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THE DAVENEISiOR,

A CAMPAIGN OF FASHION

IN DUBLIN.

First follow Nature, and your judgment frameBy her just standard. " * "

Whoever thinks a faultess piece to see,Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er will be.In every work regard the writer's end.Since none can compass more than they intend ;And if the means be just, the conduct true,Indulgence, 'spite of trivial faults, is due." Pope.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

LONDON:HENRY COLBURN, NEW BURLINGTON STREET.

1829.

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L :

lA P r S S

S

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TO

HIS GRACE

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON,

WHO, AS A

HERO AND A LEGISLATOR,

COMMANDS THE ADMIRATION AND ESTEEM OF HISCOTJNTRY,

AND OF MANKIND,

THIS LITTLE WORK

IS MOST HUMBLY DEDICATED BY

THE AUTHOR.

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PREFACE,

The desire of putting a Preface to one'^s book,

is, I believe, common with most authors; riot

considering that the reader cares not for you or

your motives ; and that, whether you are "com-elled

by hunger and request of friends,'' or

seized with the love of fame, " that last in-irmity

of noble minds,'' or a fit of idleness "

or of diligence " any or all of these incitements

do not weigh a jot with the critic who yawns

over your performance.

But one owes it to oneself to explain one's

reasons and so forth, just as the members lately

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VI PREFACE,

converted to the catholic persuasion conceived

themselves bound to expatiate on their reasons,when they were asked merely for their votes.And on consideration, I do not think I will

give any motives for this publication, but con-entmyself with confessing that it was written

to be published, and published to be read.

One observation also I must make. I havemade so few allusions to the political state ofIreland, that they might probably pass unno-iced;

but as they are accompanied by someremarks of a personal nature, I feel myselfcalled upon to say, that the work was written

while Ireland was agitated, and the greaterpart of her population discontented and angry ;and that the foreboding of evil into whichI

was betrayed, by that unhappy state ofthings, was, I hope, excusable. Most truly

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PREFACE. Vll

do I rejoice that it has been averted by the

wisdom and magnanimity of one party, and

the good sense and good feeling of the other.

To have anticipated such a blessed termination

to this " foul debate" would have demanded

more than human foresight. Even the signs

of the times were unfavourable. The height

to which revengeful passions had risen on one

side, had excited a fixed and angry spirit of

resistance on the other ; and a contest, horrible

in its results, seemed inevitable. What less

than the dove-like spirit of God, moving overthe troubled face of things, could have allayedthe ferment, and " out of evil brought forth

good .?"

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ERRATA TO VOL. I.

Page 90, line 11, for performers read performer,

"

151,"

12, omit I think.

"

153,"

17, omit but.

"240, " 10, for arranged read arrayed.

"

244,"

12, for a Tamable read a I'aimable.

"

268,"

9, for tuille read tulle.

"

282,"

20, for history read mystery.

ERRATA TO VOL. IL

Page 24, line 10, for and passed read and had passed.

"

72,"

10, for pendent read prudent.

"

108,"

9, the ivords meet this person should he in italics.

"118,

"

12, for by read under.

"

152,"

12, for were read where.

"

188,"

13, before with what face insert and.

"

224,"

3, for consequently i^ead consequent.

"

232,"

19, for Mrs. Wykeham read Mr. Wykeham.

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THE DAVENELS.

CHAPTER I

And all this tract that fronts the falling sun,A noble peer of mickle trust and powerHas in his charge, with temper'd awe to guideAn old and haughty nation." Milton.

Every one knows that the Irish are the most

easily excited to enthusiasm of any people inthe world. I do not speak of that lasting fervourwhich leads to great deeds, but of a more im-etuous,

but short-lived feeling, which blazeslike stubble and then expires, leaving scarcelya wreck behind. Such a species of enthusiasmis excited generally once every five years, that

being the usual period for the. arrival of a newLord-Lieutenant at the castle of Dublin; and

VOL. I. B

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I THE DAVENELS.

what with new aid-de-camps, new liveries,andnew hangings, the whole town is in an uproar,and stands tiptoe on expectation. The shopsare suppHed afresh, though already overstockedwith goods, and the starving manufacturers areinduced to bear starvation a little longer,by thehope of employment arising out of the newchanges at the vice-regalcourt.

At the time we are about to treat of, theirExcellencies had been arrived about three

months, but had lived in a sort of eastern se-lusionup to the exhibition of a drawing-room ;

when, for the first time, they were to gladdenthe curious eyes of the fashionable world at

large : though a few of the highest rank hadbeen propitiatedby previous dinners, with a viewto conquer the reluctance which those who havebeen presented at the court in London alwaysbetray, to going through the ceremony at thatof the viceroy.

The first sign of life exhibited, was on theoccasion of the Lord-Lieutenant's first levee.

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THE DAVENELS.

which, from the almost unprecedented crowd,was called by one of the witlings with whichDubhn abounds, the levy en masse. His Excel-ency

had professed himself the friend of allparties and favourer of none " a declarationcalculated to disgust both ; as favour, not jus-ice,

is the object of all who enroll themselvesunder the banners of party. But fortunatelyforthe viceroy'spopularity,each gave him creditfor opinions more congenial to their own. TheCatholics, willingonce more to augur some goodto their cause, whispered that he was wellknown to lean that way : while the ultra Pro-estants

declared loudly that he was a staunchfriend to the Protestant Ascendency. He, mean-hile,

thought more of his "30,000 a-year, andsuch portion of patronage as the English cabi-et

allowed him to retain, than of the views orwishes of either party.

But what have novel-writers, or novel-readersto do with party, and party-spirit?rom this mo-ent

we disclaim the word " the thing. Waveb2

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4 THE DAVENELS,

we, therefore, all the feelingswhich they denote,or excite, and commencons par le commencementfie notre histoire : the first scene of which takes

place in the spacious and showy suite of rooms,where, under a canopy, stood the graciousand very handsome representativesof royalty;receiving in rapid succession all the rank,fashion, and beauty, then assembled in Dub-in

: and if in the two first of those requisitesofa court, Ireland must yield to the metropoUs ofthe Empire, it cannot be denied that in thelast the daughters of Erin may challenge theworld for competitors.

The new aid-de-camps were the subject ofsome speculationamongst the knowing mothersand chaperons. Two of them were honourables,and though but younger sons, were of highfamilies, and each was reported to be heir inreversion to the estate of a collateral branch "

or the elder brother was said to be in bad health

" or not likelyto marry, owning to a disappoint-entin love, poor young man " or he was deep-

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THE DAVENELS. 5

ly attached where marriage was not likely tofollow " or, in short, any thing but the truth.A third was a young baronet, whose estate wasexaggerated, and his debts unknown: thefourth was plain Captain Villiers. But if hisname gave no expectations, his appearancesoon excited a very general spirit of enquiryamongst the younger part of the female world,made, however, with that air of perfectindif-erence

which young ladies can throw into the

countenance and manner when they wouldask questions,merelyfor information. CaptainVilliers came clearer out of the trial than the

enquirershad dared to flatter themselves, thoughslow was the progress towards the truth : each

fair inquisitorbeing more disposed to keep toherself than to circulate whatever she coulddiscover of the birth, fortune, and expectationsof our hero. Notwithstanding this deep arti-ice

on the part of so many. Captain Villiers'squahfications could not long remain a secret,and it was soon pretty generally understood

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b THE DAVENELS.

that he was the eldest son of the late Lord

Henry Villiers, who was a younger brother ofthe Duke of St. Evremond ; but the duke'snext brother had left a son, before whose namein the peerage the enviable star was placed,which marked presumptive heirship; not mar-ied

certainly; but to assume that a young manof four-and- twenty was to remain single all hisdays, was a flightof imagination not to be in-ulged

in. Several, however, mothers as wellas daughters, were contented to take CaptainVilliers as he wa". Such a high connexion,and an English connexion, was not to be re-ected;

one could not say what might happen^and he was sure of gettingon in the world.

It is a melancholy truth, that Dublin has,since the Union, sunk into a mere garrisontown, in which the young ladies depend almostwholly for fashionable partners, whether for thedance or for life, upon the influx of officersfrom England. But the officers themselves, in-ending

to meet but half those expectations.

