Section 26 of Violet Osborne. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Vijaytash Sharma. Violet Osborne by Lady Emily Pensanbe. Volume 2, Chapter 11. Oh! Enviable fate to be. Strong, beautiful and armed like thee. With lyre and sword, with song and steel. A hand to smite, a heart to feel. The golden legend. Though Albert's visit in some degree roused Violet, she remained an altered creature. She had to strive against vain longings, vain regrets, and at times that half frenzy of self-condemnation, of marvel at her own rashness, and passionate desire to react once seen in her life, which leaves scars and traces on the soul. She said before her eyes a far-distant hope, and with the power of youth, and the courage of a strong nature, the hope was a tangible thing. It brightened the distance, but it could not affect her daily tasks. They no longer were done in the light of that smile, which she had so fondly pictured, as watching her in her daily course and approving it. She was thus being taught better things. She was being insensibly raised and elevated. A better influence was stealing into her benevolence. It was all for good, and that she could acknowledge, but this conviction did not, at the moment, cheer her. She was depressed. Life had lost its springtime. It was Eda's affection which first restored pleasantness to her daily tasks. Eda saw she was sad and wondered why, but too gentle and tender to question, was satisfied with exerting her own little arts to beguile her. One day she would draw her to a ramble in the beautiful country. Another day to a dry.  Another day in paying a visit, ordered by Sir William. Shortly, also seeing that to do good with the passion of Violet's soul, she began to turn her own thoughts in that direction and unlocking little stores of money which her lonely life had taught her to hold. Begged Violet's help and counsel in distributing them to the poor of the neighborhood. No far from quick, love also made her observant, and when she had received an answer to her childish questions, why don't you live in a larger house and why don't you have a carriage? The short answer? Because we can't afford it. She began to consider what poverty was, and being unable to solve the problem, carried it to Lionel. What does Miss Oswell need by can't afford? Now she has not money enough, but I thought only these had money. Then you see, as usual, you made a mistake. Whenever she is poor, how can she have such pretty clothes? People may be poor without being beggars, known be a goose. This was all the information Eda could obtain from Lionel in her perplexity, but though she could not fully understand, she received the fact that Violet was poor into her heart and with quiet, watchful affection endeavored to help her, especially in that line in which Violet was willing to receive help. Though her Sir William Hamilton was also drawn to interest himself in philanthropy, not indeed with personal exertions, but by allowing Eda to mention Violet's suggestions to him and giving the useful help of money and the support of his name. As fresh duties, therefore, opened upon her, Violet recovered some portion of her ardour and the fact of Eda's affection, the clinging tenderness and soft caresses, the admiration for herself and the desire to be improved was, without other causes, a help and consolation to her sore and disappointed heart. Another motive was shortly afterwards presented to spur and re-animate the flickering but not exhausted fire of seal. About three months after Lester's departure, Neonel Vain returned from a tour and paid one of his short visits to Ashford Park. Lord Ashford was absent and finding his mother alone, he remained with her. In the daytime, he strove to Hoskamp and while he sat and read in the shade, Eda detailed to him all the good designs which Violet had and how much she hoped to help her. It was not Leonel's plan to show any difference to Eda and as her talk was childish and insipid, he, while he allowed her to speak, allowed himself to abstract his attention. A difference, however, in the tone of a conversation on this visit caught his ear and without bestowing any greater show of difference, he did hear a considerable part of what she said. Her talk was childish still, full of irrelevant particulars and tedious details but he was struck with the change of subject and the higher flight even of the trifles that occupied her. On one occasion, he and Angel suddenly bounded into the school room and found Violet and Eda, busily occupied enrolling large sheets of paper. He apologized for his intrusion with a formal manly manner and then approaching the table asked if he might inquire into their occupations. Violet had lately heard of the new well-known institution called a penny club had, through Eda, brought it before Sir William's intention and receiving his sanction to introduce it among his cottagers was preparing the necessary papers for the working of the plan. With some eagerness, she explained it to Leonid and with great eagerness he listened and bet that the scheme might be extended to his father's property, undertaking in his own and his mother's name to supply the money required. Violet neither exceeded nor declined. She said he had better talk to Mr. Poe and if her help was required, she would do what she could. Her manner was not very gracious. Having settled in her mind that Lionel was not only a prick but that he hated his father, she could not be cordial to him and though unwilling to damp his desires of usefulness she had no intention of placing herself at his orders. He did not appear to notice her backwardness and relaxing into his formal manner asked a few questions and departed but in his lonely evenings with his mother he spoke much of Violet and her good words. The words he said agitated and excited the heart of the invalid and one day she suddenly asked him whether he thought Ms. Osper could be prevailed on to visit her. His eyes brightened. He loved his mother and the thought of Violet's influence in sharing her solitude was very grateful to him. He promised to ask and for the purpose called on her the following morning. She gave a ready and gratified assent. It was settled that Lady Ashford should let her know when the visit should take place and that Eda should accompany her to the house. I hope you will like my poor mother. He said as he shook Violet's hand and the tone was one of such singular softness that again her heart melted towards him. Two days afterwards Eda brought her a note from Lionel saying his mother would be ready to receive her at three on the day following and at the appointed time they proceeded to Ashford Park. The hall door was open. Eda went in without ringing the bell and took Violet into the drawing room, the door of which was also open. It was not empty. Lord Ashford was looking out of the window. He turned round at their entrance and stared at Violet. He was as unlike Lionel as it was possible for father and son to be. A tall, broad, handsome, well-meet man not naturally course but with some such effect in his air and countenance from the life of dissipation he lent. It was, however, a good-natured jovial countenance not without charm and seemed properly to belong to the jolly old lord. Eda flew across the room when she caught sight of him.  Yes, my precious. He said, embracing her with warmth. I came back last night. And how goes the world with you and whom have we got here? Lowering his voice, yet making the whisper audible. This is Miss Osburn, Uncle Ashford, who is so kind to me. Is she? I hope she will be kind to me too. Good morning, Miss Osburn. He moved a few steps towards her, examining her air and countenance with no great respect. While it pouted, but remained silent. Come here, Eda, he said playfully. I have got something to say. He put his mouth to her ear and whispered aloud. Your kind friend is very handsome but we must not let her hear what we say. While it colored, on which he added, mind you never tell, my precious, because you know we must not make young ladies blush. While it had been for a moment, disconcerted, but she quickly recovered herself and said, I came here by Lady Ashford's invitation. I believe she expects me. May I ring the bell and send to tell her I'm here? By all means, let me do it. Here, Thomas, go to my lady's mate and tell her Miss Osburn is here, so you did not bring your friend to see me, Miss Eda. Oh no, Uncle Ashford? Eda said, imploringly, reading Violet's annoyed expression of countenance. Then you behave very ill to me. Praise it down, Miss Osburn. My lady is fanciful and may keep you waiting. Come, Miss Eda, let us sit down together. He pleased her like a little child on his knee and fondly put his arm round her. While it was not kept waiting, Thomas returned in an instant with the request that she would go upstairs and she sprang up thankfully and followed him. Oh, Uncle Ashford? Eda then said softly, Well, what now?  I'll tell you what, Miss Eda. Your friend is very handsome, but I don't like her. She's one of your prim set-up saints. I can see that. She's not. If she did not speak, it was because she stared. And you shouldn't stare. It's not right. Not dried, he cried, laughing heartily. Why, what are our eyes made for? To look with, not to stare. Eda replied with one of her simple trusons. Well, I shan't stare at her again. I don't like her. She shall be my lady's friend and you shall be mine. While it meanwhile was met on the stairs by an elderly maid who led her at once and without speaking into Lady Ashford's room. Years of illness had banished from this room every trace of beauty or comfort. The chairs and tables were stiffly set against the wall or pushed into corners. Always clean and orderly, but they were not even the luxuries of illness.  