theeagernesswithwhichtheylookedforwardtoitscompletion;thereverencewhichtheypaidtheministerwhoinitiatedthemintothatsecretTruth，nowknownonlytoafew，butpresentlytoreignovertheworld。Surethereisnoboundtothetrustingnessofwomen。
LookatArriaworshippingthedrunkenclodpateofahusbandwhobeatsher;lookatCorneliatreasuringasajewelinhermaternalhearttheoafherson;IhaveknownawomanpreachJesuit'sbark，andafterwardsDr。Berkeley'star—water，asthoughtoswallowthemwereadivinedecree，andtorefusethemnobetterthanblasphemy。
OnhisreturnfromFranceColonelEsmondputhimselfattheheadofthislittleknotoffondconspirators。Nodeathortortureheknewwouldfrightenthemoutoftheirconstancy。WhenhedetailedhisplanforbringingtheKingback，hiseldermistressthoughtthatthatRestorationwastobeattributedunderheaventotheCastlewoodfamilyandtoitschief，andsheworshippedandlovedEsmond，ifthatcouldbe，morethanevershehaddone。Shedoubtednotforonemomentofthesuccessofhisscheme，tomistrustwhichwouldhaveseemedimpiousinhereyes。AndasforBeatrix，whenshebecameacquaintedwiththeplan，andjoinedit，asshedidwithallherheart，shegaveEsmondoneofhersearchingbrightlooks。
"Ah，Harry，"saysshe，"whywereyounottheheadofourhouse？
Youaretheonlyonefittoraiseit;whydoyougivethatsillyboythenameandthehonor？But'tissointheworld;thosegettheprizethatdon'tdeserveorcareforit。IwishIcouldgiveyouYOURsillyprize，cousin，butIcan't;Ihavetried，andI
can't。"Andshewentaway，shakingherheadmournfully，butalways，itseemedtoEsmond，thatherlikingandrespectforhimwasgreatlyincreased，sincesheknewwhatcapabilityhehadbothtoactandbear;todoandtoforego。
CHAPTERIX。
THEORIGINALOFTHEPORTRAITCOMESTOENGLAND。
'TwasannouncedinthefamilythatmyLordCastlewoodwouldarrive，havingaconfidentialFrenchgentlemaninhissuite，whoactedassecretarytohislordship，andwho，beingaPapist，andaforeignerofagoodfamily，thoughnowinratheramenialplace，wouldhavehismealsservedinhischamber，andnotwiththedomesticsofthehouse。TheViscountessgaveupherbedchambercontiguoustoherdaughter's，andhavingalargeconvenientclosetattachedtoit，inwhichabedwasputup，ostensiblyforMonsieurBaptiste，theFrenchman;though，'tisneedlesstosay，whenthedoorsoftheapartmentswerelocked，andthetwoguestsretiredwithinit，theyoungviscountbecametheservantoftheillustriousPrincewhomheentertained，andgaveupgladlythemoreconvenientandairychamberandbedtohismaster。MadamBeatrixalsoretiredtotheupperregion，herchamberbeingconvertedintoasitting—roomformylord。Thebettertocarrythedeceit，Beatrixaffectedtogrumblebeforetheservants，andtobejealousthatshewasturnedoutofherchambertomakewayformylord。
Nosmallpreparationsweremade，youmaybesure，andnoslighttremorofexpectationcausedtheheartsofthegentleladiesofCastlewoodtoflutter，beforethearrivalofthepersonageswhowereabouttohonortheirhouse。Thechamberwasornamentedwithflowers;thebedcoveredwiththeveryfinestoflinen;thetwoladiesinsistingonmakingitthemselves，andkneelingdownatthebedsideandkissingthesheetsoutofrespectforthewebthatwastoholdthesacredpersonofaKing。Thetoiletwasofsilverandcrystal;therewasacopyof"EikonBasilike"laidonthewriting—
table;aportraitofthemartyredKinghungalwaysoverthemantel，havingaswordofmypoorLordCastlewoodunderneathit，andalittlepictureoremblemwhichthewidowlovedalwaystohavebeforehereyesonwaking，andinwhichthehairofherlordandhertwochildrenwasworkedtogether。Herbooksofprivatedevotions，astheywerealloftheEnglishChurch，shecarriedawaywithhertotheupperapartment，whichshedestinedforherself。
