Norston's Rest. Ann S. Stephens

LVII.

       CHAPTER LVIII.

       CHAPTER LIX.

       CHAPTER LX.

       CHAPTER LXI.

       CHAPTER LXII.

       CHAPTER LXIII.

       CHAPTER LXIV.

       CHAPTER LXV.

       CHAPTER LXVI.

       CHAPTER LXVII.

       CHAPTER LXVIII.

       CHAPTER LXIX.

       CHAPTER LXX.

       CHAPTER LXXI.

       CHAPTER LXXII.

       CHAPTER LXXIII.

       CHAPTER LXXIV.

CHAPTER I.

       Table of Contents

      GATHERING OF THE HUNT.

      IN the highest grounds of a park, almost an estate in itself, stood one of those noble old mansions that are so interwoven with the history of mother England, that their architecture alone is a record of national stability and ever-increasing civilization, written out in the strength of stone and the beauty of sculpture. This building, however grand in historical associations, was more especially the monument of one proud race, the Hursts of "Norston's Rest."

      Generation after generation the Hursts had succeeded in unbroken descent to "The Rest" and its vast estates since the first foundation stone was laid, and that was so long ago that its present incumbent, Sir Noel Hurst, would have smiled in derision had the Queen offered to exchange his title for that of a modern duke.

      Sir Noel might well be proud of his residence, which, like its owners, had kept pace with the progress of art and the discoveries of science known to the passing generations; for each had contributed something to its gradual construction, since the first rough tower was built with the drawbridge and battlements of feudal times, to the present imposing structure, where sheets of plate glass took the place of arrow slits, and the lace-work of sculpture was frozen into stone upon its walls.

      This glorious old park, like the mansion it surrounded, brought much of its antique beauty from the dead ages. Druid stones were to be found beneath its hoary old oaks. Its outer verge was wild as an American forest, and there one small lake of deep and inky blackness scarcely felt a gleam of sunshine from month to month. But nearer the old mansion this wilderness was turned into an Eden: lawns of velvet grass—groves where the sunshine shone through the bolls of the trees, turning the grass under them to gold—lakes starred half the summer with the snow of water-lilies—rose gardens that gave a rare sweetness to the passing wind—shadowy bridle-paths and crystal streams spanned by stone bridges—all might be seen or guessed at from the broad terrace that fronted the mansion.

      Here all was light gayety and pleasant confusion. Sir Noel had many guests in the house, and they were all out upon the terrace, forming a picture of English life such as no country on earth can exhibit with equal perfection.

      It was the first day of the hunt, and the gay inmates of the house were out in the bright freshness of the morning, prepared for a glorious run with the hounds. The gentlemen brilliant in scarlet, the ladies half rivalling them in masculine hats, but softening the effect with gossamer veils wound scarf-like around them, and a graceful flow of dark drapery.

      Beneath, breaking up the gravel of the carriage road with many an impatient hoof, was a crowd of grooms holding slender-limbed horses, whose coats shone like satin, when the sun touched them, while their hoofs smote the gravel like the restless feet of gipsy dancing-girls when a thrill of music stirs the blood.

      Further on keepers were scattered about, some looking admiringly at the brilliant picture before them, others holding back fiery young dogs, wild for a run with their companions of the kennel.

      Gradually the light laughter and cheerful badinage passing on the terrace died into the silence of expectation. The party was evidently incomplete. Sir Noel was there in his usual dress, speaking with polite composure, but casting an anxious look now and then into the open doors of the hall.

      Some fair lady was evidently waited for who was to ride the chestnut horse drawn up nearest the steps, where he was tossing his head with an impatience that half lifted the groom from his feet when he attempted to restrain the reckless action.

      It was the Lady Rose, a distant relative of Sir Noel's, who had been her guardian from childhood, and now delighted to consider her mistress of "The Rest," a position he fondly hoped she might fill for life.

      Sir Noel came forward as she appeared, and for a moment the two stood together, contrasted by years, but alike in the embodiment of patrician elegance. She in the bloom and loveliness of her youth: he in that exquisite refinement which had been his inheritance through a long line of cultivated and honorable ancestry. Turning from Sir Noel, Lady Rose apologized to his guests, and with a winning smile, besought their forgiveness for her tardy appearance.

      That moment a young man, who had been giving some orders to the grooms, came up the steps and approached the lady.

      "Have you become impatient?" she said, blushing a little. "I am so grieved!"

      The young man smiled, as he gave her a fitting answer. Then you saw at once the relationship that he held with Sir Noel. It was evident, not only in the finely cut features, but in the dignified quietude of manner that marked them both.

      "Mack has no idea of good breeding, and is getting fiercely impatient," he said, glancing down at the chestnut horse.

      Lady Rose cast a bright smile upon her guests.

      "Ladies, do not let me keep you waiting."

      There was a general movement toward the steps, but the young lady turned to Sir Noel again.

      "Dear uncle, I wish you were going. I remember you in hunting-dress when I was a little girl."

      "But I have grown old since then," answered the baronet, with a faint smile.

      "This is my first day, and I shall be almost afraid without you," she pleaded.

      The baronet smiled, shook his head, and glanced at his son.

      "You will have younger and better care," he said.

      The young man understood this as a request that he should take especial care of his cousin, for such the lady was in a remote degree, and for an instant