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THE DAVENELS. 7

land on her syren shores, clad in a completepanoply of worldly prudence, derived from theadvice of mothers, the forewarning of formerregiments, and the well-known fate of some in-ividuals

of more fashion than fortune, who,having been caught by the beauty and naivemanners of some portionlessfair one, were nowadding; to the throno; of English fashionablesabroad for want of money to enjoy the expen-ive

comforts of their own country.It must be owned that Dudley Villiers had

weighed but very little the hackneyed argumentsagainst making an Irish match; being guarded,as he thought, more securely by a completedislike of any shackles, until years and know-edge

of the world should enable him to choose

a wife. What a misapplied word ! As if anyman chooses a wife. Know, fond man, there isno choice left for you. She falls to you asnecessarilyas the card which the juggler hasfixed on, while he seems to lay the whole packat your disposal.

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8 THE DAVENELS.

*' Besides," said Villiers, " I cannot afford to

marry ; sothat settles the point." He had not

calculated whether he could afford to fall inlove. It may seem that I am betraying myhero too soon ; but as he would be a rare hero

indeed, if he did not fall in love, I beheve Ihave not anticipated the conjectures of myreader, by hinting that mine did not escape thecommon lot of mankind.

The drawing-room of the evening on whichI begin my story, has been so well described inthe newspapers of that day, that it would besuperfluous to dwell now upon the details.The urbanity of their Excellencies, the beautyof the ladies, the abundance and excellence ofthe refreshments, or the length of the LadyMayoress's tabinet train. Indeed it wouldhave been unpardonable in her to have stintedin that article, as the Lord Mayor, who was awarm-hearted, liberal old man, desired her tochoose the handsomest and richest of thoseembroidered in gold, which his wareroom con-

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10 THE DAVENELS.

But, as the drawing-room is open to all per-onsof a certain rank, however ungraced by

fashion, there is to be met there a still lowercircle than the genteelerprivate societywouldacknowledge ; and here I must describe what Iconceive to be the relative positionsof these cir-les

; and, if it was not wholly unprecedented,I should accompany the descriptionby an en-raving

to illustrate my meaning, I am also de-erredby an apprehension that such an engrav-ng

might be mistaken for a lesson in astronomy,and so frighten away those dear young readers,who have left those lessons too recently torelish the view of any thing which could recallthem.

The circles then are not enclosed one withinthe other

; they may better be represented aspiled one above the other, forming a pyramidof circles;the highest being much the smallest,and the upper disk of the second encroachinga little on the lower disk of the first,the thirdinvading in like manner upon the second, and

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THE DAVENELS. 11

SO down to the lowest. With the lowest, how-ver,the first can have no intercommunication,

except at the Castle entertainments, wherethey are compelled, not only to breathe thesame atmosphere, but sometimes to come inabsolute contact with them, when endeavouringto approach the well-covered tables of refresh-ent.

Great is the care of the exquisiteonsuch occasions to seem unconscious of the ex-stence

of the unhallowed vulgar one, and mostgrating to the feelingsof all the ascendancy, tosee how unconscious the new Lord and LadyLieutenant seem of those shades of distinction,and how cordially his Excellency receives aCatholic barrister, or how politelyher Excel-ency

enquires of his wife, how long she has been

in town ? One lady, whose large family, andthe professionalduties of her husband keptalmost constantly in Dublin, very innocentlyanswered, te?i years, madam.

But the scene, though like the world it in-olvesits heart-burnings,its disappointments,

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12 THE DAVENELS.

and its repinings, has, like the world also, its

gaieties,its hopes, and its excitements, for theyounger part of the crowd ; and all went home,if not equally pleased, yet nearly equally tired ;and many of them to return to it on the fol-owing

Thursday, when a ball and supper wereto be held by her Excellency. To this, allwho had graced the drawing-room could notbe invited ; and the feelingsof those who werenot, differed materially, it may be supposed,from those of the chosen : but so ingenious ishuman nature in finding out causes of unea-iness

for itself,that even some of the favour-dpersons were discontented, because they

conceived that too great an alloy had beenadmitted of the baser metal. Still the ball was

gay and pleasant. The great number of brightmilitary uniforms which enliven the balls atthe Castle of Dublin, are far more showy thaneven the ribbands blue, red, and green, withtheir appropriate stars, which decorate thoseconducted into the royalpresence : and, as the

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THE DAVENELS. 13

season is there of shorter duration than in

London, and the dissipation,even for the time,is less intense, the young ladies have, it mustbe allowed, a purer bloom, and less languidspirits. All further comparison would seeminvidious j for what place can cope with Lon-on,

in the riches, rank, and numbers whichcompose its society?" and where those abound,accomplishments and cultivation of mind willreceive a higher polish than a provincial ca-ital

can give.The crowd was immense: dancing com-enced,

and Cupid hovered around, but foundno moment favourable for his purposes; or hisshafts fell harmless

" turned aside sometimes

by an impenetrably well-stuffed coat, formedlike an ancient breast-plate or, though sentfrom the lipsof Hebe, the sounds emitted bythose lips betrayed the subdued accents ofConnaught or Tipperary, and were repelled bythe fastidious ears to which they were ad-ressed.

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14 THE DAVENELS.

The most provoking circumstance of theevening, and one vi^hich excited a general feel-ng

of disapprobation,(though it was a kindof union in partition,)was the airs CaptainVilliers was said to give himself. He paid noattention to any lady ; and even when con-ersing

with men, there was a coldness, a stiff-ess,which vi^as not by any mea'ns prepossess-ng.But, however provoked, the young ladies

were not to be intimidated by such a manner,especiallyn such a man ; nor were there want-in "" devices to charm him into the circle of

gaiety. We need not enumerate the personswho failed ; it would wear out the alphabet.Lady A , Mrs. B , Miss C ; but,Mrs. O'Brien will serve as a specimen. Hav-ng

most successfully married off her threeeldest daughters, she now brought out herfourth ; a pretty looking girl,with an air of in-ocence

and ignorance of the world, whichwere to be very attractive. She was dressedwith great simplicity; and had the appearance

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THE DAVENELS. 15

of having outgrown her clothes : she was per-etuallypulling them up on her shoulders,

which would, in spite of her efforts,make theirappearance; and her petticoats were rathershorter than the fashion demanded. Mrs.O'Brien affected to scold her for her little awk-ard

ways; and frequently occupied herself insettling some part of her dress ; her daughterlooking all the time as if she was unconsciouswhat her mother was about, and talking overher shoulder to some one behind her. Mrs.O'Brien would then say to any man near her," I declare, that child no more knows how sheis dressed, or what to put on ! if I did notwatch her, I really believe she would go outhalf naked." A gentleman to whom she saidthis one evening, remarked, that her mother'scare seemed to be thrown away.

Mrs. O'Brien was piqued to conquer CaptainVilliers's reserve. She addressed the chamber-ain,

with whom she was intimate : " Pray,

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16 THE DAVENELS.

does Captain Villiers mean to stand all nightlike a stick, without dancing ?"

The chamberlain smiled, for it was a part ofhis office to smile, whenever a lady spoke tohim ; but answered in a confidential tone, " I

reallydo not know " but, I am inclined to thinkhe has not engaged himself to dance ; perhapshe may in the course of the evening."

*' Do now," said she in a coaxing tone, "justask him, would he hke to dance?" and, glanc-ng

back at her daughter, " you can offer topresent him you know."

The chamberlain, who was not unused tothese delicate commissions, merely gave hera look expressive of the tenderest friendship,and then took a circuitous route to where Vil-iers

stood. He passed him a few steps, speak-ngto various persons as he went ; then, as if

he suddenly thought of it, he turned back tohim, and Mrs. O'Brien could perceive that hespoke ; and that in consequence of something

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18 THE DAVENELS.

ness:" and following Mrs. O'Brien and her

daughter, and not waiting for the form ofintroduction, which he thought could not be

necessary with an Irish girl, he bowed, first

to the mother, and then asked Miss Mirandato dance. She twisted and writhed like a

child that is uncertain whether to accept the

toy that is offered it, until her mother said," You may dance, my dear, with Captain Har-

dynge." He was a tall, fair-haired, gentle-anly-looki

young man, with a very ani-ated

manner ; and he and Miss Miranda goton, as the phrase is, amazingly. Mrs. O'Brienthen walked about, telling every one how con-ounded

poor Miranda was at Captain Har-

dynge's admiration ; and nobody believed her,

though nobody had the rudeness to tell her

so.

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19

CHAPTER II.

Yet to the beauteous form he was not blind,Tho' now it moved him as it moves the wise. " Byron.

