The Mothers Recompense, Volume II. | Page 7

matter."

"Never mind, Percy; your favourite attendant will, I have no doubt,
recover his senses before the night is over. I am not in the least
anxious," replied his mother, smiling.
"Percy, your mother has clothed herself to-night in impenetrable
mystery, so do not hope to discover anything through her," said Lord St.
Eval, laughing, and the young men continued gaily conversing with
Lady Gertrude and Caroline, till the entrance of Mr. Howard and the
announcement of tea or supper; of both of which, after a day spent in
the country as this had been, the evening meal partook.
"Ellen--where is Ellen?" said several voices, as they seated themselves
round the hospitable board, and observed her place was vacant; and Sir
George Wilmot eagerly joined the inquiry.
"She will join us shortly, Sir George," replied Mrs. Hamilton, and
turning to a servant near her, desired him to let Miss Fortescue know
tea was ready.
"I will go, madam. Stand back, James, let me pass," exclaimed Robert,
hastily, and he bounded out of the apartment with a most extraordinary
failing of his wonted respect.
"There, proof positive; did I not tell you the lad was mad," said Percy,
and, as if in confirmation of his words, almost directly after a loud and
joyful shout sounded from the servants' hall.
Mr. Hamilton looked up inquiringly, and in doing so his eye caught an
object that caused him to start from his seat with an exclamation of
surprise and pleasure; while Percy, leaping over chairs and tables that
stood in his way, unheeding Lord Louis's inquiry, whether Robert had
infected him, shook and shook again the hand of the long-absent
relative, in whom both he and Herbert could only recognise the
preserver of their father. Herbert and his sisters simultaneously left
their seats, and crowded round him. Warmly, affectionately, Edward
greeted them one and all, and rapidly answered the innumerable
questions of Percy; defended his sister from all share in his
concealment, of which Herbert and Emmeline laughingly accused her.

The flush of almost painful bashfulness still lingered on his cheek, as
he marked the eyes of all fixed upon him, strangers as well as friends;
but as he turned in the direction of his aunt, and his eye fell on the
venerable figure of his revered preceptor, who stood aside, enjoying the
little scene he beheld, as the remembrance of the blessed words, the
soothing comfort that impressive voice had spoken in his hour of
greatest need, the lessons of his childhood, his dawning youth, rushed
on his mind, control, hesitation, reserve were all at an end; he broke
from the surrounding and eager group, even from the detaining arm of
his sister, sprang towards him, and clasping both Mr. Howard's hands,
his eyes glistened and his voice quivered, as he exclaimed--
"Mr. Howard, too! one of my first, my best, and kindest friends. Ellen
told me not of this unexpected pleasure; this is joy, indeed."
"A joy to me, too, my dear boy, equally unexpected; we must thank
Mrs. Hamilton for this early meeting. I knew not the pleasure she had
prepared for me," replied Mr. Howard, returning the pressure of
Edward's hand with equal warmth.
"Nor did any one, my good sir. Never will I say again a lady cannot
keep a secret," said the Marquis of Malvern, jestingly. "Mr. Hamilton,
as you do not seem inclined to honour me, without asking, I must
entreat a formal introduction to that gallant nephew of yours, whose
name is not unknown to naval fame, though as yet but one of her junior
officers."
"I really beg your pardon, my dear Lord; Edward's sudden appearance
has startled me out of all etiquette. To one and all, then, of my good
friends here, allow me to introduce to their indulgent notice this said
Edward Fortescue, midshipman and gallant officer on board His
Majesty's good ship Prince William; and, in order that all reserve may
be at an end between us, I propose a bumper to the health and
prosperity of the wanderer returned."
"Most excellent, my dear father; one that I will second with all my
heart," exclaimed Percy, eagerly. "For that amphibious animal looks
marvellously like a fish out of water amongst us all: and here we admit

no strangers. Edward, there is a vacant seat reserved for you by my
mother's side, who looks much as if she would choose you for her
knight this evening; and, therefore, though your place in future is
amongst the young ladies, to whom by-and-bye I mean to introduce
you by name and character, we will permit you to sit there to-night.
Ellen, my little coz, where are you? You must be content with looking
at your brother, not sitting by him. I cannot allow such breaches of
etiquette;