn, for be was aware thathe must
and I shall be the happiest man in existence. Ibe as anxious aahe was himself that Evelina
have triumphedover many a lovely specimen of should bo secured;but notwithstandingall tbat
notplace quite so much
nature's work in my time, but never one who he had said, hecould
half so captivated my sensea as this maiden. confidence in the fidelity of Joe Elsby and his
Methinks thatI
*
couldalmost worshipher.*
Youa-e indeed most enthusiastic, my lord,' banish from
companions, andit waa invain that he tried to
his bosom the most powerful ppre- _
(aid Blackth rn, with a amile. hensions of tbe failure of their scheme; ia
 92 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
which case, not only would his disappointment unexpected delay, something seems to
be almost insupportable, but the other conse-
quences would be most dangerous and disagree-
able to him. Should Evelinabe made acquainted
with the author of the brutal outrage, the expo-
sure he would meet with vould be overwhelm-
ing,and would render allhis future plans abor-
tive. The bare idea filled the depressed noble-
man with terror, and he continued to pace the
apartment in a state of the utmost disorder.
'
11cannot get rid of these torturing forebod*
ings,' he soliloquised; notwithstanding all
that Blackthorn has said, something tells me
that the sanguine hopes I had at first formed
are not destined to berealised, and that the girl
will escape, to my shame, confusion, and dis-
appointment. Byh !I would rather sacri-
fice one half of my wealth than that such
should be the case. Iwas a fool to bave her
conveyed at present to such a distance, whenshe
might have been brought here secretly, and no
one could have had any suspicion. There are
plenty of rooms ln this abbey where Bhe might
have been safely concealed, and my own domes*
tics would nothave dared to betray me. I have
acted very injudiciouslyin this matter after all.
So impatient am I, that I could willinglystart
at once to Sarnscombe toset my doubts at rest;
but in the meanrlme the men might return, and
my abrupt departure might,as Blackthorn had
observed, excite some suspicion. I must await
the tedious hours with all the patience I
Oh, Evelina, most beauteous damsel, Ihave
can.
fixed my mind on you, and could not brook the
disappointment.'
In this mood he continued ;but when hour
afterhour elapsed, andmidnighthad long flown,
he gave himself up to despair, and formed the
most painful conjectures. Concluding at last
that Blackthorn would not visit him again that
night, be reluctantly retired to bed, bnt his
mind was too much disturbed to suffer him to
sleep, and be lay tossing abou* in a state of the
greatest agltaion, frequently giving vent to the
most fearful maledlc .ions,as his feelings became
too powerful for control. Sometimes he firmly
believed that the men bad bothdeceived him
and Blackthorn; and so powerful did that im-
pression at laBt become, than he could not con-
tain himself within the bounds of reason;
and he ardently longed for the arrival of the
morning, that he might hive his suspicions
either confirmed or removed. Certainty would
be far less torturing than suspense.
'Bnt the raecala would surely never dare to
attempt to deceive me,' he said; 'especially
when I promised to reward them so liberally for
being faithful to me. They are outcasts from
society marked men; and in seeking to betray
; heroine, as no doubt the cariosity ofthe reader
me would only consign themselves _o the hands
of justice. Besides they could not expect to
make a better bargain. No— no ;I will endea-
vour tothink as Blackthorn suggested; namely,
that they have thought proper torest themselves
for awhile after their journey, and that they will
not be able to arrivehere till the morning.
Had they been defeated in their plans, and the
girl rescued from their power, we should doubt-
less have heard something ofit before this. I
will not give way to despair, for, in spite of this
assure
me that all will be right. Ifthe fellows perform
their task well, I will so remunerate them that
I will secure their future hearts' co-operationin
anythingI may require of them, and ensure
their fidelity.'
These thoughts tranqulllised his feelings, and
after a short time he succeeded ln fallingasleep.
Notwithstandingall that Blackthorn hadBald
to his lordship, he couldnot divesthis mind of
certain misgivings as to the success of the
scheme ; not that he doubted for amoment the
fidelity of Joe Elsby and bis companions, for
they had had so many guilty transactions toge-
ther that they knew eachother well, andBlack-
thorn was convinced that the prospect of the
reward would urge them to exert themselves to
the utmost of theirpower ;but he apprehended
some accident, by which theymightbe defeated,
and Evelina restoredto liberty; andlfsuch were
tobe the esse, he had reason to dread the worst
consequences, for it would probably then become
known that he was the author of the villanoua
plot,and he would not only meet with present
punishment,but allhis future hopes and pros-
pects would be annihilated. Those thoughts
filled thebosom of the villain withmuch uneasi-
ness, which was rather increased than dimin-
ished, when on his arrival at the tavernhe found
that tbemen bad not yet returned, and as the
hour was getting late, it did not appear very
'
likely that they would get back that night.—
And yet I so particularly enjoined them to lose
no time in returning,as soon as they had placed
'
their fair chargeia security at Sarnscombe,' said.
Blackthorn to himself; and they must be fully
aware that myself and his lordship would be in
the greatest state of suspense, until we were
made acquaintedwi htho result of their expedi-
tion. I beginto fear that all isnot right. And
yet, what can have happened 1 The girl would
probably remain in a state of torporduring tbe
whole of the journey, andthere was nothing at
all calculated to excite suspicion about the ap-
pearance of the carriage. Psha ! I am bother-
ing myself with groundless fears, and a few
hours will doubtless convince me tbat all has
succeeded as well as we could wish.'
He endeavoured to compose himself with
these thoughts,and succeeded muoh better than
might have been expected. He had his glass
replenished;but, at length,it being one o'clock,
andthe landlord wishing to retire to rest, he con-
cluded that it was useless to wait any longer,as
his colleagues would certainly not come then.
He departed towards home,ln no very agreeable
or sanguine state of mind.
Itis now time that we should return to cur
Is greatly excited to kuow what was the result
of her al.rming adventure.
The carriage proceeded at the same rapid rate
at wbich it had startedfrom the hall, andby the
moBt lonely route; but there waB very little
occasion for that, as the poor girl was in no con-
dition to create any alarm, and as it was now
gettinglate, there were very few persons about,
in whom the appearance of the vehicle, being
nothingout the ordinary way, excited no
rio.ityor suspicion.
cu»
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 93
The countenance of Eve'ina was paid but might have been imagined that her fair spirit
still her sleep appeared to he calm and sound, had quittedits earthly tenement.
and It did not seem as though she would be Inthis manner, more than an hour and a half
likely to Buffer any material 111 effects from had elapsed since they had quitted the hall, and
drug which had been administered to her.
* She's they had already proceeded a considerable way
sound enongh, at any rate,'
' saidJoe. on their journey ;and the horses, althoughtbey
'Ay, answered his companion, and it Ib to had been driven at such a rapid pace, did not
he hoped she will keep so for some time; for, seem to be at all fatigued.
after all, the alarm she would he sure to create They now entered upon a narrow and very
'
mightbeattended with danger.'
Oh, never fear, Jack,' said the former ;* tho
little frequented road, and perceived lights,
which they knew proceeded from a small inn,
dose she has had is evidently a strong one, and
ahe will not arouie for some time. And if she
'
glimmeringat no great distance before them.
Itis the Antelope, keptby old Will Emerson/
should, what the devil have we to fear from a '
remarked Joe. The girl is all right enough.
poor, weak girlr We could very soon silence He has no occasion to know anythiog about her
her cries. My eyes, Jack, how surprised the being with us (though I do not think he would
young lady will be whenshe recovers her senses, blab if he did), and so we may as well stop there
and finds what has happened to her. No j b a few minutes to obtain some refreshment.'
'
could have been managed more cleverly.'
Youare right, Joe; and ifahe only remains
To this his companion very readily agreed
and, calling to their associate, they told him to,
quiet and insensible till we get pretty near oor stop at the house in question. Ina few minutes
journey's end, we shall earn our reward easily they arrived at the inn, and Joe and his com-
'
enough.'
;
We shall,' answered Elsby and I
' panion alighted, entered the house, and left
suppose tbe insensible damsel in charge of the other
'
his lordship will not be worse than his word V
Certainly not ;Stephen Blackthorn will take
ruffian.
Will Emerson, the landlord, who was a coarse,
good care of that. Besides, Lord Sidley would hard-featuredma i, seemed surprised at behold-
not dare to attempt to deceive us, as he might ing the fellows, whom he had known for several
becertain that we wouldnot fail to haverevenge, years, buthe put no questions to them j neither
and we should very soon turn the tables upon did he know anything of the unfortunate damsel
him.'
' —
Right right, he's safe enough. Isay,
being In the carriage.
Having procured such refreshment as they
'
Jack, she's a fine looking wench, though.'
' ' required, and cautioned the landlord to be
Yes/ returned the other ; his lordshiphas mum,' if any pressing inquiries should be
'
nobad taste.'
Indeed he has not, and I
made after them, they again entered the vehicle,
wonder Blackthorn and resumed their dreary journey.
did1not secure her for himself.' Still Evelina remained la tho same state of
Oh, the girl did not take his fancy; in fact, utter unconsciousness, and it did not seem as if
she is hateful to him, being the ouly obstacle in she were likely to recover for some time to come,
his way to fortune. Heis anxious to getrid of and thus everythingfavoured the designsof the
ber, and a better opportunity could not have villains la whose power she was.
presented itself than this offer ofLord Sid ley's The hour of midnight was fast approaching
to take her into his possession.' ' and all was dark and dismal around ;for the
4 Very good/ coincided the ruffian; the loss moon had long been obscured by dense clouds.
of her will probably be the death of old Lang- which seemed to betoken a coming storm, not
ston/ withstanding the eveninghad been so fair and
*
' I shouldn't wonder/
And then Blackthorn will lay hit hands upon
promising.
Theyhad beenfor some time travellingthrough
'
tbe whole of his wealth.'
As a matter of course ; and I
another wood, whichseemed to be of considerable
shall expect extent, when Joe andhis companion were sur-
him to pay us pretty handsomely, after we shall prised by the other ruffian suddenly stopping
have rendered himsuch good service.' the carriage ;and lookingfrom tbe vindow, they
1 Oh, leare him alone for that ; we bare found themselves involvedin almost impenetra»
always found him a trump, andhe knows better ble darkness, andnearly hemmed in by the tall
than to offend us now. I fancy that this will trees which grew so thickly around.
turn out to be a very good job, take it altoge* '
"Why, what's tho matter now, Bilkers' de-
Joe Elsby, impatiently ; why do you
* At anyrate wa shall hareboth Lord Sidley manded
ther/
'
and Blackthorn in our power/
'
not proceed ?'
Blow me,' repHed Bilker, if I know how ;
< it is as dark as pitch, aud burn me ifI have not
We shall/
Thos the ruffians continued to converse, missed the way, and havenot the least idea in
while the vehicle continued on its way with the what ' part of the forestIam.' '
Confound it,' cried Elaby ; how could you
utmost precipitation, dashing through the in-
of the wood, and across amost have been ao foolish, Bilkers I thought you
tricate ma^.'s

of a human beingor habitation could not be seen

'
dreary tract ofthe country, where the least sign knew every inch of the grouid well.''
do,'
And bo I returned Bilker but it is so
;
for miles. infernal dark tbat it is oot surprising I should
Our heroine remained in the sa re state of misB ' my way.'
undisturbed torpidity, and but for the slight Well, it is no use hesitating
' about the
breathing tbat gently agitated her boiom, it matter,' observedJack Dagley ; you mat push
 94 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
on as well as you can through the wood, and
leave it to chance to set usin the right road.
We cannot be far out of the right track.'
Bilker growled an oath, and cracking his
whiponce more urged onthe horses through the
intricate mazss, but from the obitructions that
were placed in his way, he waa only enabled to
proceed at a very slow pace, and the horses
frequently had a difficulty in keeping their
feet,
At length they got into a more open part of
the forest, and the heavy clouds havingdisper-
sed, the moon shone forth with all its former
brilliincj,and showed them tho way clear before
them.
'AU right,' said Bilker; 'Isee where I am
now.*
He lashed his horses into Increased .r eed, and
the vehicle was carried along with the utmost
'
rapidity.
Another couple of hours, I
should think, will
bring ue to the eud of our journey,' said Joe
Elsby; 'if the horses do not become fatigued,
and they keep up famously at present. Hollo;
what's that?'
Joe cast a hasty look of alarm towards our
heroine as he spoke,for a deep sigh had escaped
her besom, and she muttered some incoherent
'
words as ifshe were dreaming.
' girl ls about to awake, I'm
The
*"
afraid,' 1
Joe ; she seems to have pretty well slept o's. Ue
'
effects of the drug.' '
Well,' returned his companion; Ido not
see that ft is of much consequence if she does ;
for we have her safe enough now, and it's no
use her raising any a'arm when thereis no one
to listen to her.'
'Very true, it would havesaved us deal
but a
of trouble if she had remained insensible till we
had arrived at the place of our destination.
Hash.
Again Evelina sighed; her frame then under-
went some slight emotion, and she planed her
fair hands to her head, with some sensation of
returning consciousness. She gradually opened
her eyes, bnt her mind was confused, aud she
gazed up n vacancy.
' —
'My head, how it aches,' she murmured;
and I have had such a singular dream. But
— to perform it faithfully. You may as well be
but it mu6t be time torise and,' she uttered a
piercing-scream of terror, for she felt the motion
of the carriage, and her eyes at that moment
rested on the forbidding countenances of the
ruffians who wereseated by her side. She started
u;> hastily, and her whole frame trembled with
astonishment and consternation, but still she
could hardly persuade herself tbat she was not
yet labouring under the effects of some frightful
dream.
■ Be not alarmed '
young lady," saidJoe ; but
sit'yourself down quietly,you are right enough.'
Gracious Heaven,'
* againshrieked the unfor*
tunate damsel, what villanouB transaction is
this? Where am If Where is my aged rela-
tive 1 Who are you, and whither are you con-/
veying me?'
' do not mind in-
You ask a good many Questions, younglady,'
replied Joe;'however, if youexpect any answer
to them all, vou will find yourself mistaken.
... is I do not iniud telling you, that you are
many miles from the hall;that we may have
taken the liberty of removing you from thence,
while you were In a state of insensibility;that
you have been travellingin this vehicle for above
these three hours, and in a very short time, I
trust, we shall arrive at the place of ourdestina'
tion.'
It would be impossible to describe the look of
horror which the appalled snd he jvlldered girl
fixed upon the miscreant as he gavo utterance
to those words; then she gave expression to
another piercing cry, and overcome by the power
of her emotions she sank back in the seat, aad
for some moments almost relapsed into a state
of insensibility. Bat she cast her eyes towards
the carriage window, and perceiving the dismal
scene they were then tr.veiling through, ber
worst fears were confirmed, and bitterly she
wrungherhands and wept,andfor a few minutes
her anguish was so great tbat she could not give
utterance to a syllable. The ferocious looks of
the men appalled her very soul, andshe could
see at once that she could not hope to make any
impression of a favourable natuie upon ruffians
who were doubtless hardened in every vice.
4 Alas alas T
I shegroaned, 'what could thus
have steeped my senses in this death-like torpor ?
Oh! for the love of Heaven, tell me by whom
are you employed; for what purpose, and
whither you are about to taae me? I have
never injured you; I havenever, to my know-
ledge, seen, you before ;why,theo, should you
thus cruelly snatch me from my home and that
—
venerable relttion who has so longbeen my pro-
tector, aod whose heart my loss will assuredly
break 1 Oh !pity me spare me ;and dono keep
'
me in this dreadful state of suspense.'
You must wait patiently, when you will
doubtlessly be made acquainted with all,' said
Joe Elsby, 'it is not our place to do so, and
therefore it is nouse to question us.*
'
'Mercy! mercyI' shrieked our distracted
heroine; consider my unprotected state, and
release me, I implore you,'
'
1Yes, that is
very likely, my girl,' sneered
Jack, we shall be paidtoo well for our job not
quiet, for you cannot escape from us, and it Is
not probable that at this hour and in this place,
any one will come to your assistance.'
claimed Evelina, with frantic gestures.
'
'Villains! my shouts shall rend the air,' ex-
Ob,
help1 help!'
"Pshaw I' ejaculated Joe; 'will you cease
your cries, or we must take means to make you,
that's all? and remember that we are men who
will not submit to be trifled with. Come, come;
you will be quiet if you are wise, and no harm
will come to you.'
'My God t my God1' sobbed the wretched girl :
'can Iendure this ? By whose orders am I thus
seized, aud what are your dark designs against
'
me?'
I have before repeatedly t .Id you
' that la no
use to question us,' said ElBby; but If it will
Batisfy you any way to know, I
forming you that wo act by the orders of one who
has rank, wealth, and power, and who it s not
likely will be moved from the purpose on which
he has fixed his mind.'
 POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
Evelina looked at the man, aghast with terror
and despair, and then once more cast her eyes
over the dreary scene they were travelling
through, and groaned in the anguish ofher soul.
Never had her feelings been worked up to such
apitch of distraction since the night she had
made her escape from the workhouse ;and even
the certain prospect of a fearful death conld not
have presented half the horror to her mind as
didher present situation, and the uncertainty of
the'fate that was in store lor her.
has become of you? Oh, tellme, Iearnestly
'
Oh, Goa,my beloved uncle,' she cried, what
supplicate you, it you have the least spark of
pity left In your breasts, where is that
aged man, and what dreadful outrage have you
committed ln tearing me from him1'
'Oh, the old fellow Ib safe enough, and at
home in his bed, no doubt,' returned Elsby.
1We did
notmolest nor disturb him, so you may
make your mind easy on that point.'
PoorEvelina couldnot make anyreply, forher
tears choked her utterance, and she threw her-
self back in her seat,and gave herself up entirely
to the despair and horrorof her feelings.
The vehicle continued on Its way with un-
abated speed, but the dismal aspect of the
country appeared unchanged,and the power of
the wretched girl's emotions needs no descrip-
tion. The threatening and repulsive looks of
the ruffians terrified her; and the loneliness of
the hour,and thesilence of all around, convinced
her that her cries for help would indeed be
entirelyfutile, for there was noone near to listen
to her. In vain she tried to imagine who was
tbe author of this Infamous and daringplot;but
it was quite evident that his intentions were of
the most base description, and this strength-
ened her anguish and despair. And by what
means the ruffians had accomplished their de-
signs she could not conceive, and by what means
theyhad contrived to gainaccess to the hall, and
to bear her away, was equally inexplicable to
her.
And how dreadful would be the agony of her
uncle at her loss, and that the probability that
she wouldnever be restored to him again, or at
least,not tillafter shehad become the victim of
some hardened and inhuman villain. Her heart
sickened at these thoughts,andshe was reduced
almost to a state ef frenzy.
She was aroused from these reflections by the
carriage undergoing a violent shock, as lf it were
about being upset, and In amoment it wasstop-
ped, and Elaby and his companion proceeded to
inqnlre of Bilker the cause.
It appeared that one of the horses had stum-
bled over something that had fallen across the
road, and as Bilker could not raise theanimal
himself, Joe and Dagley went to assist him.
Not dreaming that Evelina would have tbe
courage to make any attempt to escape, tbey
incautiously left the door of the carriage open,
which caught our heroine's attention in a
moment.
The thought was a desperate and almost a
hopeless one, situated as she was ;bat it imme-
diately occurred to her, and she determined to
put It inpractice, let whatever might be the con-
sequences. She cast one eager glance from the
95
carriage window, andherreiolu'ion wasstrength-
ened.
Thethree men wete all busily engaged with
the horse, and with a silent but hasty step tbe
poor girl bounded from the vehicle, and darting
round to the back, she fled as fast as her limbs
could carry her,her heart palpitating with min-
gledhopes and fears.
— CHAPTER XVI.
—
THE RESCUE. THE RESTORATION. RAGE AMD
—
DISAPPOINTMENT. WE8TBOORNE 6IBLEY.
With breathless haste Evelina continued her
flight, without venturing to look behind her,
and trusting that Providence would assist her
in eluding the vigilance of her enemies. She
had not the slightest idea as to the part of the
countryin which she was, bnt could she only
avoidthem she hoped to heable to meet with
_
some habitation \-'i«re shemight find protection,
and she therefore i on with a courage she did
not think Bhe could havemustered on such an
occasion, and under such peculiar and cheerless
clroumBtances. She made her way with all the
rapidity she could towards the entrance of a
Wood, wbich she perceived at no great distance,
and where she hoped tobeable to concealherself
untilProvidence should send her some assist-
ance.
It was Just at this critical juncture, tbat
Elsby and his companions having succeeded in
raising the horses, returned to the carriage,
which, to their astonishment and contusion, they
perceived was empty.
'Hell and furiesI'cried Elsby,*foaming with
rage, and stampingpassionately, where is the
girl? She has never dared to Ahi see,
yonder she fliesI She is making towards the
wood, and if she gains itbefore weovertake her,
she will escape. Quick, quickI Stop, girl! on
your life!'
They rushed from the spot in quick pursuit
of her, uttering curses all the way they pro-
ceeded. Evelina heard the threatening shouts
of the ruffians, and terror added speed to her
footsteps, and nowshe in her turn shriekedaloud
for help, although at such an hour, and in such
a spot, it seemed entirely hopeless.
Nearer and nearer the ruffians approached
her, and louderbecame their shouts and execra-
tions npon the air; but still the poor girl con-
tinued her flight, screaming for help as she
rushed on.
It was one of the severest description of trials
thatEvelina had ever experienced, and as the
ruffians had now so far gained upon her that she
could even hear the sound of their footsteps on
the ground,her heart sank within her, and she
gave herself un forlost. But just at that instant,
when it seemed impossible tbat the men could
fail to overtake her, her cries were responded to
by the voices of men, and immediately after-
wards three persons, mounted on horseback,
emerged from the wood, and made towards ber.
Evelina advanced a few paces further, when
overpowered by her feelings, and her strength
completely exhausted, she sank, fainting and
 96 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
himself, givinghishorse to t_»
inseniible upon the ground. The travellers vehicle, followed off with th*
instantly rode up to her, and the foremost of other servant, and they were driven
_
them, ho was a handsome young man, of dig- greatest speed towards the nearest town.
(Jreat waa theexcitement which this unex-
nified andcommandingappearance, dismounted,
and raising her in his arms, geaedin her pale pected event caused inthe bosom of Westbourne
but lovely face, with feeling of the deepest Sidley, and he could not remove his eyes fiom
admiration and compassion. the bsauteous and Innocent features of our
before had ha
Theyoung man who had so opportunely come heroine for an instant. Never his curiosity
to the protection and deliverance of Evelina, beheld a being half so lovely,and she Wi"S, and
greatly excited to know who
was no other than Westbourne Sidley, the son was strange and
of the degraded nobleman, who was the cause of whathad brought her into such aimagined that
;and yet he
this inhuman outrage, and who with his two dangerouB situation before, could not re-
attendants was on his way, for particular rea- be had seen her but he
recovery
sons, at that unseasonable hour, to the abbey, member where it was. He awaitedher
obtainfrom
when the cries of the damsel assailed his with some impatience, that he might
ears. her an explanation, and assure her of her safety ;
Westbourne still continued to gaze upon the and he could not but be thankful to that provi-
features of Evelina with the most unbounded dence which had sent him to her deliverance.
astonishment anddelight;but his attention was They had not proceeded far, when our heroine
quickly diverted to the ruffians, who were ad- gave some signs of returning sensibility, and
vancingtowards him, andhe therefore with hia immediatelyafterwards she openedher
eyes, and
confusion,
faithful attendants, prepared to protect the poor fixed them, with astonishment and
'
girl from their violence, fully determined to upon Westbourne Sidley. '
Ab, where am 11" she ejaculated; and thole
'
resign her only with his life.
Follow me,' said Joe Elsby, to his colleagues, fearful men, whathasbecome of them!' '
■Pear not, miss," replied Westbourne, you
position of Westbourne Sidley.
'
his eyes flashing with rage, when he beheld the
By H 1 are now perfectly safe. Ihave had the good
if we are not determined, the girl will escape fortune to rescue you from the power of tha
now. On to these fellows andmake them relln. ruffians who have taken to flight.security, I am merely
now conveying you to aplace of where
'
quien.their prize I'
Stand back, scoundrels I' exclaimed West* you can remain until you are sufficiently re-
bourne, when Joe and his companions had got covered from your fright to be restored to your
' What friends.'
to within a short distance of them.
villanous outrage have youbeen guilty off This Evelinacould not speak her thanks, but ahe
helpless andinsensible maiden claims my pro- looked up gratefully to her preserver, but in"
tection, and ahe shall have it at tho hazard of stantly averted her eyes, and the deepest crim-
my life I' ' son blushes suffused her cheeks, when she be-
* Rash, foolI'cried the Infuriated Elsby, by held the earnest glances of admiration he had
what right do you withhold the girl from usI fixed upon her eonntenanoe.
Resign her, I say, or, by the infernal host, I 'Oh,sir,' ahe faltered out at length, 'how
awear you shall pay severely for your daring.' greatlyam I indebted to you for my preservation
'Back yourself, ruffian!' returned the young from those terrible men, whose purpose, and by
'
man, resolutely; youhave some monstrous de- whom they wereemployed, I know not. I waa
sign against this fair creature, whichit Bhall be conveyed away from my home and venerable
my task to defeat. Begone, it you have any relative this night,while in a state of insensibi-
lity; and,should I not be quickly restored to
"
regard for your own safety.'
Madman, take then theconsequenoes of your him, I amcertain that he can never Burvive the
obstinacy1' ahouted Elsby, andhe immediately shock.'
discharged the contents of his pistol at West-
' You shallbe so, my dear young lady as soon
bourne, but without even the slightest effect, aa possible,' said Westbourne; 'but may Ibe
and before he had time to recover himself from bo hold as to inquire tha name of her itbaa been
his rage and disappointment, Westbonrne fired my goed fortune to rescue,and the place where
'
at him, woundinghim in the shoulder, while her friends are residingI*
the two servantsmade amost determinedattack I '
am afraid it ia far from here,air,' replied
am theniece of Mr. Paul Langston,
upon the other miscreants, which quickly put Evelina; I
'
them to flight. Elsby uttered a dreadful oath, residing at tha Dark Hall, near Charrington
'
and Instantly followed his colleagues, plunging Abbey, and
into tbe wood,and abandoning tha carriage in Ah!' interrupted Westbourne ; thla ia
'
his confusion and dismay. most fortunateand remarkable. In me, miss,
Wesbourne Sidley now again raised the insen- youbehold Westbourne Sidley, the aon of Lord
sible beauty in his arms, and hastily attempted Vernon Sidley, of Charrington Abbey.'
to restore her to animation, but finding that all Evelina withdrew her face with some confu-
his attempts were ineffectual, he carried her to sion, and, notwithstanding his prepossessing

-
the carriage, followed byhis attendants.
1Mount one of the horses
appearance, she could not help feeling a sensa-
directly, Arthur,' tion of regret at beholding in her preserver tha
Bald Westbourne, and drive with all possible son of that man whom Bhehad so much reason
speed to the nearest town, which I believe ia at to look upon with repugnance and suspicion.
no great distance from this place.' The feeling, however, was only moine:_< ry, and
Tbe servant obeyed, and Westbourne, having she once more, with modest simplicity,returned
lifted the Inanimate form ol Evelina into the her acknowledgmentsto Westbourne Sidley for
EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 97
the manner in which he had exerted himself to
rescue her from the danger with which she had
been threatened.
Every ward 'she uttered fell with a power of
soft enchantment upon his ear, and the longer
he gazed at her, the more did his admiration in-
'
crease.
am about to returnto tbe ah .ey,' he said,
' I
and if you will do me the honour to trust your
self to my protection, I willrestore you insafety
to your uncle. But may I
of my fair companion?'
not inquirethe name
Our heroine hesi ated ; but it would have
seemed ungenerous in her to refuse tbe simple
—
request of one to whom she waB so greatly in-
debted, and _h_ therefore faltered out
1My name, sir, i_
— ia Evelina Marsden,* and
ahe immediately hid her blushirg face in her
handkerchief.
■Westbourne Sidley star'ed at the mention of
tbat name, wbich he had so often heard before,
and with which his father andhimself were eo
iotimately connected, and he ia his turn felt
considerable embarrassment ; but he could not
help fee.ing the deepest interest and companion
for the poor girl, with whose melancholy hi ttory
'
he was partially acquainted.
I feel most happy in havingbeen introduced
to yoo, Miss Marsden,' he said, 'and nothing
can a'Tord me greater pleasure than to bethe
means of restoring you to your home ;bnt you
are much fatigued and alarmed, Isee, and you

TIIE MESSENGER DELIVERS WESTBOURNE'S LETTER AT THE DARK iALL.

but deeply regret

require someiest before yau can undertake the at the same time she could not
journey, In the meantime I of that nobleman who
will despatchone thathe should le the soncharacter,
and who, she
of my servants, without delay, to Mr. Langston, bore bo questionable a
to inform him of your safety.' believed, bad done her unfortunate father so deep
"Ob, lhanks, sir,' said our heroine, fervently, an injury.
1 for this kindness. My poor uncle will be dis- In a few minutes they arrived at the town,
tracted until he hears something of me.' and made thelr way to the principal inn; but all
'His anxiety shall soon be relieved,' said waa wrapt in
silence, and it was evident that all
time to their
Westbourne ; and he then relapsed Into silence, the inmates had retired some knocked
and suffered Evelina to indulge in the thoughts chambers. Theservants ofWestbourne no pur-
which occupied herbosom without interruption and
; rang loudly, but for some time to
and varied and powerful were the emotions pose, for no one answered ; and theyadmittance, had began
which agitated the damtels's breast ; but grati- to fear that they should not gain
tude to Heaven for her preservation, and at the when a manput his head out of a small window
very moment, when all seemed lest, predomi- over the door, and apparently
ha'.f-aaleep and
haU-attake, and not In one of the moat egret-
nated. Th»re wai something so respectful ln disturbed, Inquired what
tha deportment of Westbourne Sidley, that he able of temper) st being
Immediately prepossessed her ln hilfavour;but they wanted.

no* i_ >
 OS EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
Sidley answered the Interrogator from the
carriage, and requestedimmediate accomodation,
for which he should be handsomely rewarded.
This promise, and the sight of the carriage,
which he had not particularlynoticed before, had
a magical effect upon the man, and telling them
he wouldbe down directly, he drew in bio head.
In two or three minutes the door was slowly
opened, and the landlord appeared with an el-
derly woman by his side, who no aoubt was his
wife. Westbourne Sidley assisted our heroine to
alight from the carriage, aud they were con-
ducted by thehost and hostess to a comfortable
room, where Evelina sank on a seat much ex-
hausted. Mr. Sidley immediately desired the
landlady to bring some refreshment, but our
.heroine declined partakingof any,and requested
that she might beaccommodated with a chamber
for an hour or two, as she felt that rest was in-
dispensible to her recovery from the evident
shock her feelings had sustaired, and tl at not-
withstanding, she was anxious to be restored to
her dear uncle and her other friends, it would
be impossible for her to encounter the fatigueof
'
travelling until shehad obtained it.
But ob, sir,' she earnestly ejaculated, fixing
'
alook of the most Impressive supplicationupon
Westbourne Sidley; let me beg of you to fulfil
the promise you eo kindly made to me,and ap..
prise my beloved guardian of my safety without
delay. Already do Iowe you muih, for the
service you have rendered me, but how greatly
will that savour increase the obligation.'
Westbourne Sidley fixed upon her a glance of
—
the most respectful sympathy and admiration,
'
as he replied
Fair Evelina, I request that you will not
disturb yourself respecting that ;but try to com-
fort yourself. Iwill Instantly despatch my ser-
vant to the hall, and a few hours will, doubtUts,
relieve the dreadful suspense that must at pre-
sent torture the minds of your friends.'
Again most ardently and sincerely did our
heroine return her acknowledgments, and
having, at the request of Westbourne Sidley,
hastily written a few lines to her uncle, to con-
vince him that the messenger was notattempting
to deceive him, they were given to the servant,
and he was sent off without any further delay,
and instructed to use al) the speed be could
possibly make.
Eveline now felt her mind relieved ola great
weight of anxiety, and the expression of her
lovely countenance becoming less agitated,pre-
sented additional charms to the imagination of
Westbourne. Fain would he havedetained her
in conversation for hours, but perceiving how
much she laboured under fatigue, he respectfully
bade her farewell for the present, and she
accompanied tbe landlady to a chamber.
Westbourne Sidley continued to sit for some
time after she had left him, meditating upon
the adventure, ssd the incomparable charms of
the innocent heroine of it, and the longer he
did so, the more he found his interest and
agitation increase. No one was more suscepti-
ble to ihe beauties of the gentle sex then he was,
but Evelina, he emsidered, surpassed in loveli-
ness and modesty, and Innocence of demeanour,
allthe damsels he had ever before seen; and
when he reflected upon the manifold sorrows and
persecutions she had experienced,his bosom was
wrung with the tenderest emotions of pity.
And could one so gentle, so virtuous, so every
way intrinsically captivating,be the daughter of
a felon 1 Oh,no,he thought it was utterly Im-
possible; and the more he thought of all the
melancholycircumstances connected withheihis-
'tory the mere convinced he became that Richard
Marsden could never have been gnilty of the
dreadful ciime of whichhe had been convicted,
and for which he was now receiving an igno-
minious punishment. And should he cast any
opprobrium upon that poor girl,because of that
convictions Perish the thought! He should
despisehimself ifbe could.
But there was another thought which caused
Westbourne the greatest anguish of mind, and
tbat was the manner in which the fortunes of
Richard Msrsden were connected with his father.
He felt too well satisfied that Lord Sidley was
enjoyingthat fortune which belonged to Mars-
den and his daughter, and he frequently had his
doubts as to whether or not possession of it
had been honestly or surreptitiously obtained.
How, theja, inspite of the service whichit had
been his good fortune to render her, could
Eve'.ina look uponhim as the son of theusurper
of her rights, with any other feelings than those
of suspicion and repugnance t
These thoughts greatly tortured the amiable
Westbourne Sidley, and he would have given
anythingcould hebut have removed the cause.
But what would have been his agoay and
disgust, had he been aware that his father was
the guilty instigator of the outrage which had
been perpetratedagainst the beauteous object of
bis solicitude ; and that ha was even then
nursing himself with the idea of her shortly
becomiog the victim of his brutal passion ? But
Westbourne was not ignorant of his father's
vices, and bitterly did he deplore them, and
pray to Heaven to banish his evil propensities,
whichbad brought disgrace upon his name, and
had alreadybeen productive of so much misery
to many innocent individuals.
Having given strict injunctions to the land-
lordnot to Batissy any inquiries which might be
made as to the arrivalof himself and our heroine
at the inn,and ordered that every attention
should be paid to the poor girl, Westboorne
also, after partaking of some refreshment, retired
to a chamber, in order thathe might obtainsome
rest, and so preparehimself for the journey.
Evelina, when she entered the loom which
was aliottsd so her use,during the short time
she was toremain at the inn,- knelt down, and
with the most heartfelt emotions of gratitude,
poured forth her thanks to the Most Highfor her
preservation,and fervently she prayed that her
aged uncle mightbe enabled to bear the
her disappearance with fortitude.
shock of
Towards Westbourne Sidley the poor girl
felt the most lively sensations of gratitude, and
when she recalled toher mind his amiable aud
respectful demeanour, she could not but deeply
regret that he should be the son of that
from whomshe had every reason to man
date tbe
rain of her unfortunate parents, and whose
vicious propensities were so
notorious The
 OR, POVERT., CRIME, AND SORROW.
manly and handsome features of young Sidley
had made the deepest impression on her, and
Ihe could not help blushing, when she found
how vividly they were fresented to her mind's
eye.
She continued wrapped in theie reflections
for some minutes, but at length, tired and
sleepy, she threw herself on the bed, and
sought that repoio of whichshe so much stood
in need, after the unusual fatigue and excite*
ment ahe had undergone, and which in a very
short time came toher relief.
Three hours or more elapsed in this manner,
when Westbourne Sidley arose and despatched
a female servant to the chamber of Evelina, to
inquirehow she was. The answer he received
filled him with considerable grief and alarm.
Evelinafelt so poorly that she found it impos-
sible toleave her bed, notwithstanding the pain-
fulanxiety she waa under to returnhome ;bnt
she requested that Sidley would not put himself
to the inconvenience of delaying his departure
from theinn on her account.
This, however, Westbourne couldnot listen to
with any degree of patience, andhe returned an
answer to that effect, at the same time assuring
our heroine that his business was not so urgent
as to make the delay of any consequence.
He also sent for a medical man, who after
havingvisited Evelina, declared that she was
merely suffering from fatigue and over excite-
ment, hut thatit would notbe possible for her
to ventureto travel till the following day, at the
earliest.
-"- This
was agreat trial tothe patience of Evelina,
who waa well aware of (he dreadful state of sus-
penceher ancle and her other fiiends would be
in,althoughthey would, in the meantime, he
assured ofher safety ;but she was compeUed to
submit to it,and endeavoured to sleep the inter-
veninghours away, in order that it mightrestore
her, and render any farther delay unneces-
sary.
Westbourne Sidley passed that tedious day in
the greatest uneasiness of mind, for not only waa
he anxiousabout the health of Evelina,but most
impatientonce more to have the happiness of
ber society, and to contemplate those transcen-
dent charms which had so completely ravished
bis senses at the first sight. He could notbut
flatter himself with the idea that this adventure
would prove theintroductionothim tohsrfriend-
ship, andcould he but gain the esteem of that
fair andgentlebeing, he thought that he should
experience grester happiness than had ever yet
fallen to hialot. Her features were stamped as
vividly upon his imagination as if she stood be-
fore him, and all that was lovely in creation
appeared to his sanguine ideas to be concentrated
in them. To win the regard of oneso fair and
innocent wouldindeed bebliss inestimable, and
how blessed that man then would be who could
create a sentiment of amore tender description
in herbosom. Westbourne Sidley sighed deeply
as these thoughtsoccurred to him, and sensations
of a different character to any which hehadever
before known, gained possession of his breast.
He walked a short distance from the inn, with
the hopeof being able to compose himself,but he
returned in a state of greater agitation than
99
before. He was pleased, however, that the
beauteous object ofhis thoughts wasmuch better,
and that she waa wrapped in acalm and refresh-
ing Bleep, and the doctor gave it as his opinion
that there wouldbe no necessity for her to delay
her joumey auy longer than the morning.
We must now once more return to Stephen
Blackthorn, who,on leavingthe tavern where he
always met his infamouB colleagues, hastened
home, and retired to hia chamber in no very
agreeable state of mind, for he was vexed and
disappointed at the continued absence of the
villains,andhe had some torturing misgivings
that the plot had not succeeded so well as he
had anticipated, and should Evelina be rescued
from their power, it might lead to the defeat of
all future schemes. But still, on more mature
consideration, he could not see how it could
happen,andhe endeavoured to await with pa
tience the result.
At last, tired of thinking, Blackthorn fell
asleep, buthow long hehad been so he knew
not, whenhe wassuddenly aroused by a loud
knocking at the door. The darkness of the
night had not yet disappeared, and Blackthorn
throwingup the window, and putting his head
out, conld only veryindistinctly catch a glimpse
of the figures of two or three persons standing
below, andhe hastily demanded who they were
'
and what they wanted.
Quick, open the door, Blackthorn ; we have
'
much to toil you/ answered one of the men.
AhI' exclaimed Blackthorn, with mingled
feelings of pleasure aud area .,as he recognized
the voice of Joe Elsby.
1Yon have _
come at last then A pretty state
of suspense yon have kept me andhis lordship
in, bybeiug abient so long ;but wait a moment
and I will admit you/
Hastily he struck a light as he spoke, and
slippingon a morning gownhe hurried below, in
a state of great trepidation. He unbolted the
door, and the men walking into the parlour,
seated themselves without any further cere'
mony.
Blackthorn held the lamp above his head, and
—
examined their features narrowly and impa-
tiently,and perceiving Elsby's arm bound up in
asling,he eagerly demanded
1Why, how's this . What's the matter with
your arm .
'
' Iam wounded/ waa the answer.
'Yes, shots
Wounded V
'Ah Ithere Is something wrong then. I
—
began to fear as much ;tell me, what success
'
have youmet with V
'D d bad!' replied Elsby,in a surly tone.
Quick, quick Iwhat of the girlI' demanded
'She has escaped 1'
Blackthorn.
'Hell and destruction1' furiously cried
'do you speak the truth I'
'What's; the
Stephen
' useof my tellingalie f returned
Joe Elsby ; she has been rescued from our
'Cowards1' hoarsely exclaimed Blackthorn,
power.'
'
almost choked withrage ; is this your courage
anddetermination? ButI could expect nothing
less of you. Foolthat Iwas to trust you.'
I
 100 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;
'nay,
"Cowarisl' repested Elsby, with a frown;
Stephen Blackthorn, you are rather too
hasty there ; we do not deserve that title any
more than you do. What has happened was
no fault of ours, and Isaucy Ihave as much
reason to complain as any one.'
'Escapedl' repeated Blackthorn, striking his
' 01course not ;do you think Iam mad?'
'Ily all my hopes this disappointment will
drive me mad, I think,' said Blackthorn, biting
his lips, and frowning dreadfully.
'Come, Blackthorn,' observed ElBby, 'ItIs
no use talking in that manner ;what's done
cannot be helped, and though the girl is rescued

—'
forehead, and traversing tbe room with hasty
strides; my well-formed plans thwhrted ;oh,
curses curses light upon this disaster. But
'
now, another time she may not be eo fortunate.'