TheladiesshowedMr。Esmond，whentheywerecompleted，thefondpreparationstheyhadmade。'TwasthenBeatrixkneltdownandkissedthelinensheets。Asforhermother，LadyCastlewoodmadeacurtsyatthedoor，asshewouldhavedonetothealtaronenteringachurch，andownedthatsheconsideredthechamberinamannersacred。
Thecompanyintheservants'hallneverforamomentsupposedthatthesepreparationsweremadeforanyotherpersonthantheyoungviscount，thelordofthehouse，whomhisfondmotherhadbeenforsomanyyearswithoutseeing。Bothladieswereperfecthousewives，havingthegreatestskillinthemakingofconfections，scentedwaters，&c。，andkeepinganotablesuperintendenceoverthekitchen。Calvesenoughwerekilledtofeedanarmyofprodigalsons，Esmondthought，andlaughedwhenhecametowaitontheladies，onthedaywhentheguestsweretoarrive，tofindtwopairsofthefinestandroundestarmstobeseeninEngland（myLadyCastlewoodwasremarkableforthisbeautyofherperson），coveredwithflourupabovetheelbows，andpreparingpaste，andturningrolling—pinsinthehousekeeper'scloset。Theguestwouldnotarrivetillsupper—time，andmylordwouldpreferhavingthatmealinhisownchamber。Youmaybesurethebrightestplateofthehousewaslaidoutthere，andcanunderstandwhyitwasthattheladiesinsistedthattheyalonewouldwaitupontheyoungchiefofthefamily。
Takinghorse，ColonelEsmondroderapidlytoRochester，andthereawaitedtheKinginthatverytownwherehisfatherhadlastsethisfootontheEnglishshore。AroomhadbeenprovidedataninnthereformyLordCastlewoodandhisservant;andColonelEsmondtimedhisridesowellthathehadscarcebeenhalfanhourintheplace，andwaslookingoverthebalconyintotheyardoftheinn，whentwotravellersrodeinattheinngate，andtheColonelrunningdown，thenextmomentembracedhisdearyounglord。
Mylord'scompanion，actingthepartofadomestic，dismounted，andwasforholdingtheviscount'sstirrup;butColonelEsmond，callingtohisownman，whowasinthecourt，badehimtakethehorsesandsettlewiththeladwhohadriddenthepostalongwiththetwotravellers，cryingoutinacavaliertoneintheFrenchlanguagetomylord'scompanion，andaffectingtogrumblethatmylord'sfellowwasaFrenchman，anddidnotknowthemoneyorhabitsofthecountry:——"Mymanwillseetothehorses，Baptiste，"saysColonelEsmond:"doyouunderstandEnglish？""Veryleetle！""So，followmylordandwaituponhimatdinnerinhisownroom。"Thelandlordandhispeoplecameuppresentlybearingthedishes;'twaswelltheymadeanoiseandstirinthegallery，ortheymighthavefoundColonelEsmondonhiskneebeforeLordCastlewood'sservant，welcominghisMajestytohiskingdom，andkissingthehandoftheKing。WetoldthelandlordthattheFrenchmanwouldwaitonhismaster;andEsmond'smanwasorderedtokeepsentryinthegallerywithoutthedoor。ThePrincedinedwithagoodappetite，laughingandtalkingverygayly，andcondescendinglybiddinghistwocompanionstositwithhimattable。HewasinbetterspiritsthanpoorFrankCastlewood，whoEsmondthoughtmightbewoe—begoneonaccountofpartingwithhisdivineClotilda;butthePrincewishingtotakeashortsiestaafterdinner，andretiringtoaninnerchamberwheretherewasabed，thecauseofpoorFrank'sdiscomfiturecameout;andburstingintotears，withmanyexpressionsoffondness，friendship，andhumiliation，thefaithfulladgavehiskinsmantounderstandthathenowknewallthetruth，andthesacrificeswhichColonelEsmondhadmadeforhim。
SeeingnogoodinacquaintingpoorFrankwiththatsecret，Mr。
Esmondhadentreatedhismistressalsonottorevealittoherson。
ThePrincehadtoldthepoorladallastheywereridingfromDover:"Ihadasliefhehadshotme，cousin，"Franksaid:"Iknewyouwerethebest，andthebravest，andthekindestofallmen"（sotheenthusiasticyoungfellowwenton）;"butIneverthoughtIowedyouwhatIdo，andcanscarcebeartheweightoftheobligation。"
