Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

146
THE ATTEMPT
venerable priest who was skilled in medicine, and who possessed the knowledge of
compounding a certain potion which was said to be a sure cure for the malady under
which his father was labouring, he eagerly caught at the proposal, and declared his
readiness to set out at once, so glad was he to try and remedy what he felt was in a
great measure brought on by himself. He even felt well disposed towards the “ padre”
for his kindness in asking him to be his messenger. He went at once to his own room,
and there wrote a note to Alice, telling her that very urgent matters would prevent
his seeing her for three days, but that on the evening of the third she might expect
him. He ended by assuring her of his unalterable affection, and saying that he had
much to tell her when they should meet. He judged it better that she should hear
the history of his family and its disturbances from his own lips than that he should
vex and annoy her by a written account. On finishing, he prepared for his journey,
and, going down to the library, found Father Clement and Catherine waiting to bid
him speed on his way. The priest gave him a letter which he was to deliver, with
minute directions about the house and person he was to find; whilst Kate appeared to
feel that she had been too harsh in her conduct to him, for her manner was more
kindly than it had been since their estrangement, and as she kissed him at parting, she
whispered, “ I have hopes, dear brother, that yet all will be well.”
We must now leave Charles to proceed on his errand of filial affection, and give
a glance at his betrothed, whom we last heard of as in deep affliction. The
morning that she had appointed for a meeting with Charles dawned upon her,
and ere the sun was yet high in the heavens she was an orphan. Very bitter were the
tears she shed as she gazed upon that face, now so calm and cold, that had so often
beamed upon her with affection, and desolate and bereaved she truly felt on finding
herself thus alone. Hor was the letter which she received that evening from Charles,
with the tidings that she could not have him with her for three days, calculated to
cheer her. Indeed, before these three days had passed over her head, much had happened
which tasted more of sorrow than of joy.
Ladybird.