Upon her stubborn brow alone
Nor ruth nor mercy's trace is shown,
Her look is hard and stern.
--Scott.
After the departure of Nora Worth Mrs. Brudenell seated herself upon the
sofa, leaned her elbow upon the little stand at her side, bowed her head
upon her hand and fell into deep thought. Should she speak to Herman
Brudenell of this matter? No! it was too late; affairs had gone too far;
they must now take their course; the foolish girl's fate must be on her
own head, and on that of her careless elder sister; they would both be
ruined, that was certain; no respectable family would ever employ either
of them again; they would starve. Well, so much the better; they would
be a warning to other girls of their class, not to throw out their nets
to catch gentlemen! Herman had been foolish, wicked even, but then young
men will be young men; and then, again, of course it was that artful
creature's fault! What could she, his mother, do in the premises? Not
speak to her son upon the subject, certainly; not even let him know that
she was cognizant of the affair! What then? She was going away with her
daughters in a day or two! And good gracious, he would be left alone in
the house! to do as he pleased! to keep bachelor's hall! to bring that
girl there as his housekeeper, perhaps, and so desecrate his sacred,
patrimonial home! No, that must never be! She must invite and urge her
son to accompany herself and his sisters to Washington. But if he should
decline the invitation and persist in his declination, what then? Why,
as a last resort, she would give up the Washington campaign and remain
at home to guard the sanctity of her son's house.
Having come to this conclusion, Mrs. Brudenell once more touched the
bell, and when Jovial made his appearance she said: "Let the young ladies know that I am alone, and they may join me now."
In a few minutes Miss Brudenell and Miss Eleanora entered the room,
followed by the gentlemen, who had just left the dinner-table.
Coffee was immediately served, and soon after the guests took leave.
The young ladies also left the drawing-room, and retired to their
chambers to superintend the careful packing of some fine lace and
jewelry. The mother and son remained alone together--Mrs. Brudenell
seated upon her favorite back sofa and Herman walking slowly and
thoughtfully up and down the whole length of the room.
"Herman," said the lady.
"Well, mother?"
"I have been thinking about our winter in Washington. I have been
reflecting that myself and your sisters will have no natural protector
there."