Amongst the persons of fashion whom the

prospect of amusement had brought to Dub-in,were Mr. and Lady Hortensia Davenel, and

their two daughters. The eldest had alreadyseen two seasons in Dublin, and some of theLondon world the summer before; and hadspent three years in Paris with some relations :and the whole family had spent the last sum-er

on the Continent : and being connectedwith some of the first families in Ireland, were

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20 THE DAVENELS.

qualified to form part of the more immediateCourt or Castle circle. The second daughter,Frederica, was formed by nature to be theornament of society; but, it is too certain,that nature, which has so large a share in theeducation of young persons in Ireland, cannotbestow that charm de convenarice, called tour-

nure, which it would be difficult to define, butwhich all persons conversant with the heaiimonde, discern at a glance. Frederica wasnaturally graceful ; but to be naturally anything, is not sufficient in these times, of whatMrs. Malaprop might truly call higenuiti/andartifice;yet, it would be hard to define whatshe wanted : perhaps, there was rather a re-undancy

" her manners might be too gracious,from a dispositionto obhge, which no com-erce

with the world had as yet chilled intoselfishness. That she was beautiful, was al-owed

by all who had seen her in the domesticcircle, where alone she had as yet moved ; andmany said it was a pity to take her out until

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THE DAVENELS. 21

she went to London. But Mr. Davenel's Irishheart would not permit this abandonment ofhis native land ; and Lady Hortensia, whosefather, the late Earl of Poyntstown, had livedin splendid hospitalityat his fine place in thenorth of Ireland, shared the feelings of herhusband ; and, as her girlishdays had knownno higher festivitythan Dublin at that timeafforded, she did not like to have the schemeconsidered as inferior to any degree of merit.But it was not thought necessary to presentmore than one daughter at the drawing-roomof the present year. Frederica was but littlemore than seventeen, and might go into societyfor a year at least, without that exhibition.The fame of her beauty, however, or perhapssome mistake of the chamberlain, was thecause of Lady Hortensia receiving a card forherself and the Miss Davenels ; and as Frede-ica

was to appear at other places, there couldbe no objection to her going to the Castle.There was a little triumph too in her being

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22 " THE DAVENELS.

invited without the trouble of a presentationand she was considered by all impartial ob-ervers

there as unrivalled in beauty and grace.But it is no longer the fashion for a he-oine

to refuse coronets by the score, the mo-entshe makes her appearance; and none

was offered to Frederica, though more than oneyoung lord-expectant had the happiness ofdancing with her. Sir Martyn Saunders, theyoung baronet we mentioned, was also amongsther partners, and even paid her particularat-ention;

but it was only because she seemedlikely to be the fashion ; for nil admirari,might have served for his motto. He did notsuppose she had fortune enough to contenthis creditors ; and he was grown cautious eversince a mistaken speculation on that subject,had involved him in the disagreeable neces-ity

of jiltinga young lady of rank in Eng-and.

Dudley Villiers was not disposed to disputeFrederica's claims to beauty, and even to a

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THE DAVENELS. 23

certain degree of elegance ; but he felt nodesire to enter the Usts with the crowd. He

had seen too much of the world to think beauty(and he was sure she possessed nothing else)the chief requisite in a woman ; and it wassafer as well as easier to talk with some married woman, who though neither very youngnor very handsome, was fashionable, knew theLondon world, and would talk and save himthe trouble of doing Vaimahle.

He stood for a considerable time near LadyClara Reeve, who sat with her back towardshim, but talked to him incessantlyover hershoulder. As Frederica passed near her, sheput up her glass,and said aloud : ** She is veryhandsorne, certainly;she has not been so muchover praised,as country beauties generallyare :her aunt. Lady Poyntstown, did so talk of her,that I was preparing for a disappointment."

" Her sister is a nice girltoo," said Villiers.*' Yes " I remember seeing her in Paris with

the Foyntstowns. I assure you, she was very

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24 THE DAVENELS.

much the thing : I wonder they did not keepher there ? Don't

youdance ?"

"I'll wahz with you, if you'll do me thehonour."

" And you won't be presentedto the beauty ?"said she, risingand preparingfor the waltz.

" I may, in time," said Villiers ; ** but I feelso awkward, when I am first presented to a veryyoung lady."

*' Yes, you are very awkward indeed \ I giveyou credit for that pieceof modesty."

" I assure you, I am in earnest. What can

one talk to her of, before she has seen anything? and comphment is dangerous ground."

" Oh ! if you must compliment ; but I don'tthink that is your foible."

" One never dreams of paying comphmentsto a woman of sense."

" 1 am to thank you then for the impliedcomphment, in never flatteringe."

*' You would think me a coxcomb if I did,"said Villiers; though he knew very well she

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26 THE DAVEN ELS,

" Oh ! he brings whom he hkes." Just thenMrs. O'Brien came up,

and said, in an affectedtone, to Lord Annamult, *' Do you know where

my Miranda is?" " but, before he had time toprofess his ignorance, she added : *' I am soafraid of her behaving foohshly in so novel ascene to her " 'tis mighty foohsh to bring girlsout so young."

She passed on, and Lord Annamult laughed,and said to Frederica : " At that rate, 1 am

come out at a very tender age; for Miss Mi-anda

and I used to be measured when we wereboth seven years old, to try which was thetallest ; and there will be some dancing at Ard-laken next August, to celebrate my coming ofage; however, I'll not 'peach."

Mrs. O'Brien sought her Miranda in everygroupe of men in the room ; and at length,finding her waltzing with great zeal, with anofficer, her mind was more at ease, and shehalf laughed, as she told her sufferingsto thosenear her.

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THE DAVENELS. 27

'' What a retired, backward sort of man thatCaptahi VilUers is," said she: *' I don't thinkhe has been presented to a girlsince he cameto Dubhn."

** That is a provoking quality in him," saidMiss Annesley ; " perhaps he expects the young-ladies to be presented to him."

Miss Annesley and her younger sister hadbeen going out some years, and the eldest hadenergy, and decision, and independence of cha-acter.

Their mother was dead, and having nofemale relation, whom they wished to invest\\\i\\ the office of chaperon. Miss Annesleyboldly assumed the privilege of a married wo-an,

to which she good humouredly said heryears entitled her, and with her sister she went

into society under the protection of her o.vnexperience.

" He '11 expect long enough," said Mrs.O'Brien, ** before my child shall be presentedto him. But if I could see him speaking to

c2

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28 THE DAVENELS.

any one I know, Vd have him presented tomyself, and I'd give him a card for Monday.One doesn't care, you know, provided a manlooks well in a ball-room."

" Indeed," said Miss Annesley, " he'd lookwell I fancy anywhere ; and, as you say, noball-room can look the worse for his being init."

Then going up to Lady Hortensia, Mrs.O'Brien said : " My dear Lady Hortensia, Ihope I shall see you, and both your prettydaughters on Monday." Lady Hortensia wasbeginning an evasive reply, but Mrs. O'Brienstopped her, saying, *' Indeed now, that mustnot be one of your stay-at-home evenings.I assure you, I expect their Excellencies, atleast all the Household ; and, believe me, thereis no one I should be so sorry to miss as you ;always excepting Lady Poyntstown, who youknow I was always so fond of. Indeed, I'mquite a fool about her."

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THE DA YEN ELS. "29

" How needless to particularize,"whisperedMiss Annesley to Lord Annamult ; " yet thereis method in her follytoo."

" That Captain Viliiers, that they all thinkso handsome," said INIrs. O'Brien, '* strikesme as an odd looking man. Do you know,I am told he laid a wager when he was comingto Ireland, that he would not dance, or speakto a girlwhile he staid in Dublin."

** That is insufferable," said Miss Annesley," if I thought that was the case, I 'd attackhim myself."

** He has lost his wager already," said LordAnnamult, '* for I heard him say very to LadyIsabella Floyd."

" I am sure I don't know why he should

give himself more airs than the other aid-de-amps,"said Mrs. O'Brien, " they all dance.

I never saw a more gentlemanlike young manthan Captain Hardynge," and she went toanother groupe.

As soon as supper was over, Lady Hortensia,

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30 THE DAVENELS.

who never staid late any where, announced toher party her intention of going home, andbeing collected from the different parts of theroom, the Davenel-party, well shawled andtippeted, proceeded down the stairs.

Henrietta Davenel had spent her eveningmuch to her satisfaction; she had danced witha marquis ; a circumstance she told Mr.Davenel with an important toss of her head.She was handsome, with a decided air of fa-hion;

but the soul which illumined Frederica's

countenance, was wanting in her sister's." Henrietta," said LaSy Hortensia, after the

party were in the carriage, " who was yourlast partner?" the little boy? You should neverdance with a boy, you are too tall for that."

"

Mamma," said Henrietta, '* that was theMarquis of Claversham;" but she did not sayit with all the spiritwith which she had an-ounced

it to Mr. Davenel.