'
She andher friends will be on their guard in
'
future, and prevent the execution of my plans.'
tell'me who has done thisV 'Old Langston cannot live for ever.
'
We have not the pleasure of knowing the
gentleman,' answered Elsby, but no doubt we
True, but he may live longenough to make
every provision for her, and thuB to destroy my
shall bebetter acquainted with him, when he "Not hopes.'
ambitious
restores her toher home, which he no doubt so ;at his death the girl will be
entirely
willdo.' at your mercy. Come, Blackthorn, compose
'D— n! the thought maddens me. But how yoursel', and make the best you can of abad
didit happen ?' bargain. Bat we need eome refreshment, for
'I will tell yon, if you will only have a little wehave hada few most weary hoars of it,I can
patience.' tell you.*
'Quick, quick, then!' * You had better not remain here/said Black-
Joe Elsby then proceeded torelate all that had thorn, after he had pointed to a decanter of
"
taken place, to which Blackthorn listened with brandy wbich was standing on a lide*beard in
feelings of the mon uncontrollable rage and the room ; the neighbourswill be stirring pre-
disappointment ;and when he had concluded, sently, and should they see you leave the house,
he once more started from his chair, and paced it might create their suspicions, and lead to no
tbe room with disordered footsteps, and giving very pleasant discovery/
1And
'
ventto the most horrible maledictions.
so/ he said, you snfiered yourselves to Eleby
1Why, that is true to be
* sare/ coincided
; what would you have us do then V
be defeated by threemen ?' 1Why, hasten

'They weremore than a match for as, espe- answered Blackthorn ; andI
'
to the house of meeting/
willjoinyou, after
'
cially after Iwas wounded/ returned Joe I
Elsby ; and I
have seen Lord Sidley, andmade him acquain*

'
"discretion was the better part of valour.'
' '
could not help thinking that ted with these disagreeable particulars.'
Very well,' returned Elsby; but of coarse
'
Now by the infernal host/ ejaculated Black- you will represent it in the best lightyou can to
thorn, this disappointment is insupportable. his lordship V
How can I ever make Lord Sidley acquainted * Iam afraid Ishall have a difficulty in
with it ? and the girl whom I had hoped I had persuading him that you have acted in this
got rid of altogether will be restored to annoy matter with the ability and determination he
me, and probably to destroy my future In- was led to expect.
'
tentions.'
' We should have acted moreimprudently had
'
Why, it is very vexatious to he sure/ re. we suffered ourselves to have been apprehended,
marked Joe Elsby, but still I think you muat wbich have lead to a discovery of all.'
admit that it is no fault of mine, or my com- 'Wellmight
perhaps it would ;but it was a bad job
panions. Everything was going right enongh you left the carriage behind you ;that might
till that confounded horse stumbled.'
' 'And why did you leave the girl unguarded ?'
'
lead to detection.'
It does not belong to his lordship.'
That was a bit of an oversight certaiifty ;but 1It does not.'
who would have thought that she would ever 'Well, then, there is nothingto fear; besides,
havebeen bold enough to attempt to escape V wecould uot getit away. But you will not be
' "You fled?' longbefore you join us, I suppose V
' Yes, it wasno use remaining to be shot.' ■ Not longer than I can help/ replied Black-
You did notsee, then, whither her preserver thorn ; and Elsby and his companions then
'
conveyed herV quitted thehouse.
'Certainlynot/ When they were gone, Blackthorn gave free
' And what sort of aman washe?' indulgence to his rage, anduttered curses, loud
' Young, handsome, and ofnoble bearing/ and deep, against the individual, whoever he
* You
Yee/
wouldknow him againV was, who had rescued Evelina, and thus dis-
* appointed those guiltyhopes he had so warmly
May the fiends ofhell pursue him I'cried the entertained.
InfuriatedBlackthorn. *
"So I ' '
Aod she will be restored to her home/
say,' returned Elsby; Ifitle only for he muttered, and for a time triumphover the
(he wound he has
'But inflicted on me.' defeat of her secret enemies. But sbe shall not
is there any fear of Evelina's discovering escapeme, no, even though I sacrifice her life,
who were the authors of this plotV eagerly asked sheBhall not stand between me and tbe gratifica-
dUcIcthorn. tion of my wishes ;she can have no suspicions
1
Nooe/ repHed Elsby. aa to who her enemies are, and therefore cannot
'Sbe expressed no suspicion?' bc on her guaid against their designs. I
*
II-w could Bhe ?" shall
1And yod 5et triumph, even though my hopes may be
never threw out any hint V delayed longer than I anticipated/
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 101
With these thoughts the villain endeavoured which Joe Elsby had communicated to him, but
to tranquiliiic his feelings, and proceeded to LordSidley could scarcely control his pa..Ion to
dress himself, but still his mind remained in a hearhim out, and when he had concluded, he
state of great agitation, and he was more par- gave utterance to a number of vulgar oaths,
ticularly anxious toknow who it was to whom andagainand againcursed the misfortunes that i
Eve ina was indebted for her preservation, and hadattended them.
he was frilly determined when he should * The fellows acted with the grossest impru
ascertain that fact, to pursue him with his
vengeance.
'
dence, not to say cowardice/ he exclaimed,
or this thingwould not have happened. And
He wascompelled to wait for an hour or two, how do I know that they have not betrayed meI
because it was yet too early to visit the abbey; and if such is the case, my shame and disgrace
but at length, revolving in his mind how he must inevitablyfollow/
should open the unpleasant business to his lord* 1No,my
'
lord/ said Blackthorn ; thereis no
ship, he depaited. fear of their having done that, or they would
Lord Sidley had been unable to sleep, for never again have ventured to show themselves
mingled doubts and fears disturbed his mind, to me. I tell you, as I have told you all along,
and at an early hour he left his chamber, and that I can place the most Implicit confidence in
beforeany other portionofthe family werestirring their fidelity, and thoughthey have failed now,
he quitted the mansion, and rambled through I do not doubt but that they will succeed another
the'adjacent fields, burled inprofound thought. time.'
I '
donot half like this delay of the fellows,' Lord Sidley bithis lips, and his rage and dis*
'
he soliloquised; and notwithstanding all that appointment rather increased than abated.
Blackthorn has said to me to the contrary, it And who can this officious individual be to
strikes me that he also had some apprehensions whom the girl is indebted for her deliverance?'
that the plot will not succeed so well as we at he 'said.
first were led to anticipate. And should the girl That, no doubt, we shall shortly discover,my

aud renderall ourfatureschemes abortive. These

'
escape this time she will be put on ber guard, lord,' answeredBlackthorn.
Let him beware, for most assuredly will I
thoughts distract me, and almost leadme to repent visit him with my deadliest vengeance. Oh,

be discoveredthatI am theauthor ofit,my eternal

'
tbatlever entered intothe plotat all, for shouldit this defeatis wormwood to my feelings.'
And you msy be certain that my rage and
disgrace would follow. But still the girl is too disappointment are equal to your own, my lord,
lovely to resign,and is worth mnnlrjg almost any consideringbow hatefnl the girl is to me. But
risk to become possessed of. She must be mine, althoughshe has escaped this time, I will Invent
evenat allhazards.' some other scheme by which she will be certain
He was aroused from these reflections
hearing his name repeated, and looking up with
by to 'fall
I
into your lordship'spower.'
must possets her at every risk, Black.
some surprise and satisfaction, he beheld Black. thorn.'
'
thorn. 'And you shall, my lord, depend on it. I
,'
to appear as composed as possible you are out
'
Well met, my lord,' said Blackthorn, trying give youmy wordfor it, and willnot break it.'
'
Had I not been a fool,' said is lordship, after
'
early this morning;but it is all the better, for Ia pause, thiB wouldnot have happened.'
'
was coming to the abbey.'
Were youV saidhis lordship, eagerly. 'Have
' How
Why I
bo, my lord V inquiredB acktbem.
should have had the girl conveyed to
'
you r eard anything,then V the abbey, where she could have been secreted,
I have,' replied Stephen.
'Have until a more fittingopportunity presented itself
the men returned I' of removing her to Sarnscombe.'
'Why, certainly, that would have been as
'■ Yes.'
well, but we actedfor the best.'
'
' Ah, then the news I'
Bad, my lord.' Yes;and a sad blunder wehave made of it.

—
The expression of Lord Sidley'a countenance But
'
are you certain no suspicion canattach itself
changed, and he looked most impatient, as he to me, Blackthorn ?'
'
demanded Quite certain,. my lord. Joe Elsby and his
Are, then,my suspicions confirmed I Speak companions would*be sure to keep it a profound
quickly,Blackthorn;have the fellows succeeded secret, for their own sakes; how else could
Evelinahave the least idea that you had any-
'
or notV
Unfortunately they have not, my lord;but thing to do with her abduction V
"
Itis no fault of theirs.' Very true ;and I suppose it is no use to
'Do not try my patience, man ; what ls the murmur, as it cannot be helped, vexatious aa
it
result of their expidition!
' is though; we must take care that our next
'Why, attempt is not attended with tne like ill suc-
' that Evelina has escaped.' ' ' .
CoofusionI'cried the enraged nobleman ; is cess.'
,
very glad
„»■>.

Blackthorn,
it evenso IThey have deceivedub then.'
' ' Exactly so,' coincided
No, my lord,' answered Blackthorn, they to Bee that tho rage ot his lordship wasdevising
" so soon
have not. Her preservation was a most mira- subdued, and Iwilllose no time in
'
culous one, and they werenot to blame,in proof another scheme.'
You must give the fellows the reward I pro-
of which, Elsby is severely wounded, In attempt- them,' saidLord bidley,'justto encourage
ing to resist her deliverer ;but bear with me mised
patiently while I detail the particulars.' '
them to fidelity.' '
Blackthorn now entered into the same acconnt Very good, my lord,' said Stephen; and I
 102 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD 5

think they have pretty well earned it, notwith-

1
'How
Yes, itis.'
'
standing they failed intheir object.' " know you that!'
Elsby and his companions.'
Well, Ido not know but they may havedone 'From theyhave gotback then V
ao; although it was a great oversight for them 'Oh,
They have, and will soonbe followed by the
leave the girl unguarded.'
to '
Had it notbeen for the arrival of the gentle- girl,' I expect.'
You arenot serious, Blackthorn1' '
man and his attendants, it would have been 'Indeed I am,' answered the Utter. 1 am ln
Impossible for her to have escaped them ;for
they were close upon her heels, and whither no'humour for joking.
protection ' '
!' Then, Evelina has escaped, Isupposes
'Thesheofficious
could have fled for shelter and
houndI'cried Lord Sidley. I She has.'
' Ay,theyithad
wish lodged a bullet inhis heart.' 1 Curcea light upon' this misfortune,' ejacu.
would have been no more than he lated Mrs. Snacks ; bat how did It happen I
said the Did not the drag I administered to her have its
miscreant Blackthorn.
'But the time
merited, for his daring interference,'
' effects
will due '
doubtless come when weshall have the oppor- Yes, it had,' replied Stephen; she did not
tunityof having our revenge of him.'
' recover her senses until they were only a few
I trust it will, but Ishall he all impatience miles fromSarnscombe. But listen.'
Mrs. Snacks did so, and that withmost eager
'
until the girl shall return to the hall.'
Which will probably be before many hours curiosity, frequently interrupting him to give
'
have elapsed, my lord,' returned Blackthorn. '
vent lo her feelings.
am astonished,' she exclaimed, when he
Iwill repair there to ascertain what is going I '
forward, and whether any intelligence has ar- '
hadfinished ; but have you Been his lordship!'
'
rived.' ' I have,' returned Blackthorn.
Do so,Blackthorn, and let me know iaime-
diately that it has. Probably this young gallant
' And what does he sayI'
Ob, he bearB the disappointment muchbetter
may take uponhimself the honour of escorting than 1expected he would. But although we
'
Evelina to her hon:e.' have been defeated this time, Evelina shall not
Itis most likely that he will, and I shall
then have an opportunity of seeing him, and of
'
escape us.'
'
She shall not,Blackthorn,' said the guilty
ascertaining who is is. Farewell,my lord, till woman, vith a fiendish look, and this fellow
'
we meet again.' who has dared to interfere to save her,he shall
Farewell, Blackthorn, and better success to '
not escape our vengeance.' '
He shall not,' said Blackthorn; and I am
'
our future schemes, say I.'
I hope so, my lord,' returned Blackthorn, all impatience until I discover who and what
and they separated, Stephen hastening towards be ia. Elsby says he waa yoong, and of noble
the hall, and Lord Sidley returninghomo, inthe '
andcommanding person.'
most gloomy state of mind, but fully determined ' Curses light on himI'
not to abandon hia nefarious designs, at all
hazards. He little expected the surprise and
So I '
Bay. But itis useless to murmur,' said
Stephen; we should rather thank our lucky
vexatioir which werein store for him. stars that we so managed our plot that we need
Blackthorn soon arrived at the hall, and in' not entertain the least fear that suspicion will
quiring after Mr. Langston, was Informed that ever light uponus. Thegirl's triumph andthat
he was still in a most deplorable state, and that of her preserver, whoever he ls, shall not last
the doctor was obliged tohe in constant attend- long.'
'
ance upon him. After some further conversation, tbe two woi*
Would that he had breathedhis last,' mut- thiea parted:and Blackthorn, who had deter*
tered Blackthorn, as he passed on to the mined to continue for some time at the hall, to
apartmentsof Mrs. Snacks, who had opened the hear whether any intelligence waa received of
door to him,and who saw, by the gloomy aspect Evelina, hastened to the chamber of the sick
'
ofhis countenance, that somethingto vexhim had man, where, as Mis. Snacks bad Informed him,
'
happened. Would that he had breathed his be found the doctor and Mrs. Selbornin atten-
last,' he repeated; then Ishould bave nothing dance upon him. The hypocrite inquired, with.
to fear.' much apparent solicitude,how he was, and the
He entered the room with the housekeeper, doctor shook his head in a significant manner,
'
and closed the door. whichafforded Blackthorn nosmall satisfaction,
'Who is with the oldman?' he inquired. as he wasin hopes that, even though Evelina
Only the doctor and Mrs. Selborn, who have should be restored to him, hia system had
never left him the whole night,' answered Mrs. received such a shock, in consequence of het
Snacks. abduction, thathe would never recover from it,
■
And have younot received anynews V asksd and then he felt convinced that he could carry
'
Blackthorn. ' out bis diabolical schemes of villany without tlie
No,' said Mrs. Snacks ; but you have, Ileast fear of detection. Indeed there wasnothing
suspect, Stephen, and lf I may judge from the he was not prepared to do, even to the shedding
expression of your countenance, not of a very of human blood, to accomplish his wishes.
'
pleasant description.' Mrs. Selborn could not help viewing Black*
You are right/ Our present scheme is a thorn with a feeling of dread and repugnance,
failure.' for she thougbt she beheld miscreant and hypo-
1
The devil it is,' said the housekeeper, crite stamped upon hie features, and she waa
hastily. confident, from certain hintB which he had
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME,
Inadvertently dropped, that he bore her andher
family no good will ;but still sbe had not the
least suspicion that hecould have had anything
to do with the abduction of our heroine, not-
wltBtanding that she was aware that he must
view the damsel with feelings of jealousy, and
as an obstacle to the fall accomplishment cf his
avaricious views.
—
Poor old Langston looked fearfully bad, buthe
was perfectly sensible sensible to the dreadful
calamity that had befallen him, and thereforehe
'
felt it the more acutely.
'
Oh, may the vengeance of the Most High,'
'
he ejaculated, addressinghimself to Blackthorn,
as he stood byhia bed side ; may the vengeance
of the Most High overtake the wretches who
have done this inhuman deed, anddeprived me,
in my decliningdays, of all that I held dear on
earth. Beloved, affectionate, suffering,innocent
Evelina, whose gentle spirit shed consolation
upon my conscience-stricken soul,I shall never
behold you again ; you are lost to me for ever,
and the sooner that death terminates my misery
'
the better.'
Nay, sir,' said Stephen, with well-assumed
'
anxiety and compassion, you must not give
way to despair. Alarming as the mysterious
dissppearance of Miss Marsden ls, Providence
may interfere sooner than you expect, to rescue
her from the power of those who have stolen
her from you. Rest assured that every effort
ls being made to that purpose, and I have the
strongest bopes that such exertions will be
crowned
' with success.'
You entertain those hopes, Stephen V said
the old man with emphasis, and fixing upon
Blackthorn apeculiar look.
'Yes, Ihave, sir/ returned Blackthorn;
'surely you cannot doubt that I am sincere in
ray assertions V
'—
'No,no,' said Mr. Langston, extending his
hand to tbe villain ; II do not doubt you,
Stephen. Pardon me if I have appeared to do
bo, but grief distracts me, and I
what I say. Oh, I
scarcely know
had flattered myself with
such a bright prospect of the future, which this
dreadful and unexpected blow has at once
destroyed. Poor girl, poor girl, was it not
enough that she should suffer such unparalleled
and undeserving cruelties, during the dreary
years of her childhood, but that Bhe must now
be consigned to a fate probably worse than allV
Blackthorn could not help mutteringa secret
curse to himself, and turned away to concealhis
emotion. To think that he should be foiled in
this his first attempt was torture almost insup-
1
portable, and every word tbat old PaulLangston
had given utterance to was poison to his-ears and
feelings, for he pictured to himself the change
he would shortly experience, from the most
abject despair to joy on the restoration of his
niece.
Hour after hour elasped, and Blackthorn did
not quit the chamber of the suffering old man,
whomhe was very well pleased to perceive grew
every moment worse, and he was not without
hope that the shock his system had received by
the loss of Evelina would be attended with the
results he wished, notwithstanding the certainty
of her speedy restoration to him.
AND SORROW. 103
Mr. Langston seemed much impressed with
the attention which Blackthorn seemed to pay to
him, and the anxiety he evinced for his recovery;
and all those prejudices which he had lately
began to encourage towards him were banished
from his breast, andthe deluded old gentleman
evenbegan to fear that he had done him injus-
tice.
Towards the middle of the day, when the
patience of Mr.Langston was almost exhausted,
and they had the greatest difficulty In keeping
him in bed, they were all startled by a loud
knocking at the ball door, and aminute or two
afterwards, Mrs. Snacks entered the room ln
breathless haste, with a letter in herhand. Sbe
and Blackthorn hastily exchanged glances to-
other. —
gether, and they immediately understood each
' She is found I the dear young lady is
rescued,' she cried.
Mr.Langstonstartedup wildlyInthe bed, and
fixed a stern look of inquiry upon the house-
keeper.
'
Woman!' he exclaimed, 'haveyoucomehere
'
to mock me ? Beware !beware I' '
Mock you,sir ?' repeated Mrs. Snacks ; dear
gracious me, how can yon think thatIshonld
wish to do to ? A manis below, who has rode
post haste all the way from the place where he
says the younglady aud herpreserver were stay-
ing when he left them, andhe bringsthis letter
to you, which, probably,will convince you.'
Mr. Langston snatched the letter from her
—
with a tremblinghand, and his eyesbadno sooner
fallen upon the superscription, than he ex-
'
claimed —
Ah, gracious HeivenIthey are they are
the well.known characters of my beloved child1'
Blackthorn and the others looked on with
anxiety and impatience, while tbe old man
hastily broke tbe seal,and glanced over the con-
tents of the epistle.
'
'Almighty God, I thank you for thisI1he
be restored to me, and—
—
cried. Sheissaved! My'beloved Evelina will
He oouldnot finish the sentence ;bis feelings
overpowered him, and he sank back Insensible
upon the bed.
* Heavenbe
praised for this !' exclaimed Mrs.
Selborn emphatically; 'the poor girl Ib saved,
and her affectionate relative will be rescued from
untimelydeath.'
Blackthorn bit his lips; but eagerly picked up
the letter which Mr. Langstonhad dropped on
the bed, and glanced at the contents. Need we
describe his astonishment and rage at what he
thereread 1 He could scarcerefrain from giving
'
utterance to an oath.
'
Wonderful ItorturingI' he was about to add,
but be checked himself, and said, this is, indeed,
a most fortunate and remarkable circumstance.
You and this gentleman will probably see to the
recovery of Mr. Langston, Mrs. Selborn ;Iwill
return shortly."
Thus Baying,he abruptly quitted the room,
Mrs. Snacks having preceded him, as she was
anxious
' to hear all the particulars
And who,think you, Ib the preserver of the
girl7' he asked, when they had got down the
stairs.
 104 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
; this news is torturing; and the mot
'How is it possible for me to imagioe!' re- heart insurmountable difficulties are likely lo arise
turned Mrs. Snacks wi h a look of impatience.
'
' Westbourne Sidley.' '
from this adventure.'
But surely, my lord,' said Blackthorn, 'you
Westbourne Sidley !' repeated the astonished haveit in your power to prevent thoBe difficulties
'
housekeeper; impossible!'
''Itell youit is true!'
you"I apprehendV '
Then, may lightnings blast himI cried tbe know not that,' replied Lord Sidley ; but
woman, and her countenance assumed an at any rate, I must pretend to praise Westbourne
brutal revolting to for that which so excitesmy rage anddisappoint-
perlectly
expression which
'
contemp'ate.
Ay, bo I
it was
... ... ment. There has been a spell upon this pro-
say,' remaiked Blackthorn ; but ceeding altogether. There
is everythingto vex,
"
I have no time to talk to you on the subject '
torture, and perplex me.'
Calm yourself, my lord,' said Stephen, the
now. I must hasten to tbe abbey, and make his yours,in spite of the protection
lordship acqnainted with it. What will be his girl shall yet be
' mayreceive from your son.'
astonishment and rage when he comes to hear she
Ay, you say so,' answeredhis lordship,with
it ! By what strange accident could this have
been brought about V a'doubtful shake ofthe head.
willpledge mylife for the fulS'ment of
Before Mrs. Snacks could make any reply. my And I Oh, we must net give w_y to
Blackthorn darted from the hall, and made his promise.
way towards the abbey. despair, because we have happened to faii (his
'Now, by all the infernal host !' he growled time. I have never yet suffered myself to be
'
to himself, as he proceeded, thisis intelligence daunted at such trifles, and I am not going to do
—
which Inever expected to hear. Westbourne so
Sidley the preserver of the girl I What cursed '
now, especially when I
stake.'
have got so much at

a cident threw him in her way, and rendered low,

Well, I do believe you are a determined fel-
him the means of thwarting the plans of his and shall depend upon you entirely,Black.
father ? There is danger in that forward boy, thorn.'
and he must be locked after. And the charms confidence,
1 And you willhaveno cause to repent of your
of the girl may SaXe au impressionon his heart, ' my lord.'
would have sacrificed any money sooner
andrender him a daDgcrous impediment to the I
plans of his lordship. This must be pievented, '
than this should have happened.'
No doubt of it ;but as it cannot bs helped,
and Lord Sidley has the power todo so.' it. Your "ox* will, of
He hurried on bis way as he uttered these we must make the best of
words, and very shortly arrived at the abbey, course, never have the least suspicion that the
and was shown into the presence of hislordship, abduction ofEvelina Marsden took place, through
who was most anxiously awaitingto receivehim, your means.'
'Certainly not, that is not likely,' said his
and to hear what further particulars he had to
'
relate to him.
Now, then, Blackthorn/ he said on his en-
'
lordship.
And therefore, after all, if we only act with
trance, 'your looks bespeak something of impor- proper precaut on, he cannot present any ma e
tarce. Hae Evelina arrived at Mie hall yet?' rial obstacle to the accomplishment of our
*
'.No, my lord,' answered Stephen, but a wishes.'
messenger has arrived, bringing a communica-
' No, but it enrages me to think thathe should
tion from her.' be the means ofretculngthe girl from my pjwer.
'Ah!' ejaculated Lord Sidley, 'then it is However, I will adopt some course to prevent
any annoyaticefrom him,and to crush any hopes
'
known who is theperson who rescued her ?'
Itis.' that tbe beauty and intrinsic accomplishments
'A:d who la he?' of Evelina may create in his breast. I have
1Your lordship will,no doubt, be astonished already secured an alliance for him, with a lady
and incredulous.' of wealth. To be sure, she i3 old enoug'a to be
(
Do not keep me in suspense, Blackthorn. his mother, aud cannot boast of any great per-
cannot expect he will
'
Who is the cslicious fool V
Your own son, my lord.'
sonal attractions, so that I
be very favourable to the match, but it is my
Lord Sidley started with amazement, Indeed, will, and Ido not think he will venture to act
when he heard this, and grasped the arm of ia disobedience to it;if be docs, I shall kuow
'
Blackthorn. how to deal withhim.'
Lord Sidley uttered the latter observationsin
' My son?' he repeated, in a hoarse voice.
"\rVe6tbourne Sidley, ray lord; eo says the lower tone*, for hedid not exactly wish tbat
letter of Evelina, which I believe was brought Blackthorn should overhear them ;however,be
by one of his attendants, who probably will be did. '
'
here preae_tl/ to confirm what Ihave stated.' Andhow did old Langstonreceive this ne_s V
CcnfuBionl' cried his lordship, stamping inquired ' his lordship, after a pause. <

with rage; 'by what infernal means bat tbis Why the same aa you might ' expect, my
been broughtabout ? My ownson the frustrates lord,' answered .Blackthorn. So, Isuppose
of my scheme ? I can scarcely believe the evi- Evelina will be restored to her homo in tbe
dence of my eaT_. Andbo will have the gratifi course of tbe day, escorted there by your lord'
cation of e.costing bar to her home, and will ship's most ga'lant sonV
probably ingratiate himself in har savour, while *B.h . ej.cula ed the Boblsmao, with ludig*
bei charms cannot fall to take possession of hi- nation.
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILB ;OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
'Andls it likely that your lordship's son will
know the vehicle iu which Evelina was borne
'
awayt' asked Stephen. '
No,' answered Lird Sidley; and I must see
tha owner of it, and make him some compensa-
tionfor its Iobs, foi it will not do for him to lay
any claim to it,'
'Certainly not,
for that would betray all.'
At this moment a servant entered, and in-
formedhia lordship ofthe arrival ofthe atten.
dant of Westbourne Sidley, and he was immedi-
ately ordered into his presence. Here he was
desired to enter into all the particulars of the
adventure, which he did, andhis account exactly
corresponded with tbat wbich had been previ-
ous!) given by Joe E sby.
WESTBOURNE SIDLEY HANDS MISS NOBMAN TO IER CARRIAGE.
towards Heaven, the poor old man fervently
poured lorth his gratitude to the Supreme, and
invokedblessingsupon theheadofber preserver,
towards whom, knowinghiB strictly honourable
and amiable character, he had ever felt the
warmest esteem, and regretted that he shonld
be doomed to have a parent so totally unworthy
'
of his virtues.
* andOb, my beloved Evelina/ he ejaeu'ated,
shall I indeed havethe felicity of again
clasping you to mybosom, and of knowing that
you have escaped the dreadful fate that, no
doubt, waa intended you? Almighty God, 1
thank you for this, andhnmbly beseech you to
protect her from the power ofher seoret enemies
for the future. I feel my strength revive with
.'
il, ■
J :__*
N.. 14.
105
Lord Sidley and Blackthorn listened to the
narrative with mutual feelings of rage, which.
they bad great difficultyin concealing from the
domestic,but who was Immediately dismissed
after he had detailedall be knew. Blackthorn
then, after enjoininghis lordship to prepare him-
self to meet his son in amanner bo as not to
cause the le.st doubt or suspicion in hiB breast,
and buoyinghim up withthe hope thathe would
speedily invent same other stratagem that would
be certhi i of meeting with success, took his
leave, and once more departed to the hall, to
Westbourne Sidley, and his
Iawait the arrival of
fair charge.
Mr. Langaton was soonrestored to sensibility,
and with clasped hands, and eyes devoutly raised
Ihe assurance of her safety ; let me arise, and
prepare to meet her.'
It was not without considerable difficulty that
tbe physician and Mrs. Selborn could persuade
him to remain in bed;but, at length, after point-
ing out to him the dangerous consequences
which might ensue, they prevailed, andhe be-
came aHttle more calm.
Soon after this, HelenSelborn visited tbe hall,
anxious to ascertain whether anythioghad been
heard of her unfortunate friend and companion ;
and when she was informed of the particular,
her joy waaso great she could scarcely restrain
herself within the bounds of reason. She went
tears ol delight and gratitude, and oould not
sufficiently admire tha goodnsis of that Piovl-
 106 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;

donee which had so miraculouslyinterposed to his lordship; 'for Evelina would, of course, be
rescue the poor girl from the horrible fate which most anxious to return home as quickly as pos-
otherwise, no doubt, had awaited her. sible, knowing the dreadful state of suspense

arrived,and still Evelina and herpreserver came

'
Thedaypassed tediouslyaway, and whennight that her uncle would be in.'
I '
only wish that his suspense would be tho
not, the most unaccountable doubts and fears death of him,' said the villainBlackthorn. Our
again began to take possession of the bosom of triumph
Mr. Langston, and it was as much as they all
' '
would then be Immediate and certain.'
Ar,' coincided Lord Sidley ; that would be
could do to pacify himIn the least. He appre- as well, as I suppose you have matured your
hended that somethingelse had happened to her plans, so far as securing theold man's wealth.
onthe road, and thathe should yet be prevented But still I am not satisfied about the girl. She
'
from again beholdingher. Nor wereMrs. Selborn must be too ill to remove from the inn.'
and her daughter ;
without their fears also but
they struggledwith them as well as they could, Stephen, I
And' if such had been the case,' returned
shouldbave thoughtthat they would
and concealed them from the observation of Mr. have lost no time ln forwarding intelligence of
increase his agitation.
'
Langston, knowing that it would onlyserve to the same to the hall.'
Very true ; I '
scarcely know what to think,
Blackthorn scarcely knew what to think, and said the nobleman. At any rate, Westbourne
he was inas great a state of suspense as the rest, does not seemin any hurry to see his father ;I
but he only hoped, and that sincerely, too, that have no doubt that he is captivated with the
something of a fatal description would happen to charms of Evelina, and does not want to resign
our heroine on the road, so that she might be her' society any sooner than he canhelp.'
prevented from e .er annoyinghim again. Why, that is only natural, mylord, and he
So great was the emotion of Mr. Langston may make much of it now, for it will notbe
thathe couldnotbe appeased at all, until a trust- '
long that he will be permitted to enjoy it.'
worthymessenger was despatched,on horseback, ' Would that he bad never Been her.'
to the inn which Evelina hadinformed himin
her letter they had stopped at, to ascertain all
' What, do you fear him,my lord V
No, but he maycause me more trouble Inthe
the particularshe could, andhe was promised '
a affair than T bargained for.'
will find a way to prevent that.'
handsome reward if bo used all possible expe- ' Oh, I
dition. You promise me, Blackthorn?'
The night passed away, and still no intelli- ' do ;and will keepmy word/
(I
gence arrived, and Mr. Langstonnow gavehim- Itis most provoking that we should be frus-
self up to tbe most entire despair, and his suffer trated in o_r very first stratagem.*
ijgs were, if possible,even greater than theybad 1
Well, you shall not have to delay the gratifi-
beenbefore, and he was deaf to every attempt at cationof yonr withes long, mylord. The next
expostulation or consolation.
Poor Helen Selborn gainedbut little sleep that
'
game we play shall be a sure one.'
I hope it may, or I shall begin to despair
night, and the sanguine hopes Bhe hadsuffered altogether. But you will have your work to do,
but a few hours since to obtain such anascen- Blackthorn; for after this ontrage, the friends
dancy over her werenow almost stifled lu her of Evelina will be sure to keep a watchful eye
bosom. But still she could not help thinking, over her.'
after some further reflection, it was wrong to
' '
Let them,' replied Stephen ; but they must
entertain these apprehensions,after the assurance be watchful indeed to guard her from my power.
of Evelina's safety whichhad been received from Why dirt not the girl perish in the workhouse I'
*
herself ;end she trusted thatProvidence would That mighthaveanswered your purpose very
protect her until she was restored oncemore to well,' observed his lordship; * bnt you will re-
herhome. From all that she bad heard of the collect tbat had she done so, I should have been
character of Westboirne Sidley, she placed the deprived of the felicity I am now so anxious to
utmost reliance on his honour and integrity,and obtain, and for which I am ready to make almost
tbat he would not rest until he had completed any sacrifice. Nay, this disappointmenthasbut
the good task be had begun. ' to strengthen my desires.'
served
But there was another fear which Helencould Iam glad to hear your lordship Bay so, for the
notso readily get rid of, and that was, that the certainty that your wishes remain unchanged,
ruffians from whose power Evelina had been will render me more firm in my determination.
rescued, mightsurprise them in greater number I have no doubt after all that Evelina has only
on the road, and if so, themost dreadful conse- felt fatigued with the shock she has sustained
quences might be apprehended. and the fatigue she has undergone, andhas been
This Idea Helencommunicated to her parents, compelledto rest awhile. I have notmuch fear
who could not deny the reasonableness of it,hut hut that Bhe will for a certainty arrive at the hall
it wasresolved notto mention it to Mr. Langston,
since it might probably most unnecessarily,create
"
to-morrow.'
Well, I '
will endeavour to wait patiently till
his alarm, and increase the anguish he was al- then,' said Lord Sidley ; and trust that I may
ready enduring. not be again disappointed. Where are the fel-
Blackthorn had another interview with Lerd lows ?'
Sidley at night, and they conversed upon the 'At the old house.'
subject for some time, without beingable to come 1 they satisfied with their reward ?*
any
to ' satisfactory conclusion.
'Are
Certainly, mylord,it would indeedbe strang.
Itis strange what can cause their de'ay ,* said if they werenot.'
 POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 107
'And they will be ready toact promptly again, readiness at an early hour the following morning,
we shall require their services1' and no sooner did daylight appear, than she
'' Yes."
when
arose from her couch, and descended thestairs
They must keep themBelves concealed, for no Into the par our, where she found her preserver
donbt there will be ahue and cry after them, and already equipped for the journey,and awaiting
should theybe Been, they wouldmost likely be her appearance. Asmall repast was also prepared
regonised.* on the table.
' Sidley greeted the lovelygirl with theutmost
Bald Blackthorn;
'
Leave them alone for using caution,mylord,'
they arenot so foolish as to respect, and expressed the pleasure he felt at
run into a scrape of that kind, when there is no seeingher look so much better. Our heroine
necessity for them doing so.' replied to him with unaffected simplicity and
With these assurances his lordship was satis- modesty, while hsr heart, at the (ame time,
fied, and theyagain separated ;but the abandoned bounded with the warmest feelings of gratitude
nobleman was far from beingeasyin his mind at and esteem towards thatman who hadrescuedher
the continuedabsence of Evelina, andhe formed from eo dreadful a fate, and who was now about
to renderher so invaluable a service.
'
various conjecturesupon the subject.
Should anything happen to her after all,' he At the earnest solicitation of Westbourne,
said, as he paced his apartment, before retiring Evelina partookslightly of the repast, and theu
'
to test, I should never be able to endure the all the little arrangements beingcompleted, he
disappointment to my hopes. The longer I re- handedher to the carriage, took hisseat by her
flect upon the gentle beauties cf that all-en- side, and tbey departed from the inn.
chanting damsel the more does the passion with And now that tbey had commenced their
which she has inspired me, increase in strength, journey, the heart of our heroine gradually
and the more eager am I to obtain possession of became lighter,and her eyes brightened, adding
her. Cursed ill-fortune it was that sent my son increased lustre tohsrcharms, whichWestbourne
to her deliverance ;thedebt of gratitudeshe owes could not help contemplatingwith the most un-
tohim will naturally engender feelings of a more bounded admiration.
tender nature inher bosom, and canWestbourne Many persona smile at the idea of love at
beInsensible to the power of her beauty ? Itis first sight, but when beauty intrinsically and
Impossible I However, why should that trouble personal, bo lucidly (it we may be permitted the
observatioo,
met he can never hope topossess her, and willnot word) present themselves to the
dare to encourage a passion towhich he must be Ib it at all to be wondered that the affections
being
aware I would never give my sanction. Besides, should at once be enlisted in favour of the
if fortune does not again frown uponme, ere who has engendered the feelingt Westbourne
many weeks have elapsed, Iwill haveher se- Sidleyhadan index to the mind our of heroine
curely in my power, and then n> triumph, and in her lovely countenance, which hofelt satisfied
the annihilation of his hope?, if he presumes could not deceive him, and could he but win
eyes, hls every
to form any, willbo certain. What wouldbe his favourin that beauteous maiden's
thought, didho butknow tbat it waBby the order hope, hia highest ambition, wouldbe completely
of his own father, Evelina Marsden was torn gratified.
from herhome V And similar were the thoughts whichpassed
The hardened libertine smiled with a sort of in the mind of Evelina. His candid manly
fiendish triumph as these thougts occured to his conntenance, andtbe respectfulness ofhie geneial
confidence, and
depraved mind, and he became more resolute demeanour, inspired her with
than ever inthe accomplishment of his atrocious she received his attentions with amodest
a_a*

