THE PARK PALINGS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 977, 12 September 1868, Page 4

THE PA R K PALINGS.

(Prom the ■' Family Herald.") Chapter I.

The. end of .Summer.: just when the waning.season is at its fairest, every hedgerow dotted with the pure white cups of the birdweed, every field rich with the ripening grain, where the scarlet flowers of the poppy and the rich blue of the cornbottle mingle ; and the lanes— our lovely English lanes.!— dark and cool, even at noon^day, with the luxuriance of the foliage' arching high over head. In such a lane, in one of the prettiest parts of one of the midland counties, sauntered two young ladies, glad of the refuge'frbm the fervid heat, and talking merrily and^freely of any and everything which was interesting to devoted friends who had just met after a parting of several months. , "j never dreamed your, home was so lovely as it is !" cried Clara Forester, stopping short, to gaze around. But tell me what this fence hides from vs — fields?" " No, ft park— Lisle Park," was the reply of; Viola Dalrymple ; " the largest estate in the neighbourhood." " ■TV'ho livesthere, Viola ?" Clara asked —"any. one you visit? I'm sure it's a charmjng place !" " No, :one's there at present," replied Vi01a.,!," Sir Vernon Lisle has been on the Continent ever since he succeeded to the baronetcy. But the owner is expected home very shortly, and they are making greatpreparations for his reception." " .What magnificent trees ! what emerald turf!"- exclaimed Clara. ".Oh Viola, the little that I can see is perfectly delicious ! "What a/eie ehampetre might be given under those beeches ! Is this absent baronet old and ugly ?" she asked. "By no means old," replied Viola. " Sir Vernon is not more than twentythree or twenty-four." " Ypung, and of course handsome," said Clara. "3! should like to stay and make his acquaintance." Again Viola's merry . laughter was heard, as she stood plucking the blossoms of the trailing dewberries. " But handsome is not a matter of course in this case," she said. " Judging from what my own recollections of Vernon Lisle was when he used to visit me in his boyhood, he must be sandy-haired, short, and plain ;, so you need not grieve that we leave here on Monday for Lytham and sea-bathing. Besides, he was a rude, disagreeable boy, whom I could not endure for his rough manners and teasing propensities ; and I have no doubt that the possession of great wealth, with none near to check or admonish him, has made his faults grow with his growth. For myself, T almost dread his coming." "Dread his coming!" said Clara. "Aid Why P" Half the reply must have been inaudible to any ears save her . own, conveying nothing but the words, "Papa, has always wishedr-such old friends — Vernon and I so nearly , "of an'age ;" and then an emphatic, " but I would never consent— never !"

As the young ladies, engrossed in the subject they were discussing, walked on, two gentlemen,, in the light easy Summer dress of tourists, rose from the root of the tree in the park on which they had been resting; and peeped after them; they then turned to each other, and, with a comical look, laughed heartily. " Sandy, short, and ugly ! U nfortunate Yernon ! ' said one, mockingly. "Bude, disagreeable, unchecked !" said the other. "Oh, most miserable wight that I am ! And this is the best that the handsomest girl in. the county can say of me L, Stanley, I'll go back to Venice, where carroty hair is, a grace, and the faults of my youth are unknown. Groing where ? where did. she say ?" "To Lytham," was the reply of his friend, Stanley Tremayne. "A pretty little quiet bathing-place in Lancashire, isn't it P" "

Sir, Vernon nodded, gazed after the graceful figures of the ladies, until they were quite lost to, sight ; and then, leaning his back against the fence, he mused until his companion uttered an inquiring, "Well?"^ * .*•

"And well," he repeated, slowly. "I think, if you have no objection to offer, we will, for a time, renounce our intention, of , presenting ourselves at Lisle House, and receiving our good friends' and. neighbours' congratulations on our safe return." = "As you will," said his friend. "But what,, then, do you propose doing P" " Taking a trip to Lytham also," replied Sir Vernon. Chapiee 11. Lytham had not then obtained sufficient notoriety to be bustling, and noisy, and over-filled, with people who are fussy, and fidgety, and dressy ; but was just at that time a charming resort for those who really loved the sea and the sands, and could sit. and dream the hours away with nothing to spoil their heartfelt enjoyment. Eor two days after their arrival, Viola and Clara saw not a face they knew, and Mr. Dalrympl* was their only companion in their rambles or rides ; but on the evening of the third day when they came out to join him on the beach, he was in an animated conversation with two gentlemen, who lifted their hats as the ladies slowly approached. "Viola, 'my dear," cried her father, seizing her hand, "was there ever such a coincidence R, Here is Sir Vernon Lisle, your old playfellow. He is touring round the. coast with a friend, and is making a stay of a few days here, for the sake of sketching." Viola's face flushed a little as her father more formally introduced Sir Vernon and Mr.' Tremayne ; and her reception of the baronet was so frigid, that after murmuring a few words about his pleasure in meeting^ her again, he < looked awkward and embarrassed ; and finally attached himself to Clara Forester, who graciously accepted his arm, and rather hastily decided that he was much better looking than her friend had predicted. Mr. Dalrymple walked by the side of his daughter to his usual seat, in which, with a smiling apology for his laziness, he seated himself; and then Viola was left to the polite attentions' of the quiet Mr. Tremayne, who as yet had not spoken. But when, with some unnecessary speech about the weather, she broke the silence, he asked, "Do you find my friend much altered, Miss Dalrymple ?" "Yes— no," stammered Viola, glancing indifferently at the baronet, who was smiling at one of Clara's mirthful sallies ; " he is improved, I think." "And his heart," continued the gentleman. "I think I may answer for it, that his heart is in the right place, and I have no 4f>ubt that when he settles down at Lisle, Park he will try to do his duty as a country gentleman." Miss jDajrympfe's expressive face had the impress of being bored. It said rather too plainly, "This is nothing to me ;" but Mr. Tremayne did not appear to see it.