"Istandintheplaceofyourfather，"saysMr。Esmond，kindly，"andsureafathermaydispossesshimselfinfavorofhisson。I
abdicatethetwopennycrown，andinvestyouwiththekingdomofBrentford;don'tbeafoolandcry;youmakeamuchtallerandhandsomerviscountthaneverIcould。"Butthefondboy，withoathsandprotestations，laughterandincoherentoutbreaksofpassionateemotion，couldnotbegot，forsomelittletime，toputupwithEsmond'sraillery;wantedtokneeldowntohim，andkissedhishand;askedhimandimploredhimtoordersomething，tobidCastlewoodgivehisownlifeortakesomebodyelse's;anything，sothathemightshowhisgratitudeforthegenerosityEsmondshowedhim。
"TheK———，HElaughed，"Franksaid，pointingtothedoorwherethesleeperwas，andspeakinginalowtone。"Idon'tthinkheshouldhavelaughedashetoldmethestory。AswerodealongfromDover，talkinginFrench，hespokeaboutyou，andyourcomingtohimatBar;hecalledyou'legrandserieux，'DonBellianisofGreece，andIdon'tknowwhatnames;mimickingyourmanner"（hereCastlewoodlaughedhimself）——"andhediditverywell。Heseemstosneerateverything。Heisnotlikeaking:somehowHarry，Ifancyyouarelikeaking。Hedoesnotseemtothinkwhatastakeweareallplaying。HewouldhavestoppedatCanterburytorunafterabarmaidthere，hadInotimploredhimtocomeon。HehathahouseatChaillot，whereheusedtogoandburyhimselfforweeksawayfromtheQueen，andwithallsortsofbadcompany，"saysFrank，withademurelook;"youmaysmile，butIamnotthewildfellowI
was;no，no，Ihavebeentaughtbetter，"saysCastlewooddevoutly，makingasignonhisbreast。
"Thouartmydearbraveboy，"saysColonelEsmond，touchedattheyoungfellow'ssimplicity，"andtherewillbeanoblegentlemanatCastlewoodsolongasmyFrankisthere。"
Theimpetuousyoungladwasforgoingdownonhiskneesagain，withanotherexplosionofgratitude，butthatweheardthevoicefromthenextchamberoftheaugustsleeper，justwaking，callingout:——
"Eh，La—Fleur，unverred'eau！"HisMajestycameoutyawning:——"A
pest，"sayshe，"uponyourEnglishale，'tissostrongthat，mafoi，ithathturnedmyhead。"
Theeffectofthealewaslikeaspuruponourhorses，andwerodeveryquicklytoLondon，reachingKensingtonatnightfall。Mr。
Esmond'sservantwasleftbehindatRochester，totakecareofthetiredhorses，whilstwehadfreshbeastsprovidedalongtheroad。
AndgallopingbythePrince'ssidetheColonelexplainedtothePrinceofWaleswhathismovementshadbeen;whothefriendswerethatknewoftheexpedition;whom，asEsmondconceived，thePrinceshouldtrust;entreatinghim，aboveall，tomaintaintheveryclosestsecrecyuntilthetimeshouldcomewhenhisRoyalHighnessshouldappear。ThetownswarmedwithfriendsofthePrince'scause;therewerescoresofcorrespondentswithSt。Germains;
Jacobitesknownandsecret;greatinstationandhumble;abouttheCourtandtheQueen;intheParliament，Church，andamongthemerchantsintheCity。ThePrincehadfriendsnumberlessinthearmy，inthePrivyCouncil，andtheOfficersofState。Thegreatobject，asitseemed，tothesmallbandofpersonswhohadconcertedthatboldstroke，whohadbroughttheQueen'sbrotherintohisnativecountry，was，thathisvisitshouldremainunknowntillthepropertimecame，whenhispresenceshouldsurprisefriendsandenemiesalike;andthelattershouldbefoundsounpreparedanddisunited，thattheyshouldnotfindtimetoattackhim。Wefearedmorefromhisfriendsthanfromhisenemies。Theliesandtittle—tattlesentovertoSt。GermainsbytheJacobiteagentsaboutLondon，haddoneanincalculablemischieftohiscause，andwofullymisguidedhim，anditwasfromtheseespecially，thatthepersonsengagedinthepresentventurewereanxioustodefendthechiefactorinit。*