wishes at any risk. bility, that showed she felt aa much at her ease
company as if had been the acquain-
In the meantime Evelina passed a restless in his they
many years.
night at the inn, notwithstandingshe had quite tances andcompanionsof
fatigue and fright she had Indeed the poor girl felt a sensation at her
recovered from the entirely new to her,and whioh
endured; for she pictured toherselfhow anxious heart, which was
her aged uncle would be to clasp ber once more she could not understand. She lingered with
to his affectionate bosom, especially after he delight and admiration upon every observation
had been made acquainted with her deliverance be uttered, and thought tha t he was certainly
agreeable of his sex that Bhe
from the power of themiscreants who had Beized one of the most
her,and the terrible apprehensions that would had ever enoountered. Doubtless the
gratitude
service he had rendered her,
torture hisbreast at her delayin returninghome. natural upon the
He wouldimagine,probably, that she was dan- wasat one of the principalcauses of this sentiment {
gerously ill, or that Bhe had, by some meansor but the same time she felt a fluttering sensation
other, again fallen into the hands of the vlllalnB, at berheart whenever he addressedher, which to
acquainted with,and experiencedin
and that uncertainty would be equally as agonis- those at all secrets, could not have been mis-
ing as the first discovery ot her abduction had the heart's
been. Again and again she prayed to Heaven construed. again
to give him fortitude and patience to endure the Here then was what is often spoken of
delay, and tbat noother accident might
occur, with far toomuch levity and contempt, love at
to retardherreturn to him, for that, she felt first sight. And is not
it at all surprising that
assimilated, formed together in the
fully coBfldent, would prove fatal to him, if her twominds so generoue mould,
noble and should so sud-
mysterious disappearance hadnot done bo already. same attracted towards each other.
Westbourne Sidley, at our heroine's request, denly beeome had in virtuesformedthem so alike,that
had giveninstructions for the carriage to be in Heaven
 108 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
_ '
It was Imposslb for their thoughts and wishes
to be disunited.
But amidst all this, sad reflections came over
the mind of our heroine. Westbonrna was tho
eonof that man she could not bnt look tne
upon
with repugnance, not only as tho usurper of tne
rights of her unfortunate father, but also as
general enemy of his fellow-creatures, the des-
she
troyer of female Innocence ;and Westbourne,
thought, must viewher with some degree ofpre-
murderer.
judice as the daughter of a supposed
Under these circumstances she could not help
feeling some degree of restraint in his company,
which Westbourne, who seemed to,andprobably
did, read her thoughts, endeavoured by every
means that he could at tbat time venture to
make use of,to dissipate.
How keenly did the amiable young man feel
for the early and unparalleled sufferings of bis
beauteous companion, with which particulars,
although she was not aware of it, he vas
thoroughly acquainted. Many times before be
had seen her, and hereflected andsorrowed over
them, and glaring was the picture tbat ho bad
inhia mind drawn of her ;but how much more
didshe than realise itI He badmore than once
mentioned the subject to bis father, hut the latter
always affected to treat it with Indifference, and
teemed to think her worthy of sympathy in con-
sequence of the crime with wblcb her unhappy
andill-fated parent was stigmatised. Bnthad
this expression of prejudice any effectupon West-
bourne Sidlty 1 Yes, but it was to excite his
greatest possible disgust, and to strengthen his
commiseration for tbe poor orphan girl, who,
whateverthe fault! ofher father mighthavebeen,
ougktcertainly not,he considered, to beheld ac-
countable or punishedfor them.
Ho felt satlsled also, that his father had done
Richard Marsden a serious Injury,and thathe
badprejudiced his father against him, It ho had
not absolutelybeen guilty of more dishonest prac-
tices, andhe could not but consider tbat evenif
Marsden haderred, Lord Sidleyhad been thoIn-
direct cause of it, by deprivinghimof his rights.
Such were tho feelings that Wesboutne Sidley
and Evelina hadentertained towards each other ;
but at they proceeded on their journey, their
mutual embarrassment greatly diminished, and
they entered more freely into conversation,
Evelina, in tha most ardent terma, anticipating
the delight and gratitude of ber uncle on ber
restoration, andagain with the greatest earnest'
ness expressing her acknowledgments to West-
bourne for the service he hadrendered he.
With what delighthe listened to her ; her voice
was heavenly muilc, and again he assured her of
the happiness he felt at having been made the
humbleinstrument of saving her from, probably,
'
the most horrible of fatet.
But have you no Idea, Mitt Marsden,' he
'
said, who hat been the originator of this des-
perate and brutal outrage t'
'
■ Not tho least, Iassure you, sir,' replied our
heroine. Iknow not where to look for an
enemy, unless it be those wretches from whom
I experienced to many yeara of misery. The
ruffians whobore me away, I do not remember
to have ever seen before.'
'Itis strange,' said Westbourne i but eurely
they could never have accomplished their Id*
famous plot, unless tbey had some colleague
Immediately concealed with tha household of
'
yonr uncle.'
'
Thereis no one at the hall but his house-
keeper,' returned Evelina, and I do notbelieve
her to be capable of treachery. Besides, shehaa
ever behaved with the greatest kindneas and
'
respect towards mesince I have been at thehall.'
Itis most extraordinary how the men could
'
have gainedaccess to the house,' remarked Sid-
ley, and that yon should be wrapped in such a
state of stupor aa not to be conscious of anything
until after tbe lapse of severalhours. It would
almost appear that some stupifying drughadbeen
administered to yon by some means or other.'
' Ob, who conld have been base enough to do
'
that V eaid our heroine.
I know not ;but to say the least of it,It
looks suspicious. Tha strictest inquiry should,
and doubtless will, bo made Into all the circum-
stances, to guardyonagainst any future attemps.'
'
I trust that Providence will not suffer my
'
enemies, whoever tbey may be, to triumph,'said
have never wilfully offended any
Evelina. I
one, and why then should they thus pursue me 1'
'
True, Miss Marsden,' returned Westbourne,
'
warmly,and fixing uponher a look of the most
expressive description ; bnt beauty and in-
nocenceare sure to meet with some oppressors.'
These remarks, even respectfullyas they were
delivered, called the deepest blushes Into the
cheeks ot Evelina, andshe avertedher face. A
silence of some minutes ensued, and Sidley felt
rather confused and fearful thathe hadpresumed
toomuch ; but they wera tbe feelings of his
hesrt, andhe could not holpgiving utterance to
them.
Swiftly the carriage proceeded on its Journey,
and the nearer it approached towards the place
ofIts destination, the higher theheart of Eve'
Una became. But yet, in spite of the agreeable
conversation of Westbourne, and the prospect of
her so shortly being restored to her friends, the
journeyappeared toher a most tedious one, and
she bad scarcely patience to bear the necessary
stoppages theyhad to make to change horses,
andprocure refreshments, so great as sbe knew
the suspense and anxiety of her beloved nncle
would be, until they again met, even after he
he had beenassured of her safety, which ahe had
nodoubt he was by that time.
The distance that shehad been takenfrom tho
hall waamuch greater than shehad anticipated,
and tho day was far advanced before they ap*
proached anywherenear the termination of their
journey. Westbourne had extr ed himself to
theutmost to compose her feelings, andalthough
he succeeded much better than could have been
anticipated, he had a most arduous task to
perform. But as theydrew near to the neigh-
bourhoodIn which thehall was aituated, and the
scenery was familiar to her, the emotion of oar
heroine Increased,andher feelings found vent in
acopious flood of tears, which her companion
did not offer to Interrupt, well knowing the
source from wbich they flowed, and that they
would bringher somerelief.
 OB, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
And now the hall appeared Insight, and then
theheart otEvelina palpitatedso violentlyagainst
her side, that it seemed ready to bust from its
tenement. Again she poured forth her gratitude
to Heaven for her preservation, and by the looks
shebestowedupon Westbourne Sidley, expressed
much more than it would have been possible for
her to haredone by words.
Sidleyhad thought it prndentto despatch hia
"errant forward to the hall, to announce their
approach, ao tbat Mr.Langstonmight notbe taken
toomuch by surprise,but mightbe prepared to
meet them ;andbe now exerted himself more
than ever to tranquillisethe feelings of Erelina.
Tbey arrivedat the ball; tbe gate wasopened
to them immediately, and the next moment
they were drivingalong the avenue whichled to
the house.
CHAPTER XVII.
TOE MEETING.— THE INTERVIEW BETWEEN
WESTBOURNE SIDLEY AND HIS F..TUER.—
THE PR POSEI» ALIIARCE.
For some time before this, Mr. Langston had
persisted in rUt' g from his bed, and waited for
the ariiral ofhis niece in a state of mind which
ILie r_adtr may very well imagine, and which was
almost insupportable. Nor was the anxiety of
Stephen Blackthorn, who was present, and that
of Helenandher mother, less intense. But when
the servant of Westbourne arrived at the hall,
andinformed them of the approach ofhismaster
and her fair companion,the frantic emotions of
Joy, yet half incredulity, which the old man
experienced, were so great, that it was not
without the greatest difficulty that he could be
persuadednot to rush from the house, in order
to meet tbebeloved being whom he had never
expected to behold again, and to enfold her once
more to his throbblgheart. He threw himself
on his knees, and with clasped hands, while the
big tears chased eachother down his venerable
cheeks, he poured forth his thanks to the
Almighty,andinroked his choicest blessings on
the headof Westbourne Sidley,
Helen and hermother experienced the same
feelingsof transport and thanksgiving, butBlack-
thorn bithis lips, andcould with difficulty con
ceal the dark though.s which were at that
moment passing in his mind. Mentally he
cursed both Evelina and her preserver, and
wisbed them everymisfortune that could possibly
befal them.
A few minutes afterwards, the vehicle was
beard rumbling along at a rapid pace towards
tbehouse. Mr. Langston, and the others, with
an exclamation of delight, hurried to the
windows. They saw the carriage stop at the
portal, tbe door was opened, they beheld West-
bourne Sidley alight, and then hand out the
lovely object of their anxiety; they heard light
but hasty footsteps ascending the stairs. Mr.
Langston could wait no longer; he rushed from
the room, and the next moment he clasped the
tender formof the Bobbing and almost insensible
Erelina to his heart.
Thereader will not, we imagine,requue to be
100
informed ofthe scene which followed, nor of the
emotions evinced byour heroine, her uncle, Mn.
Selborn, andher daughter. For some time,utter-
ance wasdenied them, and they could do nothing
but weep like children npon each other's bosom,
while Westbourne Sidtey stood by, and viewed
the affecting scene with the deepest interest. As
fox Stephen Blackthorn, be conteu.plated allthat
was passing with the most bitter malice, and had
Sidley'b attention been directed towards him, he
must haveobserved the feelings that werepassing
in the ruffian's mind. Freely could Blackthorn,
if he bad had tbe opportunity,at that moment
have
* Mywreaked his vengeance upon his head.
child— my beloved Evelina,1 at length
ejaculated Mr. Langston, clasping het more fer-
ventlyto his bosom.
4
My dearest uncle,' sobbed forth our heroine,
lookingup in hie aged face with the most un-
bounded affection. ■ Ob, the Joy of this meeting
'
fully repays me for allthe misery I hare suffered.'
A od aieyou,Indeed,restored to me uninjured,
my poorgirl?' said the oldman, partingthesilken
hair fromher forehead,and gazingintoher lovely
'
countenance, as if he conld scarcely trust the
evidence of his eyes. Godof heaven, receive
my heartfelt thanks for this. The restoration of
all f bold most dear on earthhas rescued me
from certain death.'
Againhe embraced Erelina, and gare freevent
to his feelings, while hisheart rose ingratitude
to Heaven.
At lengthour heroine gentlydliengagedher-
self from Mr. Langston, and turned towards
Helen and her mother, who were weeping tears
of ardent joy. The mannerin which they greeted
each other folly showed the sincerity of the
friendship that existed between them, and the
happiness they experiencednow that they were
restored toeach other.
But suddenlyErelina seemed to recollect her-
self, and she turned her blushing face towards
Westbourne Sidley. Her uncle followed the di-
—
rectionofher eyes,andheunderstoodherthoughts
in an instant. He advanced towards Sidley, and
cordially
' takinghis hand, Bald,
Pardon me, my dear sir, for my apparent
inattentionto you;but the power ofmy feelings on
the restorationof my poor child will,I trust, plead
my excuse. How can I ever sufficiently express
to you mythanks for your noble and disinterested
conduct { Inwhat manner can I possiblyever
return the obligation you have conferredupon
But ifmy sincere thanks
—
me by the preservation of 'one so dear to mer
*I prayyou do notmention it,sir,' Interrupted
Westbourne, 'I am only too happy in having
been sent by Froridence to the rescue of your
fair niece, andin witnessing the happinessI hare
thus by a fortunate accident been the means of
conferring, X trust that Miss Marsden will be,in
future, protected from the power of her secret
enemies, and if I may he considered worthy of
your friendship, I shall feel myself amplyre-
warded for what I hare done.'
1And most honoured shall I feel in ranking
among my friends one who I am convinced is
every way worthy of my esteem,' said Langston.
Blackthorn again bit his lips, and was obliged
 110 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
' mys
to walk to the other side of the room to conceal ' impenetrable
It ls involvedinthe most ■

h:s rage. i tery,' remarkedHelen. But oh,Evelina,what

Some time elapsed in this manner, and all the ! might you not expect from such wretches who

their feelings ;and it was quite evident that no

'
parties most deeply interested gave freevent to could perpetrate such a plot1'
True, Helen, and I shudder, even now, to

Frequently his eyes wandered to tbe beauteous

'
one felt more earnest joy than Westbourne Sidley. think of the danger from which I
And you
have escaped.'
are certain that you never saw the
countenance of Evelina. Two or three times their "plains before, Evelina 1' askedMr.Langston.
'
glances met, andit was manilest from the crim- ft Oh, quite, my dear uncle,' answered the
son blushes which suffused her cheeks, that hsr I $_nael. Where is it likely that I could have
some preserver. .__■
'
feelings were in unison with those of her hand- iseenthem V
True, my child. But do you think that you
The conversation that * _>aa wt>s ut .flat should know them again if you were to see
agreeablensture whishthe occasion gave rise to, them I'
and Westbourne Sidley could have remained in
" Undoubtedly; I eould not help recognising
their society for hours; but at length, fearful them.'
that he might appear Intrusive, and knowing
' They must be detected, if possible, and
tbat his father would be expecting him at the broughtto justice ;for I shallnot consider that
'
abbey,he arose to take his leave.
Will you permit me to call again, sir, to en-
'
youare safe amoment, while they are at liberty V
Theirdefeat on thisoccasion may deter them
quire after your health, and that of Miss Mars- from making any further attempt,' returned
den'V he said, in a faltering voice. '
Evelina.
I shall at any timebe most happyto sse you,
Mr. Sidley,' replied Langston, 'and I hope, child,' said her uncle.
'
It will not do to make too sure of that, my
They are doubtless
therefore, you will make no scruple in visiting desperate villains, andnot easilyfrightened from
us as often as you feel disposed todo so. their purpose. Providence has preserved you
Sidley bowed, and Evelina conld not conceal this time, but should you againbe taken from
the secret pleasure she felt at this cordial invita- me, 'I eould never, never survive the calamity.'
tion ; hethen took hislesve, and Stephen Black- '
Ged will avert such an evil,my dear uncle,'
thorn, whose mind was muchdisturbed by wbat said our heroine affectionately, for your sake.'
had taken place, shortly afterwards followed his This wasindeed a day of happiness to Evelina
'
example. and her friends, and when tiiey separated for the
'
Noble youth,' saidMr. Langston, alluding night, they did so with hearts lightenedof care
to Westboume, from what aterrible btehas he and anxiety, and with renewed hopes for the
probably saved you, my beloved Evelina ~_ future.
'
owe him a debt of everlasting gratitude.' When our heroine found herself once more
We do indeed, my dear uncle,' coincided our alone in her chamber, and recollected the dan-
'
heroine,and her bosom throbbed with tbe most gers she had escaped from, Bhe could no longer
powerfulemotion as she spoke, and hisconduct restrain her feelings,but sinking on her knees
convinces me that he is worthy of our warmest offered up aprayer of gratitude to theFather of
eBteem.'
'Ah,' Mercy. Nor did she forget her preserver, but
ejaculated Mr. Langston, 'how different invoked the greatest blessings upon his head,
is he to his father, whose character I believe to fervently hoping that he would be amply re-
beall that is base and contemptible. And most warded for the service he had rendered her-
extraordinary itis that you should be rescued by She felt the greatest pleasure at the reception
the son of that man from whom your ill-fated he had met with from her uncle, andcould not
'
father might trace the wholeof his misfortunes.' helplookingforward with impatience to the time
Alas Ialas1' sighed Kvelina, andtears started whenBhe should beheld him again.
to her eyes oa the mention of her unfortunate That night Westbourne Sidley haunted the
'
parent's name. imaginationof Kvelina in her dreams, and when
Tou are restored to me, Evelina,' said her she awoke in the morning he was almost the
uncle'after a pause, and looking fondly in her first object in her thoughts.
face, and God grant that we maynever be sepa- Westbourne Sidley, onleaving the hall, saun-
ratedagain but by death, for it would eertainly tered slowly on his way, burled in profound
break my heart. Heaven only knows how ..ave meditation, but Evelina was the fair being wbo
survived
' this terribleshock.' occupied his thoughts beyond everything else,
Thank the Almighty, who in His isAnlte and caused him feelings of mingled pleasure
dear uncle,' ssid our heroine, fervently. Ob,
'
mercy has given youstrength to support it, my and uueasiness.
The flattering invitation hehadreceived from
when I recoveredmy senses, and found myselfin Mr. LangBton gratified him much, aud he deter-
thepower of Ihe villains, never did I expect to mined to avail himself of it ;he also Imagined
'
behold youagain.' that Evelinabad evinced no less pleasure at tbe
Who can be the author of this atrocious out- reception hehad met with ;but whenhereflected
'
rage ? I am completely at aloss to conjecture.'
ThereIs no one I
upon the unhappy position in whichhis father
know upon whom my sus* stood, as regarded the family of our heroine, and
'
picions can possibly alight,' replied Evelina. the prejudice which it
Nor can I
was onlynatural hls aban-
imagineby what means they could doned character should create in her mind, he
have gained admittance to the house, without could not but feel the deepest melancholy and
being overheard and detected.* regret. But how much greater wouldhave been
 P0V1__T, CRIME, AND SORROW. 111
* That sheIs most beautiru_ is apparent to all,
bis anguish, hia indignation,ud despair, hed he
Vnown all I What would he not have suffered replied Westbourne, warmly. And that theia
'
hadhe been aware that it was to gratify thebase innoeent as Heaven could form her, my soul
desires ofLord Vernon Sidley, his father, Evelina convinces me.'
had been taken away fromher home,and thathe '
'Oh,you are most warmnpon this subject,boy,
wasstill plottingthedestructionof1 er* innocence, said his lordship ; bnt I tell you again,you had
andonly watched afittingopportunl feo-wilete better mind how you actin such matters for the
he work he badsecretly begun. "*£ future er yon may run yourself into such dan*
But Westbourne could not rec_> tne transmit- gers *Ias you donot now anticipate.'
dent beauties of Evelina toh .s memory, without would encounter any danger to protect the
feeling hia admiration increase, and he became helpless and innocent from outrage,' answered
impatient until hehad.beheldher again. Hitherto Westbourne, firmly. His father bit his lips,and
'Sidley had mhV-ed much, with society, and had nary the former could uot help noticing Mb extraordi-
encountered many fair and fascinating damsels, emotion with increased surprise.
who would have been proud to have worn his 'I sincerely hope,'* added Westbourne Sidley,
fetters, bnt althoughhe was not insensible to tbe after abriefpause, that the miscreant whois the
tender passion, they had failed to make any lasting author of this nefarious stratagem, maybe de-
impression on Mm ;It waa reserved for our he- tected and brought to punishment. Tt seems
roine to win that plaee fn his affections, whieh evident to me that he ia eome wealthy libertine,
othershad sought for in vain, and that withont whose mind exults in the destructionof female
any studied effort on her part : in short, West* virtue, and inthe misery of his fellow-erasures.'
bonrne Sidley considered her a_ perfection, and Notwithstanding all his efforts, Lord Sidley
waa convinced that if ever It was Ms lot tomarry, foundit impossible to concealhis rage andcon-
Evelina waa the damsel who alone couldmske fusion at these observations ofbis son, andit was
him happy.
—
two or three minutes beforehe could return any
Inthis state of mind he arrived at the abbey, answer, bu* at length he said, with a bitter
and Immediatelysought the presence of hit fa- sneer
ther, who received him with his usual coldness ; 1And r suppose, my valiant knight, if yon
butIf Sidleyhad watohed him narrowly,he might were to discover this miscreant, this noble liber-
have observed anexpression of indignationupon tine, as you imagine him to be, nothing less
his eountenance, andalsohave perceived that he would satisfy you thanto challengehim to raor
was making apowerful effort to conceal his real tal combat after the most approved fashion of
feelings, and to stifle the wrath whieh had taken the stageheroesof amelo-dram.f Bat ha!ha !'
' Pardonme, my lord,' returned Westbourne,
'
possession of his bosom.
So, Westbourne,' he remarked, with a sneer, unable to conceal his resentment, 'but I must
'you have turned knight-errant,I understand ; say Chat you appear to me to view this subjeot
and at the hazard of your own life, haverescued '
with a great deal too much levity.'
Indeed,' said Lord Sidley ; and I
'
must say
this girl, this Evelina Mandan, from the power
thatit well becomes you to presume to lecture
of ruffiani?'
' ' ;
True, my lord/ replied his eon and mott me, especially wheu the object which has given
happy am I to think that Providence ledme that rise to It happens to le the daughter ofaeonr
wayin time to saveone of the most gentle, the vlctedmurdererI' 'By Heaven I
most amiable, and lovely of har sex.' do believe it is false,' said the
'
1Indeed 1' said Lord Sidley, with increased '
young man, his bosom swelling with the most
indignation; fromal! thatI
sarcasm and indignation; but hark ye, boy,you uncontrollablefirmly bave
willact with prudence and wisdom, by avowing heerd, I am of opinion that tbe unfortu-
future, man, Richard Marsden, was innooent of the
"
such quixotic achievement! ' for the nate
dreadful crime of which he waa convicted,as I
" Quixotic,my lordf
Ay; such fool-hardy adventure! might k.n am ; and even if he were guilty, it is most eruel
fix opprobrium upon the
done very well for tho age of romance and chi- and nncharitable to girl, for the faults of her
valry ;but In the present age, they do appear, character of this poor
fatherI A generous mind wouldrather pityher
'
to say theleaat of them,rather preposterous.' thathave attended her, the
And ia it possible, myfather, that you can for the misfortunes ofher fate. Surely,my lord,
blame me for exerting myself to savea young unexampledmisery
that aho has been rescued
girl from destruction !' demanded the astonished you cannot regret
Westbourne. from the fate with which she was threatenedV
'
* And pray, sir, how know you that the girl '
Xnough of this foolery, boy I'exclaimed Lord
Sidley, passionately. AndI warn yon that you
was intended sot destruction I' sneered the liber- banish the girl Bvelina Marsden from your
must
'
tine.
What else could be the Intention of her one.
thoughtsaltogether.'
" By Heaven,never I'eried Westbourne, reso-
'
miesf
And what have yen todo with their Inten- my lutely; 'she has taken too powerful ahold on
' esteem ser me ever to dothat.'
'
tions !'
My lord,' returned Westbourne Sidley, you Ah Idare you avow this tome !'
should despise myself "Ay, my lord, aud why should I be ashamed
fill me with amazement. I it V
were 1capable of tamelystandingby, whenperse- to ownyou persist in encouraging these foolish
innocence and beauty demanded my aid.' 'If
cuted you mayhave bitter cause to repent.'
'Humph I And how know you that Evelina notions ' I may do so my lord,' answered Westbourne,
Marsden is all this t"
 113 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
'
firmnees, but Icanno have anlved at sufficient years of
I maturity to
with the tame degree of
, be the master of my own actiont, and,
'Itell you again that
help it.'
you must forget her.
'That is impossible.'
" We will see about that,' returned his lord-
'
ship; but Ihave another object in view who
must attract your whole attention. And mark
me, boy;no obstinate foolery and opposition to
my will. My miod is made up.'
' And aay I take the liberty of inquiring, my
lord, who the object It, to whom you are pleased
"
to alludeV
Miss Lucretia Norman,' replied Lord Sidley.
Westbourne could not repress a smile, at he re-
'
plied,—
Miss Lucretia Norman! well, sheIs certainly,
I believe, a very respectable lady, op the wrong
sideof forty, andI am prepared to treat her with
'
evoryrespect, as your friend.'
Respect, boy ; you must be prepared to love
her, to look upon her as your future wife.'
' Pshaw 1 my dear sir,you really cannot be
serious.'
' placedupon a man who could return them, and
I am not accustomed to joke upon such sub-
jects, and you will find me most serious on tbit
by Hea-
ven, I will never consent to sacrifice
my happi-
ness lo the will and caprice of any individual
' You are bold andInsolent, Westbourne.
breathing.'
'Ideny it,my lord;I speak only as candour,
'""'
'Bejpare,
.
truth, and reasonprompt me.'
beware Ido not try mypatience too
'Iwish not to do se, sir ;but upon a subject
t,
of such vital importance tome, I ttuat and will
epeak my mind. The lady, who is old enough
to be mymother, could surely never haveenter.
tained serious thoughts of me, after leading alife
'
of celibacy for so many years.'
I tell you again that Miss Norman, who is a
woman, teekt
most accomplished and amiable
you for ahusband, and throughher uncle, Ad-
miral Norman,hasmade a confettion of the senti-
ments yon have inspired inher breast.'
'
Then I can only regret, my lord,' replied
'
Westbourne, that tho lady's affection! were not
mutt once, and for all, beg leave to decline the

—
occasion. Miss Norman honours you with her
affections ;her
'
mous, and
' rank it
noble, her wealth enor-
honour intended me.'
' Bo you mean to tell me," demanded the
'
enraged nobleman, that you will have the
' And,' rejoined Westbourne, again smiling, effrontery to reject Miss Norman's suit I'
would no doubt be very acceptable to some 1Most unequivocally I do, my lord.'
respectable old gentlemanof her own tastes and ■D n 1'exclaimed Lord Sidley,unable tocon-
'
habits ;as for myself, I amnot inclined to pur- trol hia passion : have I lived tobe braved and
opposedby my own son?'
chase wealth at the sacrifice of my happiness,
and therefore, great as thehonour probably is
' I have no wish to brave you, sir,' antwered
that Miss Norman intends me, I must take the Westbourne; 'andin all things which are rea-
liberty of declining it.' sonable and Just, I am willingand anxiont to
Therage efLord Sidleybecame insupportable act in obedience to your detires. But it is too
—
at the cool determination evincedby his son, much to expect me to sacrifice all my future
prospects, by consentingto an union so revolting
'
andhe frowned uponhim aa he said,
Westbourne, you ought to.know me well, to my feelings. M ss Norman must seek tome
to my will. I
'
Norman and her friendt.and—
—'
and tbat Iwill not submit to any opposition
have given my promise to Mits
other husband, if it be at least her with to alter
her state, for let tbe consequences be whatever
they may, I will never accept her for a wife.'
'
Without consulting my Inclinations, my 4 But you shall, or we are henceforth stran-

lordf interruptedthe youngman. I must say

tbat, in my humble opinion,this resembles any-
'
gers!' cried LordSidley.
And even that I must run the risk of, my
thingbnt what is justand generous. However, lord, greatly aait would afflict me, andembitter
sorry as Iam to disappoint the good lady's my future days, sooner than act to contrary tomy
hopes, I must at once candidly declare that my wishes.'
'
'
friendship it all that the can ever hope toobtain.' Leave me, boy, and reflect maturely upon
Obstinate boyI But you will think better '
what I have said,' commanded the nobleman.
of this.'
'Nothing can ever alter my sentiment as
I '
obey you, father,' returned Sidley,moving
towards the door, hut no reflection can alter
'
regards Miss Norman.'
Haveyouno fear of the consequences of your
my determination.'
He quitted the room at he spoke, and made
'
disobedience?'
None whatever,my lord ;no consequences
hit way towards hia ownapartment.
whatever can be half to painful to me at an
union which it to oppoted to reason, and so
utterlyrepugnantto my feelings.'
'But,' returned his lordship, CHAPTER XVIII.
' determinedly,
you will find, however repugnant, though, it THE CONSUITATIONS OP VILtANY.— THE AS"
may be to your feelings, the hopes of the lady SAULT AND THE UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY. |
who has so highly honoured you shall not be MrssLucretia Norman waa the only daughter
'
disappointed,'
And you will find, my lord,'
of Mr. and Mrs. Norman, who had both been
said his ton, dead about fire years; since which time shehad
1how. ver much I may regret acting in disobe- been residing with her uncle. Admiral Norman,
dience to your wishes,that nothing whatever will at Wlnohelby House, ln the county of Suisex. '
have thepower to move meliom my resolution. She was a lady about f.riyieven years of age,
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILB; OR, POVERTY,
CRIME, AND SORROW.
with astiff and formal figure,anot very
countenance, and peevish,prudish,andattractive
eccentric
in her manners, as maiden ladies invariably are
However, she was very accomplished
and intel-
ligent,and bore the character of being
a most
urbane and benevolent person— a
which there Isevery reason to believe character
she was
Justlyentitled to.
Itis said that lnher youth,Miss
bad
many proposals forher hand, but thatNorman
she rejected
them all, in consequence of au early disappoint-
ment, and had made up her miod to pass
the
remainder of her days in single blessedness,
which resolution no one who wasacquainted with
her doubtedfor amoment she would adhere to.
It happened, however, thataccidentintroduced
MR. LANQSTON MEDITATES UPON THE PROBABLE FATE OF EVELINA.
canuot say, but, strange as It was, and apparently
unnaturalat ber mature time of life, the passion
daily gained ascendancy over her, and rendered
her wretched, hopeless, and uneasy.
Thememory of Miss Norman, however,like
most maiden ladles, was somewhat impaired as
regarded her own age, and she bad learned to
forget at least one half of the number of years
that had passed over her head; consequently
that delusion gave her some encouragement to
hope that she might be able to make a favour-
able impression upon the object of her regard ;
and which hope was greatly strengthenedby the
opinion sbe entertained of her own personal at.
tractions,Independent of her other great attrac-
tion,namely,the wealth she possessed in such
_ _ 1.
113
Lord Sidley and his lady toher and her uncle,
and an intimacy sprung up between them,'
notwithstanding Miss Norman wasso opposed to
the taste of his lordship. Westbourne Sidley
was at that time at one of the universities, so
that they had nDt an opportunity of being intro-
duced to him, butthat was reserved for a future
occasion when the lady and her uncle were on a
visit to the abbey. Westbourne had then re-
turned home, and hia extremely handsome per-
sonal appearance, and his elegant and agreeable
manners, notwithstanding the great disparity of
their ages, kindled that sentiment in Lucretia's
breast which had for somany years lain dormant.
Whether it was that the young gentleman
bore any resemblance to her early love, we
abundance. She, therefore, prolongedher visit to
the fullest extreme, and endeavoured to make
herself as agreeable as posslb.'e to Westbourne,
who received her attentions with every polite*
ness, but, of course, never lor an instant dreamt
of their real purport ;and ifhe had, the know-
ledge would only have served him to laugh at
as amost outrageous piece of absurdity.
Lord Sidley, however, was r.ot bo blind. He
had observed the impression which hia son had
made upon Miss Norman's heart, bo longin-
vulnerable, with much astonishment and satis-
faction. Caring little about the future happiness
of Westbourne, and looking only to the aggran-
disement of his family, he was disposed to look
upon such an alliance as a most desirable one.
 114 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
and was determined that it should be no fsult of
his ifit were not broughtabout.
He, therefore, doubled his attentions to Miss
Norman and her uncle, and took every oppor-
tunity of throwing his son in the lady's way.
This was, however, by no means so pleasant to
Westbourne, who began to think that the lady
was rather more liberal of her smiles, and
amorous allusions, than was at all consistent
with her age, or the prudish character she had
acquired, after so many years of celibacy. He
found it, notwithstanding,impossible to excuse
himself from her company ; and what annoyed
him more than all was, that his father en*
couraged it by every means in his power;
but any idea of the thoughtswhich werepassing
in the lady's mind, never for an instant oc-
curred to him.
Miss Normanand the admiral prolonged their
visit for three weeks beyond the period they had
at first intended; and when they left, they
gave Lord and Lady Sidley, ana their son, a
most pressing invitation to return the visit to
Wlnchelby House, at the earliest opportunity;
and Miss Norman, as she was handed into the
carriage by Westbourne, gave him a look which
,
was meant to express volumes but whichmade
no other impression upon him than to create his
wonder, and to excite feelings approaching to
mirth in his breast. For the life of him, he
could not help thinking her a most eccentric
lady, and marvelled not that she had remained
unmarried for so many years, taking her pecu-
liarities andpersonal pretentions into considera-
tion.
A day or two after the admiral and his niece
had quitted the abbey, Lord Sidley took an
opportunity of eliciting his son's opinion of the
iady, whish Westbourne gave in the moat
unequivocalmanner, and with a certain tone of
levity and irony which was anythingbut pleasing
'
to hia lordship.
'
You are a giddy,inexperienoed young boy,
Westbourne,' he remarked, or you would be
ready to admit that Miss Norman ' is a very
'
agreeableyoung lady,and
'
Young lady, father 1'
man, smiling. Now, really, I
Interrupted the young
must presume
that you are yourself inclined to be facetious.
Iwonder, then, at what period people may
reasonablybe accounted middle-aged or old.'
'BahI' ejaculated his father; 'you are too
ready with your foolish Jokes. But I
you must admit that Miss Norman is a very
'
accomplished,Intelligent,and amiable lady.'
I do not for a moment doubt it,my lord ;
'Upon my word, my dear father, Icannot
"
understand you.'
am not mistaken,' said his lordship,
'MissIfI
Norman has now a husbandin her eye, or,
at 'any rate, whom she would wish in her heart.
I '
am delighted to hear it, my lord," said
Westbourne ; and have you any idea who the
happyindividual so honoured Ib?'
'Westbourne SidleyI'
' I— I,mylord I' exelalmed the young man,
'
now laughingoutright.
Ay, you, boy,' repeated his lordship.
'Preposterous!arich joke,truly.'
' Indeed, it Is noJoke. Youmust, unless yen
were blind, have noticed the marked attention
she paid you, and I know ahe was never happy
'
unlees sbe wasinyour society.'
My dear father, you cannot for amoment
'
think seiionsly of this I'
Indeed, but I de; and I also consider tbat
it wouldbe a verv desirable match, ifit could be
brought
' about ;the ladyls very rich.'
And very old; that is, according to my
notions of a desirable young lady. But you
must be mistaken, my lord; Miss Norman, I
believe, possesses too much good sense to suffer
such a ridiculous idea to enter hermind. Now,
had she fixed her thoughts upon somesuch an
old gentlemanas the admiral, her uncle, there
wouldhavebeen something morereasonable lnit.'
'
' Bah I' exclaimed Lord Sidley, impatiently,
you talk like an idiot, Westbourne. But mark
say is correct.'
'
me, you will find what I
Then I can only say that I pity the sll'y
woman,'
' oughtretorted Westbourne.
'You to think yourself highly
'
And can you suppose for a moment, air,'
flattered.'
said Westbourne, more seriously, that I could
ever returnor encourage so unnatural a passion ?'
;
' 'I do suppose
and what is more, I
bo,1 answered his lordship
shall expect you to do it.
Such alliances are not to bemet with every day,
and the lady's fortune ought amply to compen-
sate for what she may want ln youthandbeauty.
Westbourne Sidley could not help looking at
his father with an expression of astonishment
'
anddisgust, andhe scarcely knewhow to answer.
'
My lord,' he said, at length, youhave com-
pletely amazed me by all you have said, but It ls
necessary that I should as candidly express my
feelings as you bave done. Once ior all, then, I
solemnly declare that Iwill never unite my
think destiny to that of any woman upon whom I
cannot bestow my heart, which Itis not at (il
likely Miss Norman can ever possess ; andI
of you, therefore, if youshould discover thatyour
beg

and what a pity it is that a lady, possessing all surmises are correct, which I oanscarcely believe
those amiable and excellent qualities, should they are,that you will not for amoment encou-
net have selected for herself a husband before rage her hopes, which would bo cruel to her, and
life had advanced so far upon her.' acting with injustice towards me. I have not
bourne I
—
"Do not treat the matter ao lightly, West-
have most serious reasons for wish-
yet seen the woman upon whom I could fix my
affections, andcertainly Miss Norman can never
'
ing you not to do so.'
'
be that Individual.'
Indeed Imy lord,' said the Honourable Mr. '
Bnt, if youact wisely,Itell you,' remarked
'
Sidley, looking at his father with no little as-
tonishment ; why should either Ior you
Lord Sidley, sternly, you will learn to tbink
trouble ''
differently.'
'Youourselves seriously about the subject?' ItIbimpossible.'
will probably soon know,' answered Lord say It is not only
But I possible,but that It
Sidley. must be.'
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
1 Never.'
1 Youhad better not arouse my indignation.'
1 1haveno wish to do so ;but In a matter io
important to my happiness, I must claim the
right to act according to my own will and incli-
'
nations.'
This obatlnancy will do youno good, West-
bourne.'
1 It is elucidated by reason and justice, and
'
whatever axe the consequences I willadhere toit.'
' We wiU talk of this anon,' aaid lord Sidley,
whenI hope to find youin a different state of
mind,'
* My determination is unalterable, my
lord/
returned Westbourne, andhe then retired.
This circumstance cat eed the yonng man con-
siderable annoyance, and at tho first opportunity
he mentioned it to his mother, who was aamuch
astonished at it as himself; but she knew it
wouldbe uaeless toremonstrate with her hus-
band, who was blind to all reason or arngment,
when hehad fixed his mind npon anything:and
she hadexperienced too mnch from his unkind-
ness lately to suppose that anything she could
eay tohim would havetheleaat effect upon him.
It waa about this time that the constitution
of Lady Sidley, which had been long declining,
was so much reduced, that she waB compelled to
take to her bed;but her illness did not seem to
affect herhusband ln. the least, and it causedno
Interruption to him in his riotous pleasures.
Lord Sidley hadreceived frequentletters from
the admiral and his niece, condoling with him
on the illness of his amiable lady,but still most
warmly pressing him and bis son to visit them
at Winchelby House ;and at length, notwith-
standing the situation of her ladyship,he deter*
mined to accept the invitation, and told West*
bourne to prepare himself for their departure
from tbe abbey.
Westbourne would fainhave excused himself,
not only onaccount of his mother, bnt he ima
gined the species of annoyance he should be
subjected to ;andhe eould no longer endure,
with anything like patience, the society of the
satlquated Miss Norman, although, after all,he
could soaroely bring his mind to believe that the
preposterous ideas of hls father were correct.
But Lord Sidley would hear no excuse, and
accordingly, a day or two afterwards, they left
tile abbey, and departed for Winchelby House,
Westbourne heartily wishing that the visit was
over, and entertaining the greatest apprehensions
for thesituation ln whiohhe hadleft his beloved
mother. »
Nothing paitioular happened to them on the
journey, andin due course of time tbey arrived
at Winchelby House, where they were received
with all possible cordiality by the admiral and
his niece, theletter of whom had taken especial
pains with her personal appearance, and had
assumed the most youthful, thoughcertainly not
the most becoming costume for the occasion.
When sbe beheld the object ofher thoughts,a
gracious smile overspread her leatures, while
Westbourne was so confused, tbat he scarcely
knew what he did, and would willingly have
given anythingto be fifty miles away.
The marked attentions thst were paid to
115
Weitbourne during the tedious time that they
werestaying at Winchelby House, and the pains
which Miss Norman evidently took to amuse
him, and render herself agreeable, convinced
him that the suspicions of Lord Sidley were
correct ;and hefelt the more vexedand annoyed
In this conviction, and was determined, byevery
means in his power, to destroy the hopes wbich
Miss Norman had formed. He therefore con-
ducted himself with coldand formal politeness
to her, and was at times most chillinglyreserved,
much to the disappointment of the lady, and tho
anger ofhis father, who took every opportunity
to reproach him for his conduct whenever they
were alone together. This, however, had no
othereffect upon Westbourne than tomake him
the more determined ;and Miis Norman, per-
ceiving how indifferently her attentions were
received, when she had flattered herself, with a
very little effort, to make a sensible impression
upon bis heart, beganto give way to melancholy
and despair.
She had confided her secret to the admiral,
who, after havingremonstrated with her on the
folly of encouraging, ather time of life (yes, he
ventured to say thai,) a passion for a mere boy,
which could never be returned, agreed, at the
first opportunity,to broach the subject to Lord
Sidley. However, euch an opportunity never
occurred, or the admiral did not think proper to
avail himself of it ;aod so the time of West-
bourneand his father's stay at themansion passed
away without the disconsolate maiden lady
having advanced her suit one step, and Lord
Sidley was also vexedand disappointed to think
that no chance had been afforded him to bring
about an alliancehe coveted so macb.
As for Westbourne Sidley, we need not say
thathe felt the greatest relief when they quitted
Winchelby House ; and not all the arguments or
threats or his lordship could make the smallest
impression uponhim. He now hopedthat they
wouldabandon all thoughts of the disagreeable
and revolting project, and not annoy him any
more; but what afterwards occurred proved how
much he was mistaken.
We now return to that part of our narrative
with which we concluded the preceding chapter.
After Westbourne had retired, Lord Sidley
continued topace the room some time, and his
wrath increased every moment.
'HeBtlil remains obstinate,' he said, 'and It
is clear thathe defies me. Well, then, I know
the course te adopt. Ifhe does not consent to
make Miss Norman hls wife, I will no longer
own him as a son of mine; Iwill discard him
—disinherit him, andbanish him for ever from
my presence. And yet he may even then find
means to annoy me, especially should he by any
means discover my designs against Evelina
Marsden. Curses light upon the accident which
sent him to her rescue I The warmth of his
manner when speaking ofher convinces me that
her beauty has made a powerful Impression on
him; how could I expect otherwise, susceptible
as he is, and alluringae are the charms of the
'
girls Who's thereI'
It Is only I,my lord,' said Stephen Black-
thorn, entering tbe room.
 116 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;
lordship ; 1Ifhe does not consent, I will disinherit him,
'Iam glad you are come,' said hfs
*Iwanted some one to communicate my thoughts and banish him from my roof for ever.'
' wise resolution,my lord,' saidBlackthorn ;
to.'
' * butAin the meantime, I think it would be advi-
Your temper seems somewhat ruffled, my
sable to contrive some means to get hftnout of
' remarked Stephen.
lord,'
so that you may get Evelina securely
Ay, ay ;I am not in the best of humours. the way,power,
in your without beingin fear ol any inter-
'
So the girl has arrivedV
Yes,curses on the disaster that brought her ruption " True, from him.' '
true,' coincided his lordship ; we
back. And your lordship.has seen your son, I
suppose?' must endeavour to think of some plan. But
* you now propose to adopt!'
'
Yes ;we have had an interview of no very what course do
Why, I have not yet had time to think of
'
agreeable character, 1cao assure you.'
Ihope you have notsuffered your disappoint- anything yet : but
you may depend upon it I
ment to get the better of your reason, mylord, will make no more
delay than I can help, for my
and tohave led you to throw out any remark own sake. A short time had better be suffered
which might excite Westbourne -Suspicion!' to elapse, so that the fearsof her friends may be
' Oh, no ;of course I was too cautious to do quieted, and then we can accomplish our designs
that.* with greater certainty.'
' 'Ishould think you would be.' 1 AhI* ejaculated Lord Sidley ; ■ that is, I
The beauty ofEvelina seems to have had its conftsj, necessary, but still it Isa great trial to
due effect npon him. He appears to be com- my patience.'
pletelycaptivated with her.' 1Your lordship must submit to it ;I again
* Yes, I noticed that at the hall,' said Black' promise you that your hopes shall not fail to be
thorn I
'
; also watched the girlnarrowly, and I gratified.'
am convinced that he baa made equally as
favourable an impression on her.'
'
1Well, I believe you are sincere.'
Youhaveno reason to think me otherwise.
' not in danger of losingfortune, everything,
D n !' passionately exclaimed Lord Am I
Sidley.
' while Evelina remains beneath the roof of her
He must be looked after narrowly, or he uncle! The very sight of heris odious to my
may prove a dangerous obstacle to the accom- eyes.'
plishment of our wishes. He has receiveda '
'In that respect, our feelings are decidedly
warm invitation from old Langaton, too, to visit different,' said the libertine. But is Mrs.
the hall whenever it is agreeable to him, and I Snacks 'She still willing to assist us V
noticed the pleasure which lightedup the coun-
tenance of Evelina when the Invitation was
' is sworn to do so.'
And themen!'
'
given.' 1
Ob, they are all ready whenever they may be
But he will net dare to disobey ray injunc** wanted agsin.'
tions, and they are thathe shallnot visit the hall 'The distance from tbe abbey to the h_M Ib
on'any pretext whatever.' trifling, and she mighteasily be conveyedhere,
'
That is all very well,my lord,' said Black- in the darkness of the night.'
thorn; butit is not likely that will deter him 4 That could notbe done with safety, my lord,