Frederica laughed, and said : "I was nearsaying he was very small to be a marquis."

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THE DAVENEL3. 31

" He might be called a marquisette," saidMr. Davenel ;

" bat small as he is, 1 am afraidhe will never be taller, for I am told he hasfinished his studies at Oxford."

Henrietta did not like to lose the feather

she had gained, by dancing with the littlemarquis; but not knowing what to say forhim, she made the usual remarks upon theheat, the crowd, and the mixture of ranks

always to be found at the Castle parties." I hope you had a pleasant ball, young

ladies," said their attendant, as she helpedthem to undress; ** but, my gracious! how onthe earth did this happen?" looking at theusual and unavoidable discoloration of their

iiounces.*' Very easily, I should think," said Miss

Davenel. " Remember, that we have beendancing, Harris."

** Why, then isn't it a shame for themhousemaids at the Castle not to sweep the

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32 THE DAVENELS.

floors better. Them flounces that 1 put onwith my own hands, so new and clane "

Finding, however, that she could not exciteeither indignation or concern, she changed hersubject, and said : '* And how was the MissLennoxes drest? they have but an unhandydoll of a maid. I am told they pay mints ofmoney to the dressmakers."

" They were very fine, I assure you," saidMiss Davenel.

" For all that, I dare say they were n't asmuch admired as ye both j to say nothnig ofMiss Frederica."

Henrietta loved her sister, but she could notbehold the striking beauty of her face andfigure, and the effect they produced, with-ut

some female alarm ; while Frederica

would not allow herself to enjoy the superiority,and was reallypained by any preference shownto herself. Mrs. Harris seldom failed by herremarks to annoy both sisters, while she hoped

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34 THE DAVENELS.

ploding some of the ill humour which two

hours of solitude by their fire had engendered.

Seeing, however, that no explanation, as she

would have called it, was likely to take place,

she began to retreat, muttering as she slowly

opened and closed the door :"

" A person may put their eyes upon sticks,

and after all get no thanks for it ; but its

always the way, when people " "c. "c.

The rest was lost in the distance, as she re-ired

to her own room.

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35

CHAPTER HI.

In various talk, the iustnittive hoars were pass'd,Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last." PuPi:.

The next day, between four and five o'clock,as Sir Martyn Saunders was riding up thenarrowest part of Nassau-street, he met theHonourable Reginald Wharton, one of hisj'rhescVarmes, and though they lived too muchtooether to feel any want of each other's society,yet each hating to ride alone, there was an im-ediate

draw up; and " where are you goingto?" and, *' where are you?"

"I am going to call on Lady somethingDavenel," said Sir Martyn. *' I danced withone of the daughters last night."

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36 THE DAVENELS,

" I believe I danced with one of them/'said Wharton. " I

suppose I had better gowith you." On turning round, his horse, al-eady

impatient at the pause amidst the throngof carriages and horses, plunged, kicked acarriage which was drawn up at a shop nearthem, and splashed the ladies within, whoseexclamations of horror, expressed in strongDublin accents, were wholly disregarded bythe courteous aid-de-camps ; they, unconsciousor indifferent,rode on towards Merrion Square,and continued their conversation. ** Whichof the Miss Davenels did you dance with ?"said Wharton.

" With the prettiest."*' Aye " she would be the prettiest,ut she

has not as much iourjiure as her sister."" I am afraid that is her least want," said

Sir Martyn. " I believe they are both poor."" Poor or rich is all the same to me," said

Wharton. " I am too poor myself to think ofeither of ihem ; but when one must dance, it

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THE DAVENELS. 37

is more agreeable and creditable to dance witha pretty girlthan with an ugly one."

" The eldest is handsome too," said Sir

Martyn, " and has what you admire, tournure,and all that sort of thing ; and by the way,"as if a sudden thought struck him, " whyshould they be poor? I never heard of anybrother ; and if the estate is not entailed, theymust be heiresses."

" Who knows any thing about Irish estates,"replied Wharton ; *' debts and lawsuits swallowthem all up."

Sir Martyn could get no information in thisquarter. On coming to Mr. Davenel's, two ofthose ragged imps, who besiege every door inDubhn, started up with an offer to '* houldtheir honour's horses," which was accepted ;both the aid-de-camps having been long enoughin Dublin to know they might rely on the goodfaith and care of those itinerant grooms; whoare, in fact, idle only for want of employment,

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38 TME I) A YEN ELS.

and are ever oq the watch for an accidental jobv"'hich will procure them a few pence.

Having ascertained that Lady Davenelwas at home, the gentlemen entered the draw-ng-room.

Wharton was tall and slight; andthough not even approaching to handsome,looked like a gentleman : but not even the gayuniform of an aid-de-camp could divest SirMartyn of a certain je ne sais qiioi which na-ure

usually impresses on a postillion. Hisround bullet of a head, slightly covered withreddish hair, and the concomitant foxy whiskersand eyebrows, gave nn air commiui to his in-xpressi

countenance.

Lady Hortensia and Miss Davenel were bothseated, apparently at some idle employment,and both very elegantly dressed. The gentle-en

were courteously but ceremoniously re-eived; and having ascertained that Frederica

and Mr. Davenel were gone out on horseback,thev endeavoured to be contented. Miss Da-

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THE DAVENELS. 39

venel fell to the lot of Sir Martyn. Wharton,

being perfectly indifferent whether he took themother or daughter, turned to Lady Hortensia,and the usual laborious kind of light conver-ation

took place ; each person endeavouring tosay something, which though not absolutelyfoolish,might, without compromising the speakeras a wit, have appeared in the public prints thenext day.

"' Do you go to the review to-morrow ?"" I don't know. I fear we shall be tired

after Lady Rosstrevor's bail."'* Oh! is it a ball?"*' I fancy so. She generally gives one about

this time of the year."*' How hot it was at the Castle last night,"

said Lady Hortensia, wishing to say soniethi no-new.

*' O mamma," said Miss Davenel, '' the heathere is not worth mentioning : recollect how wefelt it in London in the month of June. I am

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40 THE DAVENELS.

sure one night, at the Duke of Devonshire's, I

thought I should have fainted."This gave a sudden spur to Sir Martyn's

ideas. He might now speak of London, theballs, the opera, Almacks, The Lady did notshrink from the subject. She had been at all ;and her aunt Poyntstown had been at Almacksone particularnight when the Duke of Welling-on

was refused admittance after the canonical

hour ;" but that was long before she went out ;but her aunt had told her what a fuss it had

made." Do their Excellencies go to the theatre

soon ?''" They are expected, I believe, to go some

night ; but they have so many engagements ontheir hands ; however, I suppose after Patrick'snight they will do something about it."

At this moment the Miss Annesley's wereannounced. They enlivened the scene at presentvery much. The usual slight form of presen-

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42 THE BAVENELS.

" I told him he ought to go to London, andsit for Lawrence ; but he said he could not

endure to lose his whole summer vacation in

London."** It is sitting for posterity,indeed, to sit to

Lawrence," saii Miss Annesley ; *' he keepsyou twenty years in doing."

'* I should never have patience," said SirMarty n. " I would not sit to him if he wouldmake me a present of the picture."

" Such a compUment from Sir Thomas Law-encemight induce you," said Miss Annesley.

" O" ay ! but its a compliment he'll no more

pay than I shall accept of, I believe."** I am told he has been taking Lady Clara

Reeve's picture these ten years," said Whar-on,*' and it is not half finished."

" What do you think of Lady Clara Reeve?"said Henrietta.

" I don't think her the least handsome, ifyou mean that," said Sir Martyn.

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THE DA V EN ELS. 43

" But is not she very agreeable?"** Is she?"

"You know her," to Miss Annesley " " whatdo you think?"

" I cannot think her so. I believe she does

not want for esprit, but she has more self-willthan talent; and any person who is regardlessof the feelings of others in society, cannot, Ithink, be reckoned agreeable."

*' Her sister. Lady Isabella Floyd, is a nicegirl,"said Wharton.

" Yet Lady Clara affects to consider her asan inferior kind of person," said Miss Annes-ey,

*' and is openly displeased with any onewho praisesher."

*' How very odd !" said Henrietta; for shenever committed herself further in censuringpeople of fashion. She was one of those whoare called good-natured because their indigna-ion

is never roused by any thing short ofhouse-breaking, or such vulgar crimes as areseldom committed by any but the lower orders

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44 THE DAVENELS.

of the community, and who see nothing in thepoHte warfare which is carried on in what iscalled society,beyond the smooth manner, andthe smile which means nothing. Her ownheart gave her no warning of malevolence inthat of another : her observation was confinedto dress and air in her own sex ; and Debrett'sPeerage gave her the surest insight into thequalificationsf the other.