*ThemanagersweretheBishop，whocannotbehurtbyhavinghisnamementioned，averyactiveandloyalNonconformistDivine，aladyinthehighestfavoratCourt，withwhomBeatrixEsmondhadcommunication，andtwonoblemenofthegreatestrank，andamemberoftheHouseofCommons，whowasimplicatedinmoretransactionsthanoneinbehalfoftheStuartfamily。
ThepartyreachedLondonbynightfall，leavingtheirhorsesatthePosting—HouseoveragainstWestminster，andbeingferriedoverthewater，whereLadyEsmond'scoachwasalreadyinwaiting。InanotherhourwewerealllandedatKensington，andthemistressofthehousehadthatsatisfactionwhichherhearthadyearnedafterformanyyears，oncemoretoembraceherson，who，onhisside，withallhiswaywardness，everretainedamosttenderaffectionforhisparent。
Shedidnotrefrainfromthisexpressionofherfeeling，thoughthedomesticswereby，andmyLordCastlewood'sattendantstoodinthehall。EsmondhadtowhispertohiminFrenchtotakehishatoff。
MonsieurBaptistewasconstantlyneglectinghispartwithaninconceivablelevity:morethanonceontheridetoLondon，littleobservationsofthestranger，lightremarks，andwordsbetokeningthegreatestignoranceofthecountrythePrincecametogovern，hadhurtthesusceptibilityofthetwogentlemenforminghisescort;norcouldeitherhelpowninginhissecretmindthattheywouldhavehadhisbehaviorotherwise，andthatthelaughterandthelightness，nottosaylicense，whichcharacterizedhistalk，scarcebefittedsuchagreatPrince，andsuchasolemnoccasion。
Notbutthathecouldactatpropertimeswithspiritanddignity。
Hehadbehaved，asweallknew，inaverycourageousmanneronthefield。EsmondhadseenacopyoftheletterthePrincehadwritwithhisownhandwhenurgedbyhisfriendsinEnglandtoabjurehisreligion，andadmiredthatmanlyandmagnanimousreplybywhichherefusedtoyieldtothetemptation。MonsieurBaptistetookoffhishat，blushingatthehintColonelEsmondventuredtogivehim，andsaid:——"Tenez，elleestjolie，lapetitemere。FoideChevalier！elleestcharmante;maisl'autre，quiestcettenymphe，cetastrequibrille，cetteDianequidescendsurnous？"Andhestartedback，andpushedforward，asBeatrixwasdescendingthestair。Shewasincolorsforthefirsttimeatherownhouse;sheworethediamondsEsmondgaveher;ithadbeenagreedbetweenthem，thatsheshouldwearthesebrilliantsonthedaywhentheKingshouldenterthehouse，andaQueenshelooked，radiantincharms，andmagnificentandimperialinbeauty。
Castlewoodhimselfwasstartledbythatbeautyandsplendor;hesteppedbackandgazedathissisterasthoughhehadnotbeenawarebefore（norwasheverylikely）howperfectlylovelyshewas，andIthoughtblushedasheembracedher。ThePrincecouldnotkeephiseyesoffher;hequiteforgothismenialpart，thoughhehadbeenschooledtoit，andalittlelightportmanteaupreparedexpresslythatheshouldcarryit。HepressedforwardbeforemyLordViscount。'Twasluckytheservants'eyeswerebusyinotherdirections，ortheymusthaveseenthatthiswasnoservant，oratleastaveryinsolentandrudeone。
AgainColonelEsmondwasobligedtocryout，"Baptiste，"inaloudimperiousvoice，"haveacaretothevalise;"atwhichhintthewilfulyoungmangroundhisteethtogetherwithsomethingverylikeacursebetweenthem，andthengaveabrieflookofanythingbutpleasuretohisMentor。Beingreminded，however，heshoulderedthelittleportmanteau，andcarrieditupthestair，Esmondprecedinghim，andaservantwithlightedtapers。Heflungdownhisburdensulkilyinthebedchamber:——"APrincethatwillwearacrownmustwearamask，"saysMr。EsmondinFrench。
"Ahpeste！Iseehowitis，"saysMonsieurBaptiste，continuingthetalkinFrench。"TheGreatSeriousisseriously"——"alarmedforMonsieurBaptiste，"brokeintheColonel。EsmondneitherlikedthetonewithwhichthePrincespokeoftheladies，northeeyeswithwhichheregardedthem。
