And swift as thought her airy journey takes,
She tells her story in so sad a tone,
Adoring the Power who has given me means of making restitution9 for my injustice10, I take up my pen to disclose to your view, oh! lovely orphan11 of the injured Malvina, the frailties12 of a heart which has long been tortured with the retrospect14 of past and the pressure of present evil. Convinced, as I have already said, that if your mind, as well as form, resembles your mother’s, you will, while you condemn15 the sinner, commiserate16 the penitent17, and, touched by that penitence18, offer up a prayer to Heaven (and the prayers of innocence19 are ever availing) for its forgiveness unto me. Many years are now elapsed since the commencement of my confinement20, years which diminished my hope of being able to make reparation for the injustice and cruelty I had done Lady Malvina Fitzalan, but left unabated my desire of doing so.
Ah! sweet Malvina! from thy soft voice I was doomed21 never to hear my pardon pronounced; but from thy child I may, perhaps, have it accorded; if so, from that blissful abode22 where thou now enjoyest felicity, if the departed souls of the happy are allowed to view the transactions of this world, thine, I am convinced, will behold23, with benignancy and compassion24, the wretch25 who covers herself with shame to atone26 for her injuries to thee. But I must restrain these effusions of my heart,[Pg 429] lest I encroach too much upon the limited time allotted27 to make what I may call my confession28, and inform you of particulars necessary to be known.
My cruelty and insolence29 to Lady Malvina you no doubt already know. In my conduct to her I forgot the obligations her mother had conferred upon me, whose patronage30 and kind protection laid the foundation of my prosperity. I rejoiced at her marriage with Captain Fitzalan, as a step that would deprive her of her father’s favor, and place her in that state of poverty which would conceal31 charms I detested32 for being superior to my daughter’s. The earl’s resentment33 was violent at first; but with equal surprise and concern I soon perceived it gradually subsiding34. The irrevocableness of the deed, the knowledge that he wanted no acquisition of fortune, above all, Fitzalan’s noble descent, and the graces and virtues36 he possessed37, worthy38 of the highest station, dwelt upon the earl’s imagination, and pleaded strongly in extenuation39 of his daughter. Alarmed lest my schemes against her should be rendered abortive40, like an evil spirit, I contrived41 to rekindle42, by means of my agents, the earl’s resentment. They represented the flagrant, the daring contempt Lady Malvina had shown to paternal43 authority, and that too easy a forgiveness of it might influence her sister to similar conduct with a person perhaps less worthy, and more needy44, if possible, than Fitzalan. This last suggestion had the desired effect, and Lady Malvina he declared in future should be considered as an alien to his family.
I now hoped my ambitious views, relative to my daughter, would be accomplished45. I had long wished her united to the Marquis of Roslin; but he had for years been Lady Malvina’s admirer, and was so much attached to her, that on her marriage he went abroad. My arts were then tried to prevail on the earl to make a will in Lady Augusta’s favor; but this was a point I could not accomplish, and I lived in continual apprehension46 lest his dying intestate should give Lady Malvina the fortune I wanted to deprive her of. Anxious, however, to procure47 a splendid establishment for my daughter, I everywhere said there was no doubt but she would be sole heiress to the earl. At the expiration48 of three years the marquis returned to his native country. His unfortunate passion was subdued49; he heard and believed the reports I circulated, and stimulated50 by avarice51, his leading propensity53, offered his hand to my daughter and was accepted. The earl gave her a large portion in ready money; but notwithstanding all my endeavors,[Pg 430] would not make a settlement of any of his estates upon her. I, however, still hoped, and the marquis, from what I said, believed that she would possess all his fortune. My daughter’s nuptials54 added to my natural haughtiness55. They also increased my love of pleasure, by affording me more amply the means of gratifying it at the sumptuous56 entertainments at the marquis’s castle. Engaged continually in them, the earl, whose infirmities confined him to the Abbey, was left to solitude57 and the care of his domestics. My neglect, you will say, was impolitic whilst I had any point to carry with him; but Providence58 has so wisely ordained59 it that vice60 should still defeat itself. Had I always acted in uniformity with the tenderness I once showed the earl, I have little doubt but what at last I should have prevailed on him to act as I pleased; but, infatuated by pleasure, my prudence61, no—it deserves not such an appellation—forsook me. Though the earl’s body was a prey62 to the infirmities of age, his mind knew none of its imbecilities, and he sensibly felt and secretly resented my neglect. The more he reflected on it, the more he contrasted it with the attention he was accustomed to receive from his banished63 Malvina, and the resentment I had hitherto kept alive in his mind against her gradually subsided64, so that he was well prepared to give a favorable reception to the little innocent advocate she sent to plead her cause. My terror, my dismay, when I surprised the little Oscar at the knee of his grandfather, are not to be described. The tears which the agitated65 parent shed upon the infant’s lovely cheek seemed to express affection for its mother, and regret for his rigor66 to her. Yet amidst those tears I thought I perceived an exulting67 joy as he gazed upon the child, which seemed to say, “Thou wilt68 yet be the pride, the prop52, the ornament69, of my ancient house.” After circumstances proved I was right in my interpretation70 of his looks. I drove the little Oscar from the room with frantic71 rage. The earl was extremely affected72. He knew the violence of my temper, and felt too weak to enter into any altercation73 with me. He therefore reserved his little remaining strength and spirits to arrange his affairs, and by passiveness seemed yielding to my sway; but I soon found, though silent, he was resolute74.