from' meeting the girl at all hazards.' while your Bon is in the way.'
Then my vengeance Bhall descend on his 1 Well, we will see about removing that diffi-
head.'
' culty very shortly; and yet Buch is the manner
It would bemuoh betterif you could get him in which Evelina has captivated him, that I do
out of the way altogether. Send him on the not think he will be persuaded to leave the
continent, for instance.'
* Imuch doubt whether he will comply with neighbourhood ' voluntarily.'
You surelycanexercise some authority over
my mandates ; but I have another plan to get him, mylord.*
'
rid of him.'
' I will endeavour to do so, of course, but he
* And what is
that, my lord . seemed to Bet me at defiance lately. I did not
' By his marriage.' expect that he would have returned from the
' His marriage i"
Yes, a lady of fortune has long been in love
visit to his friends so shortly.'
1 It wouldhave been a fortunate Job, if hehad
'
with him, and would willlingly become his wife.' not,' saidBlackthorn.
*
' And what Bays he to the proposals!'
' Ay, indeel it would,' coincided Lord Sidley,
He willnot consent.*
1That
is awkward,' remarked Blackthorn;
'
for Evelina would now havebeen ln mypower.'
There is no doubt of it, they were within a
but what are his reasons,my lordV mile or two of Sarnscombe when the accident to
4 He love her.'
cannot
* And why V the horse occurred, aud would have been almost
1Merely
certain to have reached there in safety.*
because the lady happens to be some 'It was along journey to undertake, under
twenty years older than himself,' remarked his such circumstances,' said Lord Sidley, 'and it
'
lordship. would have been better to have brought her
And is that h's only objectionV asked Stephen here ;for the strength of the drug would not
'
with a sarcastic grin. ' have evaporated by that time, and no alarm
It Js/ replied the nobleman ; and he seems could possibly have been raised.'
determined
' in his opposition.' 'Well, it is useless to regret now; we sliall
And you must be equally determined to know better another time.'
compel him,' ' Yes, aad I hope we shall succeed better, too.'
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
* t do
not entertain any seat of It. Butis your
'
lordship's son still in the abbey V
*I believe heIs.'
Then it would bebetter for ms not to see
him.'
"Have you nothing more to communicates
demandedLord Sidley.
1Nothing. I will see your lordship again to-
morrow; inthe meantime, I will notlose a mo*
ment in settingmy ingenuity to work, toinvent
some scheme by which eur triumph may be
'
rendered certain.'
Do so, and I shall not know how sufficiently
'
to reward you.'
Oh, there will be time enough to talk about
that whenbusiness Ibdtne.'
* Right,
right,and there is notmuch feu of
our quarrellingupon that subject.'
1Thereis not,' said the '
villain ; weknow each
' very well.'
other
We do,' returned his lordship ;■ farewell,
then, till to-morrow.'
4
Farewell, my lord,' said Blackthorn, and he
quitted the abbey.
As he hurried onhis way,he pondered deeply
vpon all the circumstances which had recently
taken place, and likewise upon all that Lord
Sidley had said to him respecting hls son, and
his anxiety to be revenged on him became
greater. Bat above all, he considered It was
absolutely necessary to get him out of the way,
as soon as possible, and be was resolved to keep
hls lordship firm to that purpose. He was
certain from what he had himself witnessed at
therecent interview at the hall, that both West-
bourne and Evelina were prepossessed in each
other's favour, and therefore it would be advis-
able to adopt eome means to separate tbem
without any further delay, or the watchful eye of
the young gentlemanmightperchance penetrate
Ihe dark plot that was being laid,andtake imme-
diate steps, determined and courageous as be
'
was, to frustrateit.
Yes/ mattered Blackthorn tohimself, I
' like
not the appearance of this young gallant, and
the glanees which he and Evelinabestowed upon
each other. And then the cordiality with which
old Langston receivedhim, and invited him to
renew his visits to the ball, was wormwood to
me. He must be removed, or we Bhall find some
difficulty, I imagine,in putting oar plans into
execution. The idea of Lord Sidley thinkingto
persuade him to marry thisancient dame, not-
withstanding all tbe attractions of wealth, Is
preposterous ; but still ifI can only keep himin
the mind to fulfil his threat of banishing and
disinheriting himif he does not eonsent, it will
be glorious food for the hatred I bear him, and
render him, as it were, powerless to obstruct me
In my plans. It must, it shal be done. But
still, knowingthe dislike which old Paul Lang-
stonbears towards his father, I do not believe
that he will ever encourage the addresses of
Westbourne to hls niece. Lethim then marry
her clandestinely, if he can gain her consent,
aad that would answer my purpose just as well
a* if she fell into the power ofbis lordship;for
her act of disobedience woold probably set the
mind of tbe old man against her, aod the wealth
which he now intends for her would, doubtless,
117
be bequeathedto me. In any shape my suoce.
appears certain, and I am determined that It
shall be, even thoughI
have to Imbrue mybands
in human blood toobtain the gratification of my
wishes.'
The expression of the villain's countenance
was fearfully determined as he uttered these
words, and darker and darker became the
thoughts that gained possession ofbis mind the
longer he reflected. He was fully resolred that
no danger, however great, should sta.id betwixt
him andthe gratificationof bis avariciousdesires.
He hadonly proceeded a short distance from
the abbey,and was wrappedinthese meditations,
when happening to look up,he observed Helen
and her mother, who were returning from the
hall to their own dwelling. Not wishingthem
to see him,he drew himself aside into a retired
spot,and watched them as they proceeded. The
lightand graceful figure of Helen fired the rery
ruffian's soul, and filledhis bosom with numer-
ous conflicting passions. If such a heart as
Blackthorn possed, could possiblybe susceptible
of any tender sentiment, he might be said to
lore tbat fair andInnocent girl but a knowledge
ofhis own unwortblness, the coldness, almost
amountingto fear, and, as he at times imagined,
suspicion, with which she viewed him ;the utter
hopeless of his erer being able to win her aslec
tions, and every idea that suggested Itself to his
mind upon the subject,rendered him desperate;
and he was as yet undecided how to act to gain
'
possession ot her.
'
Bat she shall be mine/ he ejaculatedashe
gazed after her ; yes,at any risk, at any cost I
will obtain her. Let me but once dispose of
Evelina,and I will then boldlymake my advances
towards her, althoughI feelsatisfied that Ishall
onlymeet with her scorn. However, that shall
not daunt me, and when Ihave fortune at my
command, I shall not entertain so much appre-
hension of my succesB.'
Helenand hermother now having turned Into
the lane, which led almost immediately to the
farm, werehiddenfrom Bight,and StephenBlack-
thorn, filled with these guilty ideas, retraced his
steps towards home. The bosom of Westbourne
Sidley was tortured with varionB painfulthoughts,
after hisinterview with his father, and be saw
plainlyenoughthat there were numerous troubles
in store for him. That his father should persist
in endeavouring to persuade him to marry Miss
Norman, filled him with disgnst ; and he was
resolved, whatever mightbe the consequences to
himself, even should Lord Sidley fuldl bisthreat
of discarding him, he would never give bis con
sent to an union so repugnant to his feiings.
Marry a woman old enoughto be his parent,and
thus at once sacrifice all his hopes and prospects!
the thought wasmonstrous, it was unnatural.
And yet he too well knew the character of his
father, not to fell assured that he would remain
inflexible.
The observations wWch Lord Sidleyhad made
respecting Evelina had notmuch surprised him,
although they filled him with juit indignation.
That heBhould ridicule, if not reproach, him for
an act of common humanity,and that towards
an innocent unprotected girl,inspired him with
feelings of the utmost resentment, and was what
 118 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;
he had never supposed his lordship capable of; suture, Inorder to endeavour to elicit what waa
but little did he imaginethe real motires from the nature ot the connexion that existedbetween
which those sentiments sprung. What disgust, him and Lord Sidley.
what indignation, what horror would he hart Westbourne hadnoticed theconduct of Stephen
felt bad heknown the fullextent of his parent's during tbe time he had been at the hall, and
guilt. He would hare been ashamed to havf notwithstandingthe pleasure he expressed at tbe
looked Evelina, that blightobject ofhis warmes restoration of Evelina, he thought he eonld per.
admlratioD, in the face again. It was a subject ceivethe hyprocrlte lurkingbeneath ;andhehad
ot the greatest alarm and aDxlety to him, tha two or three times observed him casting sinister
tbe damsel should possess Buch secret and appar- glances towards h'm, esnecla'.ly when Mr.Lang-
ently determined enemies, and he had fullymad< ston invitedhim to visit thehall whenever be
up his mind to endearour to discover them, and pleased, and when theold gentleman so warmly
bring them tojustice. expressed bls gratitude to him for hit con-
The hours which Westbourne Sidleyhad passed duct; and all these things, simple though
in the society of our heroioe hadbeen some ofthe they might be, hadmade an Impression upon the
happiest thathad ever fallen to hislot ; and now mind of Westbourne, which be was not likely
that he was no longergladdenedby herpresence, soon to be able to banish. He firmly believed
and no more listened to the soft music of her that Blackthorn had frequently pandered to the
roice, he felt uneasy and loney; but he was vices ot his father, and assisted him in the exe-
somewhat comforted by the reception hehad met cution of those profligate transactions, ef which
with from Mr. Langston, and the permission he he too well knew him to have been guilty, and
received to visit the hall, and he felt certain which had brokenhit unfortunate lady's heart ;
from the expression he had obserred to beam la and that alone was enough to inspire him with
the eyes of Erelina when that consent wasgiren, tho utmott contempt and abhorrence of hit
tbat she felt as much gratified as himself. He character.
should then frequentlybe allowed the felicity of Westbourne had also no doubt that Black-
her company, and inlisteningto her observations, thorn had made certain of becoming tbe pos-
and contemplatingher transcendent beauties, he sessor of Mr. Langston'a property at hia death,
should experience themost unbounded happiness. and now that he had takenhis beauteous and
But should his father discover his visits, he gentle niece under hit proteotion, those hopes
would uo doubt sternly prohibit them, and thus would be destrojed, so that he must view
he would be placed in a position c i'the most Evelina with feelings of Jealousy, If not of
awkward and painfulnature. But even at the hatred ;and he therefore eonldnot believe that
risk ofhis lordship's displeasure, he felt certain the pleasure Stephen bad evinced at berrestora-
he could never consent to deprive himself of a tion could be sincere.
pleasure that was so essential to his peace of He watched Blackthorn's tall and mnacular
mind. figure untilIt washidden entirely from hit view,
Oh, how fortunate will that man
1 be, who can and be then againresumed his seat, and relapsed
win tbe heart and mind of one so incomparably into the same train ofthought that hadpreviously
beautiful, both inpersan and miad 1'he fervently occupied hit mind.
cried. 'With such a lovely companion, tbe His reverie, however, was shortly Interrupted
Humblest Btation of lite would possess unbounded by a message from hit father, desiringto teehim
charms. Wealth and rank are mere contempt!* inhis etudy. He wasln no humour to see him
ble baubles compared witb such heavenly bliss. again that day, and would gladly haye excuted
But, alas1 it will never fall to my lot to Inherit himself ;but be knew it walno ute doing to ;
such supreme felicity ;I can never hope to win so he immediately hastened to obey the sum
more than the esteem of Evelina, and why, moot.
therefore, should I presume to encourage such He fonndhit lordthlp seatedInhit chair, with
thoughts V a letter ln hit hand ;and hit countenance waa
But in spite of all his efforts, be cou'd not stern and forbidding. He coldly motioned hit
bauish them, for the Image of our heroine was ton to take a teat, andthenlooked tteadfaatly In
too deeply stamped upon his mind, and rendered his face for two or thee minutes, as ifhe would
him miserableuntil be should behold her again. penetrate the thoughts which wereputlog in hit
He continued for some time absorbed in these mind. '
and similar reflections, when he arose from Mb I
seat and walked to the window. At tbat moment ing,' be at last aaid, that I
'
told yon, Westbourne, on our recent meet-
had received a
Blackthorn was leaving tbe abbey, and West- proposal from Mlas Norman, through the admiral
bourne immediately recognised him. He had her uncle. Itis necessary that you shouldperuse
heard much of the depraved character of this the letter, inwhich you are soImmediatelyInter-
man; and he had ever looked upon him with ested. It la here; and Idirect your particular
'
feelings ofrepugnance and suspicion,for although attention to It.'
he liked not to judge any one hastily, he was
firmly inclined to beUeve tbat villany lurked at firmly; I
'
Excuse me, my lord,' repUed Westbourne,
have no wish to see the letter,since
his heart- Hehad ever shunned his advancesof the subject on which it dwells Is so opposed to
friendship, and he sou greatly surprised at the my feelings. The lady had better try her fortune
intimacy that existed between him and his with one more worthy of her, and of amore
father ; under those circumstances,it is not to be appropriate age; it is utterly impossible tbat
marvelled at that he should look upon his pre- she can ever make any impression on me.'
sent visit to the abbey as a bad omen, and he
'
'Headstrong boyl' exclaimed Lord Sidley,
determined to watch him more narrowly for the passionately, would you reject an alliance that
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 119
even the proudest nobleman In the land might WeBtbourne made no reply,but anxious once
envy!' more to escape from the presence of his father,
11have candidly acknowledgedmy thoughts he quitted the room.
upon that subject to your lordship. You have This interview caused him for the remainder
heard my decision.' of the day the most unpleasant reflections, aud
'Your
* Yes ;decisions' he could not but severely condemn the sorbid
the woman whom I consent to make and tyrannical motives whichmade his father so
my wife, must possess my heart, even though urgent toenter into an union so obnoxious to his
she* werea princess,' feelings, and which It was quite evident could
ObdurateIhut you had better alter your only be productive of the greatest misery to both
decision, or you will have cause to repent It.' him andthe lady whom his lordship wishedhim
'I cannot help It,sir,' returnedWestbourne ; to expouse. Was it to be expected, under any
1 but once more I solemly repeat that nothing circumstances, that a young, handsome man, of
whatever willinduce me to give my consent.' Westbourne's tastes and habits, would ever con-
'You have formed another attachment un- sent to become thehusband of ench a woman, as
known to me,' saidLord Sidley. Bliss Norman? The very Idea was outrageous,
1
You are mistaken,my lord,' answered West- andhe ceuld notbut feel both astonishment and
bourne ;and yet hecould not help feeling some disgust at his father for encouraging it for an
confusion whanhe thoughtel Evelina. instant. Butit was quiteclear his happiness in
'This letter must be answered, and that hia father's mind, wasonlya secondary considera-
promptly/
' said his lordship. tion; and there were moments when Westbourne
That task I must leave for your lordship to even thought that his lordship viewed him with
me,
'
perform. Itis moreproper for you to do it than a sort of antipathy,in consequence of the attach-
' and as youknow my determination ment he had ever shown towards his mother,
D n! exclaimed Lord Sidley, furiously andthe opinion he had more than once ventured
interruptinghia son,and fixing upon him alook to express of his father's treatment of her.
' which was meant to frighten himinto obedience. Bitterly he lamented the state of dependanoe in
'
Youwill not, dare notrefuseI1
Iam sorry to be compelled to act contrary to
which he was placed, and was anxious to follow
any pursuit, rather than lead a life of Indolence.
your wishes,my father; but I cannot,nay more, These manly thoughts he had frequentlyurged
Iwillnot give any encouiagemeut te the ridicu- upon his father, but received in return only the
lous suit of Miss Norman and, therefore, it is
; most sarcastic reproaches, for what he was
'
useless to hold out any false hopes to her.'
Bnt Iwill answer' this letter,' said Lord
pleased to termhis grovelling spirit; andeven
his wish tobe allowed to follow the profession of
Sidley, with a frown, and that to the lady's arms, was rejected with scorn. Itseemed indeed
satisfaction.' a3 if his lordshipfelt a gratification in thwarting
'Thenallow me to say, my lot d,' said WeBt- and disappointinghis son inall his hopes, and
bourne, hisbosom swelling with indignationand was determined that he should become entirely
'
wounded pride. that you will bs guilty of great the victim of his stem will aud caprice.
injustice not only to me, but the lady herself ; These thoughts occupied the mind of West-
and, of course, I shall consider myself bound in bourne during the night,and caused his sleep to
honour at the earliest opportunity to undeceive be d'sturbed and unrefreshing. But nothing
her. could shake his resolution t.resist the attempted
Lord Sidley bit his Hps, and reflected for afew unnatural and hateful alliance, let the conse-
moments ln silence. quences to himself be whatever they might.
'You will think better of this, Westbourne/ He arose at any early hour, aud as the morn-
ha at lengthsaid, in a somewhat aubdued tone, ing was floe he left the abbe/, thinking that the
1and
under that impression I will give you two air would refresh himafter the many hours of
or *three days to make up your mind.' mental agony he had suffered.
Mymind Is made up already, my lord,' an- Unconsciously Westbourne bent his footsteps
swered his son, 'and therefore it is useless to in the direction of the hall, and was wrapped in
'
tamper any longer with Miss Norman's feelings.' deep meditation, when he was suddenly aroused
And my determination Is also fixed,' said the bysome individual rushinghastily past him. He
nobleman, sternly, 'and therefore yon wi.l do looked up and beheld a man proceeding at a
well to deliberate maturely before you give a rapid rate in a contrary direction to thatbe was
'
positive refusal.' pursuing. He started ;lor the dress and person
itrequires not a momsnt's deliberation, my of tho man struck himin an instant. He was
'
lord, and that refusal1have already given/
are you mad V
certain hehad seenhim before, and lookingmore
narrowly after him, he was convinced that he
* Boy,
No,my lord, but I should begin to think that was not mistaken, but thatIt wasone of the
I wereif I could consent to unite myself to eue ruffians from whom he hadrescued Evelina.
'
whomIcould scarcely ever esteemeven.' Surprise and indignation for some seconds
Some otber damsel possesses your heart. Iheld him In confusion, but quickly collecting
;
soeit plainly but mark me, you may at once himself, although he was unarmed, he rapidly
stifle the passionin your breast, for never will I pursued the fellow, whocarried a large stick, and
sanction the addresses of any other than the amia- called loudly uponhim to stop. Theman looked
to some distance,
ble Miss Norman. Youmay retire, andIcaution back, aud although hebad got
younot to scorn my words, but to act in obe- Westbourne immediately distinguished and re-
dience to my will, studious as J am of your cognised bis features, and waa satisfied that he
(relfara.' wm right inthe conjectures he fcad formed.
 120 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
1
'
Stop, villain!' he cried, on your Hfe, I
com-
mand you1 Iknow you, and you shall not
eicape me !'
Jack Ddgley, 'or be it was, only replied to
this by a scornful laugh, and then pursued his
way ;but fiading that Westbourne still persisted
in followinghim, and wasgainingfast upon him,
and perceiring that be was unarmed, he sud-
denly made a stand, and with an air of defiance,
waiting for his coming up.
'And now, Mr. Westbourne Sidley,' said
'
Dagley, whenthe former had arrivedat the spot
where he was standing, what is yoar business
'
with me !'
'
Miscreant 1* said the young man, his faoe
glowing with resentment, I know you; you
areone of the wretches who commited the oat-
'
rage upon Evelina Marsden.'
Iknow it, and what then?'
1Scoundrel !for what purpose are you lurking
'
ln this neighbourhood2'
That is my business. Think you I am going
to gratify the prying curiosity of every officious
fool ? Get you gone, while youare safe, for you
will find that I am a man not disposed tobe
' with.'
trifled
Ruflian ! dare you threaten? I have met
you now,ana am determined tbat you shall not
escape the hands of justice.'
As Westbourne uttered these words, he made
an attempt to seize Dagley by the collar, but
before he could accomplish his object, the fellow
raised tbe stick he held in his hand, and felled
him to the earth with a tremendous blow, which
rendered him completely insensible.
How long he had remained In that state he
did not know, but when he recovered, he found
himself in a cottage which was on the estate of
his father, andthe honest inmates of which had
exerted themselves to the utmost to bring about
bls restoration.
then demanded
—
Westbourne look.d eagerly around him, and
'Is the ruffian secured, Philip?'
■ What ruffian, sir?' asked Philip.
' The fellow who committed this outrage,'
replied Westbourne ; * he has surely not been
'
allowed to escapes'
I '
and my son found you lyinginsensible in
tbe road, sir,' said the cottager; but wesaw no
one near the spot. Have you been robbed, eir,
and are youmuch hurt?'
'No.no,' impatiently returned Westbourne;
1but I would bare given a hundred pounde
* Audthan
sooner the miscreant should have escaped.'
1should hare been moct happy to have
earned the
sincerity.
'
money, sir,' Bald Philip, with much
But what
' kind of a man was he,
'
sir ? and what
Itis useless to answer those questions,' in-
terrupted Westbourne, 'for the scoundrel, no
doubt, is safe enoughby this time. I know not
what means to adopt to detect him and his in-
famous associates, who are prebably concealed
eome where!nthis neighbourhood,waitinganother
opportunity to put their designs into execution.
Evelina and her fr.ends must be cautionedof
their danger, or the worst consequences may be
'It is a fortunate job tbat you are
apprehended.'
not more
severely hart, sir, aud t.at the man did not rob
you,'
'HisremarkedPhilip.
'But Imust lose no time.
object was not robbery,' said Weatbourn.
Here Is a trifle to
reward yon for the trouble you have been at,
Philip.-
The old man returned many thanks, and
Sidley left the cottage, and retraced his steps
borne, as it was yet too early to'go to the hall. Wo
need not state the fear which hauntedhis mind
after this unexpeoted adventure, and he was
completely at a loss what plan to adopt which
might lead to the detection of the villains and
prevent the accomplishment of the further
designs they probably contemplated against our
heroine.
His fathermet hi n at he entered the abbey,
tnd immediately noticed the agitation of his
demeanour.
'You
'
have taken an early walk this morning,
Westbourne !' he observed. But what is the
'
matter you do not seem much at your ease.'
;
'
Ihave met with a surprise, my lord,' said
Westbourne, and have bean assaulted,
'
AssaultedIby whom ?'
1One
of the miscreants from whom I lately
rescued Miss Marsdtn, whom I met and attemp-
ted to seize/
' 'Abi' ejaculated Lord Sidley,and he frowned.
Yet, my lord,' returned hit am; 'itis quite
clear that the wretches are somewhere conoealed
in 'the neighbourhood.'
Well suppose they are, pray what business ls
'
that of yours V demanded his lordship.
What business is it of mine V repeated West-
'
bourne. You surprise me,my lord, by putting
such a question to me, after what has so recently
happened.'
'
'Let me caution you, Westbourne,' said his
father. not to trouble yourself any more about
these men, or you may, perchance, have to pay
dearly for your folly.
'Folly,my lords surely you canaot mean
what you say. Is it not my duty to endeavour
to bring these miscreants to justice, and to pre-
vent them from carrying out their diabolical
"
plans against an innocent girl V
Iagain tell you that you have no bnsinett at
all withit ;and why ahould yon be continually
running tha risk of a broken head, when it is
the duty of the girl's friends to protect her t Let
me hear no more of this, for you havefar more
seriout matter to occupy your thoughts at pre-
sent.'
Westbourne looked at his father with lnoreated
'
attonlthment. '
My lord,' he said, I cannot ttand tamelyby,
and tee an Innocent girl like Evelina Marsden
sacrificed to tho vlllauoua designs of these
wretches. I will detect them, and bring them to
punishment,if thereIsapossibility of my doingso.'
■ The
'
boy is certainly going mad,' aaid his
lordship. Beware, beware, for you know not
the danger you runyourself into ;and for what I
and mark me, Westbourne, it strikes me that
think toomuch of this girl, and that youhave you
suffered her tomake too great animpression upon
you.'
■I own, my lord, that Ipity her for the mur
fortunet ahe hat encountered, and admire her
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;OR,POVERTY,CRIME, AND SORROW. 121
for her beauty and her virtues ;' answered West-
bourne, warmly.
'Her virtues !Bah 1 wha:can you know about
them
' V
I am certain that her mind is aa pure as her
'
form is loveUV replied Westbour ie warmly.
Away with thisromantic foolery !' cried Lord
Sidlev, impatiently, 'lam sick of listening to
it. Retire ;I would bc alone.'
Westtjourue, who was quite disgUBted with his
father'*, observations, gladly obeyed, and Lord
Sidley was then left alone.
*
This headstrong boy must be watched
narrowly,'hemuttered to himself, 'or he will yel
manage to detect and to frustrate our designs. I1
is rery unfortunate thathe should hare met thi;
MR. LANGSTON INTRODUCING EVELINA TO LORD SIDLEY;
have threatenedhim ; and so confident itsIof
that, that Ihave already returned a favourable
answer to the admiral.'
And he had, assuring that gentleman tbat
Westbourne fjlt hiebly honoured by the favour-
able sentiments which the amiable Miss Norman
was pleased to entertaintowards him, and that in
a few days sbe might expect a communication
from him, in which he would more fully explain
tbe passion with which shehad inspired him.
However,he thought it as well not to let West-
bourne know anything of thisat present, for he
knew very wellin his present state of mind that
he would take the readiest means to undeceive
her, and thus at once to destroy the amlbitlout
and jealous hopes of hit lordship.
No. 16. ;
man, for It has put him upon the scent, when he
would otherwise not hare had the least suspicion
tbat the fellows were in the neighbourhood.
However, ttu rascal acted wisely in pr3renting
him from watcMng whither he went. Theymust
not be seen about, or we shall be at once die-
covered, and all attempts for the futurebe ren-
dered abortive. It is clear enough that the
beautr of Evelina tas captivated the heart of
Westbourne, and no wonder, therefore, that he
should show such an obstinate opposition to the
proposed alliance with Mist Norman. However,
I will remain firm ln my determination,and I
hare no doubt when he finds that, he will yield.
I do not bellere that he will erer have the
courage to risk theconsequences with which I
Wettbourne shortly afterwards met his father
at the breakfast table, aud it was quiteevident
from his manner that bis anxiety and agitation
were not at all abated. Lori Sidley, who bad
somewhat conquered the warmth of his feelings.
requested him to relate more minu _!y tbe par-
ticulars ofhis meeting with Dagley ; «. iiich West-
bourne complied with,and his father listened to
'
him with mute attention. '
But alter all,' he said, you might havebeen
mistaken, and this mightnot have been the man
'
you took him to be.'
Oh, no/ said Westbcurne, 'I could not be
mistaken. I recognised the scoundrel Ina mo-
ment, and by his conduct and his observation!,
he admitted himself tobe the man. I regret now
 122 EVELINA,THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;

that I suffered him to see me, and that I did not obliged to you for the suggestion. Who can the
secret villain be who thus seeks the destruction
'
watch whither he went.'
'
think it is much better for you that you did of my innocent niece V discover, my
I '
not,' remarked Lord Sidley; for you might '
Time will probably dear sir,
have paid for yonr headstrong folly with your
' life.' answered Westbourne ; but, in the meanwhile,
'Ob, no,' returned Westbourne. I donot Itrust that Providence will watch over and
fear that. I would have procured the assistance protect Mies Marsden from his power.'
of the officers of jaetice, and the miscreant would Evelina looked her thanks, and Westbourne
have been sure to have been apprehended ; and was more than repaid. Theheart of thedamsel
him, from tho interest
ail future danger from them would havebeen at nsturally warmed towards
an end. I shall not rest until Ihave discovered which he Beemed to take in her safety and happi-
in his
what their purpose with Evelina is, and who is ness, and Bhe felt tho greatest pleasure
their villanous employer.' Bociety, and in listening to his agreeable con-
regretted when the time
' 'Indeed!' said his lordship, with a sneer; versation; and she
metbinks your taik, then, will be a fruitless arrived for him to take his leave.
one. But how know you that the men are Tbe accomplishments of Westboarne Sidley
employed by any person .' were of tbe highest order, and to which his fine
'I feel confident that they are ;and thatit is m.nly virtues, his candour, generosity, and
some heartless libertine wbo is at thebottom of openness, of behaviour, added a luBtre which
all this.' could not fail to excitetbe warmest esteem and
Lord Si.leybit his lljis,and It w?s not with- admiration in the minds of all who had the
out considerable difficulty that he was enabled to honour ofhis society.
conceal his rage. However, hemade no further Unused to the world as Evelina was, she
observation, and the repast bemg over, West- havingfrom theearliest childhood until recently
bourne, feeling himself uncomfortable in the been immured in that horrible receptacle of
presooce of his father, made au excu_e, and misery, the workhouse of Allover; andsince she
retired. bad been under the roof of her uncle, her life
Watching his opportunity,Westbourne quitted havingbeen almost equally secluded, the estim-
tbe abbey, andmade his way, vith a palpitating able qualities possessed by Westbourne wero
heart, towards the haU; anxious once more to quite new to her; and after the service he had
behold Evelina, and to made her and her uncle rendered her, and the deep interest he seemed to
acquainted with the adventure of the morning, taka in her welfare, it was notat all remarkable
and which would warn them of tbe danger that that he should make a powerfulimpression upon
still threatened them, and would prepare them her mind; nor could she see how she should
to adopt some plan to guard them, against It. act imprudently in admiring and esteeming one
Mr. Langston evinced Boms surprise, for he so every wa. worthy of her friendship, and to
did not expect to have Been Wesibourne so soon, whom she was so much indebted.
but Evelina could not help expressing the Feeling confident that Westbourne's attentions
plea,are she felt at bisappearance sprung from the purest motives, Bhe gradually
Mr. Langston gave him a hearty welcome, felt less timidity and confusion in his society ;
which was most gratifying to Westbourne's love was a passion she knew by name alone,
feelings: and after the usual compliments had e.-en when it was exerting its strongest in-
been exchanged, he proceeded to relate the par- fluences over her susceptible heart. Sbe felt
ticulars! of what had occurred to bim. pleasure that Mr. LaDgsfon viewed him with
Evelina and her uncle listened to him with the same feeling of friendship, aud that he had
tbe most breathless attention;and the former, so crdially encouraged his visit, to the Dark
as Westbourne proceeded, turned very pale, aad Hall j but stillshe could not help obse.-ving a
'
trembled violently. cenain restraint at times inhis manners towards
Thisis a most alarming event, Mr. Sidley,'
' Westbourne Sidley, which sbe attributed, no
Bald Langaton, when he had concluded; aud Idoubt, to the right cause, namely, a feeling of
feel greatly obliged to you for the interest which regret that heshould be tbe son ot Lord Vernon,
you are pleased to take iu the welfare and safety who, independent of his questionablecharacter,
of my niece; but are you certain that you were they had so much reason to look upon with
'
not mistaken as regard's the man's identity!'
* feelings of repugnance, from the manner in
Oh, no,' answered Westbourne, that is im- which he tad been connected with the ruin of
possible; the fellow has a remarkable counte- Evelina's father. He was luxuriating in the
nance; and Ihad taken such notice ou first property that by right belonged to that unfortu-
meeting with him, that I was sure to recognise nate man, and but for him be might still have
him again.' been living in every happiness tbat wealth and
'The rascals, then, are evidently secreted virtue could produce.
'somewhere close at hand,' said Mr. Langston ; And WeBtbourne, who knew all the painful
and It Is plain enough that they have not circumstances connected with this part of
abandoned their guilty designs. What can be Marsden's history, felt tbe same degree of
doue to defeat them, and bring them to justice V regret, and had at times his doubts of tbe in-
'Why, sir,' replied Westbourne, 'I think it tegrity of his father's conduct ; and these
is necessary that a full description of these thoughts were the only drawbacks to the plea-
persons should be advertised without delay, and sure he otherwise felt in the society of our
'
areward offeredfor their apprehension.'
That course shall be immediately
heroine, althoughhe felt confident that Evelina
adopted, wes too charitable to feel the least reproach
'
Bir,' said Mr. Langston, and I am much towards him for the faults ofhis parent.
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
Such were the reflections that occupied the
mind of Westbourne on his way back to the
abbey, and much was the anxiety and uneasiness
that they created in hia bosom. He mightwin
the love, but he fearedthat he could never hope
to gain the hand of Evelina, and, therefere,
would it. perhaps, have been better that they
had never met.
And then a source of much speculation and
uneasiness to him, was the certainty that Evelina
had some secret enemy, who sought her destruc-
tion, and that, as be bad hitherto escaped dis-
covery, he mfght sind an opportunity of ac-
complishing his evil designs in so secret a
manner thatit would be impossible for any one
to thwart him. There were many observations
which Lord Sidley had made on that subject
which created his greatest surprise, and bad
caused him much reflection; but, of course,
never for a moment could asuspicion enter his
mind that he was the author of that infamous
plot, or his disgust, indignation, and anguish
would have known no bounds.
Upon Stephen Blackthorn he certainly looked
with doubt, for he thought he read the villain in
his countenance, andhe knew thathe had reason
to be jealousof theaffection which
Mr. Langston
bestowed upoo Evelina, since it would no doubt
greatly interfere with bis pecuniary hopes, on
the demise of the old gentleman. Inspite of
ail his congratulations on the restorationof our
heroine to her home, hehad frequently marked
the expression of his countenance, aud could
uot but imagine that rage and disappointment
lurked beueath his specious professions. He
also knew him to have been engaged in many
scenes of profligacy and vice; and for all these
reasons Westbouroe resolved to keep a strict eye
upon him. His frequent secret conferences with
Lord Sidley, also excited his suspicion, and
gave rise to various doubts and conjectures in
'
bis mind.
'
Would,' reflected Westbourne, that I had
been the son of any other man, and had been
made the humble instrument of rescuing the
beauteous Evelina from danger ; then, even
though my circumstances might have beenthe
most lordly, I could have urged my passion to
the fair being who has inspired it, with far
greater confidence ; but as it is, I fear that Ican
never hope to gain more than the gratitude and
esteem of Evelina. Oh, how miserable, hopeless,
and dependent,do I feel my situation to be.*
Such were the reflections of Westbourne as he
pursued his way towards home ;he well knew
tbe weakness of encouraging them, but still he
could not help doing so; and coupled with his
father's determination that he should unite him-
self to the antiquated Miss Norman, they made
him feel truly wretched.
Not that Westboarne was undecided how to
act, as regarded that preposterous alliance, for
his mind was fully made up to encounter any-
thing i-ooner than submit to make any such a
sacrifice ;but he could not but feel the utmost
pain at tbe anticipation of incurring his father's
wrath ; and be too well knew his inexorable
character, to think that he would hesitate to
carry his threat into effect.
i.n arriving at they abbey,
Westbourne, to
123
his amazement, beheld Stephen Blackthorn just
emerging from it, and on beholdinghim he ex-
hibited some confusion, mingledwith resentment,
as Westbourne thought;but he merely bowed,
and walked on,without speaking.
What could be the business of Stephen so
frequently with Lord Sidley ? Westbourne
reflected ;and why should their conferences be
held in so secret a manner? It was, he was
fearful, from no goo_ cause; for he well knew
the vicious character of Stephen;that he had
been engaged in many nefarious transactions;
andhe was surprised that his father, for the Bake
of his owncredit,shouldhave anything to do with
him. He could not help thinking thathis lord-
ship had some secret design in contemplation,
which he (Westbourne) waB unable to penetrate,
or even to form tbe least conjecture upon. Had
he bad the least idea that that design was against
the peace and honour of Evelina, howgreat would
havebeen his indignation,andbow quickly would
he have exerted himself to preventit, evenat any
risk.
On enteringthe abbey,he made his way tohis
own apartment, as be did not feel disposed, in
hiB present state of mind, for any society; but
he had not been long there, when he received a
summons from his father to attend him in his
study. He felt convinced that the subject his
lordship desired to speak to him upon, was his
marriage with Miss Norman, andhe would fain
have excused himself, buthe knew it wouldbe to
no purpose, and he therefore assumed as much
composure as he could, and obeyed.
He found his lordship pacing the room with
impatient steps, aad on Westbourne's entrance,
heturned suddenly round, and eyed him with
'
looks in which anger andcuriosity weremingled.
'So, Westbourne,' he said, it seems tbat the
society of your father has become so disagreeable
to you that you constantly absent yourself from
home.'
* Your lordship does me wrong by supposing
'anything of the kind,' said Westbourne inreply.
I trust that my conduct hashitherto never been
wantingin proper respect
' to you ;but the fineness
'
of the weather
And the charms of Evelina Marsden, are
more attractive than the company ot your father.
You have agaiu visited the hall.'
'Tis true, my lord,' answered Westbourne
candidly, at the same time that he felthis pride
mortifiedat the imperious tone ofhis lordship,
—'
and the unjust restraint be sought to exercise
over his actions; I do not deny that I have
visited the residence of Mr.L .ngston,nor do I
see anything at all objectionable in my having
doneso.'
* Indeed 1' returned Lord Sidley, witha bitter
'
sneer. But 1see plainly how it is ; the girls
few personal charms have dazzled yonr senses,
and doubtless she is sufficiently proficient in the
arts of her sex to make the best useof theadvan-
'
tage she has obtained.'
retrainhis indignation, I
'
My lord,' ejaculated Westbourne, unable to
am surprised to hear
you give utterance to such insinuations against
an innocent girl, who, Iam certain, entertains
no other feeling towards me than one of gratitude
lor having rescued her from danger. Evelina
 124 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;
Marsden, I amconrinced,is incapableofharbour with affection. Think of tbe age of the lady,
ing a thought which se should feel ashamed t< my lord, and then I am certain that you must
acknowledge.'
' You do well confess that such an union wonld be a most un-
tobecome the champion of thi. natural one, and cou'd not be productive of
'
fe.on's daughter, sir!' said Lord Sidley witt anything but mistry to Miss Normal and my-
swelling wrath ; but beware ! if you do no self.*
entirely disregard my eternal displeasure, yoi 'And think of her wealth, and the honour of
perceive you have suffered to take possession o
'
will at once stifle the dangerous feelings which J such an alliance,' returned bis lordship.
Great attractions, no doubt, my father, to I
your breast. Mark me, I strictly prohibityou many individuals; but wheneverI I
marry, it must
from ' visiting the house of Mr.to act cbedienct be for lore, andtonot
Lingsion.* for riches.' I
My lord, I hare erery wish ' iu 'Fool, tben please your I
ridiculous fancy,
'
to your wiahes,' replied Westbourne ; but I you wouldbecome a beggar?' I
cannot consent to comply with amandate so I
Even poverty, with peace of mind, is far pre-
stern, so unjust,andunreasonable.' feral.ie to wealth and misery. But I pray you, I
'Oh!' cried Lord Sidley, passionately; 'dare sir, do not urge me upon a subject that is so I
you openly defy my will? Do not try my patience painful,so disagreeable to me/
' I
too far, boy, or I may be urged to dothat which Begone !— leave mei' commanded Lord I
Sidley, his countenance still glowing with rage, I
'
I should be sorry for.'
I assure you, my lord, that it is far from my 'and bear well lnmind all that I bare SMd to I
'
inclination to do so.' you, and banish your foolish obstinacy, if you I
Do you not recollect that you are affianced to would not ruin your prospects for ever.' I
'
Miss Normans' 'I deeply regret, my lord, that wo should I
Not by myconsent, my lord and, moreover, disagree upon this important
; subject,' remarked I
no power upon earth shall erer compel me to Westbourne; 'but neither Um.. nor reflection I
become the husband of that lady.' ' oan alter my resolution.' I
'Madman/ exclaimed Lord Sidley, yon know Lord Sidley stampedbis foot passionately, and I
not'what you say.' wared his hand command ingly, and Westbourne, I
Indeed, my lord, my mild ls perfectly clear who had no wish to remain any longer in his pre- I
upon ' the subjtct.' senca, left the room.
* What I
Ihare written to Admiral Norman, and is to be done with this headstrong, I
stated your willingnessto become her suitor.' boy?' said his lordship to himself, when his sonI
'Then, sir,' returned Westbourne, firmly, 'as had retired. 'It is evident the girl, Evelina, I
aman of honour, it will be my painful duty to lat captivated his senses, and nothing will ever I
nndeceire the lady and heruncle without delay.' persuade him to become the husband of Miss I
' Headstrong boy,' cried his lordship, with Norman ; and, therefore, I
' may anticipate the I
increasing rage, would you make me appear rreatest troubleandannoyance fromhim. Curses I
'
ridiculous lu the eyes of the world?' ' ight upon the accident tbat brought them to- I
No, my father,' returned Westbourne, but jetber,and prevented the accomplishment of my I
I cannot content to flatter Miss Norman with dans. But Evelina sb__.ll yet be mine, and then I
hopes which cannever b« realised. nee for all 10 power on earth shall release her from roy I
Itell your lordship, that as it ts impossible tbat lower, until I think proper to discard her.' I
Ican ever love that lady,I will never consent to With the latter thought,the guiltyLoid SidleyI
'
become her huiband.' endeavoured to compose himself,but it was some I
Then you know the consequences ; either ;ime before he could recorer from the state of H
consent to make Miss Norman your wife,or you ixcitement into whi-h his interriew with his sonI
are no longer a son ofmine.' lad thrown him. H
'Nay, my lord,' said Westbourne, 'you will As for Westbourne, when he retired to his ownH
surely think better of this I ; cannot believo that ootn, he reflected deeply upon all tbat fead I
you will ever act with such injustice and lassed between himand his father, and his mind I
severity.*
' ras igitatcd with mingled feelings of resent* I
'You hare heard my decision,' said Lord cent, aoguish, and despair. Honour prompiod H
Sidley, and of this be atsured tbat I am deter* lira to write immediately to Miss Norman to un- I
'
mined.' ieceivo her, but sill he hesitated to betray theH
Then allow me to say,
'
with all due respect, ict of duplicity of which his sathtr had beon
ny lord,' answered Westbourne, proudly, that milty,and he wasunable to come to any decision I
H
let tJe consequences be what they may, rather is to what course it would be better for him to I
tban I will compromise my happiness in the Ldopt ; howeter, he was fully determined, even
manner you wish, I also am equallydetermined/ hough bis father should put his threats into
, I
Lord Sidley frowned fearfully upon his son, sffec and he were to become an outcast wanderer H
and his indignation was so great thatit almost upon the earth, thatnothing whatever should in-
choked
'Andhis utteraoce.
' luce him to sacrifice himself to the antiquated
lived,' he said, at length, to MiiB Norman; neither cou'd he make up his I
I
have I
have my will openly set at defiance by my own nind to obey the stev" commands ofhis lordship, I
'
son?' o discontinue his visits to the bouse of Mr.
Install thingsthat are just and reasonable, my Langston, for he could not help flatteringhimself
lord,' replied Westbourne, * I i^B
H
shall ever be most that they were far from beingdisagreeab'e to that
studious to obey your will, and to meet your gentleman and his niece. He felt himselfM
wishes; but nothing can induce me tobecome wretched when he was absent from
the husband of one whom I
Evelina'sH
can never regard presence; and he was unable to banish tbe boi>;H
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
that some day or other fortune wouldsmile upon
him, and that she would return that passion
which he *as now compelled to acknowledge to
himself Bhe had inspired him with. The coarse
epithets which his father had made use of in allu-
sion to ber, created in his breast the greatest
disgust; andagain he regretted that he was the
son of a man who could entertain such foelings
towards a poor innocent giil, wimo, .id never
have done bim an injury, but towards whose
parents, he firmly believed, he had acted a part
of treachery, and tbat the greater portionof the
wealthhe possessed, byright, belonged to her.
Thesepainfulruminations followed Westbourne
Sidley to hiB couch, and he slept but little that
night;but at last he came to the conclusion thet
it were better for him to refrain from visiting the
ball for a day or two, in order that he might, in
the meantime, endeavour to conciliate his father,
and to quiet his suspicions;but he resolved to
watch his actions narrowly, for he strongly sur-
mised, from the frequent visitsof Stephen Black-
thorn, that he had some secret design in con-
teraolation, though what thenature ofit could be,
he could not form the least conception of.
Nor was the image ofthe accomplished and
amiable Westbourne Sidley ever absent from the
thoughts of our heroine for any time together,
and she felt the greatest Impatience to behold
him again, although she bad no Idea thai that
anxiety hadits originin anything else but a seel-
ingof gratitude.
She delighted to talk to the gentleHelen about
him, and to expatiate upon his numerous virtues
and accomplishments, and Helen was no less
ardent ln ber encomiums ou his numerousnoble
qualities, and exhibited no astonishment at tbe
powerful impresbion which Westbourne bad
evidently made upon her young and Innocent
friend.
Helen was gifted with akeen penetration, and
it was not long ere sbe was convinced that Eve-
Una possessed a far more tender feeling thanthat
of mere admiration towards him. And it was
not without considerable regret that she discerned
this, for she saw at once the many obstaclesthere
werein the way to the gratificationof their pas-
sion, If it should be mutual between them,
uot only from the differenee of the'r rank,
and the melancholy circumstances of Evelina's
history, but the certain refusal of Lord Sidley to
sanction their love, and the repugnance which our
heroine murt naturally feel to enter the
family of a man who had probably done
her unfoitunate father so much wrong. And
although Mr. Langston beheld Westbourne
Sidley with feelings of friendshipand gratitude,
and admired him for his numerous virtues,
Helen knew the dislike with which heviewed his
lordship, and it wasnot likely,therefore, that he
would ever give his consent to the encourage-
ment of their passion, if evenLord Sidley should
offer noobjection.
These were difficulties whichHelen saw plainly
they would never be able to surmount, and she
consequently hopedthat both Evelina and West-
bourne would be able to .tide their love in Its
infancy, which might otherwise be productive of
io much unhappiness them both.
to
Helen w.uld ain have Imparted these thoughts
125
to her friend, but Bhe was fearful that she might
appear too bold, andmight have lormed a wrong
opinion of the sentiments of Evelina, and she
therefore forbore to do so; and whenever tbey
were together, she tried to divert theconversation
to Bome otber subject. Evelina, however, never
seemed so happy as when she was dwellingupon
the virtues of Westbourne, her preserver; and
when three days elapsed, and still Westbourne
came not to the hall, her uneasiness and dis-
appointment became so great that she couldnot
conceal tbem from Helen, and scarcely from Mr.
Langston, who,however, hadno suspicion ofher
real feelings.
Evelina was fearful that Westbourne was ill,
but Helen was of a different opinion, and con-
sidered it most probable that Lord Sidleyhad
discovered his son's visits to the hall, andhad
prohibited them; but still Bhe waa almost as
anxious asour heroine could be to behold him
again, or to her something from him.
_
Stephen Blackthorn came to the ball almost
every day, and hel private conferences withMrs.
Snacks, andhemarked the emotionof our heroine
whenever the name of West.otirne was men-
tioned with secret exultation, well knowing the
scheme he had in contemplation would not only
prove the destruction of all her hopes, if she had
raised her thoughts to Wes ibaume, hut remove
the only obstacle which presented itself to the
possession of old Paul Langston's wealth.
The oftener he gezedupon the beauteous Helen
too, the more determined, and the more auxions
was he topossesB her; and whenever he was in
her company, heexerted himself to the utmost to
make himBelf agreeable to her. But Helen
always felt uneasy in her presence,and received
his attentions with disgust andrepugnance, which
Stephen perceived with feelings of rage and dis-
appointmenthecould with difficulty conceal.
Nearly a week had passed away since West-
bourne had visited the hall, and Evelina began
to think that he had abandoned them altogether,
and she could not but feel both vexedand dis-
appointed, especially after ihe cordial invitation
he bad received from Mr. Langston.
One afternoon as Helen was engaged by some
business at home, Evelina visited her at the
farm, and the time passed away so agreeably
inconversation,that tbe shades of evening began
to fall ere Evelina arose to depart, and she would
not permit Helen to accompany herinstead of
her father, who was from home.
In the meantime, Westbourne Sidley had
visited the hall, and could not help e.pressing
his regret at finding Ev-lina abient from home.
However, he remained ia conversation with Mr.
Langaton till the evening, and he then took his
departure, and made his way towards the farm,
with the hope of meeting Evelina, and of having
the pleasureof escorting her home. Hehad pro-
ceeded to some distance from the hall, when his
ears were assailed with the loud shrieks of a
female, and he quickened his pace in order that
he might come up to the spot from whence tbe
cries ofthe woman pro:eeded, fearful that so_ie
violence waa being committed, which required hls
interference, at the same time that a thought
slashed throughhis mind that it mightbe Evelina
who called tor help.
 126 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