Thebedchamberandthetworoomsadjoiningit，theclosetandtheapartmentwhichwastobecalledmylord'sparlor，werealreadylightedandawaitingtheiroccupier;andthecollationlaidformylord'ssupper。LordCastlewoodandhismotherandsistercameupthestairaminuteafterwards，and，sosoonasthedomesticshadquittedtheapartment，CastlewoodandEsmonduncovered，andthetwoladieswentdownontheirkneesbeforethePrince，whograciouslygaveahandtoeach。HelookedhispartofPrincemuchmorenaturallythanthatofservant，whichhehadjustbeentrying，andraisedthembothwithagreatdealofnobility，aswellaskindnessinhisair。"Madam，"sayshe，"mymotherwillthankyourladyshipforyourhospitalitytoherson;foryou，madam，"turningtoBeatrix，"Icannotbeartoseesomuchbeautyinsuchaposture。
YouwillbetrayMonsieurBaptisteifyoukneeltohim;sure'tishisplacerathertokneeltoyou。"
Alightshoneoutofhereyes;agleambrightenoughtokindlepassioninanybreast。Thereweretimeswhenthiscreaturewassohandsome，thatsheseemed，asitwere，likeVenusrevealingherselfagoddessinaflashofbrightness。Sheappearedsonow;radiant，andwitheyesbrightwithawonderfullustre。Apang，asofrageandjealousy，shotthroughEsmond'sheart，ashecaughtthelookshegavethePrince;andheclenchedhishandinvoluntarilyandlookedacrosstoCastlewood，whoseeyesansweredhisalarm—signal，andwerealsoonthealert。ThePrincegavehissubjectsanaudienceofafewminutes，andthenthetwoladiesandColonelEsmondquittedthechamber。LadyCastlewoodpressedhishandastheydescendedthestair，andthethreewentdowntothelowerrooms，wheretheywaitedawhiletillthetravellersaboveshouldberefreshedandreadyfortheirmeal。
EsmondlookedatBeatrix，blazingwithherjewelsonherbeautifulneck。"Ihavekeptmyword，"sayshe:"AndImine，"saysBeatrix，lookingdownonthediamonds。
"WereItheMogulEmperor，"saystheColonel，"youshouldhaveallthatweredugoutofGolconda。"
"Theseareagreatdealtoogoodforme，"saysBeatrix，droppingherheadonherbeautifulbreast，——"soareyouall，all！"Andwhenshelookedupagain，asshedidinamoment，andafterasigh，hereyes，astheygazedathercousin，worethatmelancholyandinscrutablelookwhich'twasalwaysimpossibletosound。
Whenthetimecameforthesupper，ofwhichwewereadvertisedbyaknockingoverhead，ColonelEsmondandthetwoladieswenttotheupperapartment，wherethePrincealreadywas，andbyhissidetheyoungViscount，ofexactlythesameage，shape，andwithfeaturesnotdissimilar，thoughFrank'swerethehandsomerofthetwo。ThePrincesatdownandbadetheladiessit。Thegentlemenremainedstanding:therewas，indeed，butonemorecoverlaidatthetable:——
"Whichofyouwilltakeit？"sayshe。
"Theheadofourhouse，"saysLadyCastlewood，takingherson'shand，andlookingtowardsColonelEsmondwithabowandagreattremorofthevoice;"theMarquisofEsmondwillhavethehonorofservingtheKing。"
"IshallhavethehonorofwaitingonhisRoyalHighness，"saysColonelEsmond，fillingacupofwine，and，asthefashionofthatdaywas，hepresentedittotheKingonhisknee。
"Idrinktomyhostessandherfamily，"saysthePrince，withnoverywell—pleasedair;butthecloudpassedimmediatelyoffhisface，andhetalkedtotheladiesinalively，rattlingstrain，quiteundisturbedbypoorMr。Esmond'syellowcountenance，that，I
daresay，lookedveryglum。
Whenthetimecametotakeleave，Esmondmarchedhomewardstohislodgings，andmetMr。Addisonontheroadthatnight，walkingtoacottagehehadatFulham，themoonshiningonhishandsomesereneface:——"Whatcheer，brother？"saysAddison，laughing:"Ithoughtitwasafootpadadvancinginthedark，andbehold'tisanoldfriend。
