They went on again after that to the other too, suppose? And now come and tell me lions of the quaint little ancient town, and to what you like and what you don't like, and the Dannbe flowing full and strong under its all that you think about. I shall call you walls. They went in silence, not knowing Lizzy. I like that best for a name, because what to say to each other; and Mary could not there is nothing fine about it. Do you like record a single "beautiful," or "grand," or Ulm now that you have seen it? Do you think "sublime;" or indeed an exclamation of any it is a grand church that? and is'nt it funny sort from her companion's lips. "Are you to see these poor cows instead of horses, and not pleased? would you rather go home!" the country people with their red handkerasked Mary at last, weary of puzzling and be- chiefs, and their brown faces? They don't ing disappointed. "Do you think Ulm is not think of their complexion in Wirtemberg; a fine town after those you have seen?" they have no time for that. Were you ever ill? "I have never seen anything like that," I was once since we came here; and it was so said Zaidee, pointing to the tower, which was strange to lie and listen to the river and to always visible, rising through the clear blue frosty air, at every turn they took.

"Do you think it is beautiful? do you think it is grand ?" said Zaidee's tempter.

the great chimes in the Dom. I should have died I think, but for aunt Elizabeth. Was she very good to you? Do you like her very much? Every one ought, I think, for she is always so

But Zaidee looked uneasy, was slow to an- kind." swer, and would not be beguiled into trans

Coming to a pause less from want of matter ports, of which her companion could be com- than from want of breath, Mary pulled her fortably contemptuous. I do not know what friends sleeve, and looked into her face. "Are names to call it," said Zaidee; I think it you asleep, or why don't you speak to me?" looks as if it lived and had been here for all cried Mary. Why did you come to Ulm? Now these long, long hundreds of years. Did you tell me quick, for I don't like solemn people. ever see a great mountain? is it like that What made you come here?” tower?"

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turn.

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Did you ever see one?" asked Mary in re

66

"It was as good as dying" said Zaidee in her low voice; it is so far away."

"As good as dying!" Mary was struck I only know a little hill at home," said with horror. Why, what put dying in your Zaidee with becoming humility. "It is not head I should like to know? Is the house so high, but there is nothing higher between it dull, do you think. I don't like dull houses and heaven; and you can look far away to the myself, nor a great many heavy trees; but sea, and the wind rushes round you, all mamma thinks it romantic, interesting! One round, without any shelter. I think, though can't help what one's mamma thinks-people it is low and little, the mountains themselves must submit to that" said Mary shrugging must be like that hill; that is all I know of her shoulders; but I am sorry if the house them." looks so dismal to you." If we go to Switzerland, you will see I do not think the house is dismal. That enough of mountains," said Mary. "Do you little room is like a little room at home," said like to travel? Tell me what you like best Zaidee; “and I like to be here; I was very glad to see. I like the valleys and the quiet coun- to come. Do you know any stories of the time try. I do not care for anything grand. I like when that tower was made? I think it must to see the farm houses, and the people going be a very long time ago."

like best to see

home at night; and poor little cottages and "Do you like old stories?" said Mary, at brown little children on the way. What is present, bent, with true girlish earnestness, on your name? I don't like to call you Miss Fran- a minute comparison of experiences and opincis," cried Mary suddenly plunging into the ions. "I like stories of common people, and frankest unreserve; "and tell me what you the present time; I don't care about antiquity. Mamma says I have such bad taste, and This sudde ap from suspicious restraint am so prosaic. I like to-day a great deal better into the ex rant friendship of a school-girl, than yesterday; so I am not like you. puzzled za.dee almost as much as Zaidee had "I like to-morrow," said Zaidee her dark puzzled her new friend. But the surprise was face brightening, "where I can make stories a pleasant one; and the two girls proceeded on for myself, and they may all come true. Have their way arm in arm, comparing likings and you bad taste, and are you prosaic? I should experiences. The stranger had made a con- not like that." quest already. This honest, ill-nurtured improvable Mary, was Zaidee's fast friend.

CHAPTER XXII.-FRIENDSHIP.