The moon had just risen, and having hastily which he felt at the unexpected and disgusting
crossed a stile into a large field, he beheld, at occurrence. Evelina trembled violently, and
some distance before him, a male and female form crimson blushes suffusedher cheeks ;but stillBhe
strugglingtogether, while the woman continued could not decline the proposal of Westbourne,
to scream ior help, but wasevidently almost ex- and suffering him to take her arm, they walked
hausted. on a short distance in silence, although the
This sight aroused all tbe manly indignationof thoughts that were passing in their minds were
Westbourne, and he shouted aloud, aod in a com- of the most agonizing description.
manding tone, to the man to hold, and redoubled But Westbourne Sidley never for a moment
his speed to come up to them. What were his Imagined the real designs of his father, and
emotions wheu, onapproaching nearer,he reco- thought that the reason of his having dared to
nised in the poor struggling damsel, Evelina insult Evelina, wasin consequence of the hatred
MarsdenI thathe bore towards her, and the apprehensions
Onr heroine knew himat the samemoment, thathad entered his mind tbat she had made an
and called upon his name. The man released impression upon his (Westbourne's)heart ;and
hiB hold .nd turned round, and Westbourne never couldhe sufficiently deprecate the cruelty,
started back aghast wheu he beheld his father. injustice, and cowardice whichcouldhavepromp-
Lord Sidley uttered a loud curse, and imme- ted hie lordship to such an outrage upon one so
diately hurried away, and Westbourne hurrying youngand innocent.
to the spot caught the terrified and almost faint- He felt doubly grieved at the circumstance, as
ing Evelina in his arms. it would probably be the means of interrupting,if
Lord Sidley had accidentally met Evelina aa not entirely destroying, the friendly intercourse
she was returning from the farm, and unable to whichhad sprung up between himand Evelina,
control hia guity passions, and seeing no one
about, he seized her and attempted to bear her _
and her uncle, and thos at once annihilating
thus hopes be had ventured to encourage.
away to tbe abbey ; but little did he expect such Westbourne Bcarcelyknew wbat to say, inorder
an interruption as thathe had experienced. to express to Evelina his regret at what had
taken place, and to try to tranquillise her
wounded feelings; but be at length broke the
silence, and implored her notto suffer him to be
CHAPTER XIX. lessened in her esteem and friendship, through
the misconduct of his father, at which he ex-
— —
THE QUARREL BETWEEN LORO SIDLEY AND
HIS SON. THE BLOW. THE DEPARTURE
pressed his most unbounded indignation aud
disgust.
FROM THE ABBEY.
Evelina, who had become more composed,
To picture the emotions of Westbourne Sidley assured him, with tbe most innocent simplicity,
at tais terrible discovery, which at once seemed yet energy ofmanner which bespokeher sincerity,
to be the annihilation of allhis hopes, v. ould that Bhe could notbe so unge werous as to blame
indeed be an arduous task. Evelina gentlywith- him, to whom she was under such a weight of
drew herself fromhis arms, audafter fixingupon obligation, for the faults ofhis father; but still
him a look of anguish, she turned aside her head she urged the absolute necessity of Westbourne
and burst into tears.
'Good ' discontinuing his visits to the hall, as It would
God,' exclaimed Westbourne, Is it doubtless excite the displeasure ofLord Sidley
possible thai my father can have been guilty of if it should reach his knowledge.
—
this unmanlyoutrageT On, Evelina, how can I Westbourne could not deny the truth and force
look you in the face, after this? But I am not of this argument, but he could not bear to con-
'
toblame. You will not believe me to be sot'
No, no, Mr. Sidley,' replied
template the stern necessity, and Evelina might
our heroine in a havediscovered from the agitation of his manner,
voice ol the greatest emotion, while her looks that s he had excited a far wannersentiment than
—'
expressed far more than words could give utter- that of mere friendship in his bosom ; nor could
ance to ; 1 do not, cf course not. I cannot she anticipate the interruption of their friendly
attach any blame to jou; it is his lordship, your intercourse without the most sincere and painful
'And has he indeed Insulted yon, Miss Mars-
father. regret.
Before their arrival at the hall, Westbourne
den!' asked Westbourn* eagerly, andbis heart had succeeded in so far tranquillisingthe feeliags
palpitated at doubleits u»__l J_W*. 'My God I of Evelina, that ahe exhibited but little emotion,
what would I not have g. -.in 1..her than this and he also elicited from her a promise that she
should
* have happened.' would not, for the present, mention the circum-
' Oh, suffer me to return how"*/ naid Evelina.
It was imprudent of me to be &;it so late; but
stance to Mr. Langaton, as it might only bring
him and Lord Sidley into a painful collision,
still how could I —
expect to be thus amnoyed, and
especially from one who butI will not reproach
without tending to any beneficial result; and he
had no doubt his father would repent of his con-
him ; be must have been mad at the time he duct, and never be guilty of the like offence
dared to shock my ears with Ms odious declara- again.
tions, and will surely repent his conduct. I will Mr.Langston had begun to feel alarmed at the
return home, for my uncle will begin to be protracted absence of Evelina, and he was there-
'
alarmed at ray absence.'
You will suffer me to escort you thither,
fore much gratified when she returned, aud
thanked Westbourne forbis kindness in conduct-
Evelinas' said Westbourne, with looks that ing her home. He did not notice the agitation
showed the regret, resentment, and anguish of her manner, _ud thus both Evelina and West-
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
"ourne werespared the disagreeable task of evad-
ing the questions he wouldotherwise have put to
them.
Westbourne did not remain long at the hall,
aud when he took his leave he exchanged a look
with Evelina which she was atuo loss to under-
stand, and she fervently responded to the feelings
which she was convinced at thatmoment agitated
his bosom.
When Evelina retired to her chamber, how-
ever, she gave free indulgence to the emotions
which struggled in her breast, and her tears
flowed fast and unrestrained. That she should
have been so grossly insulted, and that too by the
father of Westbourne, to whom Bhe was so much
indebted, created iu her bosom the most poignant
anguish, at the same time that Bhe felt tbe
greatest apprehensions for the future. ThatLord
Sidley would so readily abandon any designs upon
which he had fixed his mind, sbe could not
belive, and she, therefore, fearedthat she might
at some future time be subjected to some fresh an
- 'Ah!' exclaimed Stephen, 'and whatis the
noyance fromhim. Sbe felt satisfied tbather uncle
ought to be made acquainted with his conduct,
in order that he might guardher against him,
and yet she could not think of breaking the pro-
mise she had made to Westbourne not to reveal
what bad taken place to Mr. Langston.
Much Evelinafeared also, that the circumstance
might be the cause of a serious qnarrel between
Westbourne and his father ; and most deeply
would she regret beingthe cause of any difference
between them, which might be the means of
ruining the future prospects of Westbourne.
These thoughts kept her waking nearly the
whole of the nigh, and she felt astonished and
alarmed to find the interest which Westbourne
held inher bosom. His numerous virtues were
exhibited Instill more glowingcolours than ever
to her imagination, and when she reflected that
they mightprobably meet but seldom again, she
could not restrain her tears, and acknowledge to
herself that the friendship and esteem of West-
bourns were most indespensable to her peace of
mind.
The rage and disappointment of Lord Sidley
aftei leaving the spot where hehad been surprised
by his son, may be easily conceived:and for
some minutes he oould only giventterance to the
most bitterimprecations.
' And
am I to be thwarted in all my designs
"
by this officious, headstrong boy V he soliloquised.
What cursed accident brought him to the
spot at such a critical time . He has now dis-
covered my intentions, andI have no doubt he
will be bold enough to attempt to frustrate them.
The girl has evidently captivated him, and there
is nothing,I am convinced, that he willhesitate
to doin her defence. But It willbe my fault if
he succeeds ; no, be shall either consent to be-
come the husband of Miss Norman, or I will
adopt such a course towards him as he little ex-
pects, aod take effectual means to prevent him
from being any obstacle to the gratification of my
wishes. And yet it was foolish of me tomake
this attempt to-night when I might be sure that
Evelina's cries would create an alarm. They will
their guard, and the execution of my
now be on
plot will be retarded, if not entirely defeated.
Had the girl been conveyed to the abbey In the
127
first instance, she would now have been in my
power,and my triumphwould havebeen complete ;
but still there is no risk that I will Bhrink from
encountering, sooner than that she shall escape
me.'
He was so completely absorbed in these guilty
meditations, that he had unconsciously strayed
from the right road, and on looking up,he was
surprised to find himself close toIhe residence of
Stephen Blackthorn, and he thereforedetermined
to call upon him so tbat he might make him ac-
quainted with what had happened, and receive
his advice.
He found Stephen alone, and he was much
surprised at beholdinghis lordship, and Inquired
to what he might attribute the honour of his
visit.
'To rage, and disappointment,' replied the
nobleman, walking into the room, and flinging
himself on a seat.
matter now, my lord ?'
Lord Sidly, in as few word [as possible, related
to Blackthorn the adventure of the evening, and
that ruffianlistened tohim with evident dissatis-
faction.
'
What folly was it in you to make such an
'
attempt, my lord,' he observed.
Ay, I see it now,' returnedhis lordship, 'but
It is no use regretting it,it is done, and it cannot
be undone. On meeting the girl,my passiongot
the better of my reason, and seeing that there
was no one at hand, I thought th_t I might be
able' to forceher to the abbey.'
' A most preposterousidea,' said Blackthorn ;
youmight have felt certain that it could not
succeed. Why could you not wait with patience,
until I bad au opportunity of putting my plans
into executions'
* My patience is exhausted.'
*
This rash impetuosity will only serve toretard
ifnot to frustrate the execution of our designs.
You bave discovered yourself,my lord, and it is
most probable that suspicion will attach to you
in future. And then to be seen byyour own
son.'
'Curses li_ht nnon him,' exclaimed Lord
Sidley, passion- tely 'it seems as if he were
always doomed to b an obstacle to the further-
■
ance of my plans. Hut nomething must be done
to quiet him, and to p. ivent his intimacy with
Evelina.'
* Ay, I
'
am certain tuat heloves her,' remarked
Blackthorn. What are your intentions with
'
regard to him ?'
'
To compel him. to marry Miss Norman,' an-
swered Lord Si_L>, or to discard him.'
'But that will not prevent him from paying
his attentions to Evelina, but on the contrary, it
will render him the more determined. Nothing
in my opinion can be done with him without
removing him a together. Now If you could per-
suade him tugo to sea or to enter the army, I
think
'I it would be the most advisable.'
—
will think further ou that subject. Buthave
you nothing to suggest noplan by whichI may
'
get the girl in my power ?'
Nothing at present,' returned Blackthorn,
'and Iwould advise you to affect to be stung
with remorse at your conduct towards Evelina,
 128 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
and to make an ample apology toold Paul Lang-
ston, shoull he demand satisfation ; by that
means you may lull suspicion, and thus we may
be able the better to carry our designs into opera-
tion.'
* Iwill do as you advise,' said his lordship,
' but still Ishall be all impatience until the girl
care not what
is safe within myclutches, and I
sacrifice Imake so that I can but accomplish my
desires. Hare you seen your colleagues latelyV
1saw them not more than an hour ago.'
'
1
And are they still ready to act when they are
'
called upon?'
Oh, yes, thereis no fear of them, especially
while you continue to act with liberality towards
'
them.'
That I shall not fail to do. But you must
'
keep a strict eyeupon them/
Ay, ay, I shall do so, certainly, but they will
not attempt te deceire me, so you may rest your
mind easy onthat subject.'
LordSidleyremained Bilent for somemoments,
and it was evident from his loweringbrow, and
tbe whole ofhis demeanour, that some dark
thought waspassing inhis mind.
'Blackthorn,' he said, at length, in under-
tones, as if he feared that tbe<e might be Borne
listeners at hand, 'an idea bas suggesteditself
to me, which, ifcarried into effect, would at once
obtainfor us both the gratification of our wishes,
namely,you the possession of Langston's wealth,
'
and Ithe girl. ' '
' Ah,' demanded Stephen, eagerly, whatisit ?'
' May I trust you?' * hare only exposed to me your real character, my
Why should you ask such a question Hare
you not known and triedme longenough to trust
me?' '
* True, true,' said Lord Sidley, but the sug-
gestion I hare to make is of such a peculiar
'
nature that I almost fear to gire utterance to it.'
Do not hesitate, my lord, for you know that
you hare nothing to tear from me, if eren I do
'
not approve ofit.'
Weil then,' eaid the guilty nobeman, after
'
another pause, to come at once to the point,
old Paul Langston is the principal obstacle In
'
the way of the gratification of our desires.'
' Right,be is so.'
Ithe were removed?' added Lord Sidley, in a
hoarse voice, and seeminglyalmost afraid to give
expression to bis thoughts.
1
Ab 1' ejaculated Blackthorn, apparently partly
guessing
'Ifhe at his meaning.
were removed,' LordSidley went on to
'Evelina
say, would be left without a protector,
the fortune of old Langston would become yours,
I — — —
might get the damsel iumy power without diffi-
culty, aud aud and do you not understand
me, Blackthorn ?'
*
Not exactl',' replied the latter, determined
'
tbat his loidship should fully explain himself.
How would you remove the old inau?'
*A;e there not plenty of means?' demanded
" one of the servants that his sun had beeu home
Lord Sidley with a fiendish' look; are tl.ere no
subtle poisons, no
my'lord, you would not hare him murdered ?'
'—
1Ah 1' interrupted Stephen, graspinghis arm,
and looking him steadfastly in the face, surely,
His death would remove all tbe difficulties in
our way, and the deed might be perpetrated
without any suspicion lightingupon the authors
ofit.'
'
No,no,' said Blackthorn, withaffectedhorror,
'you may deem me a villain, but I cannot shed
human blood.'
* BahIyou are not theman I took you tobe.
One bold resolution, and your fortune would be
made, whereas while Paul Laogeton lives, there
seems to me but little hope of the accoinpliBh-
' of our wishes.'
ment
This is a subject, my lord, tbat requires the
greatest deliberation,' said Stephen, 'and we
will talk further on it at some future period.'
''
Theremay bethe greatest danger in delay.'
And it would be worse thanmadness to be too
* Besides,
precipitate,' returned Blackthorn. I
have not the least doubt but thatI ehsll be able
to accomplish our designs without having occasion
'
toresort to any sueh desperate means.*
You will never dirulgea word of the conrer-
sation which has this night paBsed between us V
Baid Lord Sidley, win a look of alarm, and fear-
ing that he bad almost venturedtoo far, and had
placed himself to much in the power ot Black
thorn.
11 have given you my word,' answered the
latter; 'you hare nothingto fear from me. Only
act yourself with prudence and precaution,and all
will he right.'
Lord Sidley still looked doubtfully, bnt hesaid
nothing, aud after some more conversation, he
took his departure. '
So,' said Blackthorn, whenhe was gone ; you
Lord Sidley ; and have confirmed all the Buspl
ciona I entertained of you. You would commit
murder, would you, to gratify your desires f —I
have you In my power, most virtuous nobleman,
and will not fail to take advantageofIt. Yes, I may
even be compelled to take the old man's Use if I
cannotaccomplish my ends in any other way, but
you must not know it. Ob, no, Stephen Black-
thorn is too cautious to entrust any one with
secrets of that description.'
Thus the villain continued to ruminate for
some time, and the longer be reflected, the more
determined hebecame.
Lord Sidley returned to tbe abbeyin a most
bewildered and disturbed state of mind, and in
spite of all, he could not helpdreading to eucoun-
ter bls son, for he felt that he should have no
argument against his reproaches, and that he
must appear both contemptible and degraded ln
hia eyes.
He regretted that he bad Bald so much to
Stephen Blackthorn, for by so doinghe hadplaced
himself more than ever in hispower, andbeknew
—
full well that he wouldnot hesitate to take erery
adrantage of it to suit his owh purpose, and
should tin;/ a any time quarrel,he might be
plungedU>to tuu ysisatest danger in consequence.
O ; his return to the abbey he waa informed by
some time, andhad retired to his chamber, which
hs was very glad to hear, as he was iu no fit state,
at that time, to sae him. lie lmmeuiatul-ysought
his own apartment, and flinging himself i-.no a
chair, he gavehimself up to the most gloomy aud
torturing thought*. Again he cursed his folly in
having assaulted Evelina that night, for be bad
 EVELINA, THE PAUPERS CHILE; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
not the least doubt that both sbe and ber uncle
woulduse every precaution to frustratehis plans;
and,moreover, shoold he succeed in getting ber
in bis power, suspicion wouldat once alight on
him, and his triumph wouldbe soon at an end,
and himself brought to disgrace and punish-
ment.
*B t nothingshaU induce
' me to abandon my
designs/ he exclaimed ; the girl shall be mt'ie,
even at any ;
out for I have fixed my mind on
her, and Iwill hazard anythingto obtain pos«e»-
sion of ber.Shall Isuffer my own son to thwart
thwart
—
me, and to bear away the palm of triumph Iso
much envy?f By a al1 my hopes,never 1 I Ishould
Indeed deem myself a we_k fool if I were to do so.'
Lord Sidley slept but little that night, for his
THE QUAWtEL BETWEN WESTBOURNE AND LOTTO SIDLEY.
not bear the thought of meeting his fsther, until
bis excitement had in some measure abated, lest
be should bo tempted, lo the Indignationof his
feelings, to say something whicb ne afterwards
might be sorry for.
He continued to wander among the nelghbonr-
nghills for a considerable tme, wrapped indeep
thought ; but at lengthhe resolved to visit the
ball, in order tbat he mightlearn whether Evelina
had >et recovered from tne shock her feelings had
sustained on the previous evening.
Evelina wa« walkingin the little garden at the
back of the hall, and on beholding Westbourne
approaching, aheexhibited conainersble conrusion,
althoughit was quite evident that she beheld him
with pleasure, as she was most anxious to bear
.0. 17.
129 I
mind was to. much disturbed, and in the morn-
ing on his descending Iutothe breakfast room he
expected te see Westbourne every minute, and
—
had prepared himself to meet him ;but he did
not come; and after the morning repast had
waited some time, he sent a servant to summon
him, but he quickly returned and Iu'orned him
that Westbourne was not there. His lor .ship
*as notsorry to hear that, as after all ha could
not meet him without repugnance well knowing
bow ju-tlv be merited bis re . roschei. and how
weak and Ineffective all must be Ihst he could
say in reply to him.
Westbourne, whose mind had been truly
wretched during the night, ha4 arisen at an early
hoar, and walked from the abbey, for he could
whst hsdpassed betwe( n him and his fatta.i when
they bad met.
Sbe opened the garden gate, and Westbourne
having entered, he greeted her with hi. usual
respectful warvrth, which sbe returned with
modeit politeness. Hi saw that her cheeks were
pale, and that she had been weeping, but he
wondered not at it.and diieplf ..mpathlsed with
her in whatshe mu>t have suffered.
Afer some conversation, In whi-h Westbourne
informed her that be had not Been blsihefather
hall
since the prevlomevening, the, entered
together, where Westbourne was welcomed by Mr.
Langston, althoughhe seemed rather surprised at
his visiting them so early. Be also noticed tbat
he
he was at times very sad and abstracted, and
 130 EVELINA, THE PAUFER'S CHILD;
I could not help thinking that something bad
occurred t. disturb him; thoagh hedid not, of
cou-se,take theliberty oiquestioning him ou the
subject.
Evelioa endeavoured to appear as easy as pos-
sible, but it was not without the greatest difficulty
that she could do so when she reflected upon all
that bad taken place, and the probability of the
quarrel that would ensue between Westbourne
and his father, io consequence.
Westbourne did not leave the hall until the
afternoon; and it w_s with a sad heart tbat Eve-
lina eaw him depart ; for she fearful that he
wou d not be permitted to repeat his visit
many more times, and she now found that
his society waa more necessary to her happi-
ness than she could ever have anticipated,
and that she was already beginalug to view
him with amuch warmer sentiment than that of
fiieodshlp. It was not wonderful indeed that a
young man of Westbourne's personal and intrinsic
merits, should quickly make a powerfulimpres-
sion upon a heart so susceptible as that of
Evelina ; and Mr. Langston had not failed to
notice the pleasure she evinced inhis society, and
the melancholy which always pervadedher mind
whenever be took his departure from the hall.
With a feeling of regret he noticed this, for much
as he admired the virtues of Westbourne, and
greately indented to him as he wa« for the preser-
vation of his beloved niece, he was still the son
of Lord Sidley, and as such he could never give
any encouragement to thosesentiments which he
and Evelina ml .ht form for eachother.
Soon after Westbourne had departed, Helen
arrived at the hall, and the two damsels being
left together, Eveiina related the painful adven-
ture of the preceding night, to which Helen
listened with much astonishment, and feelings of
'
indignation against Lord Sidley.
He must indeed be a villain,my dear Evelina,*
'
said Helen, to offer so cruel an insult to an
innocent and unprotected female ;and it is only
proper that your uncle should be made acquainted
with it,inorder that he might demand a satisfac-
tory ap Jlogy fromhis lordship, and be onhis guard
to 'protect you againsthim in future.'
For the 6ske of Westbourne, whose feelings
are already sufficiently wounded, I will forbear to
'
say anything to my u.cle onthe subject,' returned
our heroine. But surely Lord Sidle, must by
this time be heartily ashamed of his conduct,
especially as it Ib known to hit son, and will not
attempt
'
I
to offendin a like manner agaiu.' '
hope, Evelina,' said her companion, tbat
youmay not be deceived ;but alter hiB lordah p
having acted in such a manner, you have reason
to be in constant dread ot him. it seems but too
true that the teports that are circulated to his
disadvantage are not without foundation, and
that he is indeed an abandoned ptofligate and
Lbertine. How much is it to be regretted that
so amiable a young man as Westbourne Sidley
shouid bave so unworty a fat! er.'
Evelina s'ghed, for the same thoughts wereat
that time passing in her mind, and she could
not* restrain tbe exoressio iofher feelings.
Alas, Ifear tbat when Westbourne and his
_ '
father meet, a serious quarrel will take place
Det een them,' said Evelina ; a nd I shall deeply
lament the consequences that are likely to
follow.'
* It will certainly be much to be regretted,'
returned Helen ;'but still you will havenothing
to reproach yourself with, as it waB mere acci-
dent that .rought Westbourne to the spot; and
it was fortunate thatit was so, or Heaven unly
knows the other insults to which you might have
been subjected. Itis impossible that LordSidley
can defend his conduct, aud therefore be may bo
more likely to yield to the justice aud force of
hiB son's remonstrances, whohas acted only as
any man of honour would have done. It was
fortunate that Westbourne recognised his father
In time, or be might baveproceeded to violence,
and felled him to the earth.'
Evelinaendeavoured to think that Westbourae
and his lordship might yet be able to settle this
painful and unexpected a_f_lr amicably, and that
Lord Sidley would be awakend to asense of the
disgustiugcriminality of his conduct, and aban-
don any sinister thoughts which he might have
encouraged for the future; but this was a task
more easily suggested than accomplished, and
our heroinecould notstill help entertainingsome
apprehensions of the dangers which might b.aet
her from his lordBhip, and the consequences
which might result to Westbonrne from his
father's displeasure.
Evelina,however, stifled her feelingsas much
as possible, in order that they might escape the
observationof ber uncle ;for she considered that
under all tbe circumstances, it wasmore prudent
to act upon the advice of Westbourne, and not
to bring Mr. Langston and his lordship into
collision.
Westbourne had not long returned to the
abbey, and bad sought his own apartments,
than he received a peremptory summons from
his father to attend him in his study. He had
folly preparedhimself for the Interview, and he
therefore immediately obeyed, and entered tbe
room with acool and collected demeanour, and
found his lordship pacing the apartment with
disordered steps, and on beholding him, he
turned upon him astern look, yet tbe expression
of his countenance, Westbourne could not fall to
remark, was somewhat confused and abashed,
aod his lips quivered, as if with ill- subdued
rage.
Westbourne met his glance with a steady eye,
and awaited hia speaking. Lord Sidley, however,
continued to gaze at his son with a contracted
.
brow,and the latter at last, growing impatient,
determined to break the silence, nd hetherefore
'
said in a firm but respectful tone—
You sent for me, my lord V
4 Ay, boy,' replied bis, lordship, and he
frowned more severely as he spoke. 'I sent for
you to demaud au explanation of your conduct,
and to demand atonement for the insuit you
have offered me.'
'Insult, my
lords' returned Westbourne, with
swelling pride, aud looking with shame aud
*
surprise upon bis father. 1de not understand
you; neither have I any explanation to offer.
But I must express my sine.re regies that your
lordship should so far have forgotten yourself as
to outrage the feelings ot aninnocent and unpro
tected girl ;nor could I bave believed ib .t my
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 131
' father could bo far have descended, had I not vlned, belongs not to mortal being, and base.
! witnessed the degradingfaot with my own eyes.' Indeed, mustbe the man who could harbour a
lj 'D n!' cried
'
the irritated nobleman, thought derogatory to herpeace and honour.
stamping with rage; this to me ? Have I then That I admire, and ever mustadmire and esteem
lived to be lectured by abeardless boy, my own ber, I willnot attempt to deny ;and I should
sons blush for myself could I ever for a moment
4My lord, I havo no wish to lecture yonr hesitate to protect her to the best of my power
conduct, which I am certain you cannot in this
instance defend, but to express my regret that
'
from Insult or injury.'
And is it even so 7' cried the exasperated
your should so far forget the duty jou owe to nobleman; * do you dare to hurldefiance at me,
youexalted station, and your honour as a man. and even to threaten ? Thenmark me, and rest
What apology have I to offer for the part I bave assured tbat either you yield implicitsubservience
playedin this disgustingaffair ?' to my will, or the most fearful cons, que .ces shall
4 Yon have become the secret spy upon my follow your disobedience. From this time hence,
actions.' you shall never presume to question myconduct,
'I
'
deny it,' returned Westbourne, warmly, in whatever character it may appear to yon.
and his cheeks glowing with insulted pride ; IFrom this time henceforward, you most not
would never so far degrade myself as to become behold or speak to EvelinaMarsden ;devote tbe
the secret spy upon the actions of any man, whole of your thoughts to her whom I have
especially tbat man my own father. It was selected for yonr wife ;these are my commands ;
accident that led me to the spot, at tbe critical dare to disobey them, and my heaviest curses
momentwhen Evelina Marsden was struggling shall light upon your head. Until you have
In your grasp ;and I had no idea, I could not maturely reflected upon them, you will alsokeep
possibly entertainthe least suspicion that it was yourself confined to your own apartments.*
your lordship,until I beheld your countenance. Westbourne Sidley trembled with excitement
Ob,my father! surely you must feel the deepest as he listened with breathless impatience to the
remorse for having thuscommitted yourself, and observations of bis father. He could scarcely
You could not possiblyhave done so, I
' only in amoment of madness ;and
vinced,
—
wounded the delicacy of an innocent maiden. credit theevidence ofbis ears;and sonumerous
— '
am con- and torturing were the feelings thatrushed into
his bosom, that, for a few moments, they com*
Beware, headstrong boy, what you say,' pletely choked bis utterance.
furiously interruptedLord Sidley, and the calm 4 My lord,' be said atlast.
' I am your son,
diguity of Westbourne's manner added ' to his and as such am ready to yield all that obedience
shame, confusion, and indignation. AmIto to you which duty and justice demand. But
'
be thua schooled by my ownoffspring ?'
I bave ever, and wouldstill, mylord, behave I
reasonand manly pride revolt at such oppression.
will never become tbe slave of any man's ty-
to you with every respect; but when I find you rannical will.' *
thuB degrading yourself, wounding the feelings 1
By hell 1' hoarsely cried hls lordship, this
of a defenceless female, and bringing disgrace Is more than I can endure. Headstronginsolent
upon your own name, justice compels me to boy, you are no son of mine ; I disown you,
speak out boldly the sentiments of my mind, andat once denounce tbe base imposition that
painfulthoughit is to my feelings to be con- has' been practised upon me1*
strained to do so.' Spirit of my saintedmother !hear this cruel
. LordSidley bit his lips, and again paced the Blanderon yourmemory1'ejaculated Westbourne, ' Oh,
room with impatient strides, bnt so great was with the mOBt iniupportable emotion.
bis rage tbat be was unable for several minutes shame, shame, my lord, to give uttt ranee to such
to utter a syllable. vileaspersions on thehonour and virtue of that
1Disobedient boy,' at length be ejaculated, lamented parent whosecold remains now moulder
'Isee how it is; you have Buffered this fair in the tomb.'
seducer, this innocent girl, whose cause you so Lord Sidley quailed beneath the bitter but
warmly espouse, to gain complete ascendancy just teproacbes of his son, and his lips quivered
over your feelings;her penetra'ion has not been with tbe power of his increasing wrath. '
■Presumptuous wretch I' he e- claimed, will
long in diicovering your weakness, and the
innocent girl will doubtless not fail to take every you still dare to defy and taunt me? Away to
advantage ef it. Forsooth, Bhe has reason to con- your chamber aud there remain a prisoner until
gratulate herself at the success she has met with you h»ve learnt to repeut ol this conduct. Eve-
over her infatuated victi .' lina Marsden's wily tongue, and attrul allure-
A disagreeable ironical expression passed over ments h_ve urged you on to this.'
tbe features of Lord Sidley, as he gave utterance 'By Heaven, 'tis false, most cruelly false!'
to these coarse and vulgar observations. But replied Westbourne, unable any longer to res-
how did the bosom of hit son ewell with honest train the full express. on ofhia indignation,and
resentment as be li.tend to them! He cast -pon rendered almost mad by the base Blanders cast
—
his father a look of tbe keenest reproach, as he upon Evelina by his father.
replied 'Ab! do you call me liar V shouted the
* And is it possible thatit is my father who enraged nobleman.
■I would tell any man thathe uttered a mon-
has just spoken! Ob, my lord, what has the (bus dared to questionthe
poor girl,Eveli_a Marsden,ever done, tbat yon strous falsehood, who Evelina Marsden.'
sheold thus venture to cast uponher such cruel purityand innocence of
insinuations. By Heaven, she merits them Lord Sldley's features became distorted with
not !A mind more puie than hers, I am con- passion;he triedto speak, but could not, whit*
 132 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;

his eyes glared upon hia soa with an expresson forth throw off my authorityaltogether. I know
of fury, tbat no attempt at description conld well his manly pride, and probably shall never
convey an adequate Idea of. Thetumult of bis behold him agaiu. I did not bargain for this,
various passions vasso great that he could not althoughI held out such threats to him. The
control it.aud clenching his fist, and advancing alliance which 1had hoped to have formed be-
towards 'Westbourne, he dealt him a violent blow, tween himand Miss Norman willnow certainly
at the same time half uttering a dreadfsl curse hebroken off,when, by a different Jlne of conduct,
betwixt his teeth. notwithstandinghis present opposition,1might
The blood mantled ln theface of Westbourne, have persuaded him to yield compliance with my
bis brain aeemed to whirl round, his broad and wishes. It was also unfortunate that I made the
manly chest heaved with emotion, he set his attempt to seize Evelina, for then thia occurrence
teeth close together, and compressed his lips, would not have taken place, and I might have
then he clenched his fists, andmade two or three soiled the wishes of my son without his having
steps towards his father ; but, in a moment, he any suspicion of me. I have acted Imprudently
seemed to recollect himself, and with dignified throughout, curses on my folly.'
'
resentment, he ejaculated—
A blow, a degradingblow IAm I
He threw himself on a seat, andgave himself
aman, and up entirely to the most perplexingthoughts. But
"hall I not resent it I But, no, although you still he was determined that nothing should In-
havediscarded me, my1jrd,csst me from you, duce him to give up his designs against Evelina,
treated me worse than a dog, Iwill not forget for the disappointmentshe had hitherto expe-
that you are the author of my being, and forgive rienced only servedto strengthenhia desires.
you. "> Farewell, sir; perhaps, wheu we meet He waa interrupted in these reflections by the
again,if that should ever he, you will bo ready arrival of Stephen Blackthorn, who entered the
lo acknowledge the injusticewith which yon have apartment, and fixed an earnest look upon hia
treated me, and lo repent of your present lordship's countenance.
conduct.' 'You have arrived very opportunely,
" Black-
Thus saying, the young man fixed upon hia thorn,' said Lord Sidle;,; Iwish to consult
father ono look of bitter reproach, and abruptly you."
qu tied the room.
' You appear agitated,' aald Stephen ; has
'
Lord Sidleyremained for a short time lest and anythingparticularhappened ?'
bewilderedln painfulthought,and with his eyes 1Yes, yes, much to annoy and
perplex me.'

bourne had
starting,
'
quitted—
fixed vacantly upon tho door by which West.
he exclaimed
the room then auddealy son.
; '
"Have you yet had an interview with your
Ihave;he has but a short time since left the
I have been too hasty;I should not Ihna abbey/
havesuffered my passion toget thebetter ofme. ■ '
Left the abbey ?' repeated Blackthorn. You
Westbourne was inthe right ;Iwill call him have quarrelled then ?'
back and apologiae.' * '
We have," answered Lord Sidley, tndI fear
He au.moned a servant and desired him to that I
hasten to the apartmentofhia son, and tell him ' shall notagainbehold him.'
You fear .
< Ay,
'
thathe requested to seehim without delay. Iwould not that we should part in the
the abbey, my lord, attended by Philip hia
'
Mr.Westbourne has only thi.minute quitted manner we have 'lone.'
Why, I thoughtyou would have been glad to
'
groom,'answered the servant. have got rid of him on any terms, especially when
'
AhI' ejaculated bis lordship withsome emo- he presented such au obstacle to the gratification
and endeavour to overtake him, and tell him
'
tion, then itis probably too late. But hasten, of your designs against Evelina.'
Andhe may alill prove an obstacle, and that,
thatit ls my earnestdesire that heshould return too, a more effectual one, since he may keep a
'
without delay. strict watch over the ea'ety of Evelina, without
My youngmaster left on horsnback, youi lord- our being able to discover him,
and to guard
'
ship,' remarked the servant.
Th.u you mount a horse also, and use every '
against his plans.'
'
Nay,' remarked Stephen, he must be more
means jou can to discover tha route he has ingenious than I take him to be, ifhe is enabled
taken.' to frustrate my designs. But let meknow the
The servantbowed aud left the room;andfor particulars of your Interview, and then I shall be
some time after he wa. gone, Lord Sidley tra. better able to come to a decision in what manner,
versed (he apartment iu a state of the greatest it will be advisable to proceed.'
excitement. Lord Sidley complied with this request, and
Blackthorn listened tohim with a dissausfied ex.