A cap, dustingly white, but simple almost as a nun's, confined his silver hair and set as, in a frame, her sharp, colourless, tranquil features. It was Lionel's face, released from flesh and blood, and purified from every trace of passion or earthiness. While it stood still, awed by the sight before her, and it was not till a soft low voice said, Well, you're not come near. And a thin white hand was stretched out that she ventured to approach. The hand did not shake hands when while it drew near. It pointed to a chair at the foot of the sofa and whisked and sealed again. Thank you for coming. It is very good of you. She then said, in the same low voice, I am glad to come while it replied, I have so long wished to see you. And I do see you, but I feared it was wrong. How can it be wrong? While it forgot her awe in a surprise, I must not let earthly wishes rise again. And she crossed her arms on her breast and looked for a moment like a marble figure on an old tomb. But you are come. She added, and I have much to say. While it silently, but with curiosity, waited for her to speak. After a considerable pause she said, I have heard much of you, of all that in the short time you have done. And all you intend to do among us, you are blessed, blessed in the good desires God has given you. And blessed that he also gives you the power to let them bear such fruit. While it's she glowed with pleasure and humility, you must not say such things to me. She said with great earnestness, I do but little and the little I do is very poorly done. It may seem so to you. It is not so in truth. God has made you good and wise and strong. Take warning by me. She continued with agitation and do not deny or waste the precious gifts he has poured on your head. And unable from awe while it sat silent and denied no more. Gone and prosper in the words you have undertaken in the world without. But that word has flittered from me. I know little of it now. I have other words for you to do. Will you undertake them?  I will do what good I can in the world. It is my wish. It is my hope. She felt her heart strangely stirred. The forgotten zeal and fire had stolen back and she was ready for any work however hard. Then come nearer and let me give you my charge. While it obeyed and then fell from that quiet face and those thin lips excited words while she detailed the scheme of her son's marriage with Eda asking Violet to consent to help it forward by all the means that might be put in her power. It was not the work while it had expected. It was not what she approved or desired and when the excited words ceased she sat silent. Do you refuse me? Lady Ashford said in piteous absence I do not refuse while it sent gently what can I do? You can make her like yourself you can make her good. Listen to me. She slightly raised herself in her eagerness and her low voice took a higher key and a tone of passion. There is a work for Eda to do in this house. It is hers, hers only. She is soft, loving, gentle ways set her steel into men's hearts and she will do what I alas, alahis and a tear shot from her eye have left undone. There are other reasons too. She is her child. Here she paused and sang back.  I will do what I can. Violet murmured seeking that she might not seem to be gazing on the agonies of a bruised or broken spirit. But Lady Ashford did not heed the interruption or appear conscious of the revelation she had made. After a short pause she again raised herself and with a like eagerness continued but there are dangers. Eda is not Oleona's wife should be. He is too like me. He cannot bear with the frailty of human nature or have sympathy with those who are unlike him. He loves goodness. He has given his heart to it and if Eda is weak and frail he never will love her. He strives but he cannot. Will you teach her? Will you make her like yourself? Oleona is strong not tossed with the wild worlds of passion. I say will you do it? I should rather say will you pray for God's grace and this good work to your other works? Will you promise?  To be praised above our deserts above the deserts which in self-complicency we have not rated cheaply is a humbling thing and never had violet felt so truly and sincerely lowly minded at this moment. I will do as you say she replied at last in hesitating absence I will pray that God will help me to do good to Eda while we are together. She must not be like me for I am not what you think but I will try to show her what is good as I try to learn it myself. It is all I ask and Lady Ashford sang back and closed her eyes in exhaustion. Her spirit waited then becoming alarmed at the deadly painless and long silence rose and moved.  My spirit is anxious still but my flesh is weak I can say no more God bless you. Violet took the hand stretched out and said Lady, may I come again? No, Miss Osburn this earthly heart these earth-born cares must not weigh me down again I have you looked to my wild longing to speak. I pray God it was not sinful but I am too worthy yet if I rest my wing once more on the words waters I shall never get free Fare you well and God be with you.  I had forgotten if ever you have the opportunity whether I am alive or whether I am dead will you persuade my son to be more at home he too has his work and it is not sea to separate ourselves from it I may have done it alas, alas let him take warning and be wise in time will he not mind his mother's words more than mine Violet said very gently annoyed at the request tell him, Lea mine tell him so when I am dead tell him then once, twice thrice if you can it is for me he acts as he does and I have no power to persuade but you will do it as I request with you she did not wait for an answer and while it was thankful nothing further passed Lady Ashford lay back as one dead and she softly left the room she went down to the drawing room and finding it empty sad still and thoughtful reflecting on all that had passed very shortly Eda and Lord Ashford returned talking lovingly as they walked Eda laden with a dressed in bird the gift of the hour it was plain that Lady Ashford was right Eda had the gift of stealing into one man's heart the violet rose on their entrance her thoughtful attitude and the soft-pensiveness of accountants did not escape Lord Ashford it caught an eye quick to see and struck on a conscience not quick but not dead he was netted and cried with freedom yet bitterness well Miss Osburn what plot has my lady been hatching against me I own I wonder she could trust you to execute it while it's heart was very full of the forlorn wife the forlorn wounded neglected being from whom she had just parted and its levity revolted her feelings as well as offended her taste she took no notice of a speech but said to Eda if you're ready Eda it is full time for me to go home then go my precious Lord Ashford said kissing her and moving her towards world don't let us detain Miss Osburn he continued for you see though kind to you she won't be kind to me good morning Miss Osburn he bowed coldly but the next instant relented held out his hand and with a smile kindly and repentant though his words were not without bitterness added I beg pardon for all offences and if you are not too much a saint to forgive let us in all Christian charity shake hands the toilet gave her hand readily though coldly and then followed by Eda he sinned away she walked along thoughtfully still not Lord Ashford nor yet Lionel was my thoughts she was occupied with the question how was it that one whose aims were so high whose wishes so strong and so holy had been doomed to disappointment having scarcely the power as it seemed to influence even the son who adored her it was only when as they passed the gates of Ashford park and Lionel appeared that her thoughts reverted to him and she became conscious partly conscious of a change in her feelings towards him she had taken an antipathy to Lord Ashford and therefore but are therefore common to human nature she had gone over to Lionel's side she was become more or less a partisan he came towards her with eagerness you have been very good Miss Ospen thank you in my own and my poor mother's name a thousand times I will not be thanked for what gives me pleasure she said playfully then seriously who have to thank Lady Ashford I shall not soon forget her I hope not I hope you will visit her soon again and often I would with joy but she will not allow it oh he said sadly but with vexation my poor mother I had hoped to think of you near her while I am away are you going said both Violet and Eda with quiet Eda with eager regret while it was thinking of his mother's wish yes for a year I am going to Egypt and the Holy Land I met you to wish you goodbye I intend to set off tomorrow morning goodbye Eda goodbye Lionel she said sadly and softly and raised her face and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him my dear Eda do learn to act sustainfully do learn to give up such babish ways here in the high road too Violet could scarcely help laughing at his annoyed ear but she stood demurely by while Eda justified herself when you are going for a whole year I thought I might I am very sorry goodbye dear Lionel well, never mind this time but do remember you are growing old goodbye Miss Osbert your prosperity will attend all your exertions this was said with the old formal manner and on other occasions would have impaired Violet to set him down but she was now on his side and she bore with his face calmly departed and she and Eda hurried to the cottage where her maid was waiting to take Eda home end of volume 2 chapter 11 section 27 of Violet Osburn this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Vijeta Sharma Violet Osburn by Lady Emily Pansanbe volume 2 chapter 12 Death took away King Harold in his pride Death spared naught Hercules for all his strength Death shook great Alexander till he died Death spared Adam yet he died at length the beggar and the king together lay nothing more sure than death for all must die from old verses 1696 several years of Violet's life slipped quietly by the Osburns remained and took root in their new country two visits to friends near London and one change of 30 miles for the benefit of sea air for Mrs. Osburn were the only varieties of those four years the small way of living and the cheapness of the country enabled Mr. Osburn to live in comfort at his tiny home he lost the city in the income no secret funds to meet the expensive pleasures of travelling with equanimity he bore his fate his life did not bear but enjoyed it the calm quiet country existence was helpful to the nerves of the deaf woman and she renewed her youth under its influence for Violet it is hard to find a word expressive of a state of mind she was too busy in the present too absorbed in a single hope to have time for musing or brooding and though happy or contented were not words exactly suitable to her life of restless activity she was upon the home content