My preventing your brother from again gaining access to his grandfather, and my repulsing75 your mother when she requested an interview with the earl, I suppose you already know. Gracious Heaven! my heart sickens, even at this remote period, when I reflect on the night I turned her from her[Pg 431] paternal home—from that mansion76 under whose roof her benevolent77 mother had sheltered my tender years from the rude storms of adverse78 life. Oh, black and base ingratitude79! dire81 return for the benefits I had received; yet, almost at the very instant I committed so cruel an action she was avenged82. No language can describe my horrors, as conscience represented to me the barbarity of my conduct. I trembled with involuntary fears. Sounds had power to terrify. Every blast which shook the Abbey (and dreadful was the tempest of that night), made me shrink as if about to meet with an instantaneous punishment.
“I trembled at my undivulged crimes
Unwhipped of justice——”
I knew the earl expected either to see or hear from your mother. He was ignorant of the reception she had met from me, and I was determined84, if possible, he should continue so. As soon as certified85 of Lady Malvina’s departure from the neighborhood of the Abbey, I contrived a letter in Captain Fitzalan’s name to the earl, filled with the most cutting and insolent86 reproaches to him for his conduct to his daughter, and imputing87 her precipitate88 departure from Scotland to it. These unjust reproaches, I trusted, would irritate the earl, and work another revolution in his mind; but I was disappointed. He either believed the letter a forgery89, or else resolved the children should not suffer for the fault of the parent. He accordingly sent for his agent, an eminent90 lawyer in one of the neighboring towns. This man was lately deceased, but his son, bred to his profession, obeyed the summons to the Abbey. I dreaded91 his coming; but scarcely had I seen him, ere this dread83 was lost in emotions, till then unknown. A soft, a tender, an ardent92 passion took possession of my heart, on beholding93 a man, in the very prime of life, adorned94 with every natural and acquired grace that could please the eye and ear. Married at an early period, possessed of all the advantages of art, said and believing myself to be handsome, I flattered myself I might on his heart make an impression equal to that he had done on mine. If so, I thought how easily could the earl’s intentions in favor of his daughter be defeated, for that love will readily make sacrifices I had often heard. A will was made, but my new ideas and schemes divested95 me of uneasiness about it. Melross continued at the Abbey much longer than he need have done, and when he left it, his absence was of short continuance. The earl’s business was his pretext96 his long and[Pg 432] frequent visits. But the real motive97 of them he soon discovered to me, encouraged, no doubt, by the partiality I betrayed.
I shall not dwell upon this part of my story; but I completed my crime by violating my conjugal98 fidelity99, and we entered into an engagement to be united whenever I was at liberty, which, from the infirm state of the earl, I now believed would shortly be the case. In consequence of this, Melross agreed to put into my hands the earl’s will, which had been intrusted to his care, and, he acknowledged, drawn100 up entirely101 in favor of Lady Malvina Fitzalan and her offspring. It was witnessed by friends of his, whom he had no doubt of bribing102 to silence. You may wonder that the will was not destroyed as soon as I had it in my possession. But to do so never was my intention. By keeping it in my hands, I trusted I should have a power over my daughter, which duty and affection had never yet given me. Violent and imperious in her disposition103, I doubted not but she and the marquis, who nearly resembled her in these particulars, would endeavor to prevent, from pride and selfishness, my union with Melross. But to know they were in my power would crush all opposition104, I supposed, and obtain their most flattering notice for him—a notice, from my pride, I found essential to my tranquillity105. The earl requested Melross to inquire about Lady Malvina, which he promised to do, but, it is almost unnecessary to say, never fulfilled such a promise.
