whoever took her rooms, where old china teacups, mugs, and vases, usurped every table-top or other space available for books, should turn over their children forthwith to her sole tuition in music and French. Once on dismounting at a large house with inviting garden, we found the portion to let was au belvédère, a sort of after-thought erection on the roof, with a broad balcony trying in vain to cheat it out of its garret-like aspect.

The complacent air with which the good people who showed us their houses, threw open the room doors exclaiming-when perhaps a single sunbeam only, slanted in from the upper panes of a windowVoilà le soleil, was too ridiculous; while one got almost provoked to hear its blessed light and warmth when they streamed full into an apartment, classed in the same list of special advantages as were new carpets, sofas, and chairs, and held out as a reason for asking an exorbitant rent. Lodgings, comprising salon, a closet or ante-room, guiltless of stove or fire-place, but dignified by the name of salle-à-manger; and two or three bed-rooms, with little dreary, dingy kitchens looking north; vary in price from twelve hundred to two thousand francs the season. Some with rather less accommodation are to be had lower. Villas close to the town with grounds nicely laid out, coach-house and stables, let at six or seven thousand francs. Quite in the country rents are more moderate, and even in town you may get a small detached house at the same rate as a good suite of apartments.

Though of course there are many worthy exceptions, the houses devoted to letting purposes in Nice, are upon the whole, not so comfortable as they might or ought to be. The sun warps and shrinks the woodwork of the casements so that they never fit close, above, below, at hinges, or at fastenings; giving free ingress, not only to little draughts of keen fresh air, but on very windy days to great puffs of flour-like dust; especially when a heavy vehicle passing stirs up the powdery mass on the unwatered streets. The folding doors in similar manner, even when by way of being

shut, remain with sulky and obstinate divisions between them, rendering a tall many-leaved screen indispensable to all persons disliking the sensation of being blown upon by numerous pairs of invisible bellows. Mirrors with chipped or tarnished gilding-walls with plaster knocked off, and paper torn by the migratory propensities of huge iron hooks and nails used in propping up the said mirrors-ricketty furniture, though perhaps hung in purple and gold-handsome marble chimney-pieces, in danger of falling asunder from the want of a little mason-craft-or some equally conspicuous dilapidation, cause one to look with rather illnatured eyes on the houses almost all painted outside in a coarse imitation of fresco, and the gay-coloured ceilings within, and to wish that part of the time and money spent thereon, had been dedicated to more simple uses. The house-fronts present almost universally a plain smooth surface, from which, nevertheless, helmeted Minervas, turbaned Saracens, dragons, griffins, sphynxes, and other creatures more strictly zoological, stare at you; harps and lyres hang mute between swans and eagles; wreaths of flowers stretch from one window sill to another-baskets of fruit rest upon equally deceptive marble cornices; here balustrades, columns, or statues in niches, with dark shaded backgrounds, look tolerably real; and there, imaginary open casements with jalousies and looped-up curtains, enliven a blank wall. When the building is handsome and fresh, this style of decoration is perhaps not so entirely out of place, but it only adds to the forlorn aspect of old and shabby houses with doors and venetians alike faded and sun-blistered; and at best the paint-brush on stone is a poor substitute for the chisel. Within, heathen goddesses in vivid drapery, muses or graces, modern pendules, palettes, easels, pictureframes, classic busts, antique lamps and vases, birds, fruit, flowers, the signs of the zodiac, Cupid's torch, and flaming hearts transfixed by arrows, help to make up the odd jumble of gaudy devices depicted on the ceilings in general. Those of some spacious, lofty salons are

1859.]

better imagined and finished, but small rooms are usually too low for this pretentious method of ornament to look otherwise than heavy and glaring, especially when so little taste is shown in either design or execution. In many vestibules the arched ceilings are more agreeably painted in sober grey or pale brown, and have a nice cool effect; while the lights and shades are managed so cleverly in some cor

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nices, that it is difficult at first to tell them from actual mouldings. The overloading of colour is the worst thing; red, blue, green, and saffron butterflies, among pinebranches and garlands of nondescript foliage, keep rigid watch with turtle-doves and canary birds, over our expatriated household gods, for after many perplexities, consultations, and hesitations, our quest did come to a successful end at last. E. H. M.