and cheerful a malady she had a heartache never entirely cured and at times assailing her with violence but youth and hope years flowed on the knowledge that Lester was still unmarried carried her through and in her home she was almost as bright and joyous as in the days of her opening youth very few events marked these years one or two must be mentioned the year after Violet's visit to Ashford Park Lady Ashford died possibly there had been a decline step by step to the end but no news of such decline had got brought and her death was a surprise her son was far away her husband was near at hand but absent she slipped out of life unattended as she had lived one morning she quietly observed to her mate this will be my last day is my lord at home on receiving a negative she sighed then added Mr Pope must be sent home but before he arrived she had tranquilly closed her eyes on earthly troubles the death of this poor lady made a sensation in the parish she had so hidden herself in rigid self-denial had so hidden even her charities from view that she had been forgotten and when she died rich and poor felt qualms of consigns in their forgetfulness none suffered under this self-reproach more keenly than Mr Pope when he looked on the calm and holy face from which life had just departed he was touched though he did not charge himself with neglect but she had never seemed to court his results he did with contempt and he resolved to do her all the honour remaining in his power by preaching a sermon on her death having thus resolved he was too heroic to give way under difficulties but difficulty he certainly felt on the occasion he could not hold her out as an example for he had not admired and did not admire her character or wished to be imitated there was a lesson of warning indeed to be drawn from some part of a conduct but still less could this be dwelt onto the villagers to preach on death might be easy but then death was not a new subject and he wished to distinguish her and himself on the occasion the moment of inspiration came at last it was Lady Ashford who had died in her beautiful home and with had she pleased all the luxuries of life she still had died this was the subject that seized on and approved itself even to his aristocratic mind death as the leveller and feather with the elation on that his mind was really touched and kindled by the circumstance of her death he made a very fine sermon that his wife should say I don't know where you get your thoughts it's not much but that Mr. Osborne should disrespectfully observe to boil it I never expected to feel so little sleepy under Pope's discourses it was a tribute more valuable his triumph however was among the poor they talked it over with Racha for a month at least Jane said an old answer as woman to her bedridden companion we are the terrible sermon from master Pope and then in a few concise words she gave an epitome of the sermon when death comes to take us by the clutches it will never do to say I be my lord or my lady or I be a king on my throne death must have its wool he be a terrible grand thing that death nothing on earth be so great as he but God is greater sedging somewhat scandalised aye aye but God be in heaven and death bent there thank the lord Lord Ashford returned in the evening of the day of his five step and found her dead that he should feel grief was impossible but he too felt a quorum of conscience and would have given much to have been able to murmur pardon me in her dying air but the shock passed by the troubled conscience was stilled and she was forgotten Mr Pope wrote to Lionel but though he had returned from the east and was rambling about in Holland and Germany his movements were so uncertain that before he heard the news he came home with a speed for which there was now no cause and shut himself up alone there was a rumour that at nightfall he stole out to his mother's grave but in the daytime he was unseen and he suffered no intrusion on his solitude Mr Pope always desires to do his duty wrote to offer a visit of condolence and enclosed a sermon as a peacemaker Lionel had resented Mr Pope's friendship with his father and comparative neglect of his mother and resentment was not forgotten now with a few words of cold thanks and scarcely warm approval he returned the sermon and declined the visit and remained alone and comfortless Eda's tender heart played and she implored permission to go to him but Sir William Hamilton more discerning than his daughter received that Lionel resented any forwardness on Eda's part and now as usual refused to allow her to seek him out about 10 days after his return she was however gratified by the sight of him she and Violet were returning late from a small hamlet to the special care of which Violet was directing Eda's attention when they saw him on the opposite side of a hedge they were in one of the meadows of Boscombe he was in Ashwin Park Eda grasped Violet's arm and pointed him out but no sound was made and they walked on for a time in silence uncertain whether he perceived or intended to notice them at length a kind of gate at the end of the hedge was reached and Lionel suddenly and lightly walking over it stood before them his pale distressed countenance and the sight of his deep morning overcame Eda and springing forward she threw herself into his arms sobbing out oh my dearest Lionel I'm so sorry for you as she was now a tall girl of 13 Lionel's strictures on this behaviour might have been reasonable but he was too agitated to think of them now far from repelling he held her hand crushing it in his own while he endeavoured to master himself when he had calmed himself as best as he could he let go of her hand and advancing slightly shook hands with Violet Eda has been hoping to see you Violet said speaking to relieve the awkwardness of the moment I wished to see her do before I went I have walked her several evenings I knew you went often to Little Boscombe and I thought I should meet you there was a pause and then Eda looked up sorrowfully are you going again Lionel yes I only waited to see you are you going for long yes for some years I think for some years he called both Violet and Eda at Violet's exclamation he turned towards her and said fiercely yes or yes why should I not you should keep me at home I thought you knew your mother wished you to live at home Violet said in a low voice a hundred times at least she had debated with herself whether the message left with her should be given and a hundred times her sober judgment had told her that it was not a matter in which she was likely to do good or in which it was wise for her to interfere but her impulse was stronger than her judgment and on the impulse of the moment she spoke how do you know she wished it he said eagerly she told me so in that one visit she left indeed a kind of message for you our message he cried excitedly Eda leave us for a moment I wish to speak to Miss Osburn alone Eda stole back along the hedge idly picking out the white flowers and Violet also moved repenting of the impulse that had led her to speak but he stood still and requested almost commanded her to repeat what had been said she did so nearly as possible in the very words that had been used giving to them all the force and pathos in her power his agitation frightened her tears sprang into his eyes and he clenched and unclenched his hands several times as if in a vain effort to restrain himself but it was not the agitation of tenderness when he spoke his words were fiery and resentful you do not know what you ask if you did know if you could but guess the course of conduct which has driven my poor ancient mother into an early grave you would not ask you would not dare to ask of a son to forgive I asked nothing while it said gently I have told you the words that were said to me but you know your duty far too well for me to wish to influence you even had either right to do so there are cases when duties are at war with duty I have a duty to my dear lost mother and that dissolves the common duty of a son to his father in my mind he is little better than her murderer he shall not be a father to me will I live with him as a son while it was short and alarmed and the violence of slanguage and countenance but though short she was interested it was the revelation of a character some ingredients of which she had suspected lay under his formal manners but the full development of which astonished her she made one more effort your mother spoke of false in her part false of judgement which had been committed which partly excused which at least explained I hardly know how to express myself but you should not forget what she said she in her quietness was a better judge of what duty is done you can't be in your excitement but I can say no more it is for you to think over her words and decide either and she stifly raised her voice and beconned with her hand either returned slowly gazing at Leonid to see if she had permission to return I have shocked you he said forgive me you can hardly guess what my feelings are on that subject I wish I could be guided by you but I cannot while it made no answer but when Eda reached them held out her hand and said we must wish you good by then he shook her hand silently and drawing Eda a little apart whispered to her for two or three seconds when he released her with a condescension never before exhibited and probably in his agitated state unconsciously shewed he kissed her cheek he then walked over the gate and disappeared Eda walked along for a short distance crying silently while its mind during that short time was more occupied with curiosity than with any other subject she was by nature curious and she did feel desirous to know the subject of that private communication no access of curiosity would however have allowed her to ask a question on the subject and she was unexpectedly relieved by Eda's remark do you know what Leonid said to me while I was drawing her eyes and looking up ready for conversation no indeed how could I guess I thought perhaps he told to he asked me to go and see Uncle Ashford very often and to be a kind of a daughter to him as he cannot be his son while it saw in this request they endeavored to stifle a prompting of conscience well Eda you must try and do as he wishes she replied it cannot be the same thing but you may be of a little use I wish Leonid liked