——
pression
' of countenance.
CHAPTER XX. ' My lord,' he said, when he had concluded,
you suffered your rage to go too far, andby
THE REGRET OF LORD SIDLEY. THE COURSB
doing ao betrayed too much of your designs
pursued by westbourne. the letter.—. to
'
Evelina's distress of mind. '
Westbourue.'
' I beginto think sonow,' replied
Madman thatIhave been, to let my infuriate but thebold tone of reproach Lord Sidley,
rag. oveicome my reason,' mutteredLord Sidley, Wettbourae displayed and defiance which
towards me, put me off my
as be still paced tbe room with disordered steps. guard.'
Westbourne will never forget the insult and out- ' It was madness in you to make the attempt
V rage I have offered lo his feelings, and will hence- upon the gtil at all; had you not done so, your
 OU, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 133

son would still have entertained no suspicion of She considered herself the ionocent cause of
you, and you might have get tbe girl in your the quarrfl wbichhad taken placebetween Wait
"power without bis having tbe opportunity oi bourne and his father ; and when ahe thought of
Offering anyresistance.' the trouble Into wbich it mightplungethat ami-
'True, ture, but it cannot be helped now.' able young man, sbe deeply regretted that tbey
Should Westbourne return, Imight contrive had ever met. But surely Westbourne bad not
some means of effecting areconciliation with him, incurred the eternal displeasure of his father,
and thus quietinghiB suspicions.' surely hecould not haveabandoned his home for
'He must return/ said Blackthorn. 'How ever, and sacrificed all his suture prospects? She
can be live without yonr aid? And think you dared not think so, for that wouldhave made
he will bemad enough to sacrifice all his suture her, indeed, truly wretched. And should she
proipects upon this mere quarrel l" never behold Westbourne againI A feeling of
'He can never so:get tbe blow that I
' struck apprehension cameover ber tbat she should not ;
him/ returned his lordship; his manlyspirit and with tbat Impression was couple a feeling of
will not suffer him to brook that Insult. Be- tbe most poignant regiet and anguish. She now
sides, he has a small fortune athis command, mote than ever felt theinfluence that Westbourne
from his mother's family, which tenders himin had gained over her mind, and bis numerous
a manner independent ofme.' virtues were presented more vividly to herrecol-
"You should bave
* thought of that before, lection.
said Blackthorn ; but still I do not see that you Inthe morning Helen came to the hall, and as
bave any causeto regret bis departure, and I will she badalready beard of tbe departure of West-
take especial care that be shall not prevent the bourne from the abbey, and that he bad not yet
execution of our plans, that is, if you will entrust returned, neither had anything been heard of
everything to me, and do not againattempt to him, she was more prepared to consult with and
act without my ad vi e.' console Evelina upon the subject. She endea-
'Iwill be guided entirely by you In future, voured to convince our heroine that an amicab.e
understanding would soou bo effected between
'
Blackthorn/ said Lord Sidley.
Enough; then Iwill undertake to promise Westbourne and his fatber, and that, let the
everysuccess/ result be whatever it might,sbe, at any rate,had
The servant who had been sent In pursuit of nothing whatever to reproach herself with.
Westbourne now returned, and informed his Evelina made a strong effort to tranquilllseher
master that he could trace nothingofhim ;and feelings, and she at last succeeded much better
after some further conversation on the subject, tban might have been expected, and tried to
Stephen Blackthorn tookhia leave. await the issue of his unfortunate affair with
Evelina passed the wholeof that night and the patience and hope.
greater part of the day following in a state ot We have described the feelings of offended
considerable anxiety to know what bad been the pride and indignation with whicb Westbourne
result of the meetingbetween Westbourne Sidley quitted the presence of hls father, and they were
and his father, andshe formed various conjec- not the least abated when he gained his own
tures as to tbe time wben it might be likelytbat apartment. To be struck, abused, and to hear
ahe should behold him again. But at the eve- the character of Evelina calumniated, was more,
ning advanced, heruneasiness increased, as she far more than be could brook with patience, and
had fully expected that Westbourne would have let whatever might be tbe consequences to him-
paid a visit to the ball before tbat time. self, he determined not to remain at the abbey
While she was still in this state of mind, another hour ; and he therefore immediately
Stephen Blackthorn came to tbe hall, andinthe packed up what articles of leweilery and ready
course of tbe conversation that ensued between caih he possessed, and summoning his faithful
him and Mr- Langston, he mentioned tbat a gioom, Philip,he left the abbey ln a few minutes
serious quarrel bad ensuedbetween LoidVernon after he had retired from the room where
Sidley andhis sou, upon what subject he knew the quarrel had ensued between himand Lord
not, aud that, Inconsequence, Westbourne had Sidley.
abruptly quitted tho abbey, it was anticipated, He was reckless what road he took, as he had
for ever. yet no fixed place of destination ; but to leave
Evelina tamed ghastly pale when sheheard Evelina to the mercyof his lather, aud with the
this, aud sbe could scarcely repress a scream ;but probability thatbe might never behold ber again,
perceiving thedark andpenetratingeye of Black- excited tbe bitterest anguleh in his breast. He
thorn fixedupon ber with a peculiar expression, recalled to his memory tbe observations which
ahe struggled with her feelings as well as she Lord Sidley had made use of after hebad rescued
could, and endeavoured toappear as composed Evelina from tbe ruffians, and henow began to
as possible. suspect that be had been the author of that base
Mr. Langston expressed much regret at this plot;and if buch was the fact, ihere waBnothing,
occurrence, and warmly eulogised tbe character he was certain, tbat he would hesitate to do to
of Westbourne, to whomhefelt himself so greatly accomplish his wishes. halfInclined to make hls
indebted;and Blackthorn affected to reciprocate One moment he was
his opinion, althoogh his sincerity might have way to the hall, in order to make Evelinaher acqsin-
been reasonably doubted by any one who had ted with w bat had happened,and to bid fare-
narrowly watched him. well ;but he feared that the anguish ofthe part-
Wben Evelina retired toher chamber for the ingmind, would cause him to betray the ieal stale of
night, she could no longer restrain her feelings, his and cause her the greatest uneasiness,
he, therefore, determined toabandon tbe Idea
but gave vent to them In a copious flood osteus. and
 134 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;

aud to leavethe disclosure to some future oppor- Sbe became every day more sad, and heruncle
tunity. could not butnotice the chaDgo in ber spirits,
After much deliberation, he resolved to make andinterrogated her anxiously upon the .ubject ;
his way to the residence of a friend, a college but she contrived to evade Mb questions, and
companion, who dwelt in a distant part ot the !; attributed it merely to slight indisposition. To
country, and who he knew wouldbe happy to see Helen,however, she hesitated _»t to communi-
him, and to advise him how toact. i cate herthoughts;and was evenconstrainedindi-
Westbourne coveted not the title and riches of rectlytoacknowledgewhather fair friend had been
his father; bis wishes were bumble and unam- confident of before,namely, that Westbourne had
bitious, and, as has been already shown, he inspired her with a far more ardent sentiment
inherited a small fortune independent of his than tbat of mere siiendihip. Hthn pitied ber
father, which was mote than sufficient to gratify for havingimbibed a passion wbich at present
all his wantB. I seemed so unlikelyever to be gratified, and tried
H.ivirg cometo thisdetermination, Westbourne j to banish such thoughts from herbosom.
urged on bis horse, reflecting deeply upon the To think ihac she should bave been tbe cause
melancholy change in his circumstances, and of Westbourne's banishment from his tome, and
looking forward with the most dismal foreboding probably of incurringhis father's future displea-
to the future. sure, afflicted Evelina more than all, and
Ou his way be passed near the hall, and as he Bincerely did Bhe regret that they had eye en-
caught aglinapBeof its ivy-mantled walls through countered each other, o\ that ber deliverance
au opening in the trees, he was once more half from Lord Sidley had not been effected by any
disposed to visit it, and toseek a pattingInterview other person.
wi.h Evelina ; but again reflecting upon tbe Diy after day she became more melancholy,
emotion it might cause (hem both, he changed and Helen had the greatest difficulty in arouBing
his mind, and with a deep Bigh, and mentally her at ali from it. Mr. LangBton, too, also
invoking a blessing on our heroine's head, and observe^ her increasing sadness and depression
supplicating Heaven to protect her from the of spirits with alarm, and again questioned her
machinations of her enemies, he hurried on bis upon the eu.ject ; hut, as before, sbe evaded his
way, and gave himself up entirely to the dismal inquiries, andhe had no suspicion of the cause
thoughts which crowded on bis mind. from which her angush arose.
Darkness having set in, and being fatigued, Mr. Langston himself admired Westbourne
Westbourne put up at the first respectable inn he Sidley for his numerous ma ly virtues, and
anived at for tbe night ; and after havingpar- whilebe regretted tbe quarrel be ween him and
taken of a slight repast,he retired to the chamber bis father, be felt somewhat surprised and mor-
prepared for him, and endeavoured to obtain tified th.t he hadnot called at tbe hall previous
some repose, but for some hours all his efforts to his departurefrom the neighbourhood, to bid
were useless. them adieu, especially after the friendship he
Lord Vernon Sidley was still very anxious to had ever evinced towards him. Stephen Black-
behold his son again, and to bring about a recon- thorn, who now became a daily visitor to tbe
ciliation with him,notwithstandingallthatBlack- hal., noticed with exultation the sorrow which
thorn had said; but wheu three dayselapBed, Evelina was enduring,and now thatWestbourne
and hedid not return, _nd be could obtainno w_s out of the way,he resolvedto lose no time
information respecting him, he began to think iu puttinghis designs against herintoexecution.
tbat he had really abandoned his home for ever, He frequently thought of the suggestion of
and bis conscience was stung with remorse for his lordship to tak- the old man's life, but
the manner in which he had behaved towards althoughhe so greatly coveted his wealth, and
him. He was ><1bo much surprised that Mr. was well aware thatthit would be tbe readiest
Langston had not sought an explanation from means of obtaining it, he shrank with teror
him, for hiB conduct towards Evelina, and was from the deed, and was resolved to try every
at last conduced tbat she had not made ber means which stratagem and artifice could devise
uncle acquainted with it; wbich supposition waB to achieve his object, rather than be guilty of so
corroborated by Stephen Blackthorn, who from hideous a crime.
all he had elicited in bis vi.its to the hall was The charms of Helen also heldmore powerful
satisfied that Mr. Langston was ignorant of it ; influence than ever over themindof Blackthorn,
still Lord Sidley was fully determined not to and he determined that te would posaesss her
abandon his designs again&t Evelina, but to at any risk. He well knew how to play tbe
leaveno meansuntried to get her Inhis power. hypocrite, and therefore exerted all hisart to
As day after day passed away, and Westbourne insinuate himself in ber favour. He was
remained absent from the abbey, and no tidings constant in his attentions to her, and took great
conld be gained aa to whither he had gone, our pains to convince her of the sentiments which
heroine became more melancholy, anxious, and ebehad inspired in his boiom ;but be was not
untasy ;and it was only in the society ot Helen long in discovering thatHelen \ie*ed him wiih
that she could find anyrelief; lor she was fearful suspicion and fear, if not with absolute averBion,
tbat her uncle should discover the secret that and took every means to _v_id his society; but
agitated her bosom, now that he was aware of this, while it mortified his vanity, at the same
the c.uappearance of Westbourne. Nor could ehe time lieeased his determination, arm hehad not
help feeing a sensation of regret and disappoint*; the lea.t doubt but that he Bhould ultimately
ment that Westbourne should have.eft bis home,; succeed.
without bo much as saying to her one friendly Helen, from the first moment she beheld Ste-
word atparting. phen Blackthorn, had conceived the greatest
t"
OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
dislike towards him. Her penetrating eye soon
discovered that beneathall his specious exterior
lurkedthe villain,and the account she afterwards
heard of his former depravedand dissolute con-
duct, prejudiced her still more against him,
therefore it may readily be imagined bow hurt
and annoyed she felt by his cold advances, and
tbe uneasiness she experienced whenever she
wasin his society.
She took no pains to conceal from him the
feelingsshe entertained towards him, hoping that
It might at once annihilate any ambitious and
presumptuous thoughts he bad encouraged ;but
Stephen was not the man to be easily abashed or
diverted from any object on which he had Axed
his mind, and the colder Bhe became the more
ardent werehisattentions andthe more frequent
were his visits to the farm.
Helen's parents also had but an indifferent
opinionof Blackthorn, and were by no means
anxious to cultivatebis friendship,but ashe was
related toMr. Langston ;they felt boundto treat
him with respect, and consequently tbe greater
opportunity was affordedhim of advancing his
object.
Westbourne bad now been gone nearly a
month, and Lord Sidley not havingbeenable to
learn anything of him, concluded at once that
he bad indeed left him for ever. He bad not
expected that be would havetaken such a deter-
mined course, aod it was a source of much
anno-ance and confusion to him. Thedeceitful
part behai acted towards Admiral Norman and
his niece was fully exposed ;for Westbourne
had dispatched a respectful letter to the former,
in whichherelated the whole affair, and declared
thathe hadnever for amoment givenhisconsent
to an alliance with Miss Morman.
The admiral wasnaturallyexasperated at tbe
duplicity with which Lord Sidleyhad acted, and
the gross insnlt offered to his niece, and he
immediatelyrepaired to the abbey and demanded
satisfaction. A hostile meeting was the conse-
quence, in which the admiral was so severely
wounded thathis life was despaired of.
Lord Sidley, alarmed, tbooght it advisable to
fly from the neighbourhood until the result
should be known ;butbefore he did so he had
an interview with Stephen Blackthorn, and
arranged a plan of communication with him, at
the same time urging him to prosecute his
designs against Evelina with increased zeal,
which we need not say Blackthorn promised to
do mo t ialthfuliy.
The departureof Lord Sidley from the abbey
afforded Evelina much satisfaction, for she was
in hopes tbat she should not only be relieved
from any further annoyance from him, but that
Westbourne would return, and that ahe would
again behold him.
Days, however, passed away, and still West*
bourne Sidley came notback to the abbey, and
Evelina's anguish and disappointment became
almost insupportable ; and even the gentle
arguments of Helen failed to console her.
1
—
And yet/ she would say to herself, when Bhe
was alone; 'why should Iencourage these
thoughts? Isit not mightyimprudent of me to
do bo? Westbourne Sidley can never be more
to me than a friend ; and it is evident that he
135
entertained no very ardent feelings towards me,
or surely he could not have departed without
seeing me, to utter at least one word of fare-
well.1
She sighed as this painful thoughtsuggested
itself to her, aud she could scarcely refrain from
'
tears.
But still/ she added, after a pause, I
' can
never forget the attention and esteem beevinced
towards me : and I am certain that his mind Ib
toonoble, too honourable to aot tbe hypocrite.
Wuuld tbat I could once more behold him, or
could leart what has become ofhim. Oi, West-
bourne, I may endeavour, but in vain, to deny the
influence you have g.ined over my heart; and
whyshould I be ashamed to acknowledge those
sentiments wh ch are created by one of the
noblest and most ami_b1e ofhuman beingsf*
Her tears fell fast as she uttered these words,
and when Bherecollected tbat Westbourne was
the son ofLord Sidley, the enem. of her unfor-
tunate father, tbe primary cause of all his
miBeries, the utc.ost anguish anddespair settled
upon herheart.
She reflected npon the awful destiny of her
father, susseingunder the stigmaof a murderer,
and dragging out a wretched lite of slavery aud
degradation in a foreign land, aud the picture
that ber tortured imagination thus drew was
almost too horrible for contemplation. Well sbe
remembered the fatal night, when, cold and
perishing she and her poor mother, were anxi-
ously awaitinghis return;and ail the subsequent
events ; the trialandcoodemnation of her lather;
the removal ofher and bermother to the work-
house ;the melancholy death of that best of
parents, and the years of misery she (Evelina)
had afterwards endured, crowded upon herbrain
with overwhelmingforce.
And was her father still in existence ? She
fervently hoped that Heaven had released him
from his sufferings, for to her it seemed quite
eertain he was ost for ever.
Such were the thoughts which continued to
torture Evelina, and she found it impossib.eto
arouse herself from them, although she exerted
herself to theutmost to do so, aud Helen also
used her most powerful efforts for the same
purpose.
Now tbat Lord Sidleyhad left the abbey, and
not apprehending any danger, Evelina re.
sumed her customary walks, in which she was
usuallyaccompanied by Helen; and those little
excursions relieved her mind more than any-
thing.
It was on a beautiful summer's day that
Evelina and Helen had just left tbe hall, and
were about to proceed to one of their favourite
spots, when theybeheld a livery servant mounted
on horseback, riding at great speed towards
them. They paused, and on his approaching
nearer, Evelina couldnot helpgiving utterance
to a mingled cry of joy and surprise when Bhe
recognised Philip, the groom of Westbourne.
Her heart trembled, and sheleant upon the arm
of Helen for support. The next moment the
groomrode up to them, and stopped,and bending
respectfullyto them both, he drew forth a letter
from his pocket, and handing it to Evelina, he
rode away without uttering a word, aud bei. re
 136 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
they bad recovered from their astonishment, he return from you. But as it now Is, I dare not, I
was oui of sight. will notentertain such a thought. No, 1 must
Evelina first glanced at th*t letter, which was resign myselt 10 myfate, which Isone of miseiy ;
addressed to her, and then at Helen, with speech- but still will Itrust, most amiable of women,
less amazement; and she trembled so violently, that you will sometimes bestow akind wish upon
that it wasnot without difficulty she could save the wretched Westbourne.'
herself from falling to the earth. It was from No language can portray the emotions of
Westbourne, that was certain ;and he had not Evelina whileHelen was perusing tbe melancholy
for.ot ten her, and she would now learn where he epistle, which left them still in a state of com-
was, and what were his future intenti ns. plete ignorance as to where the unfortunate
But what could he have to say to her ? And Westbourne was ;but no sooner had Helen come
oughtshe Indeed io receive any communications to tbe conclusion of it, than she uttered a deep
from him, without the consent of her uncle ? sigb,ana immediatelytainted away.
Tbeletter in her hand, she looked up in the
countenance of ber fair companion for advice.
Helen understood perfectly well the thoughts
—
which wete passing iu her mind, and wbat she CHAPTER XXI. —
would Bay, and she observed
'Dear Evelina, Iknow your feelings,
appreciate tbem; but looking upon Mr. Sidley
and duly
THE SUFFERINGS OP EVELINA. THE niSCOVERT
OF HER LOVE DT MR. LANGSTON
ADVENTURES OF WESTBOUi.NE SIDLEY.
. TUE

only as a friend, there can be no harm in perus-

ing his epistle, and it willrelieve you, no doubt, Helen was in a state of great alarm at the
from a world of anxiety by making you ac- situation of Evelina, and tried all that was hi
quainted where he Is, and wbat are his inten- ber powerto restore her to sensibility, but it was
tions.' some time ere sbe succeeded. At length,
With a tremblinghand, and fluttering heart, however, the poor girl did revive, but was eo
Evelina bioke the seal, and unfolded the letter, greatly agitated, that Helen knew noi: what to
but herbrain was confused, a mist seemed to Bay to trai quilll-0her.
float before ber eyes, and she could not distin- 1
'
Ob, Helen !' she sighed, little did Irxoect
guish a letter. this acknowledgment, and how much does it
.
.
'Deer Helen,' she ejaculated, 'Icsnnot read ffllct me, although my feelings are, I
ft. D you peruse it for me, for thereis nothing ln unison with his own, for it can be productive
It can contain which 1should not wish yon to of nothiugbut misery to ub both,
co_fe*s,

since we can
be__r,' never hope that our passion will be gratified, aud
Helen took the letter, and she and our heroine we may never behold each other again. Oh,
having sea ed themselves on a gentlemound, Westbourne, unfortunate youth !whydidfate or-

Ihe
—
sheread the contents of Westbourne's epistle In dain that weBhould ever meet, since Ihave been
following wordt tbe unhappy cruse otbiing'ngirremediable misery
'Fair
and amiable Evelina,
* Pardon upon your head. Apd be says that he has ruined
the presumption of the wretched himself, and rendered himself unworthy of me.
Westtoume inaddressing you, but absence and What can be the dreadful meaningofhis words .
tbeardour of my feelings render me bold, and 1 Oh, whydid be not more clearly explain hin_«elf
cannot longer keep confined to my own breast and not leave me in this agonisingstate of sus
tbe secret of my Ik art. pense? And he is gone, too, Heaven knows
4
By tbe time youreceive this, I shall be far whither ; and I shall never see or hear from him
far away, and as we maynever meet again, (for again.'
one act of folly baaruined me, and rendered me Again Halen tried to comfort her, and to in*
almost unworthy of your esteem, although 1may spire her with hope, but Evelina's tears slowed
merit your pity), before Ibid you adieu forever, fast, and Helen did not offer to interrupt the
permit me, most lovely and virtuoua of women, ebullition ofher grief, as sbe hopedthatit would
to pour forth in your ear the imperishableand tend to relieve her heavily surcharged heart.
fervent sentiments with whicb you have inspired They continued their walk, Evelina having
the bosom of tbe unhappy wanderer. carefullyrefolded the letter and deposited it lu
1
And yet my pen falters at the task,and trem- her bosom ; and they conversed affectionately
bles to proceed. But why should I hesitate, and freely upon this most iinportaut aud in-
since I seek alone to unberthen my mind, and teresting subject.
can never hope to bold a higher place in your In vain they endeavoured to coujecture what
memory (if indeed you ever deign to bestow a fresh misfortune had befallen Westbourne, aod
thought upon me) than that of a friend? And how it could possiblybe of such a nature as to
it Ismoie than probable tbat we may never meet disgrace him. They were satibsled that he was -
again. the very soul of honour and iote^rity, and, there
'Here then, sweet maiden, Irevealto you my foie, that hemust wronglyhaveaccused hioneif,
whole heart, auddare to confess io you that from or otherwise toat iu the anguish ot his feelings
the first hour I beheld you, tbat hearthas owned he>c_rcely knew what he wrote. But su'ely it
you fur Us lovely mistress, and that to love and would have been betterhnd he been more explict,
worship your image has been, and i* now the and Evelina could not help thinking that it was
chief, nay, the only solace of my life; and oh, cruel thathe did notgive her any information
hadfortune placed ub in different circumstances, as to where be was to be found, or what w*re
I would evenhave presumed to encourage that bis future intentions. It was leaving her to
passion with a hope tbat it might meet with a form all kinds ol feaiiul apptehensious, and yet
 EVELINA, TfiE PAUPER'S CHlLB; OR, POVERTY, CRIME, ANB SORROW. 137
he surely eould not wish to agonize her mind evil consequences
' descend only npon hi ■
'
more than he mightbecertain it wasat present. head ! '
'Westbourne be '
guilty of anythingunworthy But, alasI* sighed Evelina, how bitterly la
ofhim?' she ejaculated; oh, never,never, it is Westbourne now suffering for it. Discarded by
impossible. But he tells me that he is mined, his father, and left a wandering beggar upon
that he is now a wretched wanderer. Oh, hor- the wide and cheerless world —what can become
rible thought!forhad it not been for me, this of him?— never,never can I know peace while
quarrel between him andhis father would never be is exposed tosuch a cruel destiny.'
have taken place. Alas !whatever may befall Again her tears slowed unrestrained, and she
him I must ever accuse myself of being the wrung herhandsin the anguishof hex feelings.
But Providence will surely watch over him,'
'
cause.' 1

Nay, my dear Evelina,' satdher companion, observed Helen, 'and shield him from the
' then you will be doing yourself an injustice. dangers and vicissitudes yon apprehend. Come,
Was it your fault that Westbourne came to yonr Evelina, hope for the best, and Indeed you will
assistance in the time of need ?— No, ho ; it is not be disappointed/
Lord Sidley who is alone to blame, and may the Oor heroine shook her head, and by the ex*

WESTroTJBNK UtSCOT3 KVILINA FHOM LOED SIDLEY.

preislon of her countenance showed hot* utterly the anxiety and curiosity of Mr. Langston will
'
unable her bosom was to receive such hopes. be excited, and he will put such questions to
Bat ought I to conceal this eommunlcation you as you may not be able to evade.'
. '
from my uncle she said ; and yet how can I They proceeded in their walkto some distance
ever find tberesolution to make him acquainted farther, and Helen still exerted herself to calm
with all the particulars, and the stste of my the feelings ot her friend, and she at last suc-
mind? He would blame me for not baving ceeded much better than she could bave antici-
confidedIn him, and woulddeem me ungrateful pated.
' Thethekindness
forall he has shown toroe.' It was not until late in the afternoon that
they returned to the hall, and our heroine felt
' when time may come, Evelina," said Helen,
you may find courage to open your mind bo much oppressed with care and anxiety, that
to Mr. Langston,but for tbepresent make your- it was not without difficulty she coald conceal
self easy npon the subject, and rest assured her emotions from Mr. Langston ;however, at
that your uncle loves you too well to reproach last, by great exertion,she conquered them, and
you, when yon are absolutely not to blame. soon afterwards, Helen having taken her leave,
Compose yourself before you return home, or she excused herself on the plea of having a

No. 18.
 138 EVELINA, THE PAUFER'S CHILD;
violentheadache (whichwaB true) to her uncle,
and retired to her own apartment.
Here Bhe renewed the expression of her an-
guish without any fear of interruption, and
passed severalhourslntbe moe tpainful thoughts,
psrusing again and again the letter of West-
bourne, aud watering it with her tears. Then
she invoked the blessings of Heavenupon his
he_d,andimplored the Almighty to protect him
from those dangers which she apprehended.
But invain Bhe tried to fathom the mysterious
portions of the letter, and to imagine what deed
of folly Westbourne couldhave been guilty of,
that he should so bitterlyreproach himself, and
the longer she ruminated, the greater became
her perplexity. He had bidden ber adieu for
ever ; what unutterable anguish did tbat part of
bis letter convey to herbosom ! She did not
dare to believe that tbey should meet no more,
for that would have rendered her misery insup-
portable; and yet, under all circumstances, how
much more than probable did it seem.
She felt also that she was acting wrong in
keeping the letter a secret from ber uncle, and
yet sbe could not sindresolution enough to make
him acquainted with it, as sbe mustthen reveal
tbe state of her own mind, and she could not
deny tbat her affections were devoted to West-
bourne, and certainshe was tha Mr.Langston
would never sanction their passion, although
she knew that to do anything derogatory to her
wishes, wouldbe most painfulto his feelings.
Wben sleep descended upon her eyelids most
torturingwere the visions wbich were presented
to Evelina's Imagination. She saw Westbourne
surrounded by every danger, and sunk in tbe
lowest depths of misery and despair. She be-
held his attenuated form and care-worn visage,
and heard the groans of anguish that heaved
hisbosom ;she saw him encompassed byevery
borror without tbe chance of escape; and shriek-
ing with agony, she awoke.
For two or three days after the receipt of
Westbourne's letter, Evelina struggled hard with
her feelings, and endeavoured to conquer the
gloomy fears andpresages which distracted her
bosom, but in vain, and Mr. Langston beheld
with tbe most serious alarm tbe constant mel-
ancholy in which she was absorbed, and ear-
nestly entreated her to explain to him tbe cause,
for he was certain that some secret and powerful
grief pressed upon her spirits, which might be
productive of serious consequences,ifIt were not
abated ;bnt he received no satisfactory answers
to his questions, thoughEvelina was frequently
half resolved to reveal to him the truth, knowing
that be would listen to her with compassionate
indulgence; but maiden modesty, and a still
more powerful feeling withheld her, and still she
cherished the torturing secret within her bosom,
although it was pieying so fatally upon her
health and spirits.
As olteu asBhe could, she left the hall in com- it mighthave been found by her uncle ;and
pany with Helen, and it was on such occasions
as these tbat she could alone venture to give
free indulgence to her feelings, and met with
the utmost sympathy from her affectionate com-
panion.
She invariably carriedthe letter of Westbourne bly accuse her of want of candour, and what
in her bosom, aud often wou.dshe re-peruse it,
and weep tears of the most poignant acguiBhover
its important contents.
One day, however, as Bhe was passing through
the hall, by some accident the precious epistle
escaped from her bosom, andfell upon the floor,
and shortly afterwards Mr. Langston going that
way beheld it, andpickedit up.
Perceiving that it was addressed to Evelina,
and written in a masculine hand, his curiosity
waB excited,and taking it with him into his
study,he unfolded it, and proceeded to read the
contents. We need notattempt to describe his
astonishment and emotion as bedid so, and wheu
he bad concluded, he still sat gazing at the
letter, as if he could scarcely credit the evidence
of his senses.
The quarrel between Westbourne and his
lordship, and the deep melancholywhichEvelina
had evinced since the departure of tbe former,
particularly the last few days, was now fully
explained, and Mr. Langston felt the most
extreme regret, asit wouldprobably be produce
tive of the greatest misery to both Wesbourne
and Evelina, for it was not possible that their
wiBhee, if they were in unison, could ever be
gratified.
But did Evelina really return the love
of Westbourne ? Mr. Langstonremembered the
pleasure she had ever evinced inbis society, and
her deep anguish of mind since his disappear*
ance from the abbey, and he had not the least
doubt that she did, and this convictionfilledhia
bosom withtenfold uneasiness.
Mr. Langston felt the greatest admiration for
for amiable qualities of Westbourne Sidley, and
deeply sympathised in hiB misfortunes ;but he
could not forget that he was the son of Lord
Sidley, for whomhe had always entertained the
greatest abhorrence, and as suchhe could never,
he thought,give his consent to an unionbetween
him and Evelina; if even hia loidshlp should
b_ willing, which it was not likely that he
would.
He waited most anxiously for thereturn of
Evelina, whom he resolved immediately to
question as gently as possible upon the subject;
but be trusted that if she had indeed imbibed
an affection for Westbourne, she would be able
to conquer it, convinced as sbemust be, of the
*
impossibility of their ever coming together.
In the meantime, Evelina had missed the
letter, and wasin a state of much alarm, think-
ing shehad lost it, and she waa certain that sbe
had placed it, as usual, in her bosom before
leaving thehall. The letter was, in her fond
estimation, of itself a treasure, but should it
have fallen into the hands of strangers, bow
doublypainful w ould be the circumstance. Such
an exposure she would not have for the world,
and tbe bare thought of it filled her with terror.
But another apprehension flashed across her
brain; should she have dropped it in the hall,
what would be his feelings on reading itB con-
tents? Sbe shuddered at the thought,and her
emotion was so great, thatHelen haa the greatest
difficulty in at all traoquiliisingher feelings.
stould this be the case, her uncle would proba-
excuse could she offer tor her conduct _
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 139
So strongly was thia supposition Impressed On her entrance he arose from his seat, and
npon ber mind, that she almost dreaded to re- advanced towardsher with hia usual affection,
turn to the ball; and it was not until Helen but a melancholy expression was. imparted to hia
had nearly exhausted all her powers of argu- features by the nature of tbe thoughts which
ment and persuasion, that sbe couldbe induced crowded upon his mind. Evelina's heart flut-
to ventuie home. But she knew well theaffec- tered, and she trembled, scarcely daring to raise
tion which Mr. Lsngbton felt towards her, and
was therefore at last convinced that he would '
her eyes toheruncle.
treat her with every leniency and indulgence,
'I
Evelina,' saidMr.Lansjston, In gentleaccents,
sent to speak wi'h you on a subject of the
and sbe retraced her steps towards the hall with most serious importance, and one that I fear will
fresh fortitude and hope. Helen accompanied likewise prove of the most painfulnature,unless
her, and on their arrival at the ball, Evelina youhave fortitude to make abold effortand to
immediatelysought her own apartments, where banish thoughts which may have entered your
Bhe commenced a strl.t search after tbe lost breast, but which prudence cannot ssnctlon or
letter, thinking it was not unlikely that she encourage.'
mightbave dropped it there. Evelina's agitation increased, and Mr. Lang-
But she searched in vain, and agaiu her an. ston could feel her band tremble in his, while
guish audalarm were excited to tbe most pain her countenance became pale and crimsoned
ful degree. ' slushes alternately.
with
'Alas I alas. I' she sighed, 'that treasured Compose yourtelr,my dear child,' he said, 'I
letter, the last Ishall probablyever receive from am not goingto say anythingto you, but wbatis
poor Westbourne, is gone for ever ;but could J promptedby the affection I bear you, and the
only know that it had not fallen into any person's anxiety I feel for your happiness and welfare.
hands that would take advantageof the contents, All tbat I request of you is candour and confi-
I should be more easy.' dence, and I amcertain tbat my Evelina willnot
Helen was about to make some reply, wben
she was interroptedby the entrauce of the young * Ob, myme
disappoint in my expectations,'
dear uncle,''ejaculated Evelina In a
female whohad been recently hired Inaddition voice of deep emotion, youhave ever beenmost
to Mrs. Snacks to attend upon Evelina, with a kind to me; youare the only friend and pro-
message from her master, requesting to see our tector I haveupon earth,and I fear thatI have
heroine immediately. not appeared sufficiently gratefulfor the weighty
The heart ofEvelina palpitatedviolently, and obligationsIamunder to you. Tell me, then,
a foreboding ofthe truthflashed across her brain. in what I have erred, that I may make atone-
'You tremble, my dear friend,' said Helen, ment, and I solemnly declare that Iwill never
'as if you had committed some unpardonable in future do anything without your counsel and
error. Come, come, do not give way to this approbation.'
Evelina 1' said Mr. Langston, * oh,
'Erred,
'
emotion, for whichIcan see no sufficent '
Ab, Helen,' returned the damsel, I
cause.'
feel no, think not that I am thus going so unjustly
satisfied thatthe letterhas falleninto my uncle's to accuie you. You have ever been most kind,
hands,and I dread to meet him.' gentle, obedient, aod grateful, and Heaven
'And why .hould you do eo, Evelina? Surely, knowa that even were you my own offspring, I
although Mr. LaDgston may lrom particular could not love you more fondly thanI do. But
motives object to enconrage the sentiments to the subject on which I requested to see you.
wbich you and Westbourne entertain for each Incrossing tbe hall this morning, I picked up
otber, you need notbeaihamed to acknowledge this letter. Itia addressed to you, and is from
a passion which is devoted to a worthy and that UDfortnDate young man, Westbourne Sid-
amiable object.' ley/
'Bat will notmy uncle reproach me for my Evelinano sooner beheld tbe letter which Mr.
wantof candour and confidence V said E.elina ; Langston held Inhis hand, than overwhelmed
' will he not blame me for not having immedi- with emotion, sheburst into tears, and sank at
ately acquainted him with my receipt of this his'feet.
letter, aud tbe feelings with which its contents Oh, my dear sir,' she sobbed forth, 'pardon
haveiuspired
' me ?' me, Iimplore you, for having received that
Ob, no, Evelina, I am certainthat Mr.Lang- letter, and not having immediately communi-
ston is too kind, too generous, and has too high cated it to you. But, bat-'
confidence inyour virtueandintegrity to do that. She could not finish the sentence, for the
He willmake everyallowance for tbe peculiarity violence ofher agitation checked her utterance.
of tbe circumstances, and the timidity of your Mr.Langston raised her tenderly, and looked
nature;at the same time, knowing the high uponher * with anexpiession of encouragement.
opinion he has always expressed of Westbourne, Ido not mean to repreacb you, Evelina/ he
he will feeltbe deepest sympathy for his misfor- said, 'I can make every allowance for jour
tunes, nor entertain one i_ea derogatory to his diffidence and delicacy ;but 1bave your welfare
honour. Courage, my dear girl, and depend at heart, and however painful this interview
upon it, ail will terminate much better than you waybe to your feelings, I must urge you to give
now anticipate. I
interview with your uncle/ tions tbat I —
will wait here until after your me an explicitand sincere answer to the ques-*
am about to put to you. Tell me,
Tbe two friends embraced affectionately, and then, and fear not to confide in me are tbe
Evelina,
then with hesitating steps, made her sentiments expressed in this epistle by West'
way to the apartment in which her uncle was bourne Sidley responded to by your own heart ?'
awaiting her. Deep were the flushes that spread themselves
 140 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;

over the cheeks of Evelina on this question ;her may beto me, I will endeavonr to cease to re-
my preserver, my friend.
bosom throbbed, andahe cast her eyes to the member him, hut as
ground, and once more burst into tears Her Never will I act in disobedience to your wishes,
uncle was also much moved, and gazeduponher or otherwise than prudence or virtue shall
for some moments insilence.
* '
Poor girl— poor girl,' he at last said; I see
dictate.'
'
Noblyspoken, my dear child,' exclaimed Mr
' know you will
with regret and pity that my fears are confirmed ; Langston, embracing her ; I
and that the manly qualities of Westbourne not; I know my Evelina's mind too weH for
Sidleybave made too powerful an impression tbat. Come, come, dry your tears, and all will
npon your gentleand susceptible bosom. But yet be well. Poor Westbourne, I sineerely pity
youmust make an heroic effort, Evelina, and him, and trust that Providence will not desert
banish him from your memory In auy other him inbis present troubles/
character than that of a friend; for fate has '
'Oh, would tbat I had never beheld him,'
placed a barrier between you which nothingcan sighed Evelina ; wbat misery would it bave
ever remove. Nay, donot weep, my dear girl; saved us botb. Have I not been the indirect
I may appear harsh and unfeeling, butindeed it cause of the quarrel between himandhis father,
is only for your sake and tbat of Westbourne andof banishinghim from his home ? Alas t
thatI urge upo > you this necessity. Tell me, I feel that I have;and Heavenonly knows wbat
Evelina, and fearnot to do so, amI not right in willbecome of him/
"
the surmises I have formed ?' Do not reproach yourself, my child,* said
Our heroine raised her tearful eyes timidly Mr.Langston, 'for you are not to blame. Time
towards her uncle, and tried to answer, but she will, doubtless, brlogabout a reconciliation be*
could not, thoughher looks expressed equally tween Mr. Sidley and his father, and all will, I
asmuch as wordscould bavedone. It was quite trust, terminate better than you now expect/
evident to Mr. Langston the feelings which were
'
4 1fear not,' returned our heroine, for West-

passing inher bosom ;and sadly did be regret bourne's feelings have evidently been most se-
tbe anguish she waa enduring, andbe lamented verely mortified; he says, teo, that he ia
'
that she and Westbourne had ever met. ruined, has become a wretched wanderer, and
bids me farewell for ever/
I '
Bee it all, Evelina/ be remarked, In the
most gentleaccents, and need no farther ex- Here her emotions stifledher voice, and ahe
planationfrom yon. I might have expected it, covered her face with her handkerchief, and wept
especially after the service which Westbourne bitterly.
rendered you, and the numerous personal and Mr. Langston tried tocomfort her,and after
intrinsic attractions he possesses ;think not some further conversation,he suffered ber again
then thatIt is my intention to blame you ;for to retire, that she might give free indulgence to
springfrom virtue, and a sincere love towards a
'
who shall attempt to controlthe sentiments that the feelings which _aturally agitated her bosom.
Itis over,' ejaculatedEvelina, throwingher-

— — —
worthyobject ? Would tbat I could sanction self Into theaims of Helen, whenahe hadentered
your youthfullove, and render yon completely tbe room where ' the latter bad been anxiously
happy ;but it must notbe. Westbourne is the awaitingher ; the secret is divulged my uncle
son of Lord Sidley, theusurper of your ill-fated has seen the letter, and and the decree is
parent'sprosperity ;the primary cause of all his sealed. I must think no more of Westbourne
misfortunes, his sufferings, and as such Evelina Sidley, saveas a friend. Alas! wbat a painful
Marsdenmustnever,even though circumstances task is imposedupon me;but reason and duty
should permit,become bis bride. 1know it is compel, and I
bard that Westbourne should have to suffer for
' must submit/ *
Be calm, Evelina,' said Helen, and trust in
the sins of his father; I duly appreciate hls the Almighty,who will not fail to give you forti-
merits, I perceivehis virtue, I pity his mlsfor* tude to bear this disappointment to your early
tunes, and, as a friend, willingly would I assist hopes. And e.en something may yet occur te
him to the utmost of my power; but lam cer- bring you and Westbourne together, and to do
tain tbat Evelina would ratber sacrifice her own away with the obstacles which now present
feelings than she will ever consent to compromise themselves to the encouragement of your senti-
'
the respect andreverencesbe owes to the author mentstowards each other/
ofher beings' Ob, no,no, said Evelina, emphatically, I
'
At this allusion to ber ill-fated and deeply cannot, dare not encourge euch an idea. West-
wronged father, the tears ofEvelina flowed more bourne is the son of Lord Sidley, and numerous
rapidly than before ;convulsivesobs agitated her as are his virtues, thatis enough to destroy all

speak.
' At lengthshe said
—
bosom ;she droopedher head upon her uncle's my hopes. But to think that he isreduced to
shoulder, and for some moments was unable to such misery, to know that he has become a

Alas,my dear uncle, what can I

friendless wanderer npon tho wldo world and
—
say in reply with the uncertainty of ever learing wbat has
to jour affectionate and generous observations f become of him, tortures me more than 01. Un-
—
What argument canI
my weakness t But I
make use ofin defence of happy Westbourne,it was indeed an unfortunate
will notattempt to do so; hour for us both tbat introduced me to yon/
candour and truth have ever guided my actlonB, Once more convulsive sobs choked her utter-
and therefore do I acknowledge that the amiable ance, andall the efforts of Helen to console her
qualities of Mr. Westbourne, and the seivice he were for some time inetfec.ua'. But at length
rendered mr, have made an impressionupon my the free Indulgenceof her grief in some measure
heart ;but I must admit the truth and force of relieved her, and she became more calm.
After
your observations, and however great the trial passing more than another hour in ber company,
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
Helen returned borne, and Evelina was left to
hersel'. And then ber tears flowed freely,and
for some time she became unconscious to every-
thingbut the sorrow which so deeply afflictedher
bosom. Again and againshe pressed the letter
of Westbourne, which her uncle andrestored to
ber, to her li_s, and in piteous accents she
imploredHeavento watch over andprotect him
from harm, andtorestore him to that prosperity
and station in society, from which hehad been
go unjustlybanished. But could she hope that
he would forget her. Could she pray that they
mightnever meet agaiu,although fate frowned so
darkly upon their passion? Oh, no; the poor
girl's heart revolted at the idea, andshe only
regretted and lamented that alltheir hopes and
wishes should have to be sacrificed to stern
necessity, and unpropitiousdestiny.
But certainly, now that Mr. Langston knew
the real state of ber mind, andsbe wss nolonger
pnt to the pain ofconcealment,Evelina feltmuch
relief, nor could she attempt to deny the truth
andreason ofhis arguments,hard,however, as tbe
restrictions were which they Imposed.
—
But should she never more hear from West-
bourne? sbe reflected would he not enterinto a
further explanation of his present circuitstances,
and what had been the fatal cause that had
reduced him to them? Sjrely,if he reallyloved
her as he professed to do, he could not, wouldnot
leaveber lnsuch astate of suspense ;for suspense
and anxiety hemust be aware would be sure tobe
excited Inher breast by tbe tenor ofbis letter,
He must bsconfident tbat she regardedhim with
esteem, if not withlove, and that she mustthere-
fore feel the greatest solicitude in hls welfare,
es?ecially when she was the innocent cause ofbis
misfortunes. Many times did she peruse that
part of his letter in whiehhe stated thathe had
by one act of folly rendered himself unworthy of
her, and brought ruin upon his head;and the
longer sbe rnmlnated npon it the more did she
become lost and entangledin the mazes of doubt
andperplexity.
His mindmost have been wanderingat the
time he wrote tbat passage ;for she waBconfident
that his mind was too noble and honourable tobe
guiltyof asingle act whichhe should afterwards
beashamed to acknowledge.
How deeply she regretted that Philip had
departed before she had perused the letter, for
then she might havebeen able to haveelicited
from him all the particulars; though doubtless
he had acted entirely by the instructions ofhis
master, and even then might bavedeclined to
gratify her anxiety. Alas alas! sbe knew not
what to think, forit did not appear probable that
Westbourne would thus bave accused himself,
unless it wsre true, andthen she waB surprised
thathehadnot concealed it,as hemust be aware,
under all the clrcumitances, how deeply it must
atfllct her.
And now again she sunk npon her kness, and
fervently she supplicated the Supreme to release
him from his difficulties whatever they might be,
and to avert any impending evils wbich might
threatenhim.
Thus wrapped in gloomy meditation, poor
several hours, and her
Evelina continued forinterrupt
her, andno more
uncle did not offer to
141
requested hrr presence tbat evening, thinking
that it would be muchbetter ifBhe were left to
the free Indulgenceof her own thoughts.
Sincerely Mr. Langston regretted the early
blight that had been thus cast upon the hopes
and affection, ofhis niece ;and had it notunfor-
tunately been for his near connection with Lord
Sidley, whom he firmly believed to have obtained
possession of the property of RichardMarsden
by the most fraudulent means, there was noman
to whom he would sooner have seen Evelina
united than Westbourne, for he waBconvinced
that he waB every way worthy of her, and he
was fearful that Evelina would have a bard trial
to subdue her passion, ifindeed, she could ever
love any otber manbut him.
He felt the deepest sympathyfor the misfor-
tunes of Westbourne, and was most anxious to
know what had become of him, but he was per-
fectly at a loss to imagine,knowingthe strict
integrity of bis character, by wbat act olimpru-
dence hecouldhave reduced himself to the state
ofruinand wretchedness hehad described.
He was sorry that Westbourne had not msde
Evelina acquainted with the place where he was
tobe found, so that he might havecommunicated
with him, and tendered him his advice and con-
Eolation under the painful circumstances ;but he
doubted much whether he would for some time,
if ever, return to the neighbourhood, for he was
convinced that the proud spirit of Westbourne,
andthe unprovoked InBultbe had received from
his father, would never suffer him to submit.
Had Mr. Langston, however, been aware ofthe
real cause ofthe quarrel between Westbourne and
his father, and of the outrage which the latter
had committed against his niece, how doubly
powerful would have been his indignation.
But let usnow pursue the progress of West-
bourne Sidley, whom we left at the inn where
he and Philip his groom had put up for the
night.
How agonizing were the thoughts that still
continued to rack the youngman's mind ;but
Evelina, the imageofthe beauteous, tbeinnocent
Evelina, completely superseded everyother, and
absorbed his very soul. And to what danger,
what outrage, might not the poor girl infuturebe
exposed ; and that even from bis own father,
whose base intentions were now unmasked by
his conduct, and there would be no one at hand
to protect her, for wbat could theefforts of her
uncle do? He washalf inclined to returnto the
neighbourhood of the hall, incog, and to watch
in eecr.-t the actions ofhis father, and endeavour
to frustrate any evil designshe might have in
contemplation. Then again he thoughtof writing
an anonymous Utter to Mr. Langstun, to warn
him against LordSidley; hut he was fearful of
bringinghiminto collision withhis lordship,wbich
might bs the means of inflictinggreatermisery
upon Evelina. Tortured by theso reflections,
it was some time before Westbourne could com-
pose himself :o sleep, and then the moat painful
visions haunted his imagination,so that he arose
in tbe morningunrefreshe_, and as miserable as
when he had sought bis pillow.
Having partaken of a slight repast, he was
preparing toresume his journey, when, having
emerged from tbe coftee-room, just as he had
 142 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
Philip was ■Unfortunatelyit is too true :and Iwas now
reached tho door of the inn, wherechaise Sir Humphrey
drove on my way to Ihe mansion of society
waiting with the horses, a travelling Imight
np to it, irom which alighted a very fashionably Sidmouth, thinking that in his
dressed young man, of elegant deportment and find ' consolation and advice/
have met you,' said
handsome features, but with a certain expression
is that I
'
Lncky then it
Sl.pdash, for I amdirect for London, the
of countenance, which plainly srowed that Lord
personal vanity was not one of the smallest
gay metropolis, my boy, the place to dissipate
portions of tho ingredients of his nature.
ennui, and ihitherlam determined you shall
accompany me. You can defer your visit to Sir
Westbourne had no sooner beheld this gentle- period. Iwant a
man, than he started back a few paces in no Humphrey until a suture
not mean to release you.
little surprise, and the latter fixing his eyes upoa companion, and do
him at tbe same moment,uttered anexclamation But really I «m sorry to see you in such a
state ol mind,and should he bappy
of aitonisbment andpleasure, and gra.pcd West- melancholy to do arythingin my power to console you j but
bourse by the iand.
' cordially lo me the particulars, if
you do not
Wbat, Sidley, my dear fellow,' cried Lord prav relateunworthy
of your confidence.'
Slapdash, ((or such was the name and title of the think me
'
traveller,) who would have thoughtol meeting Westbourne complied, and his lordship lis-
attention,
with this pleasure 1 Egad, I am delighted to tened to him with the most profound
you ; what wiDd, in the name of ail though hecould scarcely help interruptinghim
meet and
times, to give expression to his astonish-
that is wonderful, hasblown yon here? Going to several
London! Hope so; positively you mus . for it ment. 'Most remarkable,' exclaimed the young
is so long since we have seen eaoh other before, nobleman; ' 1couldnot havebelieved itof yonr
that Icannot abandon the pleasure of your of his rashness and
society. Lady Slapdash will be delighted to see father. But he will repent
you. But what, in tbe name of goodness, is the injustice, wben he finds you have departed, and,
matter with you?
foggy day in November. Here, host 1 host I between
—
You look as gloomy as a my word for it,a reconciliation will bo effected
you.'
show us to the test apartment in your house. Wesibourn* shook his head.
*
Damme, do yiunothear !— Philip,put the horses He struck me, Algernon,' he remarked, aud
in the stable again, and yourself in a snug hls bosomswelled ' HadI
with indignation at the recol-
been the veriest wretch in ex-
room with roy fellows, and see that you make lection.
yourselves comfortable, or, damme, you wi.l all istence, he could not have treated me with
forgive him, although
get dismissed without a character. Now, Sidley, gieaternever, indignity. But I
my bay, this way, this way ;— by Heaven, I was I ' will if possible, behoid him again.'
never more agreeably astonished in mylife.' decision, I
'
Wall, time and circumstances will alter that
trust,' said hi. lordship. And so
These observations wereuttered with such ex. love, Westbourne f
traotdinary volubility that it would have been you are really in
impossible for any one to have understood a Sidley Gighed.
'Andis
single word, and Westbourne, who was com- ' tbe damsel very beautiful 1"
pletely taken by surprise, was hurried by Lord Lovely and innocent as an angel,' returned
Slapdash into the room to which the host was '
Westbourne, wits energy.
Well, all Ihope then, is, that you may win
escorting them.
* My lord,' said Westbourne, after they were her heart In return, and he happy,' said Slap-
seated, 'you behold in me one of the most dasb. ' —
—
wretched beings iu existence; I
becomes of me I
—
care not what Alas!I cannever hope to make hermine
care not whither Igo all there are more circumstances than
one, that will
places are alike to me.'
Lord Slapdash staredathim incredulously.
'
render it impossible.'
'
Nonsense, my dear fellow,' said the young
1Well, positively now, Sidley,' he exclaimed, nobleman, youmust not despair,
Sidley. But
' you do surprise me. Why, what the deuce has cow positively, my dear friend, although I am a
happened1 Has your mistress deceived you? wild harum scarum fellow, I admit, I can fully
affect you, man. Theie sympathise with you in your sorrows, and shall
Pshaw !never let that
are plentyof women in the world, and a hand- be most bappy ifIcan do anything which may
some fellow like you will have no otcasioa to at all tend to ; ameliorate your grier. So,I will
neglected.' take no denial therefore, you need not attempt
" Ion;,'
sigh
me, beg,' it. You accompany me to London, since
'
Do not
bourne, for I
rally Slapdash, I said West- must
am iu no vein for humour, Iit appears it is immaterial whither you direct
assure you. That has occurred to me which will your footsteps. Sidmouth is ail very well, but
future prospectB. I haveItst home forever Iyour
—
render me miserable for ever, and ruin all my of much too serious a temperament for a manin
state of mind.'
'And therefote it is that Iseek his advice,
have been insulted, degraded by my father, and
henceforth v,e must be strangers. Ob, Algernon! knowing that be will devote his most serious
did you but know what I now suffer, certain as attention to the subject.'
I am of the sincerity of the friendship you feel 1 And you will te driven crazy with melan-
for me, you wouldpity me.' choly, Westbourne,' returned Lord Slapdash.
'
time, Sidley,' ejacu- No, no, depend upon it, you will find a cheer-
'Let me have breathing
'
lated his lordship, for really you overwhelm ful retnf dy the best; you must mingle in the
roe with amazement. Left home for ever- gay scenes of 1 fe, and take my word for it, that
quarrelled wi'h your father; egad! I cannot in a veryshort time you will find tbe benefit of
believe my ears.' it in your spirits, and that you will be ln a far
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 143