IT

was past nightfall when Major Keene returned to Dorade. As he drove past the hotel where the Tresilyans lodged, he looked up at the windows of their apartments, and was somewhat surprised to see no light there; but no suspicion of the truth crossed his mind. He had made all preparations for the intended flight with his habitual skill and foresight. The Levantine steamer left Marseilles early on the third morning from this; and relays were so ordered along the road, as to prevent the possibility of being overtaken, and just to hit the hour of the vessel's sailing. So far everything seemed to promise favourably for the accomplishment of his purposes; and Royston could not have explained even to himself the reason of his feeling so moody and discontented. He went straight to his own rooms, without looking in at the Molyneux's; for he was heated and travel-stained; and under such circumstances, was wont to postpone the greeting of friends to the exigencies of the toilette. This was scarcely concluded, when his servant brought him Mark Waring's card, with a request pencilled on it for an imme. diate interview.

Even the Cool Captain started perceptibly when he read the name: he was well acquainted with the episode connected with it; for Cecil had kept back none of her secrets from him, and this was among the earliest confidences. Then he had VOL. LX. NO. CCCLIX.

felt no inclination to sneer; but now his lip began to curl cynically.

Caramba!" he muttered; 'the plot begins to thicken. What brings the old lover en scène? I hope he does not mean to make himself disagreeable. I haven't time to quarrel just now; and besides, it would worry Cecil. Well-we'll find out what he wants. Tell Mr. Waring that I am disengaged, and shall be happy to see him.'

Royston advanced to meet his visitor, with a manner that was perfectly courteous, though it retained a tinge of haughty surprise.

I cannot guess to what I am indebted for this pleasure,' he said. Pardon me if I ask you to explain your object as briefly as possible. I have much to do this evening, and my time is hardly my own.'

Waring gazed fixedly at the speaker for a few seconds, before he replied. Like most of his profession, he was an acute physiognomist; and in that brief space, he fathomed much of the character of the man who had rivalled him successfully. He confessed honestly to himself, that there were grounds, if not excuse, for Cecil's infatuation; but he shrank from thinking of the danger which she had escaped so narrowly.

'Yes, I will be as brief as possible,' Mark answered, at length. Neither of us will be tempted to prolong this interview unnecessarily. I have promised to deliver a letter

૨ ૨

to you; and when you have read it, I shall have but very few words to say.'

It

A stronger proof than Keene had ever yet given of superhuman control over his emotions, was the fact that, neither by quivering of eyelid, change of colour, or motion of muscle, did he betray the faintest astonishment or concern, as he took the letter from Waring, and recognised Cecil's hand on the cover. was not a long epistle, for it scarcely extended beyond two sides of a note-sheet: the writing was hurried, and in places almost illegible: it had entirely lost the firm, even character which usually distinguished it, from which a very moderate graphiologist might have drawn successful auguries. Perhaps this was the reason that Royston read it through twice, slowly. As he did so his countenance altered fearfully; the deadly white look of dangerous passion overspread it all; and his eyes began to lighten. Yet he spoke calmly

"You knew of this being written ?'

I am happy to say I was more than passively conscious of it,' Mark replied; I did all in my power to bring about the result that you are now made aware of; and I thank God that I did not fail.'

While the other was speaking, Royston was tearing up the paper he held into the smallest shreds, and dropping them one by one. The act might have been involuntary, but seemed to have a savage viciousness about it, as if a living thing were being tortured by those cruel fingers. (The poor letter!whatever its faults might have been, it surely deserved a better fate: it was doubtless not a model of composition: but some of the epistles which have moved us most in our time, either for joy or sorrow, might not in this respect emulate Montague or Chapone.) Still he controlled himself with a mighty effort, enough to ask, steadily, Were you weary of your life to have done all this, and then come here to tell

me so ?'

Waring laughed drearily.

'Weary ? So weary, that if it had not been for scruples you cannot understand, I would have got

rid of it long ago. But I need not inflict my confidences on you; and I don't choose to see the drift of your question.'

