THE SECRET MARRIAGE; OR, CONTRASTS IN LIFE. BY MISS F. WILLIAMS. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS, 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 1855. 249.7.189. THE SECRET MARRIAGE. CHAPTER I. "Gather them back, ye mighty years, From all the faith that cleaves To the broken reeds of this changeful clime, FRANCES BRowNE. THE early summer was again extending its blissful influence over the inhabitants of this our fortunate temperate zone. From the long and annual sleep of winter, animated nature, VOL. II. B awaking, seemed with joy and gratitude to obey the summons to arise and bring forth fruit in due season. Sad, however, were the thoughts in which Lady Lisle had many opportunities of indulging, and which she matured into practice during the childish years of Alice and Ormond. She had, it is true, to contend with unwonted trials, but in some respects she felt how far superior was her lot to that of many, who, in addition to the loss of their natural support and comfort, had to struggle against all the difficulties of poverty and change of position in life. Her own jointure was large, and Alice, as the heiress of Ashton, would be endowed with every advantage, which would render her path through life a brilliant one. The only living descendant of a long line of ancestry, in her would be centred the hopes and the possessions of future generations. By every tie but that of kindred were Lady Lisle and Ormond joined as parent and child. But for her he would have been an outcast upon the wide world. Orphan as he was, his very existence seemed forgotten by those who, in the possession of wealth and worldly advantages, had virtually expelled him from their homes and hearts. Entirely dependent as he was upon Lady Lisle's kindness and protection, he shared with her own child the affection that hourly prompts a mother's thoughts, words, and deeds. But Ormond was now fast emerging from childhood. The engrossing and innocent pleasures, the tasks which, to his thoughful mind, as well as quick comprehension, were, for the moment, of all-absorbing interest, were no longer sufficent for the day. There was a stretching forth of his youthful energies into futurity, an earnest desire to penetrate its mysteries, which often seemed to act as a check upon the gaiety which, in childhood, is so charming and so natural. Lady Lisle lived in retirement, yet, though the circle of her friends was small and intimate, chance would often introduce visitors |