"-Of course he will marry," said he. " In fact, there is, I believe a contract between his late uncle and a gentleman in the neighbourhood of Lisle Park, that he shall espouse—- r-" ",It •is -not true !" cried. Viola, impulsively;-" If Sir Vernon is your author, he has suffered his egregious vanity to deceiveibiai.'' ;{ ■-;>■,: -•■..•. Having, thus expressed herself, Viola

walked on in haughty displeasure ; Mr. Tremayne was by her side instantly. " Miss Dalrymple," said he, " can I have said anything to annoy you ? If so, pray believe that my offence has been unintentional. I would not incur your anger for the world." His eyes seconded this speech so eloquently, that the young lady, ashamed of the interest she had evinced, in his gossiping details, permitted herself to be appeased ; and when Clara and her companion came towards them at the expiration of half an hour, she was listening with flattering attention to Mr. Tremayne's description of a snowstorm in the Apennines.

It had been very pleasant at Lytham, when Viola and Clara had only their own resources to depend upon; but it was pleasanter still when two animated, intelligent young men were always at hand to accompany them in boating, walking, and sketching excursions ; and as the baronet, after a few rebuffs, kept aloof from his frigid playmate, or,* if compelled to address her, never ventured upon more than a few civil monosyllables, viola contrived to endure his presence. More than this she could not be said to do, for Mr. Dalrymple seriously scolded her for her rudeness, and Clara pronounced herself astonished at the prejudices which made her so blind to his merits. But Viola heard all they had to say without giving more than the one young-ladyish reason for her behaviour—that she did not like him, and was so sure she never should, that it would be wasting time to try. Her father denounced her obstinacy, and went away angry at the defeat of a long-cherished plan ; but a little coaxing and petting brought back his good-hu-mour; and Clara was too happy in Sir Verdon's society to be really anxious to relinquish his arm and his attentions to any one. But now a new tormentor sprung up in the shape of Stanley Tremayne, who, as he said, superintended Viola's sketches, guiding her hand, or cutting her pencils, blending with his instructions a very sober regret that she treated his friend so coldly. They were intimate enough now for him to venture this, and the young lady heard him without being offended ; but his pertinacity vexed her at last, and, closing her portfolio, she rose to leave him.

" Are you going, Miss Dalrymple P" he asked. "Is the voice of a peace-maker so harsh in your ears P" "Choose any other topic, and I will listen to you with pleasure," she said, resuming her seat. " Poor Ternon !" cried Mr, Tremayne, with an audible sigh ; " must I then tell him that you are implacable P" Viola stooped over her sketch for a moment, and then looking up steadily, replied, "Will you believe my assurance that this raillery is most unpleasant to me ? To Sir vernon's confidant it will perhaps be as well to add that I can never think or feel differently towards him from what I do now."

"If you knew how deeply " Mr. Tremayne began ; but Viola, with scarlet cheeks, had started up, and the sketches were scattered at her feet.

" Sir, this persistence is unkind, ungentlemanly," she said, and she walked proudly away, leaving him to collect the contents of the portfolio ; amongst which, by-the-by, he found a very spirited sketch or his own features. Chapter 111. " And so our pleasant sojourn at Lytham ends to-morrow?" said Stanley Tremayne, with a saddened tone.

Miss Dalrymple, who had forgiven him three days ago, looked up from her book, and drew her shawl around her with a little shiver.

" Ours does," she replied. "We have lingered here much longer than my father originally intended ; and it grows bleak and cold. I have not ventured beyond this verandah to-day, and Clara is sedulously practising her long-neglected music, — a proof that her thoughts are wandering homeward."

Mr. Tremayne glanced through the open window of the drawing-room and smiled. Miss Forester was at the piano, certainly; but her hands were in her lap, and she was listening, with downcast eyes, to the earnest whispers of the gentleman who leaned over her.

Viola's glance followed Stanley, and blushing, she rose to enter the room, and recall Clara to a remembrance that there were lookers-on.

" Don't go," said Tremayne, earnestly, " don't go. They are happy ; why interrupt them? You must nave seen, Miss Dalrymple, that our friends have learned to love each other."

"lam so pleased !" said Viola, and her face wore a glad smile. " Clara's a dear girl, and will make him very happy. You are quite sure of this ?"

" I had it from his own. lips that he intended to learn his fate to-day," was the reply ; " and, if we may judge from appearances, the fair ruler of it has been propitious to his pleadings." Viola turned over the leaves of her book, and meditated, while her companion, leaning carelessly against the trellis, gazed down upon her with something of tender admiration and. secret uneasiness mingling in his glances. "It will be delightful to have Clara so near," she broke the silence by saying. " Lisle Park has been shut up so long, that it will be real enjoyment to see it thrown open again, and merry faces and busy movements peopling it. Do you know Lisle P It is such a lovely place ! I have often driven there in the ponychaise for the gratification of wandering through the rooms, or reading in the oriel window of the noble library." " Strange, Miss Dalrymple," said Mr. Tremayne, " to like the house so well, and yet detest the owner !" "Detest himP" she said — "oh no, I have never detested him. Indeed I believe him to be a very worthy young man, or I should not rejoice at his attachment to Clara." Best assured, Mr. Tremayne, that it is for the best," continued Viola. "I am very proud ; and to know that the world— nay, Sir Vernon himself— might have believed that his wealth had something to do with my acceptance, would have stung me to the quick. Now, I can have a very friendly liking for my old playfellow, and rejoice in the felicity of my friend." " Then," said Mr. Tremayne, detaining her as she rose, " you could have loved him but for these scruples P Your recollections of the rude, red-haired boy were not all resentful ones."

" You are not my confessor, Mr. Tremayne," said Viola, smiling, and trying to disengage her hand. " I would I were," he replied, in great agitation. "I am longing to ask you what I fear to hear you answer." In great confusion she sank back on her seat, and he sat down beside her.

"Ah, Viola, you are too frank and generous to pretend to misunderstand me," He said. " STour heart divines my love. Nay, do not leave me ! Tell me that I may hope to call you mine." Viola's answer was so very indistinct that we cannot, attempt to pen.it; but apparently it was satisfactory, for Stanley's arm stole roundher, and when Mr. Dalrymple's nap ended in a loud yawn, which startled the couple at the pianoforte, an

engagement ring was on Viola's taper fin* ger, and Stanley looked saucily happy. " Poor papa !" she whispered, freeing herself, with a cloud dimming the brightness of her glowing face, , " poor papa ! what shall we say to him ? lam afraid when he hears all this he will be disappointed." " I don't think he will, love," replied Stanley. " But come in ; it is too chilly for you to sit here any longer." Clara began to busy herself in finding a song as they entered, and Mr. Dalrymple started up, declaring that the music had been so sweet that it had almost lulled him to sleep. The young men met in the middle of the room with a hearty clasp of hands, and then both of them turned to Mr. Dalrymple. " Wish us joy, sir," they said. The old gentleman looked delighted. " Eh, what P" said he. "Is it all settled, Viola?"

She was gliding hastily away, but her father encircled her in his arms, and kissed her fondly. " Naughty puss !" said he. "So you won't stay to hear papa's congratulations ? G-od bless you, my child ! Then my wish is to be gratified after all, and the son of my old friend will wed my daughter." "Oh papa, hush, hush ! she faltered, in great confusion ; " you are mistaken. It is not Sir Vernon."

" I hope it is," said a voice in her ear. " I am not at all disposed to relinquish you after your promise to be mine." t Clara laughed merrily at the perplexed air with which Viola shyly regarded her lover. " You are trying to mistify me," she said.

" No, love, the mystification is over," he replied, " and you shall have the explanation directly." " I think I begin to comprehend it for myself," she said, in doubt whether to be angry or not. " But has every one been in the plot against me P" " I am afraid so," cried the still laughing Clara ; " even to that rude boy whom you can never, never — -hem !" "It is too bad," began Viola, sliding from her father's embrace ; but other arms instantly enfolded her, and led her away. " Love, you must forgive us, or rather forgive me," he said, for the fault is mine. By a strange chance, Stanley and I, reaching Lisle Park sooner than we were expected, overheard a conversation between you and Miss Forester, that convinced me I stood a poor chance of winning you. To secure a fairer 'field we followed you to Lytham, and changed names." " And I have been the jest of every one all this time I" was the pettish' exclamation. " No, no, dearest," he replied ; "the secret has been confined to ourselves. But how could I honourably woo you without Mr. Dalrymple's sanction, or Tremayne address Miss Forester while she was in ignorance that, although of good birth and position, he had no baronetcy to boast of?"

We must suppose Viola permitted herself to be appeased by these arguments, for at the studio of one of the B.A.s may now be seen an animated painting of a very lovely woman, seated in the oriel window of a fine old library, and the name beneath tells us that it is the portrait of Viola, the lady of Sir Vernon Lisle, of Lisle Park.