Uncle Ashford better Eda next said sadly and Uncle Ashford too I wish he liked Leonid I wish so too but we will not talk about such things it seems so shocking for a son not to love his father I think Leonid would if he could and I think Uncle Ashford would if he could with Eda's charitable comment but Eda real goodness is to do more than we can I'm afraid saying we can't it's no good excuse and having instilled her moralism while it changed the subject and endeavored to divert Eda's mind another event or more properly circumstance for it could not be dignified with the name of an event occurred about two years afterwards this was a disappointment which came to violet in the person of Amy White as a conduct on the occasion near rise to some further circumstances it must not be passed over no one could have toiled more unceasingly than violet had to prevent Amy from sinking in the scale of society by the occupation she followed no one could have toiled more honestly by society, advice and guidance to elevate and refine her mind that she might thereby prevent herself from sinking but some minds will not be elevated and some persons cannot rise above the level in which their daily duty lies thus with Amy she worshipped violet and for her sake did strive to maintain a position above her occupation but it was wearying to her and the effort was not strong enough to withstand the temptation violet one day accompanied Eda to the neighboring town for a visit to a dentist Eda suffered a good deal and their return was late about two miles from Oliven violet observed on the footpath by a young woman walking arm in arm and though as they passed the young woman was closely veiled she had no difficulty in recognizing Amy white the young man she thought was a grocer in the town from whence she was returning but of this she could not be sure Eda was reclining backwards in great pain and saw neither the site nor the more remarkable site of violet scrims indignant, astonished ashamed countenance nothing was said of what she had seen but the following morning she hissing to Amy for an explanation poor Amy with many tears confessed that the young man who was her lover was the grocer and that she had given him considerable encouragement then you mean to marry him violet said in stern astonishment Amy was silent somewhat imperiously she repeated the question I hardly know Amy said hesitatingly sometimes I think I won't and then I think it will be a happy thing for my mother and me to be provided for all our days but that is so low view of marriage violet said warmly have you considered all the case do you? can you love him I think he loves me was the evasive reply for he is rich, rich compared to us and I am poor and yet he is willing to have me willing to have you violet repeated in ill suppressed contempt my dear Amy do you consider what you say and what you are doing give yourself to a grocer because he is willing to have you though you are poor my dear Amy is it possible you can treat him such a way Amy looked ashamed but made no difference do not suppose I would see avert against a young man because he is a grocer it is a most useful and respectable business and if he chooses a fitting wife I do think she will be a very happy woman but I cannot fancy you Amy behind a counter he seems he will never ask it Amy burst in eagerly then I think him very nonsensical was while its decided reply husbands and wives ought to help each other and if a grocer has a fine life who will not exert herself assure herself they will both be miserable depend upon it Amy I am right and you are wrong you were born a lady and though you have suffered much you have never yet lowered yourself you do not know what you will feel when you have taken a step which contents you for life to different society depend upon it you will repent Amy worshipped Violet and these and many other arguments powed out during our conversation induced her to give up the proposed connection but when the deed was done she repented and bitterly the pleasant excitement of the courtship was no more her mother though she had grumbled at the idea of such a marriage grumbled still more when she found it was not to be and made her home she was atonement could it have been possible she would have lived the lover back but he was not to be allowed he had behaved as he justly thought handsomely and he had been treated as he justly thought unjustly he was stunk and beat and after a few weeks transferred his attentions to a handsome bustling young woman the very opposite to Amy and exactly fitted to be his wife Violet's arguments had been true and her advice sound with many characters her interference might have been useful but Amy was helplessly weak her sentiments of love and marriage were not high and from this time Violet began to perceive that her cares had been thrown away and sometimes to grieve that she had not allowed Amy's affairs to take their own natural course of arguments and wishes a third event was the coming of age of Lionel Wain he came home on the occasion to sign some papers but a disagreement sprang up with his father excited words were spoken and in two or three days he had again be taken himself to his wandering life the disagreement was not with regard to money arrangements Lionel was willing to do all his father wished in that respect he asked Lady Ashford's to specify religious society the big question was left in humble words should my husband and my son when he comes of age approve now Lord Ashford did not approve and had this argument on his side that since Lady Ashford's death the society in question had been brought somewhat conspicuously before the public or into fraudulent practices in one of the managers Lionel his mother's wish was secret and perhaps all the most sacred from his father's opposition neither would deal and departed in dispensary it was unfortunate Lord Ashford since his wife's death had been sobering and improving there was to show or talk of improvement perhaps no consciousness of it but he was becoming whiter and was beginning to look forward with hope and pleasure to the time when Eda as Lionel's wife would make him a comfortable and peaceful home Lionel could not know this fact there was no one to tell him of any change and his visit was too short to allow of any such observation from his own eyes but some ignorances are in themselves faults and some eyes are blindfolded by their own hands he paid a short visit to Eda on this vocation although angry with his father he still encouraged her to behave with him and make herself as a daughter an injunction scrupulously fulfilled as far as Sir William Hamilton permitted it End of Volume 2 Chapter 12 Recording by Vijeta Sharma Section 28 of Violet Osborne This is a labour box recording all labour box recordings are in the public domain for information or to volunteer please visit labourbox.org Violet Osborne by Lady Emily Ponsonby Volume 2, Chapter 13 A blooming lady a conspicuous flower admired for her beauty for her sweetness praised whom he had sensibility to love ambition to attempt the excursion five years of luster's banishment had expired 1720 an Eida Hamilton on 17 among Violet's many disappointments and she naturally had many besides the one just related she had one success so great that she herself marveled at it there are soils so fruitful hearts so honest and good that every seed of advice cast upon them springing up bears fruit a hundred fold and such was the soil of Eida's nature very real with very conscientious effort and determination Violet had endeavored to the best of her power to instill good thoughts and give firm principles of action she knew she had done this and yet knew also how far below her desires her efforts and powers had been she was therefore astonished at the reproduction in Eida of all that was best in herself but Violet could not estimate the value of her own society of her own good heart acting on another it was this far more than the conscious teaching which had transformed the soft and loving but feeble character of her young companion into one which but for the natural and inevitable informities of human nature was almost faultless Violet could not give to the intellect the vigor which did not exist but she gave what was more valuable the moral atmosphere of truth and sense and kindness and clear sight of the distinction between right and wrong that atmosphere in which she herself lived and moved which encompassed her without her knowledge and breathed in every word she heard flowing from her became to Eida the atmosphere of her life she drank it in and with the unconscious mimicry of affection and the subtle purpose of admiration imitated Violet and thought and word indeed banners and appearances had not lost ground while her moral nature improved and she was as she approached 17 one whom a man supposing him ever to be content to have his marriage arranged might have been more than content might have been grateful and he allotted to his share the charms of his daughter were not lost on Sir William he saw them acknowledged to whom a considerable share of her merits and graces were due and repaid Violet with a coin for which she was on prepared during the last two years he had been in some degree emerging from his retirement the interest which Violet had stirred in Eida's heart for her father's tenantry reacted upon him the merits of seclusion were too strong to be readily broken he suffered himself to be drawn into interest, reflection and liberality perhaps the spell exercised upon him was the same as that which was exercised upon his daughter and that he yielded to interest simply that he might draw near where he wished to draw near be this as it may whether first interest in his people then in Violet or the reverse was stirred up certain it is that both effects were produced and building in secret on a future hope he watched his time and opportunity to make those hopes apparent this was not easy he was too keen-sighted not to perceive that his appearance except at rare intervals in his own home would put an end to the intimacy between Violet and his daughter this he therefore rarely permitted himself Violet came and went unmolested by any thought of him the only ground in which he occasionally allowed himself a meeting was in his Popper Hamlet of Little Bascombe this was one of those neglected