CHAPTER XXI.

SEARCHING FOR SCOTTISH FRIENDS.

"And now for earnest working," thought Roland, as he turned wearily away from the one cherished spot; "it is a hard trial to part from such a friend, but it is evidently my Father's will, that alone I must still pursue my way; I must not indulge in vain regrets, but 'Looking aloft,' I will endeavor to do whatsoever my hand findeth to do with diligence and single-hearted devotion." Day by day, Roland gathered the heavenly manna, and drank of the spiritual rock; thus strengthened, he returned with renewed zeal to the duties of his daily life.

"Whither so fast, my friend?" cried a familiar voice, as he was threading his way along the busy streets of New York. Turning quickly, he perceived his college friend, Edmund Norris. Grasping Roland's hand, he said,

"You are the very one that I want to see; I am going to Europe, and must have a companion; my mother will hear of none but you, Roland; come, old fellow! just say that you will go; I will bear your expenses, and we shall have a grand time together."

"How long will you be absent, Edmund?"

"About one year; perhaps longer."

"What is your plan?"

"I propose visiting the continent, England, Scotland, and Ireland; my mother is not willing to trust her wild son with any one else; when will you give me an answer, Roland?"

"To-morrow, if you will call at my office, No. 12, Beekman street."

This offer seemed most opportune. He had no domestic tie to keep him in America, and here was the opportunity which he had so long desired, to visit his native land, and search for his relations, if any he had left.

"I will go, Edmund," was his reply; "when shall we sail?"

"In the first steamer; I wish to be there early in the fall."

"I shall be ready, Edmund; I can leave my business in the hands of a young man in my office."

The Thornlys were especially sorry to lose the young inmate; and Helen's pale cheek and depressed spirits betrayed the interest which she felt in the young man.

"You will write to Edgar, Mr. Bruce, I hope," was her last injunction. "I should not be surprised if you should meet Miss Hamilton abroad, for they have all gone for her father's health, to consult London physicians."

"Farewell, Miss Helen, I shall always be grateful for your kindness."

Roland did not see the tear which trembled on her cheek, as she turned away to hide her emotion.

When he reached the vessel, a handsome dressing-case, a sea wrapper, slippers, and cap, with the kind regards of Mr. Thornly, awaited him, with the label, "A