better condition to bring about a reconciliation designs againit her he bad every reason to
with your fa'.her, and returning home, to win believe, knowingwell his determined disposition
tbe heart of the lovely damsel who, it appears, inpon anything on whichhe had fixed his mind ;
haB completelycaptivated you.'
.and he was at a loss to devise any means by
Westbourne shook hia head, and sighed;the which be might counteract his plans, and guard
allusion to Evelina inflicted a pang upon bis our heroine from auy danger that might threaten
heart, and reminded him more t .an all of his her.
melancholy
' and hopeless situation. ' And now againhe was very sorry that hehad
As the son of Lord Sidley,' he observed Inot visited tbe ball before hia departure, and
must never presume to raise my thoughts to tbat had a parting interview with Evelina; would
__
fair andamiable being. Norhave I evenventured she not consider his conduct strange and un*
to hint to her tbe _en tim ts with wbich she haB friendly ? And her uncle, too, might be
inspired me. May shebe happy with some man induced to pot some unpleasant construction
who is worthy of her inestimable virtues,but Iupon it, which he could not explain without
'
muit never hope to behold ber again.' exposing tbe conduct of Lord Sidley, bis father,
Nonsense, my dear fellow,' said Lord Slap- aud puttingMr. Langston and bis niece to much
dash; 'why will you persist in putting the troubleand annoyance.
—
gloomiest character upon everything. You wilt Lord Slapdash was a w.ld and thoughtless

my words I
—
not onlysee this fair charmer again, but mark youngman, who, having a large fortune at his
am no prophet, if you do not command, and who having married a wealthy
ultimately win her heart, if you have not done heiress, whose whole soul was devoted to the
so already. Come, come, my boy, you must not frivolities and extravagances of fashionable life,
suffer this little affair to drive you entirely to bad plunged into many scenes of dissipation.
despair. I am really very glad to think 1have But BtL'l hehad his good qualities, and West-
met you, and I am determinednot to part with bourne could not help feeling towards him a
you, thatis the fact ; so let us finish the bottle, sincere friendship, wbile at the Barne time he
and then bey for London, tbat emporiumof gaiety deprecated his n_any foiables.
and pleasure, where, if grim old Care should Situated as he now was, itmattered little to
ever venture to show his face, he will receive Westbourne whither he went, and be, therefore,
by degrees, as theypursued the journey,yielded
'
his quietus in aminute.'
Your lordship does me honour by your te the vivacity ef bis lordship, andanticiapated
'
friendly invitation,' said Westbourne, but Itbe change of scene in the metropolis with some-
am afraid you would find me but a sorry and thing like satisfacton. He endeavoured to
gloomycompanion, and I must, therefore, beg to banish from his mind the gloomy thoughts
decline.'
'But which at present oppressed it, and to look for*
indeed you shall not,' said the gay ward to the suture with renewed hope; bnt,
'
young nobleman ; itis some time since we met alas 1 that was amost difficult task, and he suc-
before, and the pleasureis so great that I cannot ceeded but indifferently.
part' with you on any terms.' Lord Slapdash kept up a constant round of
The gaiety of the metropolis is in no way in cheerful conversation during tbe journey to
London, and Westbourne was compelled, in
unison with' my present feelings,' said West- spite of himself, to laugh occasionally at his
bourne, and I must, therefore, again beg to be
excused.' frequent brilliant sallies of wit. But still bis
' thoughts were constantly fixed on Evelina, and
And I must agaiu positively decline to ac-
cept of any excuse. Now, Westbourne, you be felt that absence from the neighbourhood
knew me before today for a determined fellow, where she resided, could only add to the misery
and therefore yon might as well yield at once. which afflicted his bosom. Had bebeen aware
Sir Humphrey Sidmouth is but a sage, dull of tbe thoughts which at that time occupied the
fellow at the best of times, and if you were left mind of Evelina, aud that her heart beat re'
to his keeping, Ipredict that you would sponBive with his own, how great would have
absolutelydie or go mad with ennui in less than been his emotion ; wbat feelings of delight
amonth.' would havemingledwith his S-dness, and inspite
affairs, he
Westbourne tried many other arguments In of tbe present gloomy aspect ofhis
order to excnse himself, but in vain ; the would not have been disposed to have banished
volatile young lord was resolved not to bo hopeentirely fromhis bosom.
defeated, and ultimately he gained his point. Nothingparticular occurred on the journey;
Westbourne yielded, and tbe consequence was and as the evening advanced, the spacious streets
that in less thananother hour he and LordSlap- of London appeared in sight, and in spite of
dash were on their way to London. everything, Westbourne could not but feel his
But notwithstanding all the efforts of the mind diverted by the life and bustle aud variety
him.
sparkling and vivacious roue, Westbourne found tbat abounded on all sides of
It impossible to dissipate from hls mind the Lord Slapdash's mansion wes situated in
in the first
gloomy thoughts which beset it. Evelina, he Cavendish-square, and was furnished
considered, was lost to him for ever, and he style of ostentatious elegance. It was the
regretted the neoessity which had compelledhim constant resort of tho
gay, the wealthy,and the
to quit the neighbourhood where sbe resided, beautiful,
and most animated and voluptuous
took place in it.
for to what dangers might sbe not be exposed, were tbe scenes that nightly
now she had no ono athand who mightprotect Lady Cementlna Slapdash was really amost
beautiful woman,and themoat admiration of all who
her fromher enemy or enemies t inordinately vain
That hia father would persist in hia evil knew he.-. But she wes
 144 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD
of her own personal charms and accomplish-
ments, aodlent a willing and gratified ear to all
the fulsome flattery that was so abundantly
lavished upon her from all eideB.
His lordship never felt the least jealousy of
the attentions which were paid to her by his
giddycompanions ;in fact, he was the complete
slave of her will andcaprice, andnever on any
account attempted to question her conduct,
although it very frequently overstepped the
bounds of prudence, and was what would have
been c.-si^ered highly reprehensible in amore
humble and domestic family.
Lord Slapdash also had his secret amours,
nor would he have felt any dread of her lady-
ship discovering them, for in wbat is called
fashionable life, such things are t.o oftenlooked
upon, by the parties most immediatelyinterested,
with the most perfect indifference.
-
Westbourne had frequently been in her lady*
ship's company prior to her marriage with Lord
Algernon; and while he could not but warmly
admire her prepoisessing beauty and the ele-
gancies of ber mind, he regretted her many
failings, and lamented to see oue who in every
other respect was bo admirably formed tocreate
universal esteem, resignhersell to those follies
which must ultimately be productive of the
wor.t consequences.
Lady Clementina received Westbourne with
much courtesy and cordiality, and with her
usual sweetness of manner expressed the plea-
sure sbe felt at his unexpected addition to their
society. Westbourne struggled as much as
poBBib'e with the melancholy feelings whicb
tortured his miud, and replied to her ladyship
with becoming gallantry, at the same time he
joinedin the conversation that ensued with more
freedom and cheerfulness than, under all the
circumstances of bis situation, could have been
expected.
Tbe party that were assembled at the mansion
a > this occasion separatea at anearlier hour than
usual, lnconsequence ofhis lordship and West-
bourne being fatigued after their joaruey, and the
latter retired to the chamber allotted to him,
worn out with fatigue consequent upon the
change of scene, and sick at heait.
And now again he questioned the prudence of
hit havingyielded to tbe importunities of Lord
Algernon, and visited London, where he most
constantly mingle in scenes of riot anddissipa-
tion, so dissonant with his present feelings, and
which had ever been foreign tohis tastes and pro-
pensities. He almost resolved to excuse himself
to his lordship as soon as possible, and putbis
first intention into operation; namely, to make
his way to the residence of Sir Humphrey Sid-
mouth, in whose more retired habits and
excellent advice he hoped to find some consola-
tion.
Evelina had now probably beard ofthe quarrel
between him end his father, and his abrupt
departure from the abbey ; and he was anxious
to know what herweiings wereupon the subject;
thoughhe could no. help flattering himself that
she could not butview it with regret and anguish.
Ho felt confident that xa. icspectful attention he
had ever bestowed upon her had been far from
>
disagreeable to her; and he was inclined to
■ =
believe that she must tane some interest in h'6
fate. But, alas 1 of what use was it for him to
encourage such hopes, sinca even if he sh.uld
succeed in winningher heart, he could never
expict to make her bis wife, connected as he
was, and ruined as he was in prospects i
But could he ever love any other female as he
lovedher ? Oh, no; he wascertain that no other
damsel could ever gain his heart, and tbat as he
could not hops to possess her, life possessed but
few charms in his estimation.
Sometimes be thought of addressingaletter to
Evelina, making her acquainted with where be
was, and revealing to her the secret of hisheart ;
but some irresistible power withheldhim from so
doing; and he remained in the same state of
indecision, anxiety, andsuspense.
Aod would his father make any Inquiry as er
him; or regret his abrupt departure? Notwith-
standing what badtaken place between tbem, he
could not help thinking that he would, and be
waB almost sorry that he had not left a note
behind him ou quitting the abbey, explainingbis
future intentions. Bat the degradinglanguage
his father hid uttered to him, the blow he had
struck him, arose to his recollection ;and while
his bosom swelled with indication, he was deter-
mined thathe would never again submit himself
to similar insult. No; let whatever might be
his fate, be would not, for his manlypride would
not suffer him to do so, or subjecthimself to the
haughty will and caprices of bis father.
Tbe constant round of gaiety and p'easure
tbat prevailed at the mansion of LordSlapdash,
the numerous fashionable parties tbat constantly
assembled there, the unrestrained indulgence
that was given to everykind ofloxurious dissipa-
tion, and the vivacity of the couversaziones, ln
which Westbourne joined, to prevent himself
from being rendered conspicuous, and subjected
to unpleasant observations, .eft him but Httle
time to think; but when alone In hiB chamber,
he gave himself up to all tbe anguish of his
feelings,and bemoaned his wretched fate ;for,
thoughiu the midst of such lively society, b_ felt
himself lonelyand an outcast.
He had more than once intimated tohis lord-
ship the distastehe hadfor the present scenes in
which he mingled, and his wiBh to retireinto
private life ;but Lord Algernonwould not listen
to it for a moment, and always rallied him so
severely upon what he Was pleased to call his
misanthropy, in wbich he was ever seconded by
L3dy Clementina, that Westbourne was fain to
yield a tacit submission to their arguments,in
the hope that an opportunity would shortly
present itself forhim toescape, withoutotTending
Lord or Lady Slapdash.
It anything couli possiblyhave won the affao
tions of Westbourne from the one dear object tbat
constantly occupied his thoughts, surely amongst
the rare galaxyof beauty thtt was constantly lo
be met with at the mansion, that must have been
accomplished. But althoughthere were many a
fair damsels who would havebeen proud to have
won tho heart of the handsome and accomplished
young man, he looked upon themall with indif-
ference, and the irna.e of our heroine being oon-
atantly present to his imagination, he could lee
-
no other maide** whom he could admire.
■
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;OR, POVERTY, CRtME, A.ND SORROW. 145
And what would Evelina think of him, he
reflected, did she but know the daDgerous scenes
of faihionable revelry in which he was cons' anlly
engaged ; would not the good opinion heflattered
_
himself she had formed of him b_ greatly dimin-
ished ? He feared that it would, an even the
peculiar circumstances under which he was
placed, could not very well be received as any
excuse for it. ThS idea made him ihe more
anxious to leave tha mansion of L^rd Slapdash,
and he resolved that not all the seductive allure-
ments which were held out to him should much
longer detain him.
Play was nightly cirri
' n. to the greatest
excess at the mansion ot Ljrd Alge-non,and
1 rge sums of money were lost aud won. West-
EVELINA REFUSES THE PIRS3 IROFFERED EY
tinued to play for larger sums than before, and
Etfllhe loBt, until the whole horrors of bis sttua-
t o l burstupon him with an overwhelmingso ce.
Neirly the whole of his property was lost!
Madness almost seized upon his brain ;his eyes
Beemed to flash fire ; he s'arted from the table,
ard clasping his forehead with a groan of agony
ai d deiptir, helushed from the roomand hurried
away from the mansion. He had o_ly just
descended the steps when he met bis servant,
Philip, whom he commanded to follow him ; he
then dashed wildly on, he knew not whither.
He did n t stop until hehad got some distance
from Cavendish-square, when he was forced to
cling to a lamppost to save himself from falling.
Philip then came up with him, and with an
No. 19
bourne, w_ o had lh? most decided av r.ton to
gambling, woald gladlyhave decline 1 taking any
part in these pio eedings, but he could n<t with-
out making h'm.eU conspicuous; and he soon
felt the ruinous effects without being able to
escape from the snsra iaid for him by theEe fash-
ionable and wealthysharpers. 0_e night, Lord
Slapdash being away from home, his lady p r-
luaded Westbourne to j.In her and two or thiee
more friends st tie card tatl;. Tbe Btakes played
for were light,but Westbourne, having acootinuil
run of ill-luck, felt uneasy and alarmed, and
would willinglyhave retired from the card-table
could he havedone so w.th decency.
But still, excited by the magnitude of his
bs .es, and scarcely knowiagwhat he did, he con-
HELEN SELBORN,
alarmed a.d astcnUhed countenance, he ejacu-
lated :
'For Heaven's site, my dear master, what
haB happened to district y u thus1 What can
'
h .ve caused you to rush so abruptly from thc
man i n Where are you goingV
stare.
'
'Gone?' repeated Wifl bourne, with a vacant
O ., Iknow not ;I care not ; Philip, I
am rut ed.'
'
'Ruined, sir? Oh, Gcd fcrbid. But prayreturn
'0 'the mar.s'on, lor '
No, no,' Interrupted his mas'er, not for the
world; they must not know what has become of
me; they have robbed me cf all, and my com-
pany would no longerbe agreeable to them. Oh,
fool that I was ever to enter that place of infamy
 146 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD ;

and extravagance I* He groaned aloud in tbe enjoined Philip to deliver it to no one but
anguish of his feelings, and the faithful Philip Evelina, aod to ride away astain and return to
was deeply sffected. It was some minutes before town before Bhe could put any questions to him.
be could become the leaat calm, and then again And it has been seen how faithfully Philipper-
Philipendeavoured to persuade him to returnto formed that commission, although he was very
tbe msnBlon. loath to leave his master, whom he could not
'Philip,' said the agitated young man, 'you help thinkingcontemplated somethingmore
_eri-

will exjs erate me, if you continue to urge this. oh9 than he had thought proper to communicate
I tell you they havereduced me nearly to beggary; to him.
and think you that Ican ever meet again in After having performed this task, Philip re-
friendship the author of my ruin? Oh, why wai turned with all the speed he could to London ;
I ever permitted to accompany Lord Algernon to but on reaching the hotel, his astonishment may
London !' easily be imagined when he was informed that
Weslhourne paused for a short time, and his masterhad quitted the hotel that morning,
silently brooded over the misery ofhiB situation; after having discharged his bill, and left ten
_
but at lengthbe beckoned PhUipto follow him, pounds with the proprietor of the house, to
and then with hurried step be made his way to deliver t him as tbebalance ofhis wages.
the nearest hotel, which he entered, and engaged
apartments for himself and servant for a week.
Almost immediately after his arrival at the
hotel, Westbourne was so wornout with anguish, CHAPTER XXII.
that be retired to his chamber, and Phi _p seeing THE FURTHERANCE
him so violently agitated was almost afraid to — OF THE PLOT
LETTER. THE CONSEQUENCES.
THE FORGED

leave him ;but his master commanded him to do

so, and strictly enjoined him not to go near the The alarm ofhonest Philipoa the receipt of
mansion of Lord SlapdaBb, or to let him know this intelligenceeven exceededbis astonishment,
what had become of him, on pain of hiB future and he knew not what to think. However, he
displeasure. strongly apprehended that in his despair, West-
When Philip was gone, Westbourne continued bourne might be tempted tocommit seme rash
to pace tbe apartment for some time in the moBt act ; and that idea Increased his agitation ;
distracted manner, and be beat his breast, and especially as the proprietor of thehotel informed
tore his hair, with all the wildness of a maniac. him that his master appeared in a very forlorn
' 'Ruined, beggared, disgraced!' he groaned; and dejected state of mind, when he took his
and all by my own folly. What is now to departure.
become of mes Whither canI go t Andoh, what Philip, after some time considering what it

—
would Evelina think of me, did the butknow would be best for him to do, made his way to the
the li/e of dissipation I have latelybeen leadings mansion ef Lord Slapdash, but they had seen
Would she not despise me? Would not all nothing of him, and until then bad no idea
those feelings of friendshipI have every reason whither he had gone, wben he so abruptly made
to believe she entertained towards me be des- his depart',re from the house.
troyed ? Oh, I can endure an>thingbut that Lord Algernon, who, as we have before stated,
thought.' possessed many good qualities, and felt the
Again he groaned with moreintense anguish greatest esteem for Westbourne, expressed his
than before. His brain was distracted, and had deep regret at what had occurred, and promised
he had the means, in his frenzy he might have to exert himself to theutmost to ascertain what
been driven to lay violent hands on himself. Al had become of him ; and that promise he ful-
lengthbe threw himself on the couch, andcom- filled to the very letter ; but all the effortsof his
pletely worn out by the violenceof his suffering., lordship and Philip, after several days, proved
be full asleep. fruitless, for uot the least clue could they obtain
But sleep brought no relief to his anguish; as to the fate of the unfortunate young gentle-
the most frightful dreams haunted his imagina- man.
tion, and when he awoke in the morninghe was Philip's fears now knew no bouuds, and he was
so ill that he wasunable to raisehis head from ata peifect loss how to proceed. Lord Sidley,
the pillow. Philip was greatly alarmed whenhe having fought the duel with Almiral Norman,
beheld the situation of bis master, and imme- had fled from the abbey, and no one knew
diately procured medical aid ; but the whole of whither he was gone, so tbat Philiphad no means
tbat day Westbourne was in a state bordering on of consultinghim onthe subject,or even tomake
insensibility, rnd it was three daysbeiore he was him acquainted with what had happened. At
able to leave hiB bed. He was then so weak that last, however,he resolved tohasten to the resi-
be could scarcely stand; but my degrees the dence of Sir Humphrey Sidmouth, with the hope
vio ence ofhis anguish abated, and settled into that he mighthave seen or heard something cf
a calm and melancholydespair; and it waB plain him; and on that errand, filled with mingled
to be teen from the expression of his countenance hopes and fears, he tookhis departure sroui Lon-
and his whole demeanour, that ho had made u_> don.
bis mind to something determined and des- On arrivingat the residence of Sir Humphrey,
perate. that gentleman was extremely surprised and
It -.as flow that Westbourne wrote the letter to afflicted to hear the account Philip gave ;buthe
our heroine, which caused euch a sensation in had neither seen nor heard anything of West-
ber breast, and with the contents of which the bourne, and the wholeaffair was still enshrouded
reader has been already acquainted. He strictly in the same mystery.
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW.
Sir Humphrey and Philipmade every inquiry,
where it was at all likely they would gain any
information, but all to no purpose ;and they now
indeed began to apprehendthat somethingserious
had happened to him; for what rash act might
he not be prompted to commit, dreadfullyexcited
as he had been when he quitted the hotel ?
P_iUp having failed to gain any Information
In other places, resolved to hasten to the neigh-
bourhood of the abbey,although hecould have
no hope of being more successful there, as it was
not likely that his unfortunate master would
direct his steps thither.
It was with a sad heart that Philipcommenced
his journey,and gloomy were the apprehensions
he formed of Westbourne's fate whom he feared
he should never behold again. As be travelled
on, Pnilipmade inquiries at the differentinns he
stopped at, and where he was known ;bat with-
out gaining the least information ;andhavi :g
arrived at the place of his destination, he pro-
ceeded direct to Charrington Abbey, where he
was received with a hearty welcome by tbe
servants, and who expressed much surprise and
regiet at whathe stated to them ;for Westbourne
wasuniversally esteemed by them, and they all
weresorry when he had quitted the abbey. Not
one of them, however, could or dared give him
the least idea as to where Lord Sidleyhad gone ;
as he had left no instructions, but departed in
the night ;and, therefore, Philipwas left without
any means of makinghim acquainted with what
had happened, though he felt assured that his
lordsliip,in spite ofthe quarrel which had taken
placebetween him and hie son, must experience
considerable alarm athis mysterious disappear-
ance, and be veryanxious to ascertain his fate.
Philip knew very well thesentiments which
Westbourne entertained towards our heroine,
and he could nothelp thinkingfrom wbathe had
himself observed of ber, and the emotion she had
exhibited on his delivering his master's letter to
her, that sbe returned his passion, and he, there-
fore, at last resolved to go to theha'l and apprise
her and heruncle of the painful particulars.
The morning after his arrival at the abbey, he,
therefore, bent his steps towards the hall, buthe
had not proceeded far on his way when he met
Stephen Blackthorn, who betrayed no little
surprise on beholding him, and immediately
greeted him.
Philip entertained no very good opinion of
Blackthorn, but, on tbe contrary, he believed
him to be a deep designingman, and to have no
very good feeling towardshis un'ortunatemaster ;
however, he questioned himin such a way tbat
be could not avoid making him acquainted with
the particulars ; and Blackthorn could scarely
conceal the secret exultation he felt while he
listened to him; but he did disguise his real
thoughts, and affected to feel the graatest
sympathy in the misfortunes of Westbiurne, and
theutmost anxiety to discover what had become
'
ofhim. '
Unfortunate young man,' he said, he was
very rash to leave the abbey so abruptly, when
an explanation and reconciliation might have
been effected between him and his 'ather. I can
bear witness tbat his lordship deeply regretted
whathad taken plac;, a_d that heexerted him-
147
self to the utmost to find him out. Foolish
Westbourne, to plunge at once into folly and
extravagance ! It is fearful to thiDk what rash
act he may have been tempted to commit. And
yousay thathe was ruined, PhilipV '
4
Alas 1 he raid bo,' i.plied thelatter, and I
have too much reason to fear, from the despair
which he exhibited, thathe spoke the truth. Ah,
Mr. Blackthorn, it ia a melancholyJob.'
'
'It is indeed, Philip,' returned Stephen, with
well-assumed sincerity ; but still wemust hope
for the best. Every exertion must be made to
discover him, aud there shallbe nothingwanting
on my part to do so.'
'
'You are a particular friend ofhis lordship,
Mr. Blackthorn,' remarked Philip, acd surely
you know whither he has retired, §o that he may
be made acquainted with it.'
'
'Indeed I do not, Philip!' answered Elack-
thorn, but no doubt he will soon return to the
abbey, as Admiral Norman, Ibear, is fa_t
re.overiag, and I dare say a reconciliation can be
effected between them. But whither are jou
" now, Philip?'
going
To the hall.'
''To
Yes,' said Philip, 'for I
the hall !'
thoughtMr. Langston
and h s amiable niece might be anxious to hear
the particulars, as I know that they felt the
greatest friendship for my poor master.'
'TrueItrue! they had a rght to do so, after
the eervice which Mr. Westbourne
them,' observed Blackthorn.
* ButhadIrendered
am going
there myself, aad therefore will save you the
trouble.'
Philipbowed, and after some few more obser-
vations had taken place between them, he
returned to *he abbey, and Stephen Blackthorn
made his way to the hall.
Nothing could equalthe gratification which be
felt at the disappearance of Westbourne, who he
had very little doubt would never trouble them
again, and the villain imagined to him. elf tbe
anguish r>hich Evelina would feel when sbe was
informed of the royeterioas disappearauce of him
to whom, be was convinced, her whole heart was
devoted. So great was the hatred he bore her,
tbat he felt the greatest delight in Beeing her
luffsr, and he was determined that now West-
bourne was out of the way, he would lose no
time in placing her in the power of Lord S'dley,
aud thus completingher misery, and accomplish-
ing his own covetous wishes. He had already be-
come acquainted with the fact ofEvelina's hav-
ing received a letter from Westbourne, which he
had communicated tohis lordship, and they had
even now a design in hand to secure the penon
of the poor girl, wbich they bad no doubt would
be crowned with success, and Blackthorn felt
satisfied that the present circumstance would
tend to accslerate the plot, and to place Evelina
in LordSidley's power. Inthe meantime, Eve-
lina had been enduring the greatest anxiety to
know what had become of Westbourne ; but as
day alter day elapsed without her receiving any
communication Irom him, she gave herself up to
despair, and feared that she should never hear
from him or behold him again.
Notwithstaoding all her efforts, and the cer-
tainty that she could never consent to become
 148 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;

his wife, especially after the strict injunctionsof violent agitation, nor unjustly blame yourself for
her uncle, the affection she felt for Westbourne that of which you are innocent. Deeply do I
increased in strength, instead of diminishing. feel for the misfortunes of Mr. Sidley, and moBt
He was the constant companion ofher thoughts, happy should Ibe to learn what has become of
bis image was ever present to her mind's eye, him ; bat Ifeel satisfied he hasnot plungedhim
and she found it utterly impossible to think of 6elf into the fate which you dread; and 'rust
him as a friend only. tbat Providence will watchover and protect him
Mr. Langston saw the feelings that occupied in his present difficulties.'
her mind, ;
and he wondered not for he could Evelina could notrestrain her tears, and feel-
not deny the great merits of Westbourne Sidley, ing completely overwhelmed by her grief, and
but still he trusted that time would abate the the shock shehad sustained from the fatal intel-
ardour of her hopeless passion, and that .he ligence Imparted to them by Blackthorn, she was
might meet with some other man, who was compelledto seek her chamber.
worthyof her, and on whom she could place her Here she gave free vent to the emotions
affections. which filled her bosom, and formed the most
No sooner had Stephen B!ackthorn entered dreadful apprehensions of the fate wbich had
'
the room in which Evelinaand her uncle were befallen Westbourne.
seated, than they could see by his countenance ' He waBhimselfdriven to despair,' she s'ghedj
and demeanour that he bad something to com- and what desperate deed might be not have
municate, and they both apprehendedthat it was been urged to doin that wretched state ofmind ?
no good. Evelina's heart fluttered, but she was And it was through me that be qaarrelled with
notlong kept in suspense. Blackthorn, without his father, and tbat he was thus driven from bis
further delay, related to them all tbo fatal parti- home. Alas! alas! that idea must ever haunt
culars of Westbourne's misfortunes, and his dis- and torturemy imagination. Unfortunate West-
appearance, as they had been detailed to him by bourne, Ifeel now more powerfully than ever
Philip, and our heroine no sooner heard them the strength of that passion with which your
than, unable to control her emotions, she gave numerous virtues inspire me. Banish you from
—
utterance to a cry of agony and fainted.
' Poor
my memory !suffer any other man to supplant
girl poor girl,' said Mr. Langston : you in myheart ! Oh, no, that is indeed impos-
' this is indeed painful intelligence lor you, sible.'
devoted as your innocent heart still Is, I am She claiped her hands together, and fervently
convinced, to the unfortunate WeBtbourne. Ishe supplicatedthe p'Otection ofthe Almighty
fe-r, alas! that your peace of mind is ruined for for .Vest boume, and implored Him to avertthe
ever. Would to Heaven that you had never dangers she now apprehended.
beheld each other.' Soon afterwards, Helen arrivedat the hall, and
Blackthorn and Mrs. Snacks exchanged glances being made acquainted with what had happened,
with each other aside; and it might have been she immediately entered the chamber as Evelina,
evident to any one who had noticed them, that to offer her all the consolation in her power.
the most malicious feelings of exultation were This, however, she found to a most difficult task ;
'
passing in their minds. and Bhe feared that this additional anxiety, and
Westbourne Sidley hSB acted with great the uncertainty of the fate of Westbourne, would

thorn.
'
impetuosity and imprud.oce,' remarked Black- have a most serious effect upon Evelina's consti-
It appears from Philip, his servant, tution.
who would not bo likely to misrepresent the Helen continued with our heroine for two or
facts, that immediately on his arrivalIn London three hours, at the end of which time, finding
ha plunged into every excess, spending his days her somewhat more tranquil, aud that she was
and nightsin dissipation and extravagance; the inclined to go to sleep, she left her.
consequence of which was that he speedily Blackthorn, on bis return home, immediately
brought bin self to ruin. And I fear that, in his communicated the account which hehad received
despair, he haB been driven to lay violent hands from Poillp, to Lord Sidley, and likewise sug-
'
on himself.'
Itis a melancholy
gested to him a plan for the accomplishment of
affair altogether,' said Mr. his wishes, which was afterwards put into exe-
'
Langston, and deeply do I regret that West- cution. He felt the greatest satisfaction at the
bourne should have been lured Intosuch scenes. disappearance of Westbourne, and was resolved
Bat I do not believe that he has committed to delay no more time than was possible before
suicide; or certainly that would have been dis- the whole of his desires should be gratified, and
covered before now.' he had already concocted a deep-laid plan of
Blackthorn still maintained his opinion, and villany to possess himself of the wealth of Mr.
having achieved hit object, he took his leave. Langston, and to have Evelina completely in
In a short time poor Evelina recovered,and bis power, which will afterwards be expla'ned.
raising ber eyes towards her
piteoui expression, she exclaimed
—
uncle, with a most Philip,finding that no information was likely
to be obtained where he was, left the neighbour-
'Oh, ray dear sir, you will not reproach me hood with a melancholy heart, and Blackthorn
for this display of emotionI Unfortunate West' * was veryglad that he bad done so, for he did
bourne, what has become of you 1 What dread not wish him to hold any communication with
fal act, ln your despair, have you been tempted Mr. LangBtonandhis niece, lest it mightin some
to commit ? And had il not been for your meet- way mar his plans.
ing with me, this might never have happened.' It was several days after receiving tbe melan-
1

in his gentlest
'
Come, my dear Evelina,' said Mr. Langiton, ch.l/ intelligence, ere Evelina was sufficiently
accents, do not give way to this recjvered to leave her chamber, and then a deep
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 149
glccm bad taken possession of her heart, which was delighted with the sublimities of nature, in
it was evident it would take some time to re-. spite of the sadness of her heart, and tbe heavy
move; notwithstanding all tbe efforls of Mr. cares which constantly haunted her imagination.
Lan^stcn and Helen to console her,and te inspire She alwaysenjoyed themost refined and exquisite
her with the hope tbat they would ere long hear sensations, while wanderingover the lofty bills
something of Westbourne, and that Providence which rearedtheirheads immediatelyat the back
had protected him from plurjginginto the fate of Charrington Abbey.
which Bhe apprehended. Often did she wind along the summits of
Sbe liked best to be alone, when she would craggy heights, beneath whicli/the rapid torrent
sit and ponder for hour* over everycircumstance rolled its misty waves that long were heard to
of her connection with tbe unfortunate West- roar, until falling into its deep and native
bourne ;recall to her memoryevery word hehad channel, it awhile glidedgently on, reflectingon
ottered when they been together ;and weep its translucent bosom the awful forms of the
tears of the bitterest agony over the letter hehad neighbouring mountains, who.e barren horrors
rent ber, and which she treasured as a gem of were scarcely hid by a scanty vegetation; than
the most inestimable value. At night, too, his its waves being impeded by some enormous
form was ever present toher imaginationiu her rock, it suddenly arose, and, dashingits impetu-
dreams, and various, and all equally torturing, ous course in foamy surges over a stony bed,
were the ideal shapes in which his fate waB pre- rushed on to pay its tribute to the ocean.
sented to her, adding to the anguish and terror Scenes like these were calculated to soothe the
of hermind. mind of Evelina, and harmonise her thoughts,
Sometimes she would also wander, accom- for through nature she looke i up to nature's
panied by Helen, to those places which 6he knew God.
had been the favourite resorts of Westbourne ; Even the disappointment of her hopes lost in
places that she seared would never be traversed some measure its keenness while surveying with
by him again. But how greatly were they enthusiastic rapture the matchless works of the
endeared t. her by thail association with him; Omniscient Architect. Her vigorous mind, ani-
and what increased misery would she endure, if mated by reflection, launched into the world
it were possible, if sbe were removed from unknown, and anticipated immortal bliss. In
them. these moments, terrene joys and sorrows shrunk
Admiral Norman bad quite recovered from to their original nothingness, and her soul
the effects of the wound he had receivedin the seemed eager to burst its prison-bouse ; but
duel, but still Lord Sidley remained absent from whenthe thread of herideas was broken by the
the abbey, nor could it be imagined what had necessary avocationsof life, a calm and; melan-
become of him, though his servantsfrequently choly presided in her breast ;the image of West-
received written instructions from him ; but bourne was restored, present misery remem-
what part of the kingdomthey came from, they bered, and Bhe sensibly felt herself a weak
had no means of ascertaining. Blackthorn, how- mortal.
ever, was in daily communication with his lord- One morning,'after having psssed a restless
ship, and a plot of villany .,_ being concocted night, Evelina lefther chamber at anearly hour,
by them, which was shortly fated to deaceod and in order that she might give free and unin-
with overwhelming force of misery upon the terrupted indulgence to the thoughts which
head of Evelina and her uncle. crowded upon her mind, she bent her steps
All remained involved in the same state of towards those romantic scenes near the abbey,
mjstery as regarded the fate of Westbourne where she delighted most to saunter. The day
Sidley;and Evelina now gave herself up entirely began to dawn, as she emerged from the hall,
to despair, for it appeared but too evident thathe and distant objects were but dimly perceived ; a
would never be beaid of or seen again, and his blue vapour enveloped the tops of the majestic
father appeared to take not the least interest in hills, aud an universal stillneas reigned around,
what hadbefallen him. Sometimes our heroine save that the early lark sometimes brokeit with
could not help entertaining dark suspicions that hiB melodious notes.
Lord Sidley was not unacquainted with the But soon the eastern Bky glowed with the
manner of hiB disappearance; and that he had golden beams of morning, the curling smoke
sacrificed him to his vengeance and hatred;but ascended from the lowlycottageB, and the hoary
these thoughts she kept confined to her o»n summits of the mountains, which the dispenBivo
heart, though they cost her many an hour of mist discovered, reflected innumerable beauties
bitter anguish,and frequently drove sleep away to the sun's bright rays, that played on their
from her pillow. She felt glad that Lord :idley majestic brows.
did not return to the abbey, for she was con- Evelina cast aroundapensive gIanceTHTobjfcts
vinced that she had every reason to dread him, tbat were endowed with a thousand nameless
after the insult which he had boldly offered and enchanting remembrances that haunt the
her; and she knew that he was aman who feeling mind, and attach it to local objects.
would not shrink from the performance of She gazed with a melancholy pleasure on the
anything, however base, to accomplish his ends. hills Bhe had so often surveyed with delight, on
Six weeks had now elapsed since our heroine the cottages where she was wont to administer hall,
had been plunged into this horrible state of un- comforts, and on that venerable gothle the
certainty and alarm, and still nothing waB heard birth-place of Westbourne; and tearB gushed to
of WeBtbourne, and not even the slightest ray ef her eyes, wheu she reflected that the voice to
hope now lingered in the bosom ofEve.ina. Still whish she had ever littened with the tondest
she continued her melancholy rambles, andever , rapture, was prebabiy now bushed for ever in
 150 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
death; that the heart which throbbed with every
manly virtue now heat no more, and that pro-
bably that noble form, which no'one could feehold
without admiring, now mouldered in a distant
and unhallowed gave.
Her tears flowed fast as these thoughts crossed
her mind, anrf more poignant became the pangs
which shot through herbosom.
While she was thus employed, sbe was sud-
denly aroused by hearing her name repealed, and
that in the voice of a man. She was astonished
and trembled, for whocould know her in tbat
lonely epot, and wbat might not be their inten-
tions at that early hour.
She turned her eyes ln the cirectiou from
whence tbe voice proceeded, but at first she did
not perceive any object, and thought she must
be mistaken, but ber _a . e being once more
repeated, Bhe cast her eyes below, and beheld
standing on the brow of a hillbeneath a figure
which filled her with surprise and alarm. It was
that of a tall and muscular man, dressed ln a
rude garb, and with a tattered cloak, depending
from hiB shoulders, who was leaning on a staff,
and w_s gaz'ng up intently at her. Hs eyes
were large, black, and penetrating; his features
course and Irregular;his complexion swarthy,
and his hair flowed dishevelled far over his
shoulders.
Evelina gazed at this singular being with the
mostindescribable amazement, and no smali
degree ot terror, for what could his purpoie be
with her, and how could she help herself in that
lonely spot, if his intentions wereevil?
Again the stranger repeated ber name, and
motio.ed her to approach him, and Evelina
could not leave the spot without encountering
him. Sbe knew not what to do, or what to
imagine was his purpose ; nor could she form
the least conception how be had come to tbe
knowledge of her name, as she had no recollec-
tion of having ever seen him before.
S_e looked around her as far as her eyes could
extend, hut perceived no other individual at
hand, eo that she was lett entirely to the mercy
of this mysterious man, let his intentions be
whatever they might.
Once more tbe man beckonedher to approach
him, and finding th-t sne still hesitated, he
moved from the spot on which he had been
sta ding, and advanced with slow and measured
i
steps towards her, until he stood within a few
paces only of the astonished and terrified girl ;
and as he gazed upon her with a most extraor-
dinary expresaiou of countenance, Erelina felt
the most powerful and irresistible emotions steal
toto her bosom, nor could she repress a cry of
alarm, when he grasped her arm, but with a
gentle viulence that showed he did not wish to
harm her, but merely to detain her. Evelina,
however, was so frightened at hia singular be-
haviour andappearance, tbat unable anj longer
to support ber terrors, Bhe sank upon the earth
insensible.
How long she had remainedin that state she
knew not, but when she recovered her senses,
iod looked around her, saebtheld to her dismay,
ne stranger standing ata short dUtanc?, leau-
ng upon his staff, and gazing in.euily upon
uer.
Still, although his features were coarse and
forbiddiDg, the lookB he fixed upon her were
respectful and compassionate, such as under
other circumstances, might have inspired her
with confidence ;but he balnganentire stranger
to her, and his extraordinary appearance to her,
at that hour, and in such a place, filled ber with
the most powerful apprehensions, and the more
bo as she had no means of avoiding him, and
there was no ore at hand to render her any
help and protection, should he intend her any
violence.
The wild appearance of the man too, wbich
was anything but natural, creited the most fear-
ful sensations in our heroine'sbreast ; and she
would have given the world, could she: but have
escaped him, while what his purpose could be
she was at a loss to conjecture. How deeply
she regretted that she had left the ball at so
early an hour, and mentally but fervently che
implored the protection of HeaveD, from any
danger with which he might threaten her.
Again the man approached her, and fixed him-
Evelina found this suspense insupportable, and
at 'lenght found courage sufficient to demand
—
self in an attitude of earnest attention before her.
Strange man, who are you? And for what
purpose do you thus appear before me, and
obstruct my path V
'Who 'am I?' repeated the man, in a hoarse
voice. Oh, damsel, it would inspire tby gentle
breast with horror to know. I am a wretch
oppreEsed with the weight of a guiltyconicience,
that has sapped my peace, aud gnaws at my
'
heart like hungry wol.es.'
Oh, spare me I' supplicated Evelina, terrified
by his words, and thinking him some wretched
maniac, who, in the fury of his delirium,
' might
iuflict BOme violence upon her; suffer me to
depart, you.'
* FearIbeseech
' though I
not, Evelina Marsden,'Baid the Btraoger,
have been the cause of misery and
—
shame to those connected with thee, Iwill not
harm thee. Oh, tiat 1 had courage to but no
matter, for the preient it must not be. I come
to warn the', maiden ; danger snrrounds thee;
shun temptation,beware of deceit think not of
;
Westbourne Sidley ;be not imposed upon by wbat
may appear all fair and specious, as thou wouldst
' destruction.'
avoid
' Heaven I' exclaimed the astonished
Merciful
Evelina, mysterouB man, what are the meaning
of your words? Wbat have I ti* fear from the
unfortunate Westbourne Sidley, whom Imay
'
never behold again .'
Westbourne Sidley is good andhonourable,'
repl'ed ihe stranger, 'and would sooner perish
than offer thee wrong; but still, if thou studiest
ths welfare, tbou wilt banish him from t ny
thoughts. Mark well mywords, Evelina Marsden,
'
and disregard them not.' '
' How know you my name, and
How do Iknow thy name, girl?' interrupted
the mao, and a most extraordinary expression
'
overspread his features. Ob, there isnot one
circumstance connected with thy history that I
—
am not acquainted with. D si thou remember
that awful ni;ht thou w_tt bat a child then,
—
but still all the dreadful circumstances must ba
stam;)td ujjo i thy memory tn_t _.wfui night,
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 151
when thou and thy mother wert waiting,hungry, and her limbs trembled go violentlythat she had
cold, aud wretched in your ruined hcme, the the greatest difficulty in rising to her feet. Her
return of thy father, Richard Marsden, who had brain was still giddy, and pressing her hands
rushed forth mad and despairing in the bowling upon her temples,she gazed around her with a
tempest to seek for food ? How fearfully the wild and searching glance ;but she was alone;
impetuous storm riged on that occasion. The the mysterious stranger waa gone.
demons of destruction rode the blast, and glared All that he had sa:d now rushed upon her
exultinglyupon the horrors that were impending memory, aud added to her dis'raction. But
over the heads of a wretched family. Your father who could he he that was thus so minntely
returned ; with gold and jewelshe came back, acquainted with her melancholy history; and
but to be seized aud afterwards condemned for what couldbe his motives for thus appearing
'
murder!' before her? Her father lived, and was in his
Oh, God 1 oh, Gad 1' groanedEvelina, horror- native landI Those assertions rangin ber ears
struck at the dreadful recital, every word of with overwhelmingforce, and involved her in
which fell like burningcoalupon her brain ;and the most dreadful aud insupportable state of
nationupon the mysteriousman who stoodbefore
'
she gazed with tenfold amazement and conster- perplexity, horror, and suspense.
But it must be a dream,' Bhe ejaculated, 'it
ber, and whose broad chest now beaved convul- is impossibletbat it can have been reality. I
sively with the extraordinary excitement of his have suffered my disordered imagination to
feelingB. 'AgainI implrre you to tell me who deceiveme. Oh no !that mysterious stranger
you are that thus repeat to me this horrible too surelyappeared before me. I still think that
story, impressed upon my memory in torturing I beholdhiB remar.able countenance, and listen
characters, wbich can never be effaced V to his observations. Oh, God, I beseech thee
'
The tale is true, damsel,'returned the man, to unravel this strange mystery, and to protect
'as thou, to thy Borrow, too well knowest. But me from any dangers that may threaten me.
thy father was innocent, innocent as tbou art; Guide and direct me how to act, and give me
the real assassins ts.aped, but, one of them at fortitude to supportany troubles which may yet
'
least, to endure the tortures'of the damned.' be in store for me. And oh, all-merciful
Ah !' screamed Evelina, you know them. I Supreme,if it indeed be true that my poorfather
see by your manner, I hear by your observation is still in existence and at liberty, humbly but
that you do. Oh, if mercy lives within your fervently I implore thee to wach and protect
breast, reveal the names of the wretches, and at him, to make 1is innocence manifest, and once
once remove the odious stigma from the name of more restore him to my arms.'
'
my unfortunate, myill-fated parent.'
I
' Sbe stoodfor some minutes completely over-
know them, damsel,' said the man, too come by the strange multitude of thoughts
well I —
know them, and the time may come when wbich crowded upo j her brain, gazing around
it cannot —
justice shaU be done ;but not now not now ; her, expecting and almost wi-hingto behold the
be. Evelina Marsden,
still more ; thy father
mysteriousstranger again. Notwithstandinghis
* Iwill tell thee repulsive features, tbe singularinterest heseemed
"Oh, what of him? Quick, quick, for Hea- to take in her welfare had created a favourable
'
ven's sake I' impression in ber mind, as regarded him ; but
' Thy father still lives1' still the longershe reflected uponhis words, and
i Alas!alas ! but in misery, shame and the warning he had given her, especially his
slavery injunctions for her to banish Westbourne from
' !'
Inmisery, but not in slavery,1replied the her memory, the more did sbe become involved
man. Evelina uttered a shriek of agony and in perplexity.
astonishment, grasped the stranger's arm, and And how had he become acquainted withthe
gazing into bis countenance with half frenzied secrets of herheart ? How had be been enabled
'
looks, gasped for breath. to penetrate these thoughts which bad never
' said the man, In a firm been communicated toany onebut beruncle and
Richard Marsden,'
and solemn voice, no longer bears the felon's Helen? This was altogether inexplicable, and
fetters, and at this time breathes in Mb native our heroine was unable to come to any satisfac-
'
land.' tory conclusion upon tbe subject.
'
God of HeavenI'exclaimed Evelina, sinking
to the earth ;he is then a returned convict I'
At length Evelina, with a sad heart, and
distracted and bewildered brain, slowlybent her
Sbe could not utter another word; the blood steps towards the hall, ever and anon Icoking
seemed to rush from her veins to ber head. around to sea whether any person was fol-
Strange andhideous forms fora moment danced lowingher ; for in spite of all that the stranger
before her eyes, and her senses left her. had said to the contrary, she was not without
ber misgivings that he had some evil design
against her; and yet ifsuch had been the fact,
would he not have taken advantage of the