'* Have you read Scott's last novel?" saidthe youngest Miss Annesley.

" I have read the review of it/' said LadyHortensia.

" That is doing a good deal," said Wharton," I begin to think it a hard day's study now tolearn the names of the new publications."

" I never read one of them," said Sir Martyn.** You are very right," said Miss Annesley ;

'^ for if you attempt to keep pace with themyou are sure to be thrown out, and that is a

disgrace : by remaining stationary, you showyourself above any idle competition."

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THE BAVENELS. 45

Thrown out, and keep pace, and competitionwere perfectlycomprehensible terms, accordingto Sir Martyn ; but far from fixing his atten-ion

to Miss Annesley's discourse, they had theeffect of sending his mind to scenes where heloved to expatiate, but where adverse circum-tances

prevented his indulging himself.A loud knock at the door seemed to remind

the visitors that it was time to go away, and

the two aid-de-camps were about to depart,when a glance from the window, showing themthe graceful figure of Frederica on horsebackas she stopped at the door, checked them : itwas incumbent on them to wait, and evenWharton was inclined to admire her artless air.She and Mr. Davenel entered the room, accom-anied

by Captain Villiers, whom the sight ofthe aid-de^camps in the window had determinedto accept of Mr. Davenel's invitation to go in.They were accompanied by another gentleman,with whom Villiers had been riding in thepark, when they met Frederica, and who had

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46 THE DAVEInELS.

presented him. to her and Mr. Davenel, andthe two parties had joined and rode together.Though Vilhers did not seek the introduction,he could not object to it; and Frederica washalf pleased, half alarmed at being made ac-uainted

with the terrible man of whom Mrs.O'Brien had given so strange an account. Butshe was not yet arrived at the age of cool ques-ion

with which a young lady, a few years out,now fixes a man, from the moment of introduc-ion.

She absolutelywaited for him to begin "but she waited in vain ; the gentlemen con-ersed

together. Mr. Davenel had too muchdelicacyto draw his daughter into notice, satis-ied

that Frederica must excite admiration

wherever she appeared ; and it seemed as if

they might have rode on for ever without anyfurther intercourse between her and Villiers,when a slight accident occurred. A cart con-aining

some live poultry, and a driver fastasleep, were coming towards them : the ill-trained little horse which drew it, seemed per-

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THE DA YEN ELS. 47

plexecl which side of the read to take, as iffearful that whichever he chose he should be

rewarded with a shower of blows. He wenttherefore from one side to the other alternately,while the party on horseback vainly endea-oured

to leave him a free choice, at the sametime calling to awaken the outstretched owner.They were at length passing in safety, whenhe awoke, and gave a hasty blow to his horse,who jumped to the other side: the poultry,amongst whom a portion of the whip fell,setup a violent uproar, and both together so agi-ated

Frederica's horse, that he plunged, backedagainst Villiers, and commenced rearing in afrightful manner. Villiers seized the reins,alighted in an instant, and held the impatientanimal, not without surpriseand admiration atthe grace and composure with which Fredericabore the accident. He led her horse for some

yards, and then believing her assurances thathe would now be quiet that there was no vice,he remounted ; and all had taken place before

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48 THE DAVENELS.

Mr. Davenel was aware of the circumstance.Villiers, now finding himself next to her, itseemed incumbent on him to say something.

*' It is a great advantage to a woman to rideso well ; half the accidents which happen tothem on horseback are caused by timidity,''

Frederica accounted for her ease on horse-ack

; she had been accustomed to ride withher papa from a very early age.

*' Did you learn to ride in Dublin? Is there

a good school here ? "" She never had been at any riding-school; she

had never learned from any master."Villiers did not understand it. A girlto ride

so well, not only with courage, (that might beconstitutional,)but to hold the reins and man-ge

her horse so gracefullywithout the trainingof a school ; it was incredible ! He looked atMr. Davenel to see if he was likely to haveformed a young lady's air on horseback. Mr.Davenel was just then discussing some questioarelative to the exports and imports of Ireland,

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50 THE DAVENELS.

remarks were hazarded on both sides, makingthe usual bows and scrapes, the aid- de-campsclattered down stairs,and soon after, the MissAnnesleys followed with a lightertread.

''Do you dine at Lord Rosstrever's to-day,Villiers?'* said Wharton, as they rode on to-ether.

'* No ; I am particularly engaged to theLord-Lieutenant."

'' Those people are very exacting in thatwav," said Sir Martyn, who was less fre-uently

at the private dinners at the Castle,than any of the other aid-de-camps.

'' Those Miss Davenels are certainly finegirls,"said Wharton.

^' Aye," said Sir Martyn, " but you say onewants tourmire"dLud I conclude both want

money."'' Every Irish girlwants many requisites to

form a person of fashion," said Dudley. '' Theyall want confidence without vanity; they aretoo timid without being too modest ; and their

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THE DAVENELS. 51

good-humourarises less from good-temperthanfrom want of dignity."

*' Come," said Wharton, *' I cannot allowthat these remarks applyto the Miss Davenels :I said somethingof tournure, which Sir Martynharps on : but reallyiss Davenel is a veryfashionable,ine girl,nd the other is too youngto be quite assured enough : but, (lookingathis watch,) what a varietyof hours they dineat in this town, and all put half-pastix ontheir cards, which led me into a sad mistakethe other day. I went to Mr. O'Brien's punc-ually

at the hour, and I found the youngestgirl,about fourteen, her hair en papillotte,taking her lesson on the piano-forte.Theteacher,thinkinghimself a much more impor-ant

person than I w^as, would have continuedthe lesson,but the poor little girldarted outof the room, as if she had been shot, and Icould onlyrecognizeer in the eveningby thebashful air with which she sat, half hid behindher mothers chair,as if it was dreadful to her

d2

LIBRARY

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52 THE DAVENELS.

feelingsto see the gentleman who had caughther in that awkward situation. I was longingto say to her, ' My dear little Miss, don't sup-ose

that 1 am ignorant that girlsof your agepractice the piano with hair in papers, havingbeen blessed with five sisters who went throughit all; and they are now, some married andsome single, as well off in society as if hairhad always curled naturally,and fingersplayeda ravir on the piano without instruction.' "

On the departure of the visitors, the familyparty at Mr. Davenel's had dispersed to theirrooms. Frederica, while taking off her habits,was accosted by Mrs. Harris. " Well, Miss, Ihope that gentleman has a large fortune."

'' Which do you mean?" said Frederica,amused at Mrs. Harris's perpetual investigation.

" I mane the handsome one to be sure^ Miss," him in the black hair."

" I don't suppose any of them have largefortunes," said Frederica.

" Because I never seen Mr. Davenel so kind

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THE DAVENELS. 53

to any of them military before ; and he's very

right: mere birds of passage, as one may say."*' There was no great kindness shown, I

think ; but give me that morning-dress " quick "" we shall none of us dress until the eveningfor Lady Rosstrever's ball."

'* Quick, indeed! and are you going outagain to-night ? Flesh and blood can't standit at this rate."

" O, you must not wait up for us, Harris, "we can help each other."

Without attending to their civihty, she said,'* And what will you wear? you cannot wearthem dresses you spoiled last night."

" Oh ! to be sure not. Who ever thought ofwearing the same dresses two nights succes-ively

? Have the pink crape ready."" Ready, indeed ! you think very little of

any one's trouble."

*' I did not know there was any thing to bedone to them. I merely meant to take them

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54 THE DA V EN ELS.

out of the wardrobe ; but I would not give youunnecessary trouble, Harris, on any account."

** Oh ! trouble, indeed ! you must have themdresses any way, now you have said it.''

" No, indeed ! let me see what others thereare,'' said Frederica, opening the ward-obe.

" Lave all to me. Miss Frederica ; you shall

have what you like best, depend upon it."" But there is nothing wanting to the pink

crape I find " they are perfect."** Well, if they are, so much the better; but

all I know is^I have hardly an eye in my headafter them Castle dresses last week."

" But I thought Margaret did most of thework for you, and that you only cut out andprepared."

'^ Margaret, indeed ! is it she, the crature !If I was not at the head and tail of every thing,you could not wear them at all. I hope MissFrederica, your mamma won't wear that turban

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THE DAVENELS. 55

"it don't become her. I'll make a cap for her

myself with pleasure. "

" I am afraid Dawson would be offended;

besides, how could you find time?"

*' Oh, Miss Frederica, Pd never have time to

work for you and for her too."