spots a population settling there none knowing how or when with poverty like Irish poverty and habits wild and gypsy like such as is sometimes to be found on the skirts of heaths in the south of England here he occasionally met his daughter to inspect the progress of works designed or to plan new ones and Violet was often present her practical sense making itself felt not only to Sir William who saw her through charmed eyes but to his man of all work a sharp shrewd north country steward who though not unwilling to do good to man in general was especially desirous of doing good to his employer after a certain number of these meetings had taken place her opinion had been differentially listened to and her wishes acquiesced in Sir William thought the time was come when he might make an advance when he had first felt the impulse to make Violet Lady Hamilton he had decided on waiting till his daughter was Mrs. Vane but Lionel's willfulness made the prospect a doubtful and distant one he then decided that he would wait until Ida was 17 but so it was that the more he considered the future before him the more alluring the prospect became and suddenly when the 17th birthday was still four months distant he said he could wait no longer and the deed should be done Ida had a cold and after paying her an afternoon visit Violet set off one day about this time to walk home alone Sir William had expected it would be thus for though his carriage was always at her disposal Violet's habits were too free and independent to allow her often to make use of it as she emerged from the shrubbery into the park she saw Sir William coming being always in haste she was always sorry to be detained but otherwise whether or not she met him there of indifference to her as was usual on the rare occasions when they chanced us to meet she stopped and said a few words but before she could hurry on he observed may I speak a few words with you it was said in the grave shy manner which was common to him and though in ridley fretting at the delay Violet acquiesced without suspicion and with civility he began by thanking her for the improvement praising his daughter with well merited and discriminating praise and then observing that he allowed himself the indulgence of praise because the work of having made her what she was was Violet's own Violet was gratified though disclaiming any excess of praise she was conscious of having done her very best and she was too honest not to show the pleasure caused by an appreciation of her pains her smile was bright and her thanks for his words frank, modest and ingenious charmed by her reception of his opening speech Sir William lost his diffidence and in the very next sentence began to pour out before her his hopes and to offer to her acceptance himself and all his worldly goods though his words were tolerably plain and straightforward and though it is said a woman is seldom taken by surprise Violet's perceptions on the occasion were so dull that he spoke for some moments before even a glimmer of dismayed comprehension shot through her brain and even then though her color rose her breath came short she was still so uncertain whether he might not be speaking of Lionel and Ida that she was afraid to seem quick of comprehension when, however she could doubt no longer she stopped and with warmth begged him to be silent shame, anger and mortification for a few moments raged within there was no reason possibly for anger at this tribute to her attractions but Violet's feelings were quick and she was so mortified at having been misunderstood at the idea having presented itself to his mind that she could not argue or restrain herself and spoke her feelings as they rose but when she saw his mortification and disappointment she relented and instead of hurrying on as she had intended she endeavored with slack and steps and gentle words to soothe the wound she had inflicted she told him in plain terms that to win her was impossible leaving him to infer the reason why and then expressed her regrets and language so kind that though his disappointment was great Sir William allowed himself to be soothed before they parted he begged of her to allow the late conversation to remain a secret he was not speaking he said of her parents but of his neighborhood he could not suppose Violet interrupted quickly that she would interrupting in his term he merely wished to point out that any change of her habits any backwardness in visiting his house and his daughter would inevitably give rise to those observations he was earnestly desirous to avoid he could assure her on his honor as a gentleman that he would molest or offend her no more Violet gave a hurried but ready promise that she would do as he wished and then agitated and breathless and hastened homewards when out of sight of his mortification her own returned in full force and had her parents been at home to them her heart would have been poured out but they had gone out for an evening stroll and returned only in time for Mr. Osborne to be anxious for dinner during the evening shame the shame of having been treated like a common young lady kept her silent and when Mrs. Osborne said she was tired and went early to bed the last chance of confession escaped her before morning the dutiful impulse which had made her feel the secret to be her parents right had yielded to the wisdom of second thoughts these second thoughts were very wise how she asked herself could she keep her promise of secrecy to Sir William and her parents objected to a continuance of her present footing in his house and how if there was a change could she escape the observations of Mr. Pope of Ida of Lionel Vane etc and at the thought and from dread of the observations that might be made her cheek burned her nature shrank and her decision was taken to bury desired. A few days afterwards she met Sir William when walking to Bascom and company with her father and the thankfulness she felt at escaping his arch looks on the occasion made her applaud the wisdom of her decision as it was a slight blush on her cheek and a slight degree of added shyness on his part was all the awkwardness that was visible and having no suspicions these slight signs were unperceived by Mr. Osborn Sir William seemed anxious to re-establish a friendly footing and became almost loquacious he twice observed that though the weather was sultry he thought it would rain and instead of her wringing on after these two remarks paused and said have you heard that Lionel Vane is about to return home no indeed said Mr. Osborn who liked a piece of news of whatever kind is it true I saw Pope just now and he had heard nothing of it that makes it doubtful does it not it is true I imagine McAdam told me he had heard it this morning from Lord Ashford Steward then I suppose it must be true Mr. Osborn observed so William agreed and having now done his best to reassure Violet took his leave gone bless Sir William exclaimed Mr. Osborn actually a piece of news what can have inspired him it is not news to him Violet inadvertently replied it is probably an interesting fact why how so do you believe the tale I hear that Miss Hamilton is destined for him then without waiting for an answer he continued I wish your pretty friend a better fate I don't see that Papa I am sure by all I hear of the world Mr. Vane is a thousand times better than most young men he may have faults but he has not bad faults well darling I disagree with you it is not a thing I like to say but I do feel that I would rather see a youth with faults and what you call bad faults than see him an undutiful son where there is no heart no practice of the first of duties I have very little admiration for a faultless character Mr. Osborn spoke with warmth and with warmth Violet replied no heart Papa an undutiful son oh how you misjudge do I darling tell me how I forgot that Lionel Vane was under your protection I only mean that you must make allowance for what seems undutifulness to one parent by remembering what he feels about another Mr. Vane adored his mother and he did not and I suppose cannot forgive the neglect that hurried her to her grave very likely he is wrong but I feel that if you behave so to Mamma I should be as undutiful to you should you darling he cried laughing merrily as he looked into her eager face well then I am sure you must be wrong and Mr. Vane is in the right and now that he really is coming home I dare say he will win golden opinions from me and all other people we will hope so at any rate Lionel Vane returned he was brought home by a letter from Lord Ashford as has been said Lord Ashford was becoming anxious for society at home not so much the society of his son as his son's wife he like others had been struck with the improvement in Ida and feeling a conviction that if Lionel saw her the plans regarding their future life would come to a crisis he wrote to request his return he knew however that a request was not enough he made a sacrifice and the subject of his letter was the withdrawing of his opposition to the payment of Lady Ashford's bequest Lionel was touched he was too certain he was in the right at his own behavior on the occasion of their last strife but he was touched by his father's advances toward a reconciliation and being very desirous to return accepted at once the propitiation offered on the morning of the day of his return as Violet returned from her music lesson in the church she met Mr. Pope and Lord Ashford they turned and walked with her and here observed Lord Ashford has been endeavoring to bribe me to my duty by promising me a musical treat whether or no there is anything very righteous in being bribed to church I cannot tell but I was coming beforehand to hear the treat in question we are too late I fear Violet had rarely met Lord Ashford since the day on which they seemed to take a mutual antipathy and when they did meet she was toward a better understanding had been made unwilling however in her benevolence to damp good wishes of any kind she answered graciously that her mother was not well which had been the cause of the lesson being shorter than usual she hoped he would repeat his visit another day we are getting on very well are we not Mr. Pope and a little praise encourages us all Mr. Pope gave his cordial acquiescence and they walked on it very shortly occurred to Violet that Lord Ashford wished