In about a year after the commencement of my attachment106 for Melross the earl expired, and the marchioness inherited his possessions by means of a forged will executed by Melross. Ignorant, indeed, at the time, that it was by iniquity107 she obtained them, though her conduct since that period has proved she would not have suffered any compunction from such a knowledge, I removed from the Abbey to an estate about fifteen miles from it, which the earl had left me, and here, much sooner than decency108 would have warranted, avowed110 my intention of marrying Melross, to the marquis and marchioness of Roslin. The consequences of this avowal111 were pretty much what I expected. The marquis, more by looks than words expressed his contempt; but the marchioness openly declared her indignation. To think of uniting myself to a being so low in life and fortune, she said, as Melross, was an insult to the memory of her father, and a degradation112 to his illustrious house; it would also be a confirmation113 of the scandalous reports which had already been circulated to the prejudice of my character about him. Her words roused all the violence of my soul. I upbraided114 her with ingratitude to a[Pg 433] parent, who had stepped beyond the bounds of rigid115 propriety116 to give her an increase of fortune. My words alarmed her and the marquis. They hastily demanded an explanation of them. I did not hesitate in giving one, protesting at the same time that I would no longer hurt my feelings on their account, as I found no complaisance117 to my wishes, but immediately avow109 Lady Malvina Fitzalan the lawful118 heiress of the Earl of Dunreath. The marquis and marchioness changed color; I saw they trembled lest I should put my threats into execution, though with consummate119 art they pretended to disbelieve that such a will as I mentioned existed.
“Beware,” cried I, rising from my chair to quit the room, "lest I give you too convincing a proof of its reality; except I meet with the attention and complaisance I have a right to expect, I shall no longer act contrary to the dictates120 of my conscience by concealing121 it. Unlimited122 mistress of my own actions, what but affection for my daughter could make me consult her upon any of them? Her disapprobation proceeds alone from selfishness, since an alliance with Melross, from his profession, accomplishments123, and birth, would not disgrace a house even more illustrious than the one she is descended124 from or connected to.”
I retired125 to my chamber126, secretly exulting at the idea of having conquered all opposition, for I plainly perceived by the marquis and marchioness’s manner, they were convinced it was in my power to deprive them of their newly-acquired possessions, which, to secure, I doubled not their sacrificing their pride to my wishes. I exulted127 in the idea of having my nuptials with Melross celebrated128 with that splendor129 I always delighted in, and the prospect130 of having love and vanity gratified, filled me with a kind of intoxicating131 happiness.
In a few hours after I had retired to my room, the marchioness sent to request an interview with me, which I readily granted. She entered the apartment with a respectful air, very unusual to her, and immediately made an apology for her late conduct. She acknowledged I had reason to be offended, but a little reflection had convinced her of her error, and both she and the marquis thanked me for consulting them about the change I was about making in my situation, and would pay every attention in their power to the man I had honored with my choice. That I did not think the marchioness sincere in her professions you may believe, but complaisance was all I required. I accompanied her to the marquis; a general reconciliation132 ensued, and Melross was presented to them. In about[Pg 434] two days after this the marchioness came into my dressing-room one morning, and told me she had a proposal to make, which she hoped would be agreeable to me to comply with. It was the marquis’s intention and hers to go immediately to the continent, and they had been thinking, if Melross and I would favor them with our company, that we had better defer133 our nuptials till we reached Paris, which was the first place they intended visiting, as their solemnization in Scotland so soon after the earl’s decease might displease134 his friends, by whom we were surrounded, and, on their return, which would be soon, they would introduce Melross to their connections as a man every way worthy of their notice. After a little hesitation135 I agreed to this plan, for where it interfered136 not with my own inclinations138 I wished to preserve an appearance of propriety to the world, and I could not avoid thinking my marrying so soon after the earl’s death would draw censure139 upon me, which I should avoid by the projected tour, as the certain time of my nuptials could not then be ascertained140. Melross submitted cheerfully to our new arrangements, and it was settled farther, to preserve appearances, that he should go before us to Paris. I supplied him with everything requisite142 for making an elegant appearance and he departed in high spirits at the prospect of his splendid establishment for life.
I counted the moments with impatience143 for rejoining him, and as had been settled, we commenced our journey a month after his departure. It was now the middle of winter, and ere we stopped for the night, darkness, almost impenetrable, had veiled the earth. Fatigued144, and almost exhausted145 by the cold, I followed the marquis through a long passage, lighted by a glimmering146 lamp, to a parlor147 which was well lighted and had a comfortable fire. I started with amazement on entering it at finding myself in a place I thought familiar to me; my surprise however, was but for an instant, yet I could not help expressing it to the marquis. “Your eyes, madam,” cried he, with a cruel solemnity, “have not deceived you, for you are now in Dunreath Abbey!” “Dunreath Abbey!” I repeated: “Gracious Heaven! what can be the meaning of this?” “To hide your folly148, your imprudence, your deceit from the world,” he exclaimed; “to prevent your executing the wild projects of a depraved and distempered mind, by entering into a union at once contemptible149 and preposterous150, and to save those, from whom alone you derive151 your consequence by your connection with them, farther mortification152 on your account.”