Wemayshakehands，Colonel，inthedark，'tisbetterthanfightingbydaylight。Whyshouldwequarrel，becauseIamaWhigandthouartaTory？TurnthystepsandwalkwithmetoFulham，wherethereisanightingalestillsinginginthegarden，andacoolbottleinacaveIknowof;youshalldrinktothePretenderifyoulike，andIwilldrinkmyliquormyownway:Ihavehadenoughofgoodliquor？——no，never！Thereisnosuchwordasenoughasastopperforgoodwine。Thouwiltnotcome？Comeanyday，comesoon。YouknowIrememberSimoisandtheSigeiatellus，andthepraeliamixtamero，mixtamero，"herepeated，witheversoslightatouchofmeruminhisvoice，andwalkedbackalittlewayontheroadwithEsmond，biddingtheotherrememberhewasalwayshisfriend，andindebtedtohimforhisaidinthe"Campaign"poem。AndverylikelyMr。Under—Secretarywouldhavesteppedinandtakent'otherbottleattheColonel'slodging，hadthelatterinvitedhim，butEsmond'smoodwasnoneofthegayest，andhebadehisfriendaninhospitablegood—nightatthedoor。
"Ihavedonethedeed，"thoughthe，sleepless，andlookingoutintothenight;"heishere，andIhavebroughthim;heandBeatrixaresleepingunderthesameroofnow。WhomdidImeantoserveinbringinghim？WasitthePrince？wasitHenryEsmond？HadInotbesthavejoinedthemanlycreedofAddisonyonder，thatscoutstheolddoctrineofrightdivine，thatboldlydeclaresthatParliamentandpeopleconsecratetheSovereign，notbishops，norgenealogies，noroils，norcoronations。"TheeagergazeoftheyoungPrince，watchingeverymovementofBeatrix，hauntedEsmondandpursuedhim。
ThePrince'sfigureappearedbeforehiminhisfeverishdreamsmanytimesthatnight。Hewishedthedeedundoneforwhichhehadlaboredso。Hewasnotthefirstthathasregrettedhisownact，orbroughtabouthisownundoing。Undoing？Shouldhewritethatwordinhislateyears？No，onhiskneesbeforeheaven，ratherbethankfulforwhatthenhedeemedhismisfortune，andwhichhathcausedthewholesubsequenthappinessofhislife。
Esmond'sman，honestJohnLockwood，hadservedhismasterandthefamilyallhislife，andtheColonelknewthathecouldanswerforJohn'sfidelityasforhisown。JohnreturnedwiththehorsesfromRochesterbetimesthenextmorning，andtheColonelgavehimtounderstandthatongoingtoKensington，wherehewasfreeoftheservants'hall，andindeedcourtingMissBeatrix'smaid，hewastoasknoquestions，andbetraynosurprise，buttovouchstoutlythattheyounggentlemanheshouldseeinaredcoattherewasmyLordViscountCastlewood，andthathisattendantingraywasMonsieurBaptistetheFrenchman。HewastotellhisfriendsinthekitchensuchstoriesasherememberedofmyLordViscount'syouthatCastlewood;whatawildboyhewas;howheusedtodrillJackandcanehim，beforeeverhewasasoldier;everything，infine，heknewrespectingmyLordViscount'searlydays。Jack'sideasofpaintinghadnotbeenmuchcultivatedduringhisresidenceinFlanderswithhismaster;and，beforemyyounglord'sreturn，hehadbeeneasilygottobelievethatthepicturebroughtoverfromParis，andnowhanginginLadyCastlewood'sdrawing—room，wasaperfectlikenessofherson，theyounglord。Andthedomesticshavingallseenthepicturemanytimes，andcatchingbutamomentaryimperfectglimpseofthetwostrangersonthenightoftheirarrival，neverhadareasontodoubtthefidelityoftheportrait;andnextday，whentheysawtheoriginalofthepiecehabitedexactlyashewasrepresentedinthepainting，withthesameperiwig，ribbons，anduniformoftheGuard，quitenaturallyaddressedthegentlemanasmyLordCastlewood，myLadyViscountess'sson。