to speak to her but if it were so Mr. Pope having no such suspicion prevented speech by walking and talking unceasingly he showed off Violet to Lord Ashford and Lord Ashford to Violet and himself to both and so boasting they all reached the cottage is your mother to offer a visit Lord Ashford inquired and more than ever convinced he had something to say Violet entered the house and said she would see her mother was lying down but she found her father and he came out unceremoniously turning from him however Lord Ashford said to Violet I have never seen your drawing room may I look in and scarcely waiting for permission entered the house Violet followed and he without seeming to perceive that Mr. Osborne and Mr. Pope were also following closed the door and said I have but a moment I know from Ida that you are acquainted with our schemes Sir Williams and mine and I wish to ask your assistance in bringing them to a right conclusion I think you will be doing a good work Mr. Pope was not to be kept out and before Violet answered he and Mr. Osborne entered and a general conversation for a few minutes followed before his departure however Lord Ashford found a moment to add did you understand me I think you will have influence will you do what you can I do not like it Violet said hesitatingly but as things have gone so far I think I may promise that I will do anything I can anything I ought that will do thank you and he departed what was that Violet said her father returning as soon as he had attended his visitors to the cottage gate what did Lord Ashford want and what did you say you would do as much as you want it was from her father probably that Violet inherited the curiosity which was so marked a feature in her character she was for a moment perplexed how to answer then said frankly and playfully a secret papa to punish you for listening I shall not tell you what it is and I must also own that if you had not listened I still should not have told a secret between you and Lord Ashford darling why this is a new friendship is it not rather new it was formed as we walked from the church this morning and you have a real secret yes papa and I have two or three others and I can't tell you anything about them and you must not ask me and she kissed him not coaxingly but with an air a playful authority well well in my day he murmured a little rebelliously not that he had any doubts or fears about Violet's secrets but that the poor man was suffering from an attack of curiosity as to what Lord Ashford could have said end of volume 2 chapter 13 section 29 of Violet Osborne this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Monica Rolly Violet Osborne by Lady Emily Ponsonby volume 3 chapter 1 Lionel returned and took up his abode at home on terribly friendly terms with his father he appeared to be duly struck with a change in Ida and expressed himself warmly regarding her personal appearance but seemed in no hurry to bring matters to a crisis he had indeed been so long absent that there was something like a fresh acquaintance to be made and however much all parties might wish it it was less easy now that Ida was grown up Mabon with fewer teeth and a stronger propensity to slumber was still ostensibly the chapprent but it was impossible that Lionel should come and go with the unceremonious freedom of former days his own fastidious taste and his strong sense of propriety forced him to treat Ida with respect and though unable to break off entirely his teasing habits he did for the most part behaved to her in a manner becoming his position Lord Ashford and Sir William who had expected an immediate arrangement were annoyed but both were too prudent to express their feelings and after the first disappointment calmly made up their minds to a delay as Ida was still three months less than seventeen most people would have considered a delay desirable and so probably Lionel felt it was very soon apparent that other schemes besides matrimonial schemes occupied his attention he had an active mind and a great desire not only that good should be done in the world but that he should do it from childhood upwards he had said it constantly in his heart he had said it in the outpourings of that heart to his mother and he had sometimes said it to Ida that he would be one of the world's good men one of those to whom the world should look up as a great doer of good works he had been impatient when he was a boy to grow up he might begin his operations and though he owned that his time had hitherto been wasted that he had not as yet made even a step towards the position to which he aspired yet circumstances not himself he thought had been in fault and the time was now come when he might begin like a prudent man he determined to begin at home and he looked about him for the skills suited to his wants with tender recollection also of his mother and her wishes he went back into memory to recall her thoughts and gradually brought to mind a scheme in which she had once been absorbed it was shortly before the time when the new school had been built in compliance with Mr. Pope's wishes as his last had been expensively done the funds for the other scheme had not been forthcoming and the plan was set aside but it recurred to Lionel's remembrance now and gradually even in its minutest details was brought to mind the scheme in question was for the education of a limited number of girls as servants moral and intellectual teaching not neglected but cooking, washing and other useful requirements added with quick decision he resolved on undertaking this plan for his first work and having so resolved went to Ida for help she interested in all his wishes and interested in every good work gave her heart and understanding to its furtherance but naturally enough she pleaded ignorance in such matters and in her turn applied to Violet for information and assistance Violet was delighted it was a practical plan suited to her practical mind and she entered into it with warmth her first observation was that it would be costly was Mr. Vane prepared for that he to whom this observation was repeated by Ida insisted on satisfying her and came to Boscom during one of her visits to do it he told her that he was prudent that he should begin with four or five girls that he had found a house which with a few repairs would answer the purpose in which Lord Ashford was willing to let for a very small rent and then he added that his mother had left to him exclusively a few thousands but of which she was anxious to devote to a plan on which her heart had been said pleased with all he said Violet promised help if help was needed but meanwhile she took care so to imbue Ida's mind with her own judious views that the help a young man was sure to need in such a scheme should come from her alone never mother tried to set for daughter's charms as Violet tried to invest Ida with the special grace as Lionel prized the conferences needed in drawing out the rules for the proposed institution were so numerous that nothing better could have been devised for throwing Ida and Lionel together looking on the plan in this light Lord Ashford and Sir William Hamilton each insisted on giving a contribution and a scheme progressed so favourable that there was hope of all things being ready for a beginning by Christmas I'm quite delighted with the whole thing Violet one day observed to Ida the rules and all the arrangements are so good that I feel confident of its success and there is no telling what good may be done when a few young girls are thus placed where only influences can reach them and after time Ida you must take them in charge and you must remember that girls poor girls like to be amused as well as rich ones it will be nice for you two or three times a week to go and read to them while they work a good story is something to amuse them for children and then it might be useful too where to teach them to sing she was proceeding eagerly with the expression of her wishes when Ida's deep blush caught her eyes the house appropriated to the building was at some distance on the skirts of Lord Ashford's Park being near his house and comparatively far from Ida's Violet's suggestions too pointedly eluded to the time when Ida might be the resident there she was no longer what she had been when she so openly announced the event that was impending her love for Lionel had assumed a new form that form when it retires from side and shrinks from the notice of the world at the words of her companion she blushed and stooped her head over the writing on which she was employed Violet quick to see and quick also to feel and to prove her sensitiveness knew yet natural paused then kissing her murmur forgive me I was indiscreet and changed the subject but in the almost daily intercourse that now took place she like Lord Ashford saw the beginning of the end and though the remembrance of Ida's tender years made her patient expected a few weeks or months at latest to bring all things to a happy conclusion satisfied with obtaining her valuable assistance through Ida and when absolutely necessary was a discussion of some important subject at Boscombe Lionel had not hitherto troubled Violet with visits at home but one morning he appeared I will not have this mama Violet said as she saw him enter the cottage gate he comes Mr. Vane with a paper in his hand he takes more of my time than I can spare as it is now one thing and now another and if he is to come here and of a morning to I must him spoken to only once dear said her mother perhaps it is for something particular there can be nothing very particular since Wednesday afternoon Vane is fuzzy there is no doubt I like him very much and I think him very good but he does think his plans are the only plans in the world Lionel had been kept waiting for a few moments while the housemaid taken by surprise was changing her working apron for a clean one he now came in and it was worth an eagerness which made him forget the formal manners he still assumed whenever he had time to recollect himself he shook hands with Beau's mother and daughter seated himself in the place Mrs. Osbourne pointed out and then began Mrs. Osbourne do you remember a conversation we had about a school mistress three weeks ago? Yes and I thought you had got her so did I but now she declines to come we are too far from London for her taste I heard that from