"Mamma says so," said Mary, with the unfailing shrug. Oh yes, I suppose I am. We are not interesting, nor romantic nor poetical; we are only common people, aunt Burtonshaw and I."

"What does common people mean?" asked Zaidee.

"Aunt Burtonshaw said I wanted a companion; I never thought so I am sure. But now I see aunt Burtonshaw was right 39 con- But Mary could not very well answer the fessed Mary Cumberland. "I never had a question. Mary had no recollection at the friend before, had you? And I want to un-moment, of the pride that apes humility; she derstand you. You want to understand me only knew that she was opposed, with all her

might, to the sentimentality of mamma, and eyes from the sky where they had travelled did not perceive, that to boast of not being upwards by means of the great tower, and fixsuperior was about as bad and rather more ing them wistfully on Mary's face. foolish, than to boast of superiority. Mamma's Mary, who was very honest, and reverenced extreme refinement and ethereal delicacy everything which she called religion without threw Mary in disgust, to the opposite ex- knowing very well what religion meant, faltreme; but simple Zaidee, who was no observer tered a little. Yes, I think so," said Mary; of character, and who asked the question in but it struck her at the moment, more than pure good faith, and without an inference, usual, how far out of her acquaintance this could not help to enlighten her friend. other country was.

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"I mean just like every body else-I mean "Then I wish most of all I had died then," -why, just common people to be sure," said said Zaidee; “that would have been best." Mary eluding the difficulty. Now, what I "I cannot tell how it could be best to die," should like best when I am grown up would said Mary Cumberland. "It is all very well be a great house in the country, like that to say such a thing; but no one means it, I beautiful place papa was so foolish as to sell; am sure. Why, if it was only for other people, with a village at the park gates, and London would you like to make some one grieve for not very far off. I should like to live a pleas- you? I should not, though I am not sentiant neighborly life, and visit the other people mental. I should not like to think of any one about, and go to town sometimes. I should weeping and mourning for me."

We

like to have a great many dresses and jewels, "No, if you brought harm to them," said and everything handsome about me; and to Zaidee quickly; but if you only died! choose my own friends, and have things like all loved my uncle Percy when he was living, what other people have. I should like to have but so dearly, so dearly when they carried him a cheerful house, and everybody saying what away! I could bear them to grieve for me; I they thought. That is what I should choose." could bear to see them weeping if I died: but Zaidee made no answer; she was looking not to vex them, and bring them trouble, and out from the window, where, beyond that live through it all. They would know me then, great tower, the clouds were troublous and No one would think of harm or sorrow, but broken like the stormy Cheshire skies; and only of love, if God would let me die!" Zaidee's tangled thoughts were flying hither and thither like so many birds of passage, between the Grange of Briarford, and Ulm on the Danube-this far away foreign town.

"Why will you not speak?" asked Mary. "I tell you what I am thinking, but you never say any thing to me. Tell me, what should you like best?"

"Who are they?-and who is your uncle ?and what do you mean?" cried Mary Cumberland. "You are a strange girl. I do not understand you. What do you mean?"

The next words that Zaidee addressed to her, convinced Mary that anything like a "rational answer" was not to be expected from her new companion. "I hear the Danube," said Zaidee. "Is it far till you come to the rocks and castles? for I see none here."

Zaidee made a long pause of consideration, as her companion thought. "I would like to be the youngest child, and always to live at home, "What has the Danube to do with it, then?" and never bring harm or sorrow," cried Zai- cried Mary, with some petulance. "I like to dee in her low and rapid voice-and Zaidee speak rationally. I like to know what I am