Thesecretaryofthenightpreviouswasnowtheviscount;theviscountworethesecretary'sgrayfrock;andJohnLockwoodwasinstructedtohinttotheworldbelowstairsthatmylordbeingaPapist，andverydevoutinthatreligion，hisattendantmightbenootherthanhischaplainfromBruxelles;hence，ifhetookhismealsinmylord'scompanytherewaslittlereasonforsurprise。FrankwasfurthercautionedtospeakEnglishwithaforeignaccent，whichtaskheperformedindifferentlywell，andthiscautionwasthemorenecessarybecausethePrincehimselfscarcespokeourlanguagelikeanativeoftheisland:andJohnLockwoodlaughedwiththefolksbelowstairsatthemannerinwhichmylord，afterfiveyearsabroad，sometimesforgothisowntongue，andspokeitlikeaFrenchman。"Iwarrant，"sayshe，"that，withtheEnglishbeefandbeer，hislordshipwillsoongetbacktheproperuseofhismouth;"
and，todohisnewlordshipjustice，hetooktobeerandbeefverykindly。
ThePrincedranksomuch，andwassoloudandimprudentinhistalkafterhisdrink，thatEsmondoftentrembledforhim。Hismealswereservedasmuchaspossibleinhisownchamber，thoughfrequentlyhemadehisappearanceinLadyCastlewood'sparloranddrawing—room，callingBeatrix"sister，"andherladyship"mother，"
or"madam"beforetheservants。And，choosingtoactentirelyuptothepartofbrotherandson，thePrincesometimessalutedMrs。
BeatrixandLadyCastlewoodwithafreedomwhichhissecretarydidnotlike，andwhich，forhispart，setColonelEsmondtearingwithrage。
TheguestshadnotbeenthreedaysinthehousewhenpoorJackLockwoodcamewitharuefulcountenancetohismaster，andsaid:
"MyLord——thatisthegentleman——hasbeentamperingwithMrs。Lucy（Jack'ssweetheart），andgivenherguineasandakiss。"IfearthatColonelEsmond'smindwasratherrelievedthanotherwisewhenhefoundthattheancillarybeautywastheonewhomthePrincehadselected。Hisroyaltasteswereknowntoliethatway，andcontinuedsoinafterlife。Theheirofoneofthegreatestnames，ofthegreatestkingdoms，andofthegreatestmisfortunesinEurope，wasoftencontenttolaythedignityofhisbirthandgriefatthewoodenshoesofaFrenchchambermaid，andtorepentafterwards（forhewasverydevout）inashestakenfromthedust—
pan。'Tisformortalssuchasthesethatnationssuffer，thatpartiesstruggle，thatwarriorsfightandbleed。Ayearafterwardsgallantheadswerefalling，andNithsdaleinescape，andDerwentwateronthescaffold;whilsttheheedlessingrate，forwhomtheyriskedandlostall，wastipplingwithhisseraglioofmistressesinhispetitemaisonofChaillot。
Blushingtobeforcedtobearsuchanerrand，EsmondhadtogotothePrinceandwarnhimthatthegirlwhomhisHighnesswasbribingwasJohnLockwood'ssweetheart，anhonestresoluteman，whohadservedinsixcampaigns，andfearednothing，andwhoknewthatthepersoncallinghimselfLordCastlewoodwasnothisyoungmaster:
andtheColonelbesoughtthePrincetoconsiderwhattheeffectofasingleman'sjealousymightbe，andtothinkofotherdesignshehadinhand，moreimportantthantheseductionofawaiting—maid，andthehumiliationofabraveman。
Tentimes，perhaps，inthecourseofasmanydays，Mr。Esmondhadtowarntheroyalyoungadventurerofsomeimprudenceorsomefreedom。Hereceivedtheseremonstrancesverytestily，saveperhapsinthisaffairofpoorLockwood's，whenhedeignedtoburstouta—laughing，andsaid，"What！thesoubrettehaspeachedtotheamoureux，andCrispinisangry，andCrispinhasserved，andCrispinhasbeenacorporal，hashe？Tellhimwewillrewardhisvalorwithapairofcolors，andrecompensehisfidelity。"
ColonelEsmondventuredtouttersomeotherwordsofentreaty，butthePrince，stampingimperiously，criedout，"Assez，milord:jem'ennuyealapreche;IamnotcometoLondontogotothesermon。"
AndhecomplainedafterwardstoCastlewood，that"lepetitjaune，lenoirColonel，leMarquisMisanthrope"（bywhichfacetiousnameshisRoyalHighnesswaspleasedtodesignateColonelEsmond），"fatiguedhimwithhisgrandairsandvirtuoushomilies。"
TheBishopofRochester，andothergentlemenengagedinthetransactionwhichhadbroughtthePrinceover，waiteduponhisRoyalHighness，constantlyaskingformyLordCastlewoodontheirarrivalatKensington，andbeingopenlyconductedtohisRoyalHighnessinthatcharacter，whoreceivedthemeitherinmylady'sdrawing—roombelow，oraboveinhisownapartment;andallimploredhimtoquitthehouseaslittleaspossible，andtowaittheretillthesignalshouldbegivenforhimtoappear。Theladiesentertainedhimatcards，overwhichamusementhespentmanyhoursineachdayandnight。Hepassedmanyhoursmoreindrinking，duringwhichtimehewouldrattleandtalkveryagreeably，andespeciallyiftheColonelwasabsent，whosepresencealwaysseemedtofrightenhim;andthepoor"ColonelNoir"tookthathintasacommandaccordingly，andseldomintrudedhisblackfaceupontheconvivialhoursofthisaugustyoungprisoner。Exceptforthosefewpersonsofwhomtheporterhadthelist，LordCastlewoodwasdeniedtoallfriendsofthehousewhowaitedonhislordship。Thewoundhehadreceivedhadbrokeoutagainfromhisjourneyonhorseback，sotheworldandthedomesticswereinformed。AndDoctorA————，*hisphysician（Ishallnotmentionhisname，buthewasphysiciantotheQueen，oftheScotsnation，andamanremarkableforhisbenevolenceaswellashiswit），gaveordersthatheshouldbekeptperfectlyquietuntilthewoundshouldheal。
Withthisgentleman，whowasoneofthemostactiveandinfluentialofourparty，andtheothersbeforespokenof，thewholesecretlay;anditwaskeptwithsomuchfaithfulness，andthestorywetoldsosimpleandnatural，thattherewasnolikelihoodofadiscoveryexceptfromtheimprudenceofthePrincehimself，andanadventurouslevitythatwehadthegreatestdifficultytocontrol。
AsforLadyCastlewood，althoughshescarcespokeaword，'twaseasytogatherfromherdemeanor，andoneortwohintsshedropped，howdeephermortificationwasatfindingtheherowhomshehadchosentoworshipallherlife（andwhoserestorationhadformedalmostthemostsacredpartofherprayers），nomorethanaman，andnotagoodone。Shethoughtmisfortunemighthavechastenedhim;butthatinstructresshadratherrenderedhimcallousthanhumble。Hisdevotion，whichwasquitereal，kepthimfromnosinhehadamindto。Histalkshowedgood—humor，gayety，evenwitenough;buttherewasalevityinhisactsandwordsthathehadbroughtfromamongthoselibertinedevoteeswithwhomhehadbeenbred，andthatshockedthesimplicityandpurityoftheEnglishlady，whoseguesthewas。EsmondspokehismindtoBeatrixprettyfreelyaboutthePrince，gettingherbrothertoputinawordofwarning。Beatrixwasentirelyoftheiropinion;shethoughthewasverylight，verylightandreckless;shecouldnotevenseethegoodlooksColonelEsmondhadspokenof。ThePrincehadbadteeth，andadecidedsquint。Howcouldwesayhedidnotsquint？Hiseyeswerefine，buttherewascertainlyacastinthem。Sheralliedhimattablewithwonderfulwit;shespokeofhiminvariablyasofamereboy;shewasmorefondofEsmondthanever，praisedhimtoherbrother，praisedhimtothePrince，whenhisRoyalHighnesswaspleasedtosneerattheColonel，andwarmlyespousedhiscause:"AndifyourMajestydoesnotgivehimtheGarterhisfatherhad，whentheMarquisofEsmondcomestoyourMajesty'scourt，Iwillhangmyselfinmyowngarters，orwillcrymyeyesout。""Ratherthanlosethose，"saysthePrince，"heshallbemadeArchbishopandColoneloftheGuard"（itwasFrankCastlewoodwhotoldmeofthisconversationovertheirsupper）。
*TherecanbeverylittledoubtthattheDoctormentionedbymydearfatherwasthefamousDr。Arbuthnot。——R。E。W。
"Yes，"criesshe，withoneofherlaughs——IfancyIhearitnow。
ThirtyyearsafterwardsIhearthatdelightfulmusic。"Yes，heshallbeArchbishopofEsmondandMarquisofCanterbury。"
"Andwhatwillyourladyshipbe？"saysthePrince;"youhavebuttochooseyourplace。"
"I，"saysBeatrix，"willbemotherofthemaidstotheQueenofhisMajestyKingJamestheThird——ViveleRoy！"andshemadehimagreatcurtsy，anddrankapartofaglassofwineinhishonor。