"Nevertheless, on quitting the storms of my changed country, I can calmly say,

"Now go we in content

To liberty and not to banishment."

Here ended our visit; and having given a promise to Penruddock that we would renew it before he quitted Yorkshire, we mounted our horses, and returned; I, greatly moved with pleasure at what I had seen and heard, but pleasure much mingled with regret. I will write again to-morrow, and tell you how I come to write from this interesting place. Meantime, do not make light of my picture, but tell me what you think of it.

WALTER FITZWALTER.

LETTER IX.

THE ANSWER.

Strickland to Fitzwalter.

MAKE light of your picture! Think me not such a Goth, or rather such a destructive. It is impossible not to be moved; but then it is, as we are moved by heroes of romance, or Sir Charles Grandison-"faultless monsters."

And yet I do not think Penruddock quite a hero, for quitting his country because his political principles are overthrown. I agree with you in thinking some other grief is gnawing at his liver, like the vulture of old:

Optat (quietem) Prometheus obligatus aliti."

You will be very angry; but he seems, with all his feelings, to want firmness. Oldacre is the better man, who stays at home, resolved to fight it

out. He does not banish himself in a pet, because his tenants do not fall down and worship him.

Lady Bracebridge, however, has fewer grains of alloy. She is a woman, and a woman is allowed to pout a little, particularly an old one, who has survived her charms, and perhaps the world. This is the true stuff for a devotee, whether of religion or politics. Better, perhaps, than either brother or sister, is the most quaint, most honest, and most decorous Mr. Broadbelt, whose modesty as to the harlotry-room, and indignation at that Wingate, diverted me, as well as claimed my highest interest. Yet I grieve; for though I blame his master, he seems made for better things than self-banishment. Do not storm; for, whatever Lady Bracebridge may say of the ship on the rocks, ought he not to stand by it while a plank is left? This is what we are doing. You will see we shall right her, and then what will become of your Penruddock? Gone to seek patriotism in Germany.

I allow he has unusual provocation, by rebellion in his family for a wounded spirit who can bear? And this part of your picture is what I find to be most touching. I am glad, therefore, he does not seek refuge in solitude, but that he seeks the world, though the German world. Solitude has already turned him mad. A foreign country and manners,

to say nothing of a foreign court, may do much for him. Who knows, too, whether he may not meet with some high-minded Frau Grafine, as loyal and anciently descended as himself, who, struck with his self-devotion, may join fates, and help him to revenge himself upon his young Cromwell, by giving him an heir, and so disinherit the republican.

But I see you are scandalized at this raillery, so will cry you mercy, and leave you; not for a better man, or a more interesting subject, but a more profitable one; in fact, an attorney with a bag so important, that nothing could divert me from it, but such another letter as your last. Pray continue to write, amuse, and interest,

Your friend,

C. S.

LETTER X.

Fitzwalter to Strickland.

DISQUISITION ON A LIBRARY ;-RETURN OF THE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEWOMAN.

Penruddock Hall.

STAND by the ship while a plank remains, which we are doing!!

For standing by, read plundering, and I will allow you your simile. Yet at any rate to stand alone, when the crew have murdered their officers and are turned pirates, is a little too much to expect.

I do not like you, Strickland, for your flippancy. Lady Bracebridge is far too rational for a devotee, too elevated to pout, and I hate you for the levity of that sentiment. I say nothing of your having, by your own account, and for your own purpose, provoked the storm, which you call upon us to help you to allay; your attack upon Penruddock,