—
CHAPTER XXIIL
THE ANGUISHOFREFLECTION. —
— —
THE SURPRISE.
moment when she was completely powerless to
—
resist him ? It Was evident to all reason that
he would have done so and, therefore, the en-
THE APPOINTMENT. TREACHERY. THE deavoured to banish such thoughts from her
SORROWS OF EVELINA INCREASE.
mind.
When our heroine was restored to sensibility, But would she ever again behold ?iim— would
the sun was shining wiih full meridian splen- he not again appear before her, and enter into
dour, but still an icy chill ran through her frame, a further explanation of the important matters
 152 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.

which he had so ambiguously asserted? She that you should be so greatly sgitated. But this
sincerely trusted that he would, and that he stranger, who can he be, to be so Intimately
would be the means of averting many of the acquainted with all the painful circumstances
dangers with which Bhe was now prooably connected with you ?'
threatened. 'Alis, my dear uncle, I rack my traiuin vain
Her father still living, at liberty, and iu to *form the least conjecture.'
—
bis native laudI How that thought harassed Would that I could Bee him. He must be
and tormented her brain1 what would she not discovered, if pos.ib'e. You say thathis features
have given to have been ab'.e to prove the truth are
or falsehoodof tbat statement ? But it could not
—
repulsive—
1True
his attire mean?'
true ;his appearance indeed is wild
be. Notwithstandingthat an ignominious death aod wretched.'
assuredly awaited him, ifheshouldbe discovered, 'And his age; what does that appear to bet'
Bhe felt convinced tbat her unfortunate father
would run any risk, if be werein England, to
'
asked Mr. Langston.
More than titty years,' answered our
behold her; certain as he must be that both
herself and Mr. Langston would devise every
'
heroine.
And have you never before encountered him
means to conceal him from the officers of the
law, un'il his innocence should be made ap-
'
in any of your walks V
Never.'
parent. 'I am lost in amazement. And I do not
Evelina claspedher hands in agony, aod her remember having ever seen an individual an-
tears flowed last as tbeae thoughts rushed to her swering his description since I have been in

way, in order that she might, in some measure,

'
mind, and Bhe was compelled to pause on her the neighbourhood.'
He may only recently bave come to it, my
recover herself.
She met not a single individual on her way
'
dear uncle,' remarked Evelina.
_.l st true. I ans sorry tbat I was not with
home, . nd when she had arrived at tbe hall, and you, when ha appeared to you ; he might,
entered the parlour, she was bo overcome by ber perhaps,
conflicting feelings, that she sunk in a chair, — '
haverevealed more tome.'
* But my poor father,' ejaculatedEvelina, with
without being ab e to speak a word,and covering a sigh can what hebas stated about him be
her face with her bands, she burst into tears. true?'
Her uncle was surprised and alarmed at this '
'Ibnow not wbat to think,' returned Mr.
display of emotion, and hastenlog to her, and LaDgston. But if jour unfortunate fatherhas
the most earnestanxiety
—
tenderly taking ber hand, he said, in a voice of escaped from transportation and is in England,
what terrible risk does he run, until hiB inn.-
'My dearest Evslina, what ls the meaning of cence is fully established. I tremble for him.
this? What can h_ve occurred to agitate you But still I can scarcely believe this part of the
thus f Tell me, mylove, for I ;
am filled with stranger's statement Bince it appears evident
the utmost impatience and uneasiness until Ithat had It been true, whatever mighthavebeen
'
know.' '
0_, my kind uncle,' Bobbed Evelina, I
tbe consequences, your father would have found
have some meanB of communicating with us, and of
seen and heard that this moruing which has once more clasping you to his bosom. May
greatly added to the anguish which before dis- heaven watch over him, and render him that
'
tracted my miud.'
E_ lain yourself, child,' Bald Mr. Langston
justice which his unmerited sufferings demand.'
Most fervently and with tearful eyes did
with a look of astonishment ; 'for your words Evelina respond to that prayer, and it was
are ambiguous, and only serve to add to my severalminutes before she was able to reaume
suspense and curiosity. Do any fresh troubles theconversation. But vain were allthe conjec-
'
threaten you ? Tell me, I '
beg of you/
Ala?, sir,'answered our heroine, I
tures which she and her uncle endeavoured to
fear they form upon this mysterious and important
do; but I am at a loss to think. lam corn* subject; and the longer theyrefleoted the more
pletely bewildered, amazed, and alarmed. But they became bewildered.
liBttn tome, and I will endeavour to explain to A miserable day did Evelina pass, and Helen,
you the extraordinary adventure I have met with whenshe was made acquainted with what had
this morning, and which has more of the cha- taken place, was equallyinvolved in perplexity,
racter of romance than reality aboutit.' and was unable to offer any opinion which
Mr. Langston took a seat by her side, and after appeared at all reasonable.
Evelina had for a few moments strugg.ed with Mr. Langston became mere anxious than ever
the numerous feelings which held powerful to behold this remarkable stranger, thinkingthat
conflict Inherbos im, she detailed to her uncle he might,probably,be able to elicit fromhim a
alltbe particulars of her meeting and conversa- further explanation;but althoughhemade every
tion with the mysterious stranger. inquiryin tbe neighbourhood, he was unable to
The astonishment with which Mr. Langston discover any one answering his description, and
listened to her, weneed not attempt todescribe ; both he and Evelina were moie involved ia
aud the emotion he evinced was almost equal mystery than ever.
' own.
to her But after a day or two, our heroine resumed
' Most extraordinary,' he exclaimed at last ; her v.'„!k. ; not apprehending any danger, and
had youonly j_st quitted your chamber, my wishing that she might again encounter the
love, I should have been inclined to believe that unknown, and trace some clue to the placeof his
your imagination waa disordered, and under the concealment. Forbiddingeven ashis appearance
influence of some remarkable dream. No wonder was, she did not think that he intended her any
 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD; OR,POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 153
h„rm; and even the hope of eliciting further Dally,hourly, her prayerB were tssered up at the
information as to the fate of her father, entirely shrineof innocent devotion for bis welfare; and
superseded any fears which before occupied her constant were tbe tears she shed for tbe misfor-
mind. But sbe saw no more of him, and she tunes which had befallen him,and tbebitterpangs
was at last compelled to believe tbat she shou Id which, ifbe lived, be was most likely enduring.
never behold him again,but tbat she would he The whole tenour of the letter be bad sent
left in the Barne state of doubt and uncertainty her convinced ber of the ardoor and sincerity
in which she at present was. of tbe attachment he had imbibed for her; and
But could she attend to the stranger's warning neither absence nor circumstance, sbe believed,
and banish Westbourne fromher thoughts? Oh, could ever banish her from hls thoughts. Alas1
no, that was totallyimpossible. His image was bow cruel was the fate tbat had interposed be-
too deeply implanted in her heart for anything tween the union of two beings who were so
ever to remove it; and though shp might never admirably formed to make each other happy 1
behold him again, or te abv to ascertain his Mr. Langston saw plain enough that the
ate, there she was certain lm must remain, passion wbichhad implanteditself in the breast
ntil that heart fchouid ceate to beat for ever. of his niece, for Westbourne Sidley, nothing

EVELINA ACCOSTED BY THE MY9TEHIOU3 STRANGER.

whatever could destroy; and deeplyhe lamented
the annihilation of her hopes, wnich he feared
wouldovercloud all the sunshine of her future
days ;and he dreaded the dangers which might
befal her, if it should please the Almighty to
deprive her of his protection and advice. For
ber sake, he fervently hoped that that event
mightbe yet long deferred; although, from his
advanced age, he could not expect his hopes
would be gratified.
How happy would he hare beencould Erelina
meet with some worthy youth whom she could
love as well as Westbourne, so thathe might see
her united before bis death:but, alas !there
seemed no prospect of tbat. and indeed the dis-
appointment which she aheady experienced
satisfied him that she could never fix her affec-
tions on any other man, at least so ardently as
to consent to become his wife.
He saw also the uncertainty of the site of
Westbourne was preying deeply upon her con-
stitution, and he greatly seared wbat the suture
consequences might proie to be. But now ano-
ther circumstance was about to take place, which
would involve them allin the greatest misery,and
place our heroine in the most imminent danger.
Evelinahad one afternoonreturned from her
ficant look, and whlspeiedInhei "_,
'
—
customary walk, when on Mrs. Snacks opening
the door to her, she drew her aside with a signi-
MayI request you to accompany me to my
room for a few minutes, miss f I have some-

No, 20.
 154 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD;
way to her own
thing to impart to you of the greatest conse- Mrs. Snacks, she made her
apartment.
''
quence.'
To me V said Evelina with surprise.
"
Ha !ha1ha!'loughed the housekeeper, when
' youlittle think how
Yes, Miss,' returned the housekeeper in the she was gone. Poor fool!
and cautious 'Will you be cunnin.lyyou are deceived ; and the snare that
same low tone
pleased to attend me?' is laid to entrap you. Ilthis device fail like the
Evelina nodded her assent, and Mrs. Snacks cleverlyformer one,I am much mistaken. The letter is
led' the way to her apartment. concocted by Lord Sidley, who has forged
ability, that it would
I know not whether I havedone right,miss," his son's hand with suchit,
any one to detect and I haveno doubt
she observed, when she bad closed the door; puzzle
' butI had scarcely time lodeliberate for theperson it will have due eflect upon this inexperienced
very sight of whom I detest. But if
was insuch ahurry, that he departed again be- girl, the
fore I hsd an opportunity of saying ye9 or no. fate does not frown upon us, wo shall shonlyget
her, andI dare say Lord Sidley will take
' allude?' rid
ot
'What person! To whom do you trouble ub again.'
inquired our heroine,impatiently; and wnat is good care ihat she does not
the nature of the business you wish lo sp:ak to Thus saying, the infamous woman laughed
me upon? Piay be explicit.' again with the malice cf a fiend ;and then waited
'I hope,miss, that you will not mention
any- with impatience to see what effect the letter
thing of the circumstance to jour uncle, for I am would have upon Evelina. Stephen
Yes, at the suggestion of Blackthorn
afraid that I should getmyself into sad disgree,
if he were to know it.' this epistlehad been forged by Lord Sidley, and
Snacka for delivery; and the
'Know what!' demanded Erelina, with In- entrusted to Mrs. awaited with impatience tho
creaied eagemess; 'if it is anything roy uncle guilty nobleman
should not bemade acquainted with, I ought not result of the diabolical scheme, while Blackthorn
had made every arrangement ser its completion,
"
to listen to it.'
■
Well then, miss,' said Mrs. Snacks, to come and hadnot the least
doubtin his own mind of
to the point at once, I was standing at the hall its success.
had gained her ownapartment,
door about an hour ago, when a man, whom I When Erelinaknees, with the letter clasped
never remember to have seen before, walked up she sank on her
hands, and for some time was totally ab-
tome in a great hurry, and inquired if Miss inher
Erelina Marsden was at home.' sorbed inthe emotions which so violentlyagitated
Evelina turnedpale, and trembled. her boBom. Then in accents of the utmost ten-
'What sort of a manwas this !' she inquired; derness and gratitude, shereturned her thanks
* and what was his business with me!' to Heaven that Westbourne was Btill alive, and
'He was dressed as a respectable labourer, ferventlyhoped that fortune no longer frowned
" lately done, but
misB,' answered Mrs. Snacks, as to what his so darkly upon him as it had
business was, you shall hear. When I replied in that he might yet live to enjoy every happiness
the negative tohis question,he asked me if Ithat this li e can beBtow.
could keep a secret ;Ianswered that I could, But the letter! ought she to venture to
perhaps,better than moBt women ;whereupon peruse it before she had made her uncle ac-
Prudence
he placeda letter in my hand, which hedesired quainted with the receipt of it ?
me to deliver to you, and to make no one else would have dictated to her to seek his presence
acquainted with it, and before I could put any immediately, and to make him aware of all, and
it; but
more questions to him, he abruptly quitted the the manner in which she had received
spot, and was cut of sight iu an instant.' might it not contain something that Westbourne
' meant for her eye alone! and could she deny
* ejaculated our heroine in a him
A letter to me I'
tremulous voice ; this muet be some miBtake.' wish, now that they were separated
' 'it all from that
each other, and might never meet again?
No,miss,' replied the housekeeper, is
correct enough,and here is tbe letter. But I hope She coold not ;aod rising from her knees, she
you will notbe offended withme, nor say anything prepared to break the seal ;but her hand fal-
to your uncle about it. You may depend upon tered, and a deadlysickness came
over her, and
it, ser my part, that I will be quite silent.' once more the tears gushed from her eyes, so
Evelina took the letter with a tremblinghand, that they completely blinded her. Alas! what
but Bhe had no sooner glanced at the superscrip- dreadful intelligence might not that letter con-
tionthan Bhe uttered a faint scream, and sank vey t WeBtbourne might be ill, dying ;or sur-
into a chair. rounded by some fresh tronbles, even of a more
The superscription on the letter was in the painfulnatute than those he had hitherto expe-
* God ot heaven 1' she ejaculated, unable to rienced.
handwritingof Westbourne.
This thought came with the power of an elec-
" '
control her emotions ; God of heaven, I thank tric shock to her brain,andonce more she fell
Thee ;he is still inexistence or her knees, and pressed the letter to her heart,
There was a peculiar expression of satisfaction as thoughit were something animate that could
upon the countenance of Mrs. Soacks ;but Eve- sympathise 'Almightywith her emotions. '
God 1' 6he ejaculated, Oh, give
lina noticed it not, for her whole attention was
me strength to support with fortitude and re-
absorbed by the letter.
Again andagain she traced the well-known signation, any fatal intelligence that may be
characters, and pressed the letter to her lips ; reserved for me;and mercifully ordain tbat the
and then giving vent to her feelings for a few unfortunate Westbourne may be preserved from
moments, she arose from her seat, and w th (al- every danger.'
teringfootBteps, and without uttering a word to Some minutes elapsed in this manner, when
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 155

6he again arose fromher knees, and endeavoured powerful influence over her heart's warmest
to calm her feelings. affections, and whose misfortunes she firmly
But still her hand trembled when she again believed had been principally incurred for her
prepared to break the seal, and melancholyfore- sake. Oh, no, ahe could not. She would ever
bodings came over her more terrible than she most bitterly reproach herself afterwards, for
could very well support. She faltered to the having inflicted such additional misery and
door, and locked it, to prevent the sudden intru- anguish upon one whom she believed to be the
sion of any cne. very soul ofhonour and virtue. Every line of
Returning to her chaU, and by a strong effort tho letter breathed the fervour of truth and
calling all ber fortitude to her aid on that trying honesty. There was not a syllable contained
occasion, shebroke the seal, and then with eyes which should lead her to suspect the integrity of

words:
—
4 Beauteous
—
bait dimmed by tears she read the following the unfortunate writer's intentions.
*Yes, dear, dear Westbourne, for such my
Evelina! 'Will you pardon heart prompts me to call you/ she ejiculated,
fervently pressed the letter to her lips,
the unfortunate Westbourne Sidley, for onco as ' she meet
more making bs bold as to obtrudehiSseif upon I will yo_, let tbe consequences be what-
your notice and sympathy ? Oh, yes, sweet hope ever they may. My uncle, I am certain, will
whispers to mylacerated mind that you will, for readily pardon me for this dereliction from the
brief as our acquaintance has been, full well _uty I owe him, when he is made acquainted
have I discovered the generous heart that throbs with the feelings that urge me on. Oh, how
to the Almighty who hashitherto
'
within the bosom of EvelinaMarsden.
Evelina, sinceI
thankful am I
have been driven away from preserved the wretched Westbourne from the fate
your presence, I bave sufferedall tbe most poig- into which I feared his misery had plungedhim.
nant feelings of anguish and despair ; and at May fortune 6oon again shed her brightest raya
length Ihave been urged by some instinctive across his path, and release him from tbe fear-
feeling which I cannot control to return to tbe ful difficulties by which he is at present aur-
neighbourhood whicb is graced and honoured by runded.'
your sweet self residing init, withtbe hope tbat, Unable to meet her nnclein her present agi-
if you really feel any commiseration for the tated state of mind, Evelina pleaded a slight
troubles which have so unexpectedly comeupon indisposition,as au excuse for remaining con-
me, you will not refuse me a private Interview fined to her chamber for the rest of the eveniog,
to-morrow eveningat eight o'clock, inthe chest- and sbe was thus allowed freeand uninterrupted
nut avenue, wben I will explain every circum- communion with the thoughts to which this
stance which probably you may feel anxious to important and Interesting event had naturally
know, and whichbave plungedmeinto my pre- given rlBe.
sent misery and despair. It was late before she retired to rest,andthen
1
Most forcibly do I feel the boldness and pre- it was some time before sleep closed her eyelids,
sumption of this request, especially wben Iso busily was hermind occupied with the im«
earnestly deBire (for reasons which probably you poriantevent of the day.
will understand)that you will come alone, and She a* oke at an early hour in tbe morning,
not reveal the seciet of this note to aoy one; just as the sun had begun to gild tbe summits
but too well do I know the charitableness of of the eastern hills. Tbe image of the unfottu-
Eveline's heart to imaginefor a momentthatBhe nate Westbourne Sidley was still uppermost in
will suspect mo cf any dishonourable motives in her thoughts,and the longer she reflected, the
the jtqueat which I make. Heaven forbid tbat more determined was she to meet him at the
I should harbour one thoughtderogatory to the appointed place.
peace of her whomI muBt ever love whilelife As the family had not yet risen, and themorn-
remains, beyond all earthly beings. It is the last ing was fine, she determined to take a stroll in
request I will ever presume to make of Evelina the gardensattached to the hail, hoping that the
Marsden and if it be granted me, it will be my fresh air would reviveand invigorate ber. She
onlyconsolationinmy dreary wanderings,asolace placedthe letter she had received in her
bosom,
to me in thehour of affliction and of death. In and then silently lefther chamber, aud descend-
the chestnut grove, then, to-morrow evening at ing the stairs, she passed out of the hall by tbe
eight o'clock, I shall be anxiously awaiting the back door.
result of my petition, but till then a ray of hope For some time Evelina continued to walk
'
will cheer the despair ot about tbe welllaid out gardens, wrapt in medi-
Westbourne Sidley,' tation upon tbe iemarkab e events which had
We need not, we are sure, attemptto de-cribe occurred within tha last fe* days, and more
met, and
the emotion of Evelina, while Bhe perused this than al the Btianger whom she had
epistle. Deep sobs heaved her gentle bosom, who bad assured her of the existence of her be-
Oh, what agony did
and her tears fell fast, without her having the loved and ill-faied father. the
least power to restrain them. How should she she experience, when she reflected upon
act 1 Her mind shrank from the idea of a secret dreadful situation in
which thatbeloved parent
intsrwiew, and likewise fromthe idea ot keeping was placed, and the awful fate which might
anything concealed from her excellent uncle ; Bpeediiy overtakehim,an escaped co_ victI The
b_t could sbe doubt the honour of Westbourne blood froze within her
vein, at tbe thought,aid
Sidley . Could she refuse this request, so pathe- fervently she offered up her
prayers to the Su-
him, and
tically, so modestly urged ? Aud thi« too might preme Di&po.er of events to protect
to the world. But
probab'y be the last lira. Bhe might bave an make hia iunucence apparent
Wnere
opportunity of beholding hioi who held such where could tbat beloved parent b- ?
 156 EVELINA, THE PALTPER'S CHILD;

could he have concealed himself from tbe antly, 'it is excellent. She will keep the
searching eyes of the myrmidons of the law ? appointment, no doubt, for how can sbe resist
How could hemanage to exist under his pecu- tbe appeal of ber beloved Westbourne? Hal
liar and terrible circumstances I Oh 1 how the ha! hal I Bhall havemy fellows there in readi-
poor girl's heart yearned to see him, to be once ness to receive her at the appointed hour, and
more pressed to his bosom, and to bail him free .this time at any rate Lord Sidley will be
aodu nstigmatlsed withtbe hideous crime which triumphant,and secure the prize he ao much
had been bo unjustly laid to his charge! But covets/ '
who was the stranger she had met, and who 'No doubt of it,' Bald Mrs. Snacks, and we
had given her tbe information t Hehad pro- shallbe rid of this workhouse brat for ever, and
claimed her father's innocence ;therefore, that then to lay siege to tbe well-stocked .oilers ot
showed that he was friendly disposed towards Faol Langston/
1 Right, we know how to deal with him ,his
him. Would that she could behold him again, bave,even if we should have to
that she might solicit some further information gold we must
from him, for probably he was not ignorant of take bis life to gotit.'
his place of concealment. The blood ran cold through the veins of
These reflections distracted the brain of Eve- Evelina, as these dreadful words met her ears,
lina,andmade her, for atime, totallyunconscious and sbe noticed the almost fiendish looks of
of everything around her; but, at length,feeling Stephen and his guilty associate in crime. She
somewhat fatigued, sbe entered a small arbour, could with difficulty repress a scream, but she
which was her favourite place at al) times for controlled her feelingsmuch better than might
rumination, and seating herself, gave free indul- bavebeen expected, and again listened atten-
gence to the conflicting thoughts whicb occupied tively.
hermind. But the conversation wasnow conductedin so
She badnot been longthere, when sheheard low a tone, that she could only catch a word
footsteps approaching, and peeping forth, her here and there, and those were not calculated to
astonishment and curiosity were not a little throw '
any further light upon the nefarionB plot.
excitedto behold walkingthat way,arm in arm, ,' Well,' said Stephen at last, rising, I must
in the most familiar manner, Stephen Black- now leave you. I go to complete my arrange-
deeply ments with the men, and tomake every prepara-
thorn and Mrs. Snacks. They were
engaged in conversation, and the peculiarity of tion for the seizure of the girl this evening.
'
their looks struck Evelina with a feeling fast Good morning.'
approaching to dread. She did not wish them '
Good morning, Stephen,' responded Mrs.
time, I
to discover her there, for she always felt amost Snacks ; to-morrow morning at this
uncomfortable sensation in tbe presence of here.' trust, Evelina Marsden will be far away from
Stephen Blackthorn; she therefore stole into
one corner of the arbour, where she could dis- The two guilty wretches now separated,
tinctly notice all tbat passed, without being Stephen Blackthorn letting himself out by the
observedherself. garden gate, and Mis. Snacks returning to tbe
The two worthies passed by the arbour, hall.
convening in an under tone, but occasionally
laughing loudly, as if the subjact they were
discussing afforded them infinite satisfaction,
and took their seat on a bench beneath the wide
—
—
CHAPTER XXtV.
spreading branches of a venerable oak, ao THE PLOT DEFEATED. VILLANY ENTRAPPED.
THE POCKET-BOOK.
immediately contiguous to the pace where
Evelina was concealtd, that she could distinctly With what feelings of astonishment, horror,
overhear all that passed. and disgust did Evelina listen to this guiliy
Stephen Blackthorn's countenance, and that conversation. How had she been deceived!
of bis companion, exhibited the most malicionB From what a terrible fate had she thus provi-
triumph,and Evelina coulduot help shuddering dentially been rescued. Aod was it possible
with an instinctive seelingof horror and di.gust that Lord Sidley was the projector of all the
as sbe gazedupen them, and invain endeavoured cruel designs againsther 1 he tue father of that
to Imagine what could be the meaning of Ste- amiable Westbourne, whomshe so fondlyloved ?
phen's early visit to the hall, and foi what The idea wasmonstrous. And what miscreants
purpose he and the housekeeper met. were Stephen Blackthorn and the old house-
Her name being mentionedin no very respect- keeper ! How Bhe trembled when she reflected
ful way by Stephen, Evelina's curiosity was upon the words or Stephen, namely, to the
more than ever excited, and she listened to effect that if he could not obtain her uncle's
catch tbe conversation with breathless attention. gold by any other means, he would not hesitate
* Itis acapital forgery,' were the* first words to shed hia blood I It seemed scarcely possible
sbe distinctly heard Stephen speak, and reflects that there should be such monsters in existence.
much credit on Lord Sidley's ingenuity. So It was someminutes ere she could sufficiently
Evelina received tbe letter with avidity, and recover herselftoleavethe arbour ;but at length,
'
seemed to think it a genuine one V with faltering steps, she arose, and making her
She did,' answered hia companion ;the poor way to the hall, entered at the same door from
fool was gulled, I could see in a minute, and which shehad issued forth. She immediately
immediately hastened to her own apartment. Bought her chamber, where, sinking on the bed,
Nothing
' could have been plannedbetter.' ahe remained for some lime totally absorbed in
Ha l ha ! ha !' laughed Blackthorn triumph* thoughts of the most distracting and conflicting
 OR, POVERTY, CRIME, AND SORROW. 157

nature. Then she sank on her knees and to interrupt him;in fact, she was too much
fervently poured forth her gratitude to the Most agitated herself to do so.
High for her preservation from a fate that waB At length Mr. Langston became m.ie com-
too dreadful to think upon. —
posed, and as a sudden thought seemed to flaBh
Nor was the uncertainty she was still left
as to the fate of Westbourne less agonising to
in npon' his brain, he exclaimed*
Ob, it is most fortunate, my Evelina, tbat
her feelings. Her tears slowed fast as this youhappened to overhear this guilty conversa-
reflection rushed upon hermind. tion. The wretches shall be caught in their
But what was to be done in this emergency ? own snares. You shall keep the appointment
be criminal. She was determined to seek the
'
Concealment wasno longer possible; it would this evening, child.'
Keep the appointment, my dearuncle ?' said
presence ofher uncle without delay,and reveal our heroine, with the greatest amszement.
everything to him. 'Yes, Evelina, but Iwill take good care tbat
Having exertedherself to the utmost to regain there shall be tboie at band who shall pounce
some degree of composure, she hastened from upon and seize the villains, just at the moment
her chamber to the apartment in which she of their expected triumph. Iwill instantly go
knew Mr. Langston was to be found. to my friend the justice, and making him
He looked amazed and alarmed on her en- acquainted with all tbe particulars, obtain his
trance, wben henoticed the paleness ofher looks, assistance. You shall go to the place of assigna-
and the agitation of her general domeanour, tion, but closely followed by those who will
especially when she sunk on her knees before protect you from danger. Think you tbat >ou
him, and gazed imploringlyup In his face. He will bavesufficient fortitude to accomplish the
raised her tenderlyand with much anxiety, and task, ' Evelina V
then begged that she would endeavour to calm '
Oh, yes,my dear uncle,' answered our he-
her emotions, and to inform him what it was roine ; but bow will you act towards that bad
that so alarmed her. woman,Mrs. Snacks, ln the meantime V
4 Ob, my dear uncle,' she at lengthejaculated, *
Take no more notice than as if nothing
'how shall Iaddress you? How
your forgiveness V
supplicate
'
unusual had happened,until her guilty accom-
plices are secured,' returned Mr.Langston; and
Mr. Langston started with the most unfeigned I would advise you, my love, to keep our of her
amazementat her words.
' way as mnch as possible during the day, lest
Forgive you, my dear child,' he said; what youshould, by betraying any particular emotion,
can there possibly be that should compel you to excite her suspicions. Your friend Helen will
seek forgiveness from met' be here shortly, I dare say, and you will receive
* For having concealed that from your know- the benefit of her advice andsociety.'
ledge, my dear sir, which might have been Neither Evelina nor ber uncle could partake,
'
productive of the most dreadful consequences,' except but sparingly, of the morning repast,
exclaimed Evelina. Oh, I shudder wheuI think and as Boon as it wasover, the latt r took his
'
of them.* hat and stick and departed to the house of the
For Heaven's sake, what can you mean, magistrate ;and Evelina sat herself down to
EvelinaV
' ruminate upon all thathad taken place, and to
Ihave, my uncle, some fearful facts to prepare herselffor the adventure of the evening,
disclose which will fill your breast with horror. which she could not but hope might have been
But it will not do to hesitate ; there is no time avoided.
to be los'. Listen to me, then, with patience, I Mr. Langstonspeedily made arrangements for
beg of you.' the defeat of the villains, andbad enlisted into

* _
Mr. Langston, overwhelmed with astonish- his service the stnrdylabourersofHelen's father,
* *
ment, drew his chair closer to her, and awaited la addition t a good force of constabulary.
the revelation with the utmost anxiety, but
*
frequently, during Evelina's recital, he inter- The day passed slowly away, evening set in,
rupted her to give vent to his feelings ofresent- and at length the time arrived when it was
ment,disgust, andhorror.
* Good God f he exclaimed, when she had necessary that Evelina should depart on her
* importanttask. She felt unusual courage on
concluded, to what a tale of guilt have Ithe occasion, and her uncle having embraced
been listening. Can it be possible that there her, and givenherhis blessing, she left by the
are such monsters iu the world ! And that back way, in order that the suspicions of Mrs.
miscreant, Stephen, to whom I have been so Snacks might notbe excited.
warm a friend, whom I have fostered in my With hasty steps, she proceeded towards the

designs, and ev_n

—
home, to bethe grand mover in these hideous chestnut avenue,her heart throbbing withexpec-
to contemplate shedding the tation. She arrived there the moon was
blood of his benefactor ! Oh, the villain! But shiningbrightly,but sbe saw no one near the
he is discovered now, and justice Bhall at last spot. Sbe bad not been there many minutes,
overtake him, and hls lordly employer. That however, wk.n she beard a shrill whistle, and
infamous woman, too, whom I have ever treated immediately afterwards she foundherself in the
with so much kindness, and whom I believed to arms of a powerful man, who wore a mask, and
be a very paragon of excellence, oh, Bhe shall surrounded by several otber ruffians, who were
have good cause to repent her brutal and un- masked like himself. Scarcely bad he seized
grateful conduct.' ber, however, when the constables rushed out
The old man paused to give vent to the from their p'ace of concealment, and the man
power of bis emotions, aud Evelinadid not offer who held Evelina was felled to the earth, and
 158 EVELINA, THE PAUPER'S CHILD.
Immediatelysecured. That man was Stephen But a few days more, and it was ascertained
Blackthorn, whose countenance, on being de- that Richard Marsden had also given himself up
tected, evinced the evil passions of a demon, to the officers ofthe law, to take his trial as a
whilehis rage was eo great tbat he could not returned transport. Oh, how vain would it be
give utterance to it.
— for us to attemptto pourtray the ogony of Eve-
A few minutes decided the affray ; several of lina aud Mr. LangBton when they received this
the ruffians were secured otherB fled. Black- intelligence; or to give anythinglike an adequate
thorn was conveyed to prison, and Evelina was idea of the scene which followed when tho father
conducted to the hall, where Bhe was welcomed and daughter met once more afterthe lapse of so
by her nncle with the most unbounded feelings many years within the gloomy walls of a dun-
of delight. In the meantime, Mrs. Sua-ks, who geon. Wa must leave it to the imagination of
by some means or other ha_ been apprised of tbe reader.
what had taken place, had contrived to effect
her escape. Lord Sidley lingered on so? some week*, wb*n
On searching the person of Blackthorn, a hebreathed his last, truly penitent,and conBoied
pocket-book w.s found containing numerous by the presence of his sod, who no sooner beaid
letters from Lord Sidley, fully disclosing their ofthe dangerous situation of the earl, than he
guilt; and also a printedbill, apparently some broke from his seclusion, which bad ooly been a
jea-s old, offeting a reward for the apprehension few miles from the vicinity of the Dark Hal!, and
of a man who had committed a daring highway hastened to his bedside, where amutual recon-
robbery, and the description of whose features ciliation took place.
and person exactly corresponded with those of —
And now tbe day of the three important trials
Stephen, leavingbut little room to dou.t .hatbe arrived ; Stephen Blackthorn was charged with
was the actual!, guilty man. committinga highwayrobbery ten years previous,
to which he pleadedguilty,and was sentenced to
perpetual banishment.

CHAPTER XXV.
STRANGE EVENTS. CONCLU ION.
Towards the evening of tbe day following
ihese remarkable events, a horseman rode up
with breathless baste to tbe door of the Dark
Hall, and requested to see Mr. Langaton imme-
diately ; and on that gentleman making his
appearance, to his utter amazement, the . es-
senger informed him that he came from Lord
Sidley at Sarnscombe, am' delivered into his
hand a letter addressed to him in his lordship's
handwriting. Mr. Langston hastily broke ihe
seal, and persued with wonder the contents.
It stated that a few hours before his lordship
bad been taken suddenly ill, and wasconsidered
in great danger. He also stated that be wasnow
suffering all the pangs of an overburdened con-
science. He fully confessedhis guilty Intentions
towards Evelina, and implored her and her
uncle's forgiveness. Healso acknowledgedthat
although possessed of an ample fortune of bis
own, avarice bad goaded him on to take advan-
tage of tbe favour with which he was viewed by
Mr. Marsden's father, and that he bad forged
the will by *hich he deprived that uufortunaje
man of bis rights, and beinformed him where
tbe real will was deposited. Heconcluded his
letter by once more supplicating forgiveness for
all the injuries hehad done them.
We need not say wbat excitement this letter
caused in tbe minds . f Evelina and her uncle.
In the course of a few days more another i_c-
portart event occurred— a wretched object of
humanity gave himself up as the murderer of
Coonel Ormond, and at tbe same time stating
thathe should be able to. exculpate Richard Mars-
den from any participation in the dime.
Joseph Hecshaw was charged on hiB own con-
fession with the wilful murder of Lieutenant
-
Colonel O/mond, and was convicted on the most
unquestionable evidence, at the same time that
the innocence of Richard Marsden was fully
established.
The unfortunate father of our heroine was
then arraigned at tbe bar, charged with having
been illegallyfound at large iu this country after
having been transported beyond the seas for the
term of hia natural life. The sensation this trial I
excited was immense, and everyone deeply com
miserated the misfortunes of the prisoner. Of
course, the jury could notdo otherwise than find
him guilty,but wiih a strong recommendation to
mercy.
No time was lost; every influence waB em-
ployed, and soccessfully ; in less than a week
Mr.Marsdenreceivedbis mostGracious Majesty's
free pardon, aud was not only restored to tbe
arms of bis beloved daughter, but to the property
of his ancestors, of which tae hadbeen so long
deprived.
Two years elapsed, and in that time the
gloomy past was almost forgotten, and they
all looked forward to future happiness.
Wtstbournehad been received by Mr.Marsden
as thelover of bis daughter ; he forgot the errors
of the father in the virtues of the son ; aud all
the preliminaries beiogsettled, Evelina,once tbe
pauper child, became the Countes Westbourne
Sidley.
Two years afterwards, Helen was united to an
rslicer in the aimy, a mosteBtimable man, and
with whom the experienced every felicity.
Mr. Langs on livedfor mary years a*_tr these
events, ?nd ever blessed the night ef the snow-
storm, which led the little Evelina to the door of
bis own hospitable mansion.

LOUDOU : PBJJJxrD A^D FDILI-HED BY B. LLOYD, S4LISLUU. SQUARE, rLEET-STIirET.