tr << Master Bridgenorth,» said Julian, «< I might tell you truly, that I knew you not at the time when I directed my weapon against you; but I must also add, that the cause in which I used it, might have rendered me, even had I known you, a slight respecter of your person. At present, I do know you; and have neither malice against your person, nor the liberty of a parent to fight for. Besides, you have my word; and when was a Peveril known to break it?» " Ay," replied his companion, « a Peverila Peveril of the Peak! a name which has long sounded like a war - trumpet in the land; but which has now perhaps sounded its last loud note. Look back, young man, on the darksome turrets of your father's house, which uplift themselves as proudly on the brow of the hill, as their owners raised themselves above the sons of their people. Think upon your father, a captive yourself, in some sort, a fugitive your light quenched-your glory abased-your estate wrecked and impoverished. Think tha Providence has subjected the destinies of the race of Peveril to one, whom, in their aristocratic pride, they held as a plebeian upstart. Think of this; and when you again boast of your ancestry, remember, that he who raiseth the lowly can also abase the high in heart.» Julian did indeed gaze for an instant, with a swelling heart, upon the dimly-seen turrets of his paternal mansion, on which poured the moonlight, mixed with long shadows of the towers and trees. the truth of Bridgenorth's observation, he felt indignant at his ill-timed triumph. << If fortune had followed worth," he said, « the Castle of Martindale, and the name of Peveril, had afforded no room for their enemy's vain-glorious boast. But those who have stood high on Fortune's wheel, must abide by the consequence of its revolutions. Thus much I will at least say for my father's house, that it has not stood unhonoured; nor will it fall-if it is to fall-unlamented. Forbear, then, if you are indeed the Christian you call yourself, to exult in the misfortunes of others, or to confide in your own prosperity. If the light of our house be now quenched, God can rekindle it in his own good time.>> But while he sadly acknowledged Peveril broke off in extreme surprise; for as he spoke the last words, the bright red beams of the family beacon began again to glimmer from its wonted watch-tower, chequering the pale moon-beam with a ruddier glow. Bridgenorth also gazed on this unexpected illumination with surprise, and not, as it seemed, without disquietude. Young man, he resumed, <«< it can scarcely be but what Heaven intends to work great things by your hand, so singularly has that augury followed on your words. >> So saying, he put his horse once more into motion; and looking back, from time to time, as if to assure himself that the beacon of the castle was actually rekindled, he led the way through the well-known paths and alleys, to his own house of Moultrassie, followed by Peveril, who, although sensible that the light might be altogether accidental, could not but receive as a good omen an event so intimately connected with the traditions and usages of his family. They alighted at the hall-door, which was hastily opened by a female; and while the deep tone of Bridgenorth called on the groom to take their horses, the well-known voice of his daughter Alice was heard to exclaim in thanks giving to God, who had restored her father insafety. END OF VOLUME SECOND. |