I MUST now retrograde a little to relate something rather curious, and Ihope not uninteresting.
Zoe Vizard had been for some time acting on Mrs. Gale's advice; building, planning for the good of the poor, and going out of herself more and more. She compared notes constantly with Miss Gale, and conceived a friendship for her. It had been a long time coming, because at first she disliked Miss Gale's manners very much. But that lady had nursed her tenderly, and now advised her, and Zoe, who could not do anything by halves, became devoted to her.
As she warmed to her good work, she gave signs of clearer judgment. She never mentioned Severne; but she no longer absolutely avoided Ina Klosking's name; and one day she spoke of her as a high-principled woman; for which the Gale kissed her on the spot.
One name she often uttered, and always with regret and self-reproach--Lord Uxmoor's. I think that, now she was herself building and planning for the permanent improvement of the poor, she felt the tie of a kindred sentiment. Uxmoor was her predecessor in this good work, too; and would have been her associate, if she had not been so blind.
This thought struck deep in her. Her mind ran more and more on Uxmoor, his manliness, his courage in her defense, and his gentlemanly fortitude and bravery in leaving her, without a word, at her request. Running over all these, she often blushed with shame, and her eyes filled with sorrow at thinking of how she had treated him; and lost him forever by not deserving him.
She even made oblique and timid inquiries, but could learn nothing of him, except that he sent periodical remittances to Miss Gale, for managing his improvements. These, however, came in through a country agent from a town agent, and left no clew.
But one fine day, with no warning except to his own people, Lord Uxmoor came home; and the next day rode to Hillstoke to talk matters over with Miss Gale. He was fortunate enough to find her at home. He thanked her for the zeal and enthusiasm she had shown, and the progress his works had made under her supervision.
He was going away without even mentioning the Vizard family.
But the crafty Gale detained him. "Going to Vizard Court?" said she.
"No," said he, very dryly.
"Ah, I understand; but perhaps you would not mind going with me as far as Islip. There is something there I wish you to see.""Humph? Is it anything very particular? Because--""It is. Three cottages rising, with little flower gardens in front.
Square plots behind, and arrangements for breeding calves, with other ingenious novelties. A new head come into our business, my lord.""You have converted Vizard? I thought you would. He is a satirical fellow, but he will listen to reason.""No, it is not Mr. Vizard; indeed, it is no convert of mine. It is an independent enthusiast. But I really believe your work at home had some hand in firing her enthusiasm.""A lady! Do I know her?"
"You may. I suppose you know everybody in Barfordshire. Will you come?
Do!"
"Of course I will come, Miss Gale. Please tell one of your people to walk my horse down after us."She had her hat on in a moment, and walked him down to Islip.
Her tongue was not idle on the road. "You don't ask after the people,"said she. "There's poor Miss Vizard. She had a sad illness. We were almost afraid we should lose her.""Heaven forbid!" said Uxmoor, startled by this sudden news.
"Mademoiselle Klosking got quite well; and oh! what do you think? Mr.
Severne turned out to be her husband."
"What is that?" shouted Uxmoor, and stopped dead short. "Mr. Severne a married man!""Yes; and Mademoiselle Klosking a married woman.""You amaze me. Why, that Mr. Severne was paying his attentions to Miss Vizard.""So I used to fancy," said Rhoda carelessly. "But you see it came out he was married, and so of course she packed him off with a flea in his ear.""Did she? When was that?"