Frederica ran down stairs, inwardly laughing

at the usual termination to her maid's offers of

doing more than was required of her, though

she invariably complained of having too much

to do.

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56

CHAPTER IV,

Still he beheld, nor mingled whh the thror/g,But view'd them not with misanthropic hate :Fain would he now have joiu'd the dance, the song. " Bybon.

While the Davenel family are at dinner, maybe a good opportunity to describe them moreparticularly. Mr. Davenel was an excellentcountry gentleman ; a character which, in Ire-and,

supposes no mean qualifications. Theperpetualstruggle between the higher and lowerclasses, arising out of the difference of religion,and other peculiaritiesof Irish government,which it is not our present business to enterinto, makes the life of a resident gentleman of

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58 THE DAVENELS.

to a sporting life ; and some specimens of thefine arts in which he dehghted, gave an air ofelegance and refinement to his mansion. Hisappearance was of the finest order of Irishmen "tall, and well made : and his handsome coun-enance,

though full of inteUigence, was stillmore expressiveof the benevolence, and all thetender affections which dwelt in his breast.That he was idolized in his own family, andcordiallybeloved by all who knew him, even bythose who could not emulate his virtues, cannotbe doubted.

Lady Hortensia, though somewhat fallen intoembo7ipoirit,as still a fine woman ; her softblue eyes, fair placid countenance, and blandmanners, gave her the name of being a sweetcreature : but though a person of great respec-tabiUty, and fulfillingll the duties of life withpropriety,she was not in truth that very sweetcreature which her acquaintance chose to de-ignate

her. She loved her children " few mo-thers do not : but her daughters were still more

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THE DAVENELS. 59

the objects of her pride than of her love.From the time Miss Davenel was seventeen.Lady Hortensia thought of nothing but esta-bUshing her in the world ; and now that Frede-rica was arrived at the same eventful epoch in ayoung lady'slife.Lady Hortensia, was at timeseven fretful at having two girlsat once to takeinto the grande monde. After the usual effortsat education by means of governesses and occa-ional

teachers, Henrietta had been sent at theage of fifteen to a celebrated school near Lon-on;

and two years afterwards, Lady Horten-iahad gladly accepted a proposal made by her

brother, the Earl of Foyntstown and his lady,to take Henrietta with them to Paris, whereshe could have the advantage of the bestteachers for French and dancing, and mightprofitat the same time by the societyat heraunt's. The earl had no daughter, and theproject was very agreeable to them and tothe Davenel's. Henrietta returned, in the opi-ion

of some, spoiled; in that of others^, im-

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60 THE DAVENELS.

proved by the expedition. She was a very finegirl,with a fair clear skin, and a profusion offair hair, which gave her the appearance still ofextreme youth, though she was now four-and-twenty. Her understanding was not first-rate ;but she had a tact in conducting herself amongstpersons of fashion, which is sometimes foundin common minds. She danced well, andspoke French like a native ; an attainment shelost no opportunity of displaying,

Frederica was not so tall as her sister, buther height was more exactly the standardfor feminine beauty. Her skin was clear, andalmost pale, and her eyes and hair were dark,what is often miscalled black, from the richnessof their fringed lids. A frank and playfulsmile encircled her mouth, when she smiled andshowed a beautiful set of teeth. Spirit andgrace marked her air and movements; thoughshe had not that conscious air of the world

which Henrietta had acquired. She too hadspent some time at the school we have men-

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THE DAVENELS. 61

tioned; and was not come home more thana few months. Brothers there certainlywere,though Sir Martyn had not found them out.The eldest, a year older than Frederica, wasat Oxford ; and three others were where boysshould be, at their several schools or academies.

The ball at Lady Rosstrevor's was full, andintended to be select ; that is, every Englishperson w^ho could be found, from the vice-reo-alpeople, down to the subaltern officers and theirwives, was there.

Irish girls have a natural vivacityof man-er,which makes them appear to flirt more

than English girls; but the married women inIreland might take lessons in the art from thoseof England who go there with their husbands,who occupy various departments and capaci-ies.

The cool, decided manner in which theytake possession of the men, especiallyof themihtary, is something to make plain peoplestare; and justifiesthe na'ive ohservation of anIrish lady, who said, she supposed the mothers

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62 THE DAVENELS.

of the young officers had requested those ladiesto guard their sons from the danger of mar-ying

Irish girls. It is well understood howapprehensive the young men themselves areof fallingictims to these inartificial beauties ;and how desirous to avoid the danger, by seem-ng

deeply engaged in conversation with somemarried lady. We hear some one ask " Andis the danger so great ?^ Are those Irish girlsso very pretty and attractive ? The fears ofall prudent parents, and the precautions takenby whole regiments in a breath, form the bestanswer to the question.*

While Lady Hortensia sat, or moved in theimmediate circle of their Excellencies, her daugh-ers

did not want partners, and of the bestthe room afforded. Frederica danced first withLord Fitzmaurice, a young nobleman of pleas-ng

manners and appearance ; and Henrietta

* See the engagement entered into by a certain fashion-bleregiment, not to many an Irish girlunder a penalty

of a thousand pounds.

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THE DAVENELS. 63

was engaged by Sir Martyn Saunders, whothought he might as well pay her some cautiousattentions, until he could ascertain the state ofher fortune. He was unwilling to ask any directquestionsabout it, as he felt he was generally-suspected of mercenary views, ever since theaffair in England ; but he wisely concluded,that if Mr. Davenel had no son, his eldest

daughter was likely to have half his estateat least; and that if there was not an equaldivision of it, she would probably have thegreater part : and there was a report, thatLord and Lady Poyntstown meant to add toHenrietta's. It was but a small sacrifice of

time, therefore. Sir Martyn thought, to dancea few evenings with a handsome and fashion-ble

girl,and any other way of making himselfagreeable,never once entered his head. Judg-ng

by his own heart, he felt no fear of any badconsequences to her's. There was no crueltyin his nature ; no love of conquest for conquest'ssake. He did not wish that a young lady

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64 THE DAVENELS.

should die, or even lose her health for his sake ;but his mind could not dwell upon more than

one view of the subject at once; and his ownwishes and interest filled up that view com-letely.

Dudley Villiers was there, but to theterror of all the young ladies, merely looked on,as if dancing was a thing below his sphere.He could not be suffered however, to remainwholly descdvre, and after he had spoken orbowed to all the finest people in the room.Lady Clara Reeve managed to engage himin conversation. He neither admired her per-on

nor her mind ; but, a man must talk tosome one " idleness leads to mischief; and there-ore,

to be occupied with Lady Clara, was akind of safety-valve; and he being the finestman in the room, it was her object to appear toengross him, while she endeavoured to assumeall the nonchalance, which he reallyfelt in talk-ng

to her.

He once thought of asking her sister.LadyIsabella Floyd to dance, but she was led out

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66 TPIE DAVENELS.

stopping to make a speech of similar import,to some one whom she thought quahfied forthis higher intercourse of the mind : and, be-ween

her good nature and her love of rank,she did not make many exceptions. She hadfrequent assemblies at her house, which shewished to consider as composed of all that wasintellectual in Dublin. The year before, shehad attempted to hold reading-parties, andsome few were persuaded to read to an inat-entive

audience, portions of popular poems,either new or old ; but, after a very few even-ngs,

the impatience of the listeners grew tooevident. Some very young ladies and gentle-en

whispered their observations to each other,not in the spiritof criticism, but of weariness ;and one evening, a young collegian amusedhimself and those near him, by accompanyingthe reader in a suppressed murmur, throughCollins' Ode on the Passions, which he tra-estied

in so incomparable a manner, thatbursts of laughter from the few who heard

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THE DAVENELS. 67

him, interrupted the evening's amusementMiss Carmichael was greatly displeased, butthe readings could not be renewed ; and whennext she gave out her cards, she found it betterto announce that that unpopular amusementwas

laid aside ; but that she hoped to supplyits place, by rational and refined conversation.To supply this, she said no advantages of rankor beauty should outweigh the more solid pre-ensions

of talent, wherever it was to be found ;and from various quarters persons were draggedinto hght, whom she announced by some suchspeech as this :

** A most interestingperson, though unblestby ancestry or wealth." " A villageHampden,perhaps" or, a mute inglorious Milton : weshould not suffer these flowers to blush unseen."

In the course of the evening, at Lady Ross-trevor's, she addressed Lady Clara Reeve andDudley ViUiers, and gave a card to each.