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in her imagination, saw a hundred crowding talking of. I cannot leap about like this. There pictures of the blessedness of the youngest are no rocks nor castles for a long way. For child, whom no one could ever think of my part, I do not care for them; but I like leaving fortunes or estates to-the little one, very well in summer to hear the water rushing everybody's servant, whom everybody loved," along by the old walls. The river never makes said Zaidee. And Mary could by no means one dreary; it is not like the sea. understand the passion of restrained and eager "Did you ever see the sun set on the sea?" longing, which sounded in Zaidee's cry. said Zaidee, whose imagination at the moment Are you afraid of having a fortune left was suddenly emblazoned with all the stormy you," asked Mary; and it was a very legiti-glories of the Cheshire sunset-a daily marvel mate question. "Did any one ever threaten such as Mary Cumberland knew not of. to leave you a fortune ?" continued the young "Oh yes, I have seen the sun set on the sea, lady, roused into something of her former and mamma said it was heavenly; and papa criticism and suspiciousness. "I should not wondered whether we might not pierce down have run away, If I had been you. I should through the earth with a tube, and get to the like to have a fortune left me myself. I am antipodes before him" said Mary, with an afraid we are not much like each other, after uneasy ridicule and impatience. Do you know all, for I am not above being rich, or for- there is one thing in the world I should like tunate, or happy." above all other things, and I will never get But if this sidelong shaft was intended to it; I should like to have wise friends." wound Zaidee, it proved a signal failure, for From this exclamation, uttered with a little Zaidee's thoughts had already struck aside on haste and heat, Zaidee instinctively retreated. different ground. "Do you think little chil- Zaidee had an intuitive perception that howdren when they die are always sure to go to ever true Mary's observations might be, she heaven?" asked the dreamer, withdrawing her was the last person in the world who ought to

have made them. Poor Mary Cumberland! | tell you what is my idea of the first thing needall the tenderest and fairest of human emo- ful to a proper education. It is to teach your tions, had been made suspicious things to her young minds to think, my loves. Mary, What clear and homely understanding. No admira- were you thinking of just now!" tion at all was better than wordy raptures Mary, though not much given to diffidence, over everything; and Mary was disposed to blushed scarlet at this address, and hung her defy and cherish a resentment against that head. Her thought, if she had reported it, Beauty at whose shrine her mother was a weak would not have been much to her own credit, worshipper, and to hold Nature and Art, those or to the satisfaction of her mother. oft-quoted potencies, as twin-supporters of a "You cannot tell? Fie, child, how thoughtfictitious system, all false pretension and van- less," said Mrs. Cumberland. And you Miss ity. Humbug," said Sylvester Burtonshaw, Francis, what was in your mind?"

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who was no great example of good sense, But Zaidee, too, faltered. There were so though on a different model from his aunt and many things in her mind, she could not withuncle Cumberland; and the word was very draw one separate fancy from the stream, and much in his young cousin's thoughts. She sat present it as an individual thought; for they at table like Mr. Burchell, and said "fudge!" were all fancies, and the number of them was the only concession that she made to her pa- infinite; these irregular battalions never rents being that she said it within herself. marched in single file.

Now Zaidee Vivian was quite unlearned in Mrs. Cumberland shook her head, and tapped fudge and humbug. When Mary's eyes were them playfully over the fingers with the papersparkling, half with angry shame, and half knife she held in her hand. Yet I daresay with derision, Zaidee listened with involuntary you both believed you were thinking, though respect; for Zaidee, who was almost destitute neither of you can tell what it was," said their of the ordinary forms of politeness, had much instructress. Now, education enables you of its essence at heart, and a great reverence to think, and makes you masters of your for all whom she believed her superiors, a class thoughts. I will give you a subject. Here is which included her whole acquaintance over a book upon the table-it is Macaulay's Histwenty years old. But it happened well that tory of England. Let me know what you think Zaidee's respectful listening, did not lead her of it, and of English History in general. Take to adopt Mrs. Cumberland's enthusiasms or ten minutes and form a just opinion, my Mr. Cumberland's philosophies. Not Mary dears."

Cumberland's unbelieving disrespect was more Mrs. Cumberland looked at her watch with a proof against conviction than her companion's complacent smile, and took up the book she had attention, for Zaidee had a strange inalienable been reading, as she left her astonished pupils independence in that wild visionary mind of to their first exercise. They were all seated in hers. Her thoughts were communicated to no the Salle, the general sitting-room of the famione, but ran on in a perennial stream. She ly, at the comfortable English end of it, looking was quite invincible to rational argument, this down upon the long avenue of grey matting, of poor child, and far less in danger of change marble tables and gilded chairs standing than was Mary with her logical and reason- against the wall. February days are cold on able understanding; for Zaidee Vivian rea- the banks of the Danube; and once more there soned only through her heart.