To describe fully141 the effect of this speech upon a heart like mine is impossible; the fury which pervaded153 my soul would, I[Pg 435] believe, have hurried me into a deed of dire revenge, had I had the power of executing it; my quivering lips could not express my strong indignation.
“And do you then, in a country like this,” I cried, “dare to think you can deprive me of my liberty?” “Yes,” replied he, with insulting coolness, “when it is known you are incapable154 of making a proper use of that liberty. You should thank me,” he continued, “for palliating your late conduct, by imputing it rather to an intellectual derangement155 than to total depravity. From what other source than the former could you have asserted that there was a will in Lady Malvina Fitzalan’s favor?”
These words at once developed the cause of his unjustifiable conduct, and proved that there is no real faith between the guilty. From my disposition the marquis was convinced that I would assume a haughty156 sway over him, in consequence of the secret of the will. He also dreaded that passion or caprice might one day induce me to betray that secret, and wrest157 from him his unlawful possessions. Thus pride and avarice tempted158 and determined him, by confining me, to rid himself of these fears. “Oh! would to Heaven,” cried I, replying to the last part of his speech, “I had proved my assertion; had I done justice to others, I should not have been entangled159 in the snare160 of treachery.” “Prove the assertion now,” said he, “by showing me the will, and you may, perhaps,” he continued, in a hesitating accent, “find your doing so attended with pleasing consequences.”
Rage and scorn flashed from my eyes at these words. “No,” cried I, “had you the power of torturing, you should not tear it from me. I will keep it to atone for my sins, and expose yours to view by restoring it to the right owner.” I demanded my liberty, I threatened, supplicated161, but all in vain. The marquis told me I might as well compose myself, for my fate was decided162. “You know,” cried he, with a malicious163 look, “you have no friends to inquire or interfere137 about you, and, even if you had, when I told them what I believe to be the case, that your senses were disordered, they would never desire to have you released from this confinement.” I called for my daughter. “You will see her no more;" he replied, “the passions she has so long blushed to behold she will no more witness.” “Rather say,” I exclaimed, “that she dare not behold her injured parent; but let not the wretch who has severed165 the ties of nature hope to escape unpunished. No, my sufferings will draw a dreadful weight upon her head, and may, when least expected, torture her heart with anguish166.”
[Pg 436] Convinced that I was entirely in the marquis’s power; convinced that I had nothing to hope from him or my daughter, rage, horror, and agony, at their unjust and audacious treatment, kindled167 in my breast a sudden frenzy168, which strong convulsions only terminated. When I recovered from them I found myself on a bed in a room which, at the first glance, I knew to be the one the late Lady Dunreath had occupied, to whose honors I so unworthily succeeded. Mrs. Bruce, who had been housekeeper169 at the Abbey before my marriage, sat beside me; I hesitated a few minutes whether I should address her as a suppliant170 or a superior; the latter, however, being most agreeable to my inclinations, I bid her, with a haughty air, which I hoped would awe171 her into obedience172, assist me in rising, and procure some conveyance173 from the Abbey without delay. The marquis entered the chamber as I spoke174. “Compose yourself, madam,” said he, “your destiny, I repeat, is irrevocable; this Abbey is your future residence, and bless those who have afforded your follies175 such an asylum176. It behooves177 both the marchioness and me indeed to seclude178 a woman who might cast imputations on our characters, which those unacquainted with them might believe.” I started from the bed, in the loose dress in which they had placed me on it, and stamping round the room, demanded my liberty. The marquis heard my demand with contemptuous silence, and quitted the room. I attempted to rush after him, but he pushed me back with violence, and closed the door. My feelings again brought on convulsions, which terminated in a delirium179 and fever. In this situation the marquis and marchioness abandoned me, hoping, no doubt, that my disorder164 would soon lay me in a prison even more secure than the one they had devoted180 me to. Many weeks elapsed ere I showed any symptom of recovery. On regaining181 my senses, I seemed as if awaking from a tedious sleep, in which I had been tortured with frightful182 visions. The first object my eyes beheld183, now blessed with the powers of clear perception, was Mrs. Bruce bending over my pillow, with a look of anxiety and grief, which implied a wish, yet a doubt, of my recovery.
“Tell me,” said I faintly, “am I really in Dunreath Abbey—am I really confined within its walls by order of my child?”
