SHADES OF CHARACTER.

CHAPTER I.

Mrs. Groves and Mr. James meet at Abberley House-Mr. James's reflections whilst sitting alone in the library-Mr. James and Mrs. Groves call on Dr. Graham at the Rectory-Character of Mr. and Mrs. Graham-Morning visits of courtesy decried by Mr. James-Mrs. Groves and Mr. James, on their return to the Park, meet Mr. Wilton-Observations from Mr. James respecting Colonel and Mrs. Stanley-The unobtrusive poor recommended as objects of charity by Mr. Wilton-Mrs. Groves, Mr. Wilton, and Mr. James, unite in regulating the establishment at Abberley Park-Their attention to the wants of the poor at the village.

No doubt the reader has often felt the blank after the

departure of a friend. These dear young people went towards the garden, and were enjoying each other's society more completely from this temporary gaiety. The natural quietness of Agnes was strengthened by principle, and the upright mind of Elizabeth had never quite enjoyed those jests which give any one pain; and, though she felt it impossible to avoid smiling at Charlotte's gaiety, there was an indefinable sensation of uneasiness afterwards, which we have no doubt arose from a feeling that she had participated in that which was not perfectly right. Certainly, when we lend our attention to any converse, and seem amused by it, if it is wrong, we partake that wrong. Pardon me, reader, if I pass censure on what is certainly very amusing; but I must refer you to the title of my book, and entreat you to remember, that though I give you characters as they were, yet all my characters are not examples; some are

beacons, and Miss Charlotte Shepperd is one of them. But we will let Dr. Delany speak his opinion.

When they returned to the parlour, they found Dr. Delany sitting with his sister, in that pleasing twilight which was lengthened by the rising moon. They feared they had broken in upon some conversation, and were about to retire; but Mrs. Delany desired them to stay. "We were only speaking of the difference of character between Miss Durel and Miss Shepperd."

Dr. Delany. My sister informs me, that the latter is capable of almost any research; and yet, from a love of talking, she wastes in brilliancy those fires which should light her to useful pursuit, and assist her to descend to the depths of knowledge.

The young people were silent; they did not like to speak: Elizabeth, certainly from principle, deeply implanted by her judicious mother; and Agnes, from that natural suavity and generosity which takes no pleasure in dwelling on the foibles of others. The Doctor had penetrated this, and observed, "I hope you do not think I am at all disposed to an ungenerous criticism of those characters who do us the favour to visit here; but I cannot help marking, with an observing eye, the shades of difference in the varieties of mind: how some are all ear, and others all tongue; how some feel afraid of intrusion, while others think they never can intrude; and, every day, the conviction rises on me, with an irresistible authority, how needful was the word of God to beings so variously erring. With the eye of my mind, I fancy the narrow path, and the multitude blindly pursuing every variety to which fancy leads them: momentarily busy, dissolutely gay, indolently supine, weakly trifling, each one following his peculiar bent; yet all agreed in this'Gone out of the way.' Elizabeth listened with delighted attention; and the inquiring mind of Agnes. Groves was gathering honey from all the remarks of the Doctor, with the most respectful attention.

But we have parted with a very amiable woman, whom we hope the reader will have no objection to follow for

a short interval. Mrs. E. Groves and Peggy reached Abberley Park about three in the afternoon, just as Mrs. Williams had dined; but this good lady was extremely active and attentive in providing refreshment: yet, we must inform the reader, the return of this government to Abberley, though mild, was not in harmony with her wishes; and she said to herself, as she opened her closet of preserves, Half our time now will be spent in making caudle and broths, and sick messes for the folks. I like a little of it; but, really, to be always attending poor people, is rather out of my line. My poor old master used to say, I believe my daughter grudges me every drop of gravy I use, and is thinking how many poor creatures it would comfort if it were diluted."

Mrs. E. Groves was seated quietly in Agnes's pretty boudoir, and as Peggy entered with the refreshment, “I think, child, I should rest here to-day if I were quite sure of an aired bed. You will tell Williams I wish a fire in my room; and mind, Peggy, I depend on you for the airing. I feel fatigued. In the evening, I shall like to speak with Baldwin." "Yes, Madam;" and the ready look of mild obedience accompanied every courtesy. She ate her meal and gave thanks, and rested her peaceful form upon the sofa; and we have no doubt that the angel of benevolence watched near her, for her quiet mind was full of peace with God and good-will towards men. She awoke refreshed; and, while she was taking her coffee, she said, "I should like to see Baldwin now, Peggy." 'He is in the servants' hall, Ma'am." "Fetch him.' The faithful creature obeyed the summons. "Well, Baldwin, I hear Mr. James has been to Abberley, and you understand your business. I have little to say to you, except that I wish the plans of my dear nephew to go forward; and everything to be kept in complete repair: and especially the cottages to be warmly thatched, and closely guarded, in every part, from the inclemencies of the winter. Have you seen anything of Mr. James since his first visit?" "I've not seen him, Madam; but he rode through the turnpike

66

this afternoon, and went on to Norbury the other way. He will be here to-morrow, I have no doubt." I have no right, legally, you know, Baldwin, to meddle with these matters; but, I am certain, the guardians will always give me a voice in all that concerns the poor. Do you know whether there is anything given away at this house now ?" "Madam, I know nothing; nobody tells me nothing; and I ask no questions. I am a great man out of doors, Ma'am; but in doors, Ma'am, I'm nobody." "You do not live here ?" 66 No, Madam; I've never lived here since my master died." "Where do you live ?" "At present I only lodge, Ma'am: the farmhouse to which I am removing is repairing; and, though I look so stout, I'm getting old, Ma'am, and am as much afraid of getting cold as a fine lady. There's Mrs. Somers's apartment, you know, to be done." Mrs. E. Groves looked up; she did not understand this. 66 Perhaps, Ma'am, you haven't seen Mr. James since Mrs. Stanley's marriage ?" "No." "When he was here last, he was desirous I should live on the estate; and so the untenanted farm is repairing for me and Mrs. Rebecca Somers." "That is a very good plan, indeed.-Have you any sheep on the estate ?" "Yes, Madam; great plenty." "You know nothing, perhaps, of the arrangement within doors-whether they are on board wages, or what ?" "No, Madam, I know nothing; therefore I can say nothing." "Very well; I shall see Mr. James to-morrow, I dare say.-You have not heard of anything being given away ?" "No, Madam; I believe that all which has been given away here for the last five or six years I might venture to pay for; it would n't hurt my estate. Dear me, though! I forgot: if you please, Madam, I don't promise to pay for all the dinners that have been given away to the great folks and their servants, nor for all the corn that their horses have eat. No, Ma'am; I only covenant to settle for the poor." Mrs. E. Groves was silent: she never spoke of her niece except to her daughter, and that was with the utmost tenderness; or on her knees, when she prayed for her change of heart.