CHAP. XXIII.-EDUCATION.

glowed a litle furnace of intense red within the open door of the stove. Mrs. Cumberland in a dress fitting close to her thin figure, with her braids of hair smothed down upon her thin

"Now, Mary, my darling—it is what I have cheek, sat upon a sofa turned towards the light. often longed for-you have a companion with Her sister, wrapt in a cosy shawl, with a cosy you, and I shall have the great delight of in- cap, enclosing her pleasant face in its frame of structing you myself. You are very intelligent, lace and ribbons, bloomed like a winter rose I know, my dear Mary. What do you think beside the frosty lily at her right hand. Mrs. most necessary for a proper education?" Burtonshaw had her back to the light, and was "I cannot tell, indeed, mamma, Everything, painfully endeavoring to whisper some original I suppose," said Mary, with her customary suggestion on this great subject to help the shrug. cogitations of her niece. My dear Elizabeth!" "That is true! cried Mrs. Burtonshaw, exclaimed Mrs. Cumberland. Mrs. Burtonshaw shaking her head solemnly. "The masters fell back upon her knitting like a culprit, and we had, Maria Anna! But Mary knows so only tried to telegraph with her eyes. Α much already-more, I do believe, than I do solemn silence followed. One could see by the dancing fun in Mary Cumberland's eye that it "She has had many advantages," said Mrs. was very near being disturbed by a burst of Cumberland; but, my dear Elizabeth, I must laughter; but prudence prevailed; and amid beg you not to interrupt the lesson. There is the deepest stillness, and with all the help much truth in what you say, Mary;-Miss which could be afforded to them by aunt BurFrancis, my love, what is your opinion?" tonshaw's telegraphing, Mrs. Cumberland's "I only can read-and write a little," said pupils pondered their theme. Zaidee, with great humility, shrinking from what was to follow.

now."

Macaulay's History of England, and English history in general-the subject was a suffi“Very well, my dear children. Now I will ciently great one, and deserved rather more

than ten minutes' consideration, and graver back with the humility of a penitent crimierities than girls of fifteen. The mind of Zai- nal, Zaidee waited to hear her ignorance condee Vivian, to whom the fascinating volume on demned.

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the table was unknown, was cast afloat in an "Really I do not make a very promising beinstant upon the chronicle of Froissart in the ginning," said Mrs. Cumberland. 'Never read Grange library, and upon the infallible records it? Do you know nothing of history, then, my of one Shakspeare, an authority greater than poor child? Is that what you mean to say?" history. Zaidee did not make much progress "Only Shakspeare and Froissart," said Zaiin thinking, though she tried conscientiously. dee slowly, hanging her head, and feeling herThese wayward fancies of hers carried her off self a very culprit. Mrs. Cumberland brightto the courtly assembly before Harfleurs-to ened again. Faulconbridge sparring at Austria with his That is very well, my love," said this enwicked wit-to poor, proud, frantic Constance, couraging preceptress; "and I only want to and the cruel councils of King John; and sent hear your opinion of them to be quite satisfied her away down the stream in the most mag- with you." nanimous impartiality, to sake side with every But, alas! Zaidee could give no opinionunfortunate. Bolingbroke first, and then King neither on the abstract question, nor the parRichard; poor old York, with his pretty Rut- ticular one. She only sat very still, in a state land; and saintly Henry, with his haughty of overpowering self-reproach and humbleness. queen. Zaidee's meditations would only have She could not comfort herself by reflecting how ended with the extent of her knowledge and rec- ridiculous mamma was, as Mary did. Zaidee ollection, had she been left to herself, when lo! could find nothing to complain of but herself. there broke upon their maze the rustle of Mrs. Whole ten minutes to think in, and not a morCumberland's sudden movement, and her sharp sel of thought to come out of it! She was not and high-pitched voice, as she consulted her bold enough to look up to meet her questioner's watch once more, Ten minutes-have you eye. finished thinking, young ladies? Now, Mary, what have you to say?"