Mrs. Bruce sighed. “Do not disturb yourself with questions now,” said she; “the reason Heaven has so mercifully restored would be ill employed in vain murmurs184.” “Vain murmurs!” I repeated, and a deep, desponding sigh burst from my heart. I lay silent a long time after this. The gloom which[Pg 437] encompassed185 me at length grew too dreary186 to be borne, and I desired Mrs. Bruce to draw back the curtains of the bed and windows. She obeyed, and the bright beams of the sun, darting187 into the room, displayed to my view an object I could not behold without shuddering—this was the portrait of Lady Dunreath, exactly opposite the bed. My mind was softened189 by illness, and I felt in that moment as if her sainted spirit stood before me to awaken190 my conscience to remorse191 and my heart to repentance. The benevolence192 which had irradiated the countenance193 of the original with a celestial194 expression was powerfully expressed upon the canvas, and recalled, oh! how affectingly to my memory, the period in which this most amiable195 of women gave me a refuge in her house, in her arms, from the storms of life; and yet her child, I groaned196, her child, I was accessory in destroying. Oh! how excruciating were my feelings at this period of awakened197 conscience! I no longer inveighed198 against my sufferings; I considered them in the light of retribution, and felt an awful resignation take possession of my soul. Yes, groaned I to myself, it is fit that in the very spot in which I triumphed in deceit and cruelty I should meet the punishment due to my misdeeds.
The change in my disposition produced a similar one in my temper, so that Mrs. Bruce found the task of attending me easier than she had imagined it would be; yet I did not submit to confinement without many efforts to liberate199 myself through her means; but her fidelity to her unnatural200 employers was not to be shaken. Blushing, however, at my past enormities, I should rather have shrunk from than solicited201 admission again into the world, had not my ardent desire of making reparation to the descendants of Lady Dunreath, influenced me to desire my freedom. Oh! never did that desire cease—never did a morning dawn, an evening close, without entreating202 Heaven to allow me means of restoring to the injured their inheritance. Mrs. Bruce, though steady, was not cruel, and nursed me with the tenderest attention till my health was re-established. She then ceased to see me, except at night, but took care I should always be amply stocked with necessaries. She supplied me with religious and moral books; also, materials for writing, if I chose to amuse myself with making comments on them. To those books am I indebted for being able to endure, with some degree of calmness, my long and dreadful captivity203. They enlarged my heart, they enlightened its ideas concerning the Supreme204 Being, they impressed it with awful submission205 to His will, they convinced me more forcibly of my transgressions206, yet[Pg 438] without exciting despair; for, while they showed the horrors of vice, they proved the efficacy of repentance. Debarred of the common enjoyments207 of life, air, exercise, and society, in vain my heart assured me my punishment was inadequate208 to my crimes; nature repined, and a total languor209 seized me. Mrs. Bruce at last told me I should be allowed the range of that part of the building in which I was confined (for I had hitherto been limited to one room), and consequently air from the windows, if I promised to make no attempt for recovering my freedom,—an attempt, she assured me, which would prove abortive, as none but people attached to the marquis lived in or about the Abbey, who would immediately betray me to him; and if he ever detected such a step, it was his determination to hurry me to France.
Certain that he would be capable of such baseness, touched by the smallest indulgence, and eager to procure any recreation, I gave her the most solemn assurances of never attempting to make known my situation. She accordingly unlocked the several doors that had hitherto impeded210 my progress from one apartment to another, and removed the iron bolts which secured the shutters211 of the windows. Oh! with what mingled212 pain and pleasure did I contemplate213 the rich prospect stretched before them, now that I was debarred from enjoying it. At liberty, I wondered how I could ever have contemplated214 it with a careless eye; and my spirits, which the air had revived, suddenly sunk into despondence, when I reflected I enjoyed this common blessing215 but by stealth; yet who (cried I, with agony) can I blame but myself? The choicest gifts of Heaven were mine, and I lost them by my own means. Wretch as I was, the first temptation that assailed216 warped217 me from integrity, and my error is marked by the deprivation218 of every good. With eager, with enthusiastic delight, I gazed on scenes which I had so often before regarded with a careless eye; it seemed as if I had only now perception to distinguish their beauties: the season’s difference made a material change to me, as all the windows were shut up in winter, except those of the apartment I occupied, which only looked into a gloomy court. Ah! how welcome to me, then, was the return of spring, which again restored to me the indulgence of visiting the windows. How delightful219 to my eyes the green of the valley, and the glowing bloom of the mountain shrubs220 just bursting into verdure! Ah! how soothing221 to my ear the lulling222 sound of waterfalls, and the lively carol of the birds; how refreshing223 the sweetness of the air, the fragrance224 of the plants, which friendly zephyrs225, as if pitying my confine[Pg 439]ment, wafted226 through the windows. The twilight227 hour was also hailed by me with delight; it was then I turned my eyes from earth to heaven, and, regarding its blue and spangled vault228 but as a thin covering between me and myriads229 of angels, felt a sweet sensation of mingled piety230 and pleasure, which for the time had power to steep my sorrows in forgetfulness! But, in relating my feelings, I wander from the real purpose of my narrative, and forget that I am describing those feelings to a person who, from my injurious actions, can take but little interest in them.