** What an old quiz," said Lady Clara; *' Iam thinking what a chance there is of your

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6S THE DAVENELS,

going to her party." But, she did not knowViUiers, who was tired of the sameness of theselect balls, and felt immediately disposed toseek amusement at Miss Carmichael's. Hesaid nothing, but put up the card, and beganto think a party where Lady Clara was not,might be endured.

The mothers, one and all,began now to con-iderVilliers merely as a fine man, who looked

well, and was therefore to be invited to allparties; but to speculate upon him even as adancer, was allowed to be time thrown away ;and Mrs. O'Brien openly declared her contemptfor such a character. Her Miranda, as usual,committed several interestingmistakes on thisevening, pardonable only in so inexperienced acreature, and her mother told and deploredthem to the whole room. Mr. Mardyn's motherwas another who could not see, with an un-ruffled mind, the provoking way in which Vil-iers

kept aloof from danger ; and as she hadthree daughters going out, she felt it to be

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THE DAVENELS. 69

almost a personal affront ; but there was no tell-nghim how odious he was making himself,

and he must therefore be left to his fate.The ball at Lady Rosstrevor's was followed

by others of the same kind ; composed of thesame persons, who said and did nearly thesame things ; and her Excellency gave anotherball, and one or two select concerts, to all ofwhich the Davenels were invited of course.Though Lady Hortensia's house was one merelyhired for the season, and was not splendidlyfitted up, yet it was spacious, and admirablysuited for dancing ; and it was therefore incum-ent

on her to give a ball, which did not differmaterially from other balls of the season, andwas graced by the presence of their Excellen-ies.

The aid-de-camps were infallible at allfashionable balls. Villiers seldom waltzed, andhad not yet committed himself in a quadrille.He frequently conversed with Mr. Davenel;and always bowed, and sometimes spoke sLvwords to Lady Hortensia and the Miss Davenels.

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70 THE DAVENELS.

But Captain Hardynge made amends for the

contempt of Villiers,the caution of Sir Martyn,and the sang froid of Wharton. He fell in love

every night. On his self-introduction to MissMiranda O'Brien, at the first ball at the Castle,he betrayed so much admiration, that theO'Briens were sure of him, and invitations todinner and supper followed. It is provoking,hov\^ever, that one is not allowed to enjoy un-olested

the attentions of a young man of

fashion, and Miranda's rights w^ere contestedby too many to hold their ground. He wassaid to be rather volatile, and parents did notthink much about him ; but he became a primefavourite with some half dozen young ladies, toeach of whom he said something so marked, ashe put on her shawl, or assisted her into hercarriage, that she could not help pitying theinfatuation of the other five ; but the Miss Da-

venels were not to be assailed in this manner,and were besides under the surveillance of amother who knew the world and their worth

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THE DAVENELS. 71

too well to permit it. There was no fun there-oreto be made out of his acquaintance with

them. His delight was to watch the strugglesfor his notice amongst his particularfavourites,and the anxious glances with which each re-arded

his attentions to any of the others. Toraise and allay jealousy to excite a little pet-ish

displeasure,and then to soothe the angryfair one, and to explain away some complimenthe had been heard to pay in another quarter "all this gave him indescribable pleasure, andbecame an occupation ; but to this unworthyoccupation we shall leave him, as poor MissCarmichael, having been twice obliged to putoff her soiree for others, which would infalliblyhave crushed it, at length saw the eveningarrive when she was permitted to hold the in-ellectual

banquet she had promised to herfriends : and though some called her a boj'e,and others a quiz, yet as she was well con-ected,

and visited all the first people, a greatmany of rank and fashion thought it a goodlounge to go there.

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CHAPTER V.

To stick to my rout,'Twill be hard if some novelty cant be struck out.Is there no Algerine, no Kamchatkin arrived 1No plenipo-Pacha, three-tailed, and ten-vs^ived?No Russian, whose dissonant, consonant name.Half rattles to fragments the trumpets of fame 1I remember the time, two or three winters back,When, provided their wigs were but decently black,A few patriot-monsters from Spain were a sightThat would people one's house for one night after night.

MpoRE,

Miss Carmichael made the usual prologue to theexhibition of her menagerie, as Wharton called it.

" You have heard perhaps of Mr. Daunt ? Hehas written some very pretty things in the Even-ng

Mail. He teaches the use of the globes atLady Hanby's. He reads delightfully; but Ibelieve"

" looking round her " " there are too

many here : people don't like reading now-a-days. The young lady in the blue crape andartificial flowers is a Neapolitan. She is look-

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THE DAVENELS,

fortuitous concourse of bones, slightlykept to-etherby his clothes. His hair was of the

deepest black, and hung in masses on one sideof his head, so as nearly to shade one eye ;but suddenly turning round to survey the com-any,

he dashed his hand along his temple,and flung his hair on the opposite side of hishead ; his black piercingeyes and deep swarthyskin giving a most demoniacal expressionto hiscountenance, and relievingthe dazzling white-ess

of his teeth. When Miss Carmichael

spoke to him, he grinned and muttered some-hing,but in a low and gutteraltone, and so

inarticulately,hat those nearest to him wereuncertain if he spoke a language or merelygrowled like some animal ; and a rumourwent round the room that it was a baboon

dressed up : the idea was dismissed, however,on the entrance of a dark-coloured servant in arich old-fashioned livery,who brought a splen-id

snuff-box, on a silver salver, and presentedit to the monster. He grinned his approbation.

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THE DAVENELS. 75

and opening the box, helped himself to a pinchof snufF. The box lay on his hand, and thosewho stood near him observed that on the lid

was the pictureof a woman, young and beau-iful.Lady Floranthe was by this time less

dreadfullyhorrified, and she came near to theobject of her fright, and looked with someearnestness towards the snuff-box. He held ittowards her, grinning as before, and said in agutteraltone, " c'est ma femme."

A look of horror now indeed was impressedon more faces than Lady Floranthe's. Thismonster, this outcast of nature, was married !

and to a beautiful woman ! Miss Carmichaeltook occasion to go to various parts of theroom, and to tell his story. Don Perez deMoncaldo was a grandee of Spain ; his mar-iage

with his cousin. Donna Magellina de Ber-toldi, was arranged by their famihes before theyhad seen each other. Don Perez had been im-

phcated in the late revolution, and obliged tofly his country; " leaving," as Miss Car-

E 2

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76 THE DAVENELS.

niichael said, " his poor wife to lament hisabsence, after being united to her but threemonths." It was not easy to persuade any onewho heard the story, that the Donna Magelhnawas an object of pity now, whatever she mighthave been some months ago. Miss Carmichaelwas evidently much pleased to have such a lionto parade. A banished member of the SpanishCortes was no every day sight, and one atwhose very appearance the candles might beexpected to burn blue. Miss Carmichael invain proposed to various persons to allow herto present them. Every one shrunk back ; theyoung with disgust or affright,the old declar-ng

they could not speak Spanish." But the signor speaks French," c'est egal.The monster, tired of his position,arose, and

giving a general shake to his frame, as if tohang the parts together, limped across theroom. He stopped near Mr. Davenel, who, in-luenced

by his naturally courteous disposition,bowed to him. Don Perez, taking it as a wish

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THE DAVENELS. 77

for conversation, addressed him, first in Spa-ish,and then in French, Mr. Davenel knew

nothing of Spanish, and did not feel equal toconversing in French, though he understoodit : he made signs therefore, good-humouredly,that his daughter Frederica, who was holdinghis arm, should speak for him. Don Perezimmediately addressed her in Spanish, seem-ngly

much pleased at the permission. Sheanswered, but in so low a tone, that it was notpossible for Villiers, who was at a little dis-ance,

and attentivelyobserving her, to knowwhat language she spoke; but as Don Perezcontinued to speak Spanish, it was to be pre-umed

that she both understood and spoke thatlanguage. In truth she loved foreignlanguages,and had seized some favourable opportunity foracquiring Spanish, without much hope of itsever being useful to her. Her accent, thoughimperfect, derived from her soft voice and man-er

a peculiargrace. But the discovery of thisaccomphshment did not help to endear her to

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78 THE DAVENELS.

the young ladies of the circle. Some disdain-ul

looks, accompanied by the term blue, wereevident. A young lady is called upon to speakFrench" Italian might be forgiven,but Spanishmust have been surreptitiouslycquired,and forthe purpose of shining at Miss Carmichael's.But Frederica never thought of shining. Sheansvv^ered in Spanish, through politeness,andw^ould gladly have receded from any furtherdisplay, especiallywhen she perceived that sheand the monster were fixingthe attention of thecompany, and that Vilhers had drawn nearer,and was evidently observing her closely; buther strange admirer was not disposed to let heroff: he did not speak any language but hisown fluently,and to find any person in this

country acquainted with it, was an unexpectedand unusual pleasure,heightened by the charmsof the speaker.