Well, Macaulay's History is a very pleasant book to read, mamma," said Mary.

Mrs. Cumberland nodded her assent. "And English history is "--But here Mary, whose voice had an unmistakable quaver of laughter in it, stopped short, and bit her lips to keep it down. English history is--"

46

"We will change the subject. I see it is too much for you, my dear children," said Mrs. Cumberland," and the exercise is new and unusual. You were visiting the Cathedral yesterday-there is a delightful theme!-the Cathedral of Ulm, and architecture in general. Let me hear your thoughts upon these."

But Zaidee! Zaidee! The good lady never meant your wayward fancies to climb up and A very great subject, Mary my darling," build nests for themselves like so many birds broke in poor Mrs. Burtonshaw, whose tele- in the fretted niches of yonder noble tower. graphed and perfectly unintelligible communi- While Mary wonders vainly what style this cations had become every moment more vehe- Ulm Cathedral is of, and tries to recollect, but ment. Mrs. Burtonshaw was much alarmed, doubts if she ever heard its date and builders, lest her favourite should come off second best. Zaidee makes a bewildered flight from the little Elizabeth, I must have silence!" cried church at Briarford to the stately German Dom, Mrs. Cumberland. · English history is-Mary, and links together in a hasty procession all the pray go on." other great buildings she is aware of having · English history is a very great subject, seen, from that pepperboxed and genteel erecmamma, as aunt Burtonshaw says," said Mary, tion, rich with the characteristic graces of the very demurely, and with a little courtesy, for eighteenth century, where Mrs. Disbrowe and Mary had risen with wicked formality to be her household go to church every Sunday, to examined. other foreign cathedrals of which the travellers "And that is the sum of your reflections on had a hasty view on their journey here. such a glorious theme!" cried Mrs. Cumber- dee is in great haste, terrified lest the ten miland, elevating her hands. Well, the first nutes should expire before she has reviewed her duty of an instructress is patience. Sit down, subject; but alas! when the ten minutes have and I do not wish you to rise when I question expired, it appears again only too evident that you; we will do better next time, I trust. Zaidee's troublesome ideas will not march in Now, Miss Francis, tell me your thoughts on rank and file. this subject my dear."

Zai

Undiscouraged by her failure, Mrs. CumberBut Miss Francis, worse than Mary, could land perseveres, proposing subject after subject not answer at all. A flood of thoughts came as various and diverse as the topics of a popupouring into Zaidee's mind: her brown cheek lar course of lectures. But so far as to-day's flushed, and her pulse beat high; but alas! experience goes, this system for encouraging they would not be brought to the bar, these thought is not a remarkably successful one, and rebellious imaginations; they would not stand Mrs. Cumberland dismisses her pupils, of whom up and answer to their names, and give due the one is full of mirth and mischief, and the description of themselves. Zaidee faltered, other greatly humiliated and self-condemning, looked up, and looked down, and could not tell with a long-drawn sigh. "Another time we what to say. At last, as her eye caught the will do better, let us hope," says this patient book upon the table, she made shift to answer. teacher; you are sad thoughtless children; "Indeed, I never read it ;" and, shrinking education has everything to do for you."

CHAPTER XXIV.-THEORIES.

ever I knew you," exclaimed the incensed lady, with a little outburst. "You sold Whimsleigh

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Learning lessons is quite a different thing. which ought to have been Mary's, poor dear, There is some sense in learning lessons," said for Nature; you came here for Nature; you Mary Cumberland; "but I can't go and tell lived on sauer-kraut and radishes for Nature; everything I think to mamma. I don't believe and now you have to seek her at the end of the mamma would understand me, if I did. I am world, among a crew of pagan socialists! quite sure I should never understand her. Let What's Nature, I should like to know? Does us have masters, aunt Burtonshaw, as you say. she teach people how to conduct themselves— I always did my tasks, and was ready for to think on their responsibilities—and mind them; but I can't help thinking in my own their children? I had rather know my duty way. I can't think in anybody else's. Ask than Nature, if you consulted me." Lizzy here if she is not just like me." "What, angry, Elizabeth?" said her brotherBut dear, dear, what will Maria Anna in-law, with a little crowing laugh. Angry, ay?" cried poor Mrs. Burtonshaw. She has my good sister! Throw it off; it is only a set her heart on it, Mary. She will blame me passion fit for the ignorant. Yes, I must folfor it all. There now-there's a darling-I am low Nature; it is my mission. What another sure you will try again." man may pass by, I feel it my duty to go into. "If Maria Anna would pay less attention to People leave great truths to develop themselves that child's mind, and more to her diet, she in these days; but I pride myself in being on would do better service," said Mr. Cumberland, the alert to perceive them wherever they can be who had just come in. "But between you and discovered. The true life principle is the grand me, Elizabeth, your sister is extremely fanciful. object of search in all ages. Women are always Her own whims are all the rule she has, you bustling about small matters-it is quite right see; nothing like fixed principles. Her stan--it is their nature; but we will make a revodard changes every week or two. I am not say-lution in all your little fashions, sister Elizaing anything against Mrs. Cumberland, who is beth. Yes, yes, though one should go to the a superior woman; but she wants repose, sister South Seas for it, there is nothing like Nature; Burtonshaw. She is a great deal too fidgety for and, I thank heaven, you are quite right; Í have pursued her all my life."

the comfort of the house."

While this speech was being delivered, Mr. So saying, Mr. Cumberland sat down, and Cumberland was leisurely perambulating the drew a thick French pamphlet from his pocket, apartment, with one hand behind him, and while his daughter, in great excitement, hurwith the other eagerly picking up and examin-ried Zaidee away. Mary Cumberland, whose ing every scrap of written or printed paper youth asserted itself strongly enough when which came in his way. Mr. Cumberland's there was opportunity, was not unfrequently sharp eyes travelled before him, scanning every- startled into the language and the decision of a thing with a curiosity for which no detail was full-grown woman. If any other man had too minute. He went on talking as he survey- said it, one might have hoped it was too ridicued the side-tables, which were burdened with lous," said Mary, with the varying complexion lumber enough to give his inquiring mind full of strong alarm and excited feeling; "but papa is fit to do anything. I tell you I will not "What do you think of the Fourierists, sis- go! I will have nothing to do with his fool's ter Burtonshaw? An absurd prejudice has paradise-I will not! I will rather go and swamped poor Robert Owen in our country. starve at home."

scope.

But I am a candid man; I cannot shut my eyes "Starve?-they will not give you leave," to the fact that communism is the true state said Zaidee. "No one can die except God does of civilization. Do you know I have a great it for them. Is it far away? for I would rather mind to shut up this paltry old house, and be go there than go home."

done with the trials of private housekeeping, "Yes, they would have me sacrifice all my and join myself to some company of social life," said Mary bitterly, without noticing brethren. The happiest way!-not a doubt of Zaidee's interruption. They would shut me it. Though, of course Maria Anna will grum-out from everything that others have. I should ble at the blessed equality which characterizes have only theories to live upon, if they had such settlements. One of the South Sea Islands, their will. You need not look at me so. Perfor example-if such a paradise should be in the haps I am not amiable. I never pretended to market-with a heavenly climate, and fertile be amiable, or superior, or intellectual, or any soil, and a refined community. Why should I of these fine things. I am only one of the combe such a fool as to keep my house here, with a pack of servants to look after, and appearances to keep up, and all the rest of it, when a free mind, and a life according to the rules of Nature, would make another man of me?"

Nature must be hard to lay hold of," said Mrs. Burtonshaw, roused to a momentary asperity.

"Ay, sister Burtonshaw ?-why so?" cried the philosopher, facing round upon her.

"Because you have been hunting her since

mon people. I am content to live as everybody else lives. Well, never mind, there is always aunt Burtonshaw; and I never will go away. Come and talk to my old Jane."

They went up stairs together silently to Mary's room, which was one of another long suite of apartments, with folding doors closed and barricaded, and looking very white and chill in its great extent of wall. Mary looked round upon it with discontent. "I might have had a cosy little room at home instead of this.