The will I shall deliver to you to-night. I advise you, if your brother cannot immediately be found, to put it into the hands of some man on whose abilities and integrity you can rely; but till you meet with such a person, beware of discovering you have it in your possession, lest the marquis, who, I am sorry to say, I believe capable of almost any baseness, should remove from your knowledge the penitent, whose testimony231 to the validity of the deed will be so cheerfully given, and is so materially essential. Be secret, then, I again conjure232 you, till everything is properly arranged for the avowal of your rights; and, oh! may the restoration of all those rights you shall claim, be to you and to your brother productive of every felicity. From your hands may the wealth it puts into them bestow233 relief and comfort on the children of adversity; thus yielding to your hearts a pure and permanent satisfaction, which the mere234 possession of riches, or the expenditure235 on idle vanities, never can bestow. As much as possible I wish to have my daughter saved from public disgrace. From me you will say she merits not this lenient236 wish; but, alas237! I hold myself accountable for her misconduct. Intrusted to my care by Providence, I neglected the sacred charge, nor ever curbed238 a passion or laid the foundation of a virtue35. Ah! may her wretched parent’s prayers be yet availing; may penitence, ere too late, visit her heart, and teach her to regret and expiate239 her errors! Had she been united to a better man, I think she never would have swerved240 so widely from nature and from duty; but the selfish soul of the marquis taught her to regard self as the first consideration in life.
Mrs. Bruce informed me that the marquis had written to Melross, informing him that I had changed my mind, and would think no more about him, and she supposed he had procured241 some pleasant establishment in France, as no one had ever heard of his returning from it. She made several attempts to prevail on me to give up the will to her, but I resisted all her arts, and was rejoiced to think I had concealed242 it in a place[Pg 440] which would never be suspected. My narrative now concluded, I wait with even trembling impatience for your expected visit—for that moment in which I shall make some reparation for my injuries to your mother. I am also anxious for the moment in which I shall receive the promised narrative of your life. From your tears, your words, your manner, I may expect a tale of sorrow; ah! may it be only that gentle sorrow which yields to the influence of time, and the sweets of friendship and conscious innocence.
I cannot forbear describing what I felt on first hearing your voice—a voice so like in its harmonious243 tones to one I knew had long been silent. Impressed with an awful dread, I stood upon the stairs, which I was descending244 to visit the chapel245, as was my constant custom at the close of day. Shivering and appalled246, I had not for a few minutes power to move—but when I at last ventured nearer to the door, and saw you kneeling before the dust-covered shade of her I had injured, when I heard you call yourself her wretched orphan, ah! what were my emotions? An awful voice seemed sounding in my ear—"Behold the hour of retribution is arrived! Behold a being, whom the hand of Providence has conducted hither to receive reparation for the injustice you did her parents! Adore that mighty247 hand which thus affords you means of making atonement for your offences!” I did adore it. I raised my streaming eyes, my trembling hands to Heaven, and blessed the gracious Power which had granted my prayer. The way by which I saw you quit my retirement248, proved to me your entrance into it was unknown. With an impatience bordering on agony, I waited for the next evening—it came without bringing you, and no language can express my disappointment. Dejected, I returned to my chamber, which you entered soon after, and where you received so great a fright, yet, be assured, not a greater one than I experienced, for the gleam of moonlight which displayed me to you gave you full to my view, and I beheld the very form and face of Lady Malvina. In form and face may you alone resemble her; different, far different, be your destiny from hers. Soon may your brother be restored to your arms. Should he then shudder188 at my name, oh! teach him, with a mercy like your own, to accord me forgiveness.
Ye sweet and precious descendants of this illustrious house!—ye rightful heirs of Dunreath Abbey!—may your future joys amply recompense your past sorrows! May those sorrows be forgotten, or only remembered to temper prosperity, and teach it pity for the woes249 of others! May your virtues add to the[Pg 441] renown250 of your ancestors, and entail251 eternal peace upon your souls! May their line by you be continued, and continued as a blessing to all around! May your names be consecrated252 to posterity253 by the voice of gratitude80, and excite in others an emulation254 to pursue your courses!
Alas! my unhappy child! why do I not express such a wish for you? I have expressed it—I have prayed for its accomplishment—I have wept in bitterness at the idea of its being unavailing; lost to the noble propensities255 of nature, it is not from virtue, but from pomp and vanity you seek to derive pleasure.
Oh! lovely orphans256 of Malvina, did you but know, or could you but conceive, the bitter anguish I endure on my daughter’s account, you would think yourselves amply avenged for all your injuries.
