The Mothers Recompense, Volume II. | Page 8

that is quite impossible."
"I am perfectly satisfied where I am, Percy," replied his cousin,
laughing, as she obeyed the Marchioness of Malvern's request and
seated herself beside her. Every eye was turned on Ellen with an
admiration, which, had not her thoughts been engrossed with her
brother, would have been actually painful to one of her quick feelings.
Lady Malvern longed to hear from her young favourite, in words, the
internal delight which was so evident in every feature, and by her
kindly sympathy succeeded in her wishes. The young sailor's health
was celebrated with enthusiasm; and Edward gracefully, though briefly,
returned his thanks, while the kindness of all around him, the easy
friendliness of those who were strangers, and the joy of feeling himself
once more in the midst of those he loved, soon placed him perfectly at
ease.
Ellen looked eagerly round her circle of friends, to mark the impression
made by Edward, and even her fond affection was fully satisfied. Sir
George Wilmot had not spoken, but his eye kindled with animation as
in the gallant young sailor he recalled his own youthful days, while
some other sad remembrances kept him silent, and checked his usual
hilarity. Lord Malvern appeared almost as interested as Mr. Hamilton.
Lady Gertrude's kind glance met hers, and told, by its silent eloquence,
how well she sympathised in Ellen's feelings; and Lord St. Eval too, his
smile spoke volumes, though his natural reserve prevented his
addressing Edward, while the young and lively members of the party
seemed to find abundant amusement in the anecdotes and adventures he
narrated. Arthur Myrvin gazed earnestly at him, and for a time banished
his own distressing thoughts in the endeavour to trace in the fine manly
youth before him some likeness to the handsome, yet violent and

mischievous boy he had first and last seen in the village of Llangwillan.
"I have heard so much of Eward, from my friend Ellen here, that I am
most anxious to cultivate his acquaintance, and trust Castle Malvern
will often be graced by the presence of such a gallant young sailor,"
was the Marchioness of Malvern's kind address, after they had
adjourned to the drawing room, as, leaning on the arm of Ellen, she
advanced to the young man, who, from Percy's lively introduction, was
playing the agreeable to Lady Florence and Lady Emily Lyle, while
Lord Louis, who found something in Edward's countenance that
promised a kindred feeling for fun and frolic, was demanding question
after question, which Edward was answering in a manner calculated to
excite the continued merriment of his companions, till a sign from his
aunt called him to her side.
"So I must entreat Admiral Sir George Wilmot to deign to notice my
nephew, it will not be given unasked," she said, approaching the aged
officer, who was sitting a little apart, shading his eyes with his hand, as
if in deep thought. "Sir George, I shall impeach you of high treason
against me, the liege lady of this fortress, that on a night when all is joy,
you, who are generally the gayest, should be sad. What excuse can you
urge in your defence?"
"Is Edward unworthy of the high privilege of being a sailor, Sir
George?" whispered Ellen, archly, "or is your wrath against me, for not
joining your expedition this morning, to be extended to him? will you
not look on him as a brother seaman?"
"Nay, Ellen, I must toil through long years of servitude, I must reap
very many laurels, ere I can deserve that title," said Edward. "The name
of Sir George Wilmot is too well known on the broad seas for me to
hope for more than a word of encouragement from him, or to enable me
to look on him with any other feelings than those of the deepest
reverence and respect."
"Ay, ay, young man, you wish to surprise the old hulk to surrender;
gaily rigged and manned as you are, you think, by a show of homage to
me, to surprise me into paying it to you," said the old man, rousing

himself from his abstraction, and laughing as he spoke. "Do not deny it,
youngster, but I forgive you; for I have been an old fool, Mrs. Hamilton.
I plead guilty, and throw myself on your mercy. You, Mistress Ellen,
you deserve nothing from me, after rejecting every courtly speech I
could think of this morning, to persuade you to crowd sail and steer out
under my guidance instead of remaining safe in harbour. Jokes apart, if
you, young sir, will feel pleasure in the friendship of an old time-worn
servant of his Majesty as I am, I offer you my hand, with all the
warmth and sincerity of our noble profession. For your