The devil had so thoroughly by this time possessed Royston Keene, that even his voice was changed into a hoarse, guttural whisper.

'I asked because I mean to kill

you.'

Mark's gaze met the savage eyes that gleamed like a famished panther's, with an expression too calm for defiance, though there might have been perhaps a shade of contempt.

Of course I shall guard my own life as best I may, either here or elsewhere; but I do not apprehend it is in great danger. There is an old proverb about "threatened men;" they are not killed so easily, as women are betrayed. Beyond the simplest self-defence, I warn you that I shall not resent any insult or attack. I will not meet you in the field; and as for any personal struggle-I don't think that even you would like to make Cecil Tresilyan the occasion for a broil, that might suit two drunken peasants.'

Though shorter by half a head, and altogether cast in a less colossal mould, as he stood there, with his square, well-knit frame, and bold Saxon face, he looked no contemptible antagonist to confront the swarthy giant. In utter insensibility to fear, and carelessness of consequences (so far as they could affect a steady resolve), the Cool Captain had met his match at last. Even then, in the crisis of his stormy passion, he was able to appreciate a hardihood so congenial to his own character; pondering upon these things afterwards, he always confessed that at this juncture, and indeed all throughout, his opponent had very much the best of it. Ferocity and violence seemed puerile and out of place when contrasted with that tranquil audacity. He covered his eyes with his hand for a moment or so, and when he raised his face it had recovered its natural impassibility, though the ghastly pallor still remained. Besides, the truth of Waring's last words struck him forcibly. He muttered under his breath, By G-d, he's right there, at all events;' then he said aloud

1859.1

'Well, it appears you wont fight; so there is little more to be said between us. You think you can thwart my purposes, or mould them as you like. We'll try it. I told you I had many things to do to-night: I have one more than I dreamt of on hand. I wish to be alone.'

Mark gazed wistfully at the speaker, without stirring from his seat.

'I know what your intention is, perfectly well. You mean to follow her. I believe it would be quite in vain; you have misjudged. Cecil Tresilyan, if you fancy that she would alter her determination twice. But you might give her great pain, and compromise her more cruelly than you have done already. There are obstacles now in your way that you could not encounter without causing open scandal. Her brother's suspicions are fairly roused by this time, and he cannot help doing his duty: he may be weak and credulous, but he is no coward. There is no fear of further interference from me: my part is played. But I do beseech you to pause. Supposing the very worst

that you could still succeed in persuading Cecil to her ruin-are you prepared deliberately to accept the consequences of the crime? You are far more experienced in such matters than I: do you know a single instance of such guilt being accomplished, where both, before the year was ended, did not wish it undone? I do not pretend to be interested about your future; but I believe I am speaking now, as your dearest friend might speak. You both delude yourselves miserably, if you think that Cecil could live under disgrace. I do you so much justice-you would find it unendurable to see her withering away day by day, with no prospect before her but a hopeless death. In God's name, draw back while there is time. It is only a sharp struggle, and selfcommand and self-denial will come. Loneliness is bitter to bear: I know that: but what is manhood worth, if it cannot bear its burdens? I have put everything on the lowest grounds; and I will ask you one question more-you might guard her from some suffering, by hiding

593

her from the world's scorn-could you guard yourself against satiety ?'

He spoke without a trace of anger or animosity, and the grave, kind tones made some way in the winding avenues leading to Royston's heart. Besides this, the last word struck the chord of the misgiving that had haunted him ever since he proposed the flight, and had already made him half repent it. But the fortress did not yet surrender.

'All this while, you have had some idea of improving your own position with Cecil. It is natural enough: yet I fancy you will find yourself mistaken there.'

Instead of flushing at the taunt, Waring's face grew paler, and there shot across it a sharp spasm of pain.