my friend yesterday morning and last night a new idea struck me I could not rest till I came to you about it would not your protege miss why do for us I know how anxious you are she should get some more suitable thing than she now has and I think in many ways this will be less weary work than her present task Violet sat silent for a moment her eyes red-sparkled with pleasure but then she looked grave what do you say? and he eagerly examined her countenance don't you think it will do? no she said slowly shaking her head I am very very sorry but I am afraid it ought not to be it is very kind of you to have thought of it but it will not do miss why does not fit is she mama there is no doubt about it are you sure? he asked with disappointment in his tone I know you do not think her a very good teacher for the mind but this is different and those who are least intellectual are often the best for practical life but that is just what she is not she is not fit if fitness is considered for her present situation but she is far less fit to make girls good useful women no I could not, ought not to say it would do I know you would soon find out your mistake I am very sorry then he said rising from his seat and that is all I have to say but thank you for your openers it is not everybody that I should have trusted when a protege was in question but I knew I should only have truth from you I hope so indeed darling ah it is not so common a thing as you think is it Mrs Osbourne Mrs Osbourne not being certain what he had asked only smiled and turning again to violet he said shall you see Ida today I am afraid not I am busy today no more shall I I must try to talk to the clergyman there about a mistress he is sensible and may give a good opinion which is more than I can say for your friend Mr Pope Mr Pope is sensible up to a certain point violet observed never willing to agree with Lionel in his depreciation of man and things the point is only so high then he replied playfully making the mark of a child's height with his hand then as if suddenly remembering how much he had unbent he drew up and added once to see Ida will you be good enough to tell her where I am gone good morning violet returned to her employment she was adapting some fine court from Bethoven to the words of Absalom that is she had been so occupied when Lionel entered but though she resumed her play she now said highly before the music a pen in her hand but her thoughts wondering Mrs Osbourne watched her for some time then went to her and put her hand on her shoulder you are sorry about Amy dear violet started yes mama how you guess it would have been the very thing for her and her mother together in such a comfortable house as it will be but I could not have said she was fit if she had been my sister I could not have said it no dear I don't think you could Amy will never influence young girls you were very right to speak as you did dear violet sighed ah mama what I was thinking was how much responsibility we take upon ourselves ignorantly if I had thought of Amy as I do now how differently I should have advised about her I remember she paused then trying to speak steadily and indifferently but her voice becoming hoarse and low went on Mr Lester once said he thought her so much better fitted to be a dressmaker than a school mistress it was after we had seen how helpless she was and how many difficulties they were in making her understand our views about her future life but I would not hear of it for her I was so bend on keeping her a lady and now I see that he was right perhaps so dear but it could not be expected that at 18 you should have the experience you have now but mama my mistakes may do real harm yesterday Amy was hearing a class of boys and she was fretful and aggravating and I saw them making faces at her it made me wretched all day and when Mr Vane spoke this morning my heart at first bounded at the thought of freeing her and them but in a moment I felt it would not do and there she must stay and perhaps she's making the boys wicked and it is my fault that is morbid darling you must not have such thoughts I always trust that if we sincerely wish to do good God will not suffer even our mistakes to do real harm you're very comforting mama and Violet rose up and kissed her mother I will not fret about Amy anymore I hope something will rise up for her in time and for myself I can at least resolve to make no more mistakes and with this earnest resolve her countenance brightened and she turned her thought again to the work her and of section 29 and of volume 3 chapter 1 recording by Monika Rolly section 30 of Violet Osborne this is a LibreBox recording all LibreBox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibreBox.org Violet Osborne by lady Emily Ponsonby volume 3 chapter 2 unless he is in love with the some woman there is no believing old signs much ado about nothing before the plans for his new school were well settled Lionel's time was much occupied the autumn had been rainy and in a violent storm in the middle of November the river rose above its banks and the whole low lying country one or two villages belonging to Lord Ashford suffered terribly and as after the floods abated a hard frost long and severe set in there was great distress in the whole country it was a poor district fertile but improvident and though because fertile a moderate share of comfort was generally enjoyed any casual grievance became a grievance indeed uncomfortable poverty into beggary Lord Ashford could not bear to see distress and though his finances had suffered in common with those of his poor neighbors he was anxious to relieve them to the utmost of his power he did not like trouble but he gave Lionel a commission to inquire into the circumstances of his tenetry and to relieve them as he thought best Lionel entered zealously into the work and he found ready help around him Mr. Pope was extremely annoyed at the state of things that distress distress beyond the power of any man entirely to relieve should exist in his parish in that delightful country whose air he breathed was the circumstances as on foreseen as on pleasing he felt personally insulted and could only bear the shame by remarking three or four times each day to all who would hear but especially to Violet that it was an exceptional year in the whole course of his acquaintance with the country he had never known so much rain to fall and never had experienced so hard a frost his injured feelings however did not destroy his kindly ones and he gave liberally both time and money Violet felt her poverty and smarted under the sting it was long since she had ceased to mourn over the loss of riches for her own sake but now had she but been as she once had been where would poverty have been found it seemed hard that she who would have melted her own self had she been made of gold to give to the suffering should not now with all her desires have more than a might to give she sighed and resolved that since money could not be given she would indeed give herself very zealously therefore did she help Lionel in any and every part of his work that could be undertaken by another among other projects a shop for the sale of provisions at an under cost price was established in Holywell this was a great bone for the town was five miles distant and the small retail shops in the district were short of money charged high prices and gave bad goods the shop was held for some hours three times a week and was almost entirely managed accountants and money to provide better ones both being scarce by Violet and Ida with Lionel and Mr. Pope's occasional help the frost continued with one or two breaks during the whole of December the early part of January and with the frost the suffering and distress and with the distress the heart working of all who were anxious to relieve it the severe weather was at its height when Albert Ellis wrote to propose a few days visit he wrote to Mrs. Osborne and his letter ended thus I came back to London from a long visit in Norfolk where though cold enough the sun was brilliant and the sky blue I found London foggy as well as cold and as dismal looking as can be imagined I thought it unbearable till I heard a piece of good news which made its dull features become charming tell Violet that I have a piece of good news to tell her in which she is interested as well as I Mrs. Osborne read the letter and without any definite thought till she saw the crimson glow which died her daughter's cheeks a definite idea did then present itself and though she quietly said for Albert and his news what can he have to tell she after that one observation suffered the subject to drop but all the day long she questioned with herself what that blush had meant what Violet could expect and what Albert intended to convey no less perplexed was Violet yet that Albert should have good news to tell her that was unconnected with Lester never so much as swept over the mirror of her fancy what so sweet as the author of Nathalie says Pridley as a nameless joy and such a vague inspiring brightness was that which quickened Violet's elastic step and shown in her sparkling eye Albert arrived just before luncheon an accident having forced him to lose half a day and sleep on the road Mrs. Osborn and Violet were in the drawing room and after they had warmed and comforted the cold traveler he turned from his seat in the fire and said are you not curious Violet don't you want to hear my news Violet's heart whirled about she wished Albert would not speak so openly but after a moment she conquered and stilled herself sufficiently to say oh yes very curious what can it be why it is rather a singular thing I must tell you an unexpected thing to hear from a stranger in India he rubbed his hands and Violet's heart beat as if it would burst now prepare well Violet it is no less than a legacy of 20,000 pounds between you and me is that all she said turning pale with the darkness of the disappointment that all he cried staring at her and even Mrs. Osborn opened her eyes why Violet our circumstances yours and mine are not such I can tell you that we need scorn 500 pounds a year and that is what it will be for it's well invested I can tell you I though I am not mercenary was so elated that I could not sleep who is it from Violet asked while she was collecting her thoughts from that old that friend