Her position soon became unpleasant : bydegrees, even those who had shown reluctancebefore to approach the monster, as he was still

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THE DAVENELS. 79

called, closed around him and Frederica ; someto ascertain if she reallyspoke Spanish, othersamused at the contrast between her and her

companion ; and many scrupled not to apply tothem the hackneyed comparison of the beautyand the beast, and in no inaudible voice, whichdistressed her, though she felt convinced DonPerez could not understand them. She spokeas httle as she could, in hopes of putting anend to a colloquy which was on many accountsbecome painful to her, and her distress becameevident in her countenance. She looked up,and saw that Villiers was looking earnestly ather, which added to her embarrassment. Hemade a movement towards her, however, whichby breaking the circle displaced Don Perez alittle,and Villiers entered into conversationwith him. Frederica found the moment favour*-able for taking a seat next to Mr. Davenel, whohad sat down some time before, happy to seeher able to converse with the distinguishedstranger, and seeing nothing in the whole affair

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80 THE DAVENELS.

but the triumph of his daughter's charms andaccomplishments. Not long afterwards, anunusual bustle at the furthest end of the other

drawing-room, called off the attention of mostof the circle, and amidst shouts of laughter,and the discord of many voices, was heard dis-inctly

at intervals " Jacquot mon ami. " plait-ilmon maitre ? " connoissez vous la table ?" oui monmaitre " la chaise ? " oui monmaitre " Vecritoire,^*"c. "c. It was plain that Miss Carmichael'sattempts at intellectual intercourse had degene-ated

into a scene of small plays, in which herHampdens and Miltons, however inglorious,were certainly not mute ; and foreigners of allages and capacitiesbeing expert at such amuse-ents,

the scene became animated and noisy toexcess. The attraction was irresistible to everyone but Don Perez, whose mind was set to aloftier theme, and who took the opportunity,when every one's eyes were turned towards the

scene of obstreperous merriment, to glide outof the room. By the time the Davenels and

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82 THE DAVENELS.

gentleman. But Lady Floranthe was resolvednot to be in safety, until she had made thetour of one drawing-room, and rushed into thenext ; where, it being ascertained that noflames were issuing from her dress, she wasobliged to be only terriblyagitated and greatlyfrightened, and wine and water was broughtby several persons at once ; and then everyperson told some story of dreadful accident byfire ; and lectures were given to Lady Florantheon the danger she incurred by running throughthe rooms if her dress had been on fire ; andshe was cautioned, whenever she caught fire,to lie flat on the floor, and call to some one tosmother her in the hearth-rug.

The genius of the sports seemed to have been

put to flight by this little fracas, and MissCarmichael ventured to call on some of the

more gifted part of her company, though uH"known to fame, to exhibit in some way for theamusement of the rest. A harp was broughtforward from an angle of the room, and a large.

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TliE DAVENELS. 83

heavy-looking young man, with white hair andeye-brows, whom she presented as Mr. Cor-oran,

a junior fellow of Trinity College,swept the strings, and expended some timein tuning them ; at length all was complete,he hemmed two or three times, and then withstentorian voice sang '" The Blue Bells ofScotland.'' This brought forth some compli-ents

from the audience, which were followedby an assurance on his part, that he was half'choked loith a cold, and Wharton whispered toMiss Annesley, that it was to be regrettedthe cold had but half done its office. The

young Neapolitan was now entreated to playon the lute, which she did ; accompanying hervoice in a little monotonous sort of air, with afew words of no meaning, eked out by a re-frein of la ri la, la ri la. The song was an-ounced

to be a barcarole, as sung by thegondoliers; and by moonlight, on the water,when there was nothing better to listen to,might soothe the dull ear of a drowsy person;

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84 THE DAVENELS.

but Politeness herself would grow weary of itin a room blazing with lights and company.Impatience was growing audible, and the mo-ent

the signora suspended her song, a mur-urof entreaty was heard from a knot of

young people, and Miss Annesley was led withgentleviolence to the piano-forte she obliginglypressed the keys, and a well-organized qua-rille

was instantly formed, to the surprise ofthe signora and others, who had not heard thearrangements making for the dance long beforeher lute was silent.

After all, the most popular exhibition in aprivate assembly, is a dance, because it takesin so many; and those who cannot join in it,find more liberty of speech under shelter ofRossini's sweetest airs, cramped and fetteredinto passages of eight and sixteen bars. Asno one was afraid of Miss Carmichael, the

young people enjoyed this defeat of her at-emptsto show off her lions.

Villiers had been rather interested that even-

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THE DAT EN ELS. 85

ing by Frederica's intercourse with the Spa-iard,and just wished he could talk to her a

little;but then she was always dancing, andthere is no talking to a dancing-girl withoutasking her sometimes to dance. When thedance was formed, therefore, and he saw ar-angements

making for a second quadrille,and two or three men making from differentparts of the room for the quarter where she sat,he yielded to a sudden impulse and asked her ;she was surprised, but they stood up together,and of course not a word was said by either.He walked his part with a very good air, andshe danced hers on m pent pas mieux. TheHonourable Mrs. Mardyn and Mrs. O'Briencalled heaven and earth to witness it, and theirdear girlscould scarcely keep from laughingwhenever they looked at them, it was so droll.Frederica's speaking Spanish was forgotten inthe offence of being the first person with whomViliiers had danced in Dublin.

The quadrillesbeing finished, a hint was

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THE DAVENELS 87

Fastidious he certainly was, but though notthinking highly of the crowd of misses whomhe met every day in society; he did verilybeheve, that now and then a very charmingyoung person was to be found, though he wasnot disposed to begin the search.

Frederica was half inclined to be as proudand reserved as Villiers himself; but to besilent might be mistaken for a readiness to un-erstand

his speech in a flatteringsense; and,after a moment, she said, *' He paid me thecompliment to say I had a resemblance toDonna Magelline, and he spoke so feelinglyofhis absence from her, that I reallypitiedhim."

" And what sentiment does she inspire?do you feel pity for her also?"

Frederica felt embarrassed, and then said :*' One cannot imagine any one liking DonPerez, yet his manner of speaking of his wifehad so much noble tenderness in it, that Idon't like to think she has no regard forhim."

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90 THE DAVENELS.

" She means to pay you a compliment,"said Frederica, *' by sacrificingso many young-persons to your love of lions and geniuses."

" I am unworthy of it then I assure you, forI think geniuses are seldom good company, andlions never."

*' But don't you love music."** I delight in it ; and therefore cannot regret

that we had not the duet by two performers onthe piano-forte,which must be inferior to a hand-organ in the street : and the singleperformerswould probably have given us Robin Adairwith six-and-thirtyariations, which is sayingin many words, what was better said in few."

It seemed as if a simultaneous wish to enjoyFrederica's conversation, now brought a numberof young persons to where she and Villiers werestanding : but as if all were animated by thespiritof court etiquette,which forbids any un-rofitable

variety of discourse. '* How do youlike your Spaniard ?'' and *' What have you donewith your Spaniard?" or "What does your

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THE DAVENELS. 91

Spaniard say ?" was the utmost range of theirefforts at conversation. Frederica was greatlyamused ; but though quick to perceive follyand impertinence, she never permitted herselfany of those sharp, or blunt set downs by whichsome heroines have subjected themselves to thecharge of ill-humour, or ill-breeding. No verydirect reply being necessary, she evaded givingany; and the company shortly after dispersedfor their several homes.

The next day, as Villiers was galloping inthe Park, he heard horses coming quietly afterhim, and turning round, he saw Lady ClaraReeve, who called out " will you ride slower,for my horse is impatient." He drew up ofcourse, and they rode together. ** Come, tell

me all about that party at Miss Carmichaers ;I am told it was composed of teachers and go-ernesses

"You must allow something for Irish ex-ggeration;there were some odd people, cer-ainly,"

said Villiers.

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intended staying but a very short time at MissCarmichael's."

** And you were induced to remain, " Oh ?

dear. And which of the governesses did you

honour withyour

hand?"

" I had the honour," said VilHers, " of danc-ng

with the beautiful Miss Frederica DaveneL"

" Worse and worse ; she will think she has

made a conquest of you, and in another week

it will be in the papers that you are to lead her

to the hymeneal altar."*' If it is," said ViUiers, " I shall know whom

to accuse as the author/'

"No; I am too much your friend, I assure

you ; for I know those things often accomplishthemselve

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