CHAPTER XI.

THERE stands the Messenger of Truth--there stands
The Legate of the skies.--COWPER.

FROM that night Lumley found no opportunity for private conversation with
Evelyn; she evidently shunned to meet with him alone. She was ever with
her mother or Mrs. Leslie or the good curate, who spent much of his time
at the cottage; for the old man had neither wife nor children, he was
alone at home, he had learned to make his home with the widow and her
daughter. With them he was an object of the tenderest affection, of the
deepest veneration. Their love delighted him, and he returned it with
the fondness of a parent and the benevolence of a pastor. He was a rare
character, that village priest!

Born of humble parentage, Edward Aubrey had early displayed abilities
which attracted the notice of a wealthy proprietor, who was not
displeased to affect the patron. Young Aubrey was sent to school, and
thence to college as a sizar: he obtained several prizes, and took a high
degree. Aubrey was not without the ambition and the passions of youth:
he went into the world, ardent, inexperienced, and without a guide. He
drew back before errors grew into crimes, or folly became a habit. It
was nature and affection that reclaimed and saved him from either
alternative,--fame or ruin. His widowed mother was suddenly stricken
with disease. Blind and bedridden, her whole dependence was on her only
son. This affliction called forth a new character in Edward Aubrey.
This mother had stripped herself of so many comforts to provide for
him,--he devoted his youth to her in return. She was now old and