of yours on to Elizabeth poor old fellow he's dead Mr. Woodruff his name was I think don't you remember Violet oh yes I remember he fell in love with you I saw that at the time but why he so kindly thought of me is more than I can guess his will is dated two days after your birthday but guess or not I am thankful which is more than it seems you are but Violet meanwhile had received the import of his words into her heart and her feelings had undergone a change she now spoke earnestly enough I am not ungrateful Albert but I am overwhelmed and ashamed I did not deserve this I was so cross and discontented when the change of fortune came that I do not deserve this should come to me and whether from previous agitation or from the genuine feeling of the moment a large tear fell from her eye does papa know she continued springing up I must go and tell him and she left the room Albert looked at his aunt as much as to say that is a curious young woman but she did not respond to the gaze he saw that she would make use of his money she said softly poor darling I am so thankful it is come to her so am I and I hope it will make you all comfortable it will indeed now whether we live or die she is provided for my poor old friend I thank him much and dear Albert I am so glad and so grateful for your good fortune too good fortune you may well call on to Elizabeth it is a sort of luck I had long given up dreaming of I can say like Violet that I don't deserve it for I have been very steady and industrious of late and as much as a poor mortal man can never be said to deserve anything I do deserve a little praise but we don't always get it and I am sure I never thought of having it Mr. and Mrs. Osborn were relieved by this event from many anxious parental fears and cares and seeing their joy Violet gave a ready admission to rejoicing in gratitude in her own heart she had learned by experience something of the dangers of riches and had a dread of them she had felt that poverty was a very necessary discipline to her peculiar disposition necessary for the preservation within her of anything of a lowly mind and she had tried very certainly to receive the discipline and profit by it this sudden accession of wealth for wealth it was to those who had been rich and had learned how to be poor startled and also humbled her she no longer felt what once she had felt and often said that they must be naturally mean who by the possession of money were made proud she knew better now what the word pride meant and felt by experience that it was the freedom the power to please ourselves whatever that pleasure selfish or unselfish may be which causes the temper of mind which makes riches dangerous she knew this now and doubting herself was humbled and trembled but unselfish thoughts forced their way and soon turned the fears it brought to rapture the increased good that could be done with it the added comforts to her parents before 24 hours were over she was dreaming sweet dreams and her disappointment that momentary but bitter disappointment was chased away under their bright influence elbert remained only for two or three days the last day of his day was one of the days on which the shop was held in holy well he was anxious to walk with phyla to a place at some distance and she promised if she could possibly be spared altogether or as soon as she could be spared to take a holiday and go with him on arriving at the place a kind of storehouse lent by a farmer and fitted up tolerably comfortably for the purpose she found that Ida was there alone and elbert sat down by the fire patiently to wait till she could be free phyla told her wishes to Ida and asked if mr. vane was likely to come and would be likely to be at liberty to take her work he said yesterday he would look in she replied and then added smiling and I think he is sure to come because he is curious to see her cousin there is nothing remarkable in poor elbert is there oh no violet only a new person you know Ida apologized there was a great deal of business and violet and Ida were soon fully employed in the midst of it lionel entered violet was occupied with the purchaser and did not move lionel took a slight survey of elbert bowed to him stiffly but civilly and went and stood by Ida her account book was lying open and as he stood by he ran over it with his eyes this is wrong Ida he said you have entered this item twice and you have put down several shillings too much he spoke with authority how stupid I am Ida said without examination or defense I will put it right in a moment violet was always quick to hear when Ida was reproved and if need be to take up the cudgels in her defense she left her purchaser and came to Ida's side wait a moment Ida I don't think it is wrong for I looked over the book a quarter ago did you lionel said quickly then I may be wrong yes violet showed triumphantly Ida is right that item as you call it is not the same though I must own it looks as if it was see it is all right yes I see he said penitently I beg your pardon for having given you so much trouble Ida he added I make so many mistakes that you have good reason to suspect me I am afraid she said in her usual gentle manner you depreciate yourself violet observed you are not very quick yet that only comes with practice but you are very correct and she returned to her purchaser lionel leaned on the counter which had been erected and watched Ida lay for a few moments in the room Ida then touched his arm and asked in a low voice if he could stay and take violet's place if you can violet wishes very much to go and walk with her cousin he looked around quickly and curiously again at elbert but after a moment's consideration said oh yes and walked across the room to violet you wish to be released miss osborne pray do not take your place and fill it as well as I can can you really stay thank you then I shall certainly be glad to have this one holiday I hope it is not inconvenient no it is not but if it were you have done so much for me in all my plans that I should only be thankful to feel a little inconvenience for you in return violet laughed and thanked him then showed him her book a woman is buying for several families she says it will be a long some when it is done I hope to finish with her but there seems no end to her wants you distrust my powers for the long some he said playfully as he took her place violet spoke a few words to Ida put on her bonnet and she and elbert said off for their walk that is a nice girl violet he observed as they walked along my uncle tells me that a marriage is projected between her and mr vane so papa told me I cannot think where he hears his news mr vane will be lucky if it is so I have seen very little of her but I think I am a pretty good judge and I think she is a thoroughly good girl she is indeed violet said warmly she is the sort of girl that would suit you elbert so I was thinking if I was not pre-engaged I should be afraid to be much in her company engaged my dear elbert are you engaged not bodily I meant in my thoughts my fancy or whatever you please to call it have you no guess to whom my thoughts are engaged none whatever how should I oh yes with a sudden thought and a sudden flush over spreading her cheeks I do guess I remember I used to think of that right of course I should not have dreamed of mentioning it if I had been as I was but this poor old fellow's kindness gives me the power of making a settlement and if she comes back to england free I shall take my chance you have still some time to wait violet said constrainedly not long I hope I expect them home this spring violet's heart stood still with rapture and surprise for a moment she could say nothing but strong effort and the determination to show no emotion drew from her the observation in an indifferent tone so soon the six years would be out in June six since lester left england at least how time passes I once thought those six years would never be gone I believe there have been deaths and changes and that lester was offered a better thing if he would stay out there however he has made up his mind to come home lester returning and elbert possibly becoming his brother-in-law how radiant looked the future to violet how far more glorious than summer sunshine the cold frosty light of the closing January day you are sure margaret is unmarried violet asked after a short pause yes one or two are married but she is not was not at least man is sure of nothing and now let us have done with it I thought I would mention it before I went but the less said on such things the better what were we saying before oh I know Ms. Hamilton and Mr. vane my dear violet will you without thinking me interfering allow me to give you a small piece of advice most certainly she said gaily anything you will well then it struck me I hardly know why it just passed through my head as I was sitting there that Mr. vane is or might be in love with you and if you don't intend to have it so I advise you not to encourage him Mr. vane in love with me my dear elbert what an idea it is so I only say it struck me and I could not be easy without giving you a hint don't be angry it is well meant to advise I am not angry much more amused than angry I am very much obliged for advice when there is reason in it but this there is really no sense in the idea I cannot see any want of reason or sense you are a young woman and he is a young man I believe it is not usually considered very nonsensical when young men and women take to each other young men and young women have nothing to do with this question it is impossible what you think can be true I cannot tell you my reasons but I have reasons for saying so if you have that is enough I do not want to set myself up as an infallible judge I merely spoke my thought and let us change the subject how cold it is I always heard Devonsher had a mild climate but this evening surpasses the cold of Siberia can you step out a little as fast as you please don't let Mr. Pope hear your complaints and they walked at a pace which brought them to the cottage with tingling feet and cheeks glowing as in the days of infancy with so much that was of a more interesting nature to occupy her thoughts and dreamings it was not strange Robert's piece of advice was forgotten the quick walk erased it from her memory and it did not so much as once recur again into volume 3 chapter 2