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。