So, you cannot understand disinterestedness?' he said. 'Before I ventured on interference, I was aware of the certain consequences, and weighed them all. Miss Tresilyan thought she had done me some wrong; and I trusted to her generosity to help me when I spoke for the Right. But I knew that the spell could only be used once, and that the cancelled debt could not be revived. I shall never speak to her -perhaps never see her-on earth again. Do you imagine I love her less for that? Hear this-I suppose I have as much pride as most but I would kneel down here and set your foot on my neck, if I thought the humiliation would save her one iota of shame or sorrow.'

men ;

Keene was fairly vanquished. He was filled with a great contempt for his own guilty passion, compared with the pure self-sacrifice of Mark's simple chivalry. He raised his eyes from the ground, on which they had been bent gloomily while the other was speaking, and answered without hesitation

'I owe you some amends for much that has been said to-night; and I will not keep you in suspense a moment unnecessarily. I shall leave Dorade to-morrow; but it will not be to follow Cecil Tresilyan. More than this if there is any chance of our meeting hereafter, on my honour, I will avoid it. I wish many things could be unsaid and undone; but nothing has occurred that is past remedy. As far as any future intentions of mine are concerned, I

swear she is as safe as if she were sister.'

my

Waring drew a long breath, as if a ponderous weight had been lifted from his chest. I believe you,' he said simply then he rose to go. He had almost reached the door, when he turned suddenly and It was

stretched out his hand.

a perfectly unaccountable and perhaps involuntary impulse; for he still could not absolve the other from dark and heavy guilt. The Major held it for a few seconds in a gripe that would have paralysed weaker fingers; even Mark's tough joints and muscles were long in forgetting it. He muttered these words between his teeth as he let it go'You were worthy of her.'

6

So the interview ended-in peace. Nevertheless, there was little peace that night for Royston Keene: he passed it alone; how, no mortal can know; but the next morning his appearance fully bore out the truth of the ancient aphorism, There is no rest for the wicked.' His face was set in the stoniest calmness; but the features were haggard and drawn, and fresh lines and furrows were there, deeper than should have been engraved by half a score of years. A violent, passionate nature does not lightly resign the one object of its aims and desires. Larches and firs will bear moving, cautiously; for they are well-regulated plants, and natives of a frigid zone; but transplanting rarely succeeds in the tropics.

Harry Molyneux came to his friend's apartments early on the following day, in a very uncomfortable and perplexed frame of mind. In the first place, he was sensible of that depression of spirits, which is always the portion of those who are left behind, when any social circle is broken up, by the removal of its principal elements. There is no such nuisance, as having to stay and put the lights out. Besides this, he was quite uncertain in what temper Royston would be found; and apprehended some desperate outbreak from the latter, which would bring things, already sufficiently complicated, into a more perilous coil.

Keene's first abrupt words, in part, reassured him. Well, it is

all over; and I am going straight back to England."

Harry felt so relieved that he forgot to be considerate: he could not repress his exultation. 'Is it really all over? I am so very glad!'

And I am not sorry,' was the reply. The speaker probably persuaded himself that he was uttering the truth; but the dreary, hopeless expression of his stricken face gave his words the lie. It cut deep into Molyneux's kind heart; he felt more painfully than he had ever done, the difficulty of reconciling his evident duty with the demand of an ancient friendship; on the whole, a guilty consciousness of treachery predominated. He was discreet enough to forbear all questions, and it was not till long afterwards that he heard an outline of part of what had happened in the past night; it was told in a letter from Miss Tresilyan to his wife. Had he been more inquisitive, his curiosity would scarcely have been gratified. Keene guarded the secrets of others more jealously than he kept his own; and he would have despised himself for revealing one of Cecil's, even to his old comrade, without her knowledge and leave. If the feeling which prompted such reticence was not a high and delicate sense of honour, it was, at least, a very efficient substitute for a profitable virtue.

You go to England?' Molyneux went on, after a brief pause; when do you start? and what do you mean to do ?'

Royston looked up, and saw his own discontent reflected in the countenance of his faithful subaltern ; he knew he had found there the sympathy that he was too proud to ask of any living man.

'I start to-night,' he replied; '80 you see I have no time to lose. I can hardly tell you what I mean to do, Hal. Do you remember what we said about the best way of spending our resources? Well-I have broken into my last large note; and I suppose I must get rid somehow of the change.'

Harry's answer was not very ready, nor very distinct when it 'I wish-I wish, I could help you!' For one moment, there returned

came.