Oh, God! ere my trembling soul leaves its frail13 tenement257 of clay, let it be cheered by the knowledge of my child’s repentance.
Oh! you young and tender pair, who are about entering into the dangerous possession of riches, learn from me that their misapplication, the perversion258 of our talents, and the neglect of our duties, will, even in this world, meet their punishment.
Resolute in doing justice to the utmost of my power, I am ready, whenever I am called upon, to bear evidence to the validity of the will I shall deliver into your possession. Soon may all it entitles you to be restored, is the sincere prayer of her who subscribes259 herself, the truly penitent
Annabella Dunreath.
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repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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shroud
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| n.裹尸布，寿衣；罩，幕；vt.覆盖，隐藏 | |
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mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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4
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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5
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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6
bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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7
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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8
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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9
restitution
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| n.赔偿；恢复原状 | |
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10
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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11
orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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12
frailties
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| n.脆弱( frailty的名词复数 )；虚弱；（性格或行为上的）弱点；缺点 | |
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13
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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14
retrospect
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| n.回顾，追溯；v.回顾，回想，追溯 | |
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15
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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16
commiserate
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| v.怜悯，同情 | |
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17
penitent
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| adj.后悔的；n.后悔者；忏悔者 | |
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18
penitence
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| n.忏悔，赎罪；悔过 | |
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19
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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20
confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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21
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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22
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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23
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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24
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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25
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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26
atone
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| v.赎罪，补偿 | |
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27
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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28
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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29
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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30
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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31
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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32
detested
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| v.憎恶，嫌恶，痛恨( detest的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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33
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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34
subsiding
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的现在分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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35
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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36
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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37
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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38
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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39
extenuation
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| n.减轻罪孽的借口；酌情减轻；细 | |
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40
abortive
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| adj.不成功的，发育不全的 | |
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41
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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42
rekindle
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| v.使再振作；再点火 | |
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43
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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44
needy
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| adj.贫穷的，贫困的，生活艰苦的 | |
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45
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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46
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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47
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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48
expiration
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| n.终结，期满，呼气，呼出物 | |
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49
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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50
stimulated
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| a.刺激的 | |
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51
avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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52
prop
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| vt.支撑；n.支柱，支撑物；支持者，靠山 | |
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53
propensity
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| n.倾向；习性 | |
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54
nuptials
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| n.婚礼；婚礼( nuptial的名词复数 ) | |
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55
haughtiness
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| n.傲慢；傲气 | |
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56
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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57
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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58
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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59
ordained
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|
| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
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60
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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61
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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62
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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63
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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64
subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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65
agitated
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|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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66
rigor
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| n.严酷，严格，严厉 | |
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67
exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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68
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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69
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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70
interpretation
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| n.解释，说明，描述；艺术处理 | |
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71
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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72
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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73
altercation
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| n.争吵，争论 | |
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74
resolute
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|
| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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75
repulsing
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|
| v.击退( repulse的现在分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
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76
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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77
benevolent
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|
| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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78
adverse
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|
| adj.不利的；有害的；敌对的，不友好的 | |
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79
ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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80
gratitude
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|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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81
dire
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|
| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
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82
avenged
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|
| v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的过去式和过去分词 )；为…报复 | |
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83
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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84
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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85
certified
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| a.经证明合格的；具有证明文件的 | |
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86
insolent
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|
| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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87
imputing
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| v.把（错误等）归咎于( impute的现在分词 ) | |
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88
precipitate
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| adj.突如其来的；vt.使突然发生；n.沉淀物 | |
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89
forgery
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| n.伪造的文件等，赝品，伪造（行为） | |
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90
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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91
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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92
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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93
beholding
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|
| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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94
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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95
divested
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|
| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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96
pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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97
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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98
conjugal
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| adj.婚姻的，婚姻性的 | |
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99
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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100
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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101
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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102
bribing
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| 贿赂 | |
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103
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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104
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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105
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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106
attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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107
iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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108
decency
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| n.体面，得体，合宜，正派，庄重 | |
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109
avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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110
avowed
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| adj.公开声明的，承认的v.公开声明，承认( avow的过去式和过去分词) | |
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111
avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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112
degradation
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| n.降级；低落；退化；陵削；降解；衰变 | |
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113
confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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114
upbraided
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| v.责备，申斥，谴责( upbraid的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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115
rigid
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| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
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116
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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117
complaisance
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| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
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118
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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119
consummate
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| adj.完美的；v.成婚；使完美 [反]baffle | |
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120
dictates
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| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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121
concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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122
unlimited
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| adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的 | |
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123
accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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124
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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125
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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126
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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127
exulted
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| 狂喜，欢跃( exult的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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128
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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129
splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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130
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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131
intoxicating
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| a. 醉人的,使人兴奋的 | |
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132
reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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133
defer
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| vt.推迟，拖延；vi.(to)遵从，听从，服从 | |
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134
displease
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| vt.使不高兴，惹怒；n.不悦，不满，生气 | |
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135
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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136
interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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137
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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138
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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139
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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140
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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141
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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142
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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143
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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144
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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145
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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146
glimmering
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| n.微光，隐约的一瞥adj.薄弱地发光的v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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147
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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148
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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149
contemptible
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| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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150
preposterous
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| adj.荒谬的，可笑的 | |
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151
derive
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| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
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152
mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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153
pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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154
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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155
derangement
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| n.精神错乱 | |
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156
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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157
wrest
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| n.扭，拧，猛夺；v.夺取，猛扭，歪曲 | |
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158
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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159
entangled
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| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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160
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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161
supplicated
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| v.祈求，哀求，恳求( supplicate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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162
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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163
malicious
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| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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164
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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165
severed
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| v.切断，断绝( sever的过去式和过去分词 )；断，裂 | |
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166
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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167
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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168
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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169
housekeeper
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| n.管理家务的主妇，女管家 | |
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170
suppliant
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| adj.哀恳的；n.恳求者，哀求者 | |
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171
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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172
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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173
conveyance
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| n.(不动产等的)转让，让与；转让证书；传送；运送；表达；（正）运输工具 | |
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174
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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175
follies
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| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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176
asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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177
behooves
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| n.利益，好处( behoof的名词复数 )v.适宜( behoove的第三人称单数 ) | |
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178
seclude
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| vi.使隔离，使孤立，使隐退 | |
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179
delirium
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| n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋 | |
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180
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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181
regaining
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| 复得( regain的现在分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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182
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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183
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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184
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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185
encompassed
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| v.围绕( encompass的过去式和过去分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
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186
dreary
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| adj.令人沮丧的，沉闷的，单调乏味的 | |
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187
darting
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的现在分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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188
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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189
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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190
awaken
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| vi.醒，觉醒；vt.唤醒，使觉醒，唤起，激起 | |
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191
remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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192
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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193
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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194
celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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195
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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196
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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197
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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198
inveighed
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| v.猛烈抨击，痛骂，谩骂( inveigh的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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199
liberate
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| v.解放，使获得自由，释出，放出；vt.解放，使获自由 | |
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200
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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201
solicited
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| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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202
entreating
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的现在分词 ) | |
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203
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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204
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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205
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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206
transgressions
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| n.违反，违法，罪过( transgression的名词复数 ) | |
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207
enjoyments
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| 愉快( enjoyment的名词复数 )； 令人愉快的事物； 享有； 享受 | |
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208
inadequate
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| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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209
languor
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| n.无精力，倦怠 | |
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210
impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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211
shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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212
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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213
contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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214
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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215
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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216
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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217
warped
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| adj.反常的；乖戾的；（变）弯曲的；变形的v.弄弯，变歪( warp的过去式和过去分词 )；使（行为等）不合情理，使乖戾， | |
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218
deprivation
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| n.匮乏；丧失；夺去，贫困 | |
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219
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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220
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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221
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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222
lulling
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| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的现在分词形式） | |
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223
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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224
fragrance
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| n.芬芳，香味，香气 | |
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225
zephyrs
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| n.和风，微风( zephyr的名词复数 ) | |
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226
wafted
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| v.吹送，飘送，（使）浮动( waft的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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227
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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228
vault
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| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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229
myriads
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| n.无数，极大数量( myriad的名词复数 ) | |
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230
piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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231
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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232
conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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233
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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234
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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235
expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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236
lenient
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| adj.宽大的，仁慈的 | |
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237
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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238
curbed
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| v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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239
expiate
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| v.抵补，赎罪 | |
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240
swerved
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| v.（使）改变方向，改变目的( swerve的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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241
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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242
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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243
harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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244
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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245
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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246
appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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247
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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248
retirement
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| n.退休，退职 | |
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249
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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250
renown
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| n.声誉，名望 | |
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251
entail
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| vt.使承担，使成为必要，需要 | |
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252
consecrated
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| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
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253
posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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254
emulation
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| n.竞争；仿效 | |
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255
propensities
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| n.倾向，习性( propensity的名词复数 ) | |
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256
orphans
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| 孤儿( orphan的名词复数 ) | |
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257
tenement
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| n.公寓；房屋 | |
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perversion
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| n.曲解；堕落；反常 | |
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subscribes
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| v.捐助( subscribe的第三人称单数 )；签署，题词；订阅；同意 | |
参考例句： |
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