Capitola The Madcap | Page 5

Traverse! All that was grievous enough
to bear; and now to be torn away from the home of my childhood, and
from the friend that has always been a mother to me, and by a man,
from whom every true, good instinct of my nature teaches me to shrink.
I, who have always had full liberty in the house of my dear father, to be
forced away against my will by this man, as if I were his slave!"
exclaimed Clara, bursting into fresh tears of indignation and grief.
"Clara, my dear, dear girl, this impatience and rebellion is so unlike
your gentle nature that I can scarcely recognize you for the mild and
dignified daughter of my old friend. Clara, if the saints in heaven could
grieve at anything, I should think your dear father would be grieved to
see you thus!" said the old man in gentle rebuke that immediately took
effect upon the meek and conscientious maiden.
"Oh! I feel--I feel that I am doing very wrong, but I cannot help it. I
scarcely know myself in this agony of mingled grief, indignation and
terror--yes, terror--for every instinct of my nature teaches me to distrust
and fear that man, in whom my father must have been greatly deceived
before he could have entrusted him with the guardianship of his only
child."
"I think that quite likely," said the old man; "yet, my dear, even in
respect to your dear father's memory, you must try to bear this trial
patiently."
"Oh, yes, I know I must. Dear father, if you can look down and see me
now, forgive your poor Clara, her anger and her impatience. She will
try to be worthy of the rearing you have given her and to bear even this
great trial with the spirit worthy of your daughter!" said Clara within
her own heart; then, speaking up, she said: "You shall have no more
reason to reprove me, Doctor Williams."
"That is my brave girl! That is my dear Clara Day! And now, when
your guardian directs you to prepare yourself for your journey, obey
him--go with him without making any objection. I purpose to arrest

your journey at Staunton with a habeas corpus that he dare not resist,
and which shall compel him to bring you into the Orphans' Court.
There our side shall be heard, and the decision will rest with the judge."
"And all will be well! Oh, say that, sir! to give me the courage to act
with becoming docility," pleaded Clara.
"I have not a doubt in this world that it will all be right, for, however
Colonel Le Noir may choose to disregard the last wishes of your father,
as attested by myself and young Rocke, I have not the least idea that
the judge will pass them over. On the contrary, I feel persuaded that he
will confirm them by sending you back here to your beloved home."
"Oh, may heaven grant it!" said Clara. "You do, indeed, give me new
life."
"Yes, yes, be cheerful, my dear; trust in Providence and expect nothing
short of the best! And now I dare not tarry longer with you, for I must
see the Judge at his house this night. Good-by, my dear; keep up a good
heart!" said the old man, cheerfully, pressing her hand and taking his
leave.
Mrs. Rocke accompanied him to the hall door.
"My dear madam, keep up your spirits also for the sake of your young
charge! Make her go to bed early! To-morrow, when she thinks she is
about to be torn from you forever, remind her in her ear that I shall
meet the carriage at Staunton with a power that shall turn the horses'
heads."
And so saying, the worthy old gentleman departed.
As Marah Rocke looked after him, she also saw with alarm that
Colonel Le Noir had mounted his horse and galloped off in the
direction of Staunton, as if impelled by the most urgent haste.
She returned to the bedside of Clara, and left her no more that night. As
the colonel did not return to supper, they, the family party, had their tea

in Clara's room.
Late at night Mrs. Rocke heard Colonel Le Noir come into the house
and enter his chamber.
Poor Clara slept no more that night; anxiety, despite of all her efforts,
kept her wide awake. Yet, though anxious and wakeful, yet by prayer
and endeavor she had brought her mind into a patient and submissive
mood, so that when a servant knocked at her door in the morning with a
message from Colonel Le Noir that she should be ready to set forth
immediately after breakfast, she replied that she should obey him, and
without delay she arose and commenced her toilet.