The Moonstone - Page 193/404

When I folded up my things that night--when I reflected on the true

riches which I had scattered with such a lavish hand, from top to bottom

of the house of my wealthy aunt--I declare I felt as free from all

anxiety as if I had been a child again. I was so light-hearted that I

sang a verse of the Evening Hymn. I was so light-hearted that I fell

asleep before I could sing another. Quite like a child again! quite like

a child again!

So I passed that blissful night. On rising the next morning, how young I

felt! I might add, how young I looked, if I were capable of dwelling on

the concerns of my own perishable body. But I am not capable--and I add

nothing.

Towards luncheon time--not for the sake of the creature-comforts, but

for the certainty of finding dear aunt--I put on my bonnet to go to

Montagu Square. Just as I was ready, the maid at the lodgings in which I

then lived looked in at the door, and said, "Lady Verinder's servant, to

see Miss Clack."

I occupied the parlour-floor, at that period of my residence in London.

The front parlour was my sitting-room. Very small, very low in the

ceiling, very poorly furnished--but, oh, so neat! I looked into the

passage to see which of Lady Verinder's servants had asked for me. It

was the young footman, Samuel--a civil fresh-coloured person, with a

teachable look and a very obliging manner. I had always felt a spiritual

interest in Samuel, and a wish to try him with a few serious words. On

this occasion, I invited him into my sitting-room.

He came in, with a large parcel under his arm. When he put the parcel

down, it appeared to frighten him. "My lady's love, Miss; and I was to

say that you would find a letter inside." Having given that message, the

fresh-coloured young footman surprised me by looking as if he would have

liked to run away.

I detained him to make a few kind inquiries. Could I see my aunt, if I

called in Montagu Square? No; she had gone out for a drive. Miss Rachel

had gone with her, and Mr. Ablewhite had taken a seat in the carriage,

too. Knowing how sadly dear Mr. Godfrey's charitable work was in arrear,

I thought it odd that he should be going out driving, like an idle man.

I stopped Samuel at the door, and made a few more kind inquiries. Miss

Rachel was going to a ball that night, and Mr. Ablewhite had arranged to

come to coffee, and go with her. There was a morning concert advertised

for to-morrow, and Samuel was ordered to take places for a large party,

including a place for Mr. Ablewhite. "All the tickets may be gone,

Miss," said this innocent youth, "if I don't run and get them at once!"

He ran as he said the words--and I found myself alone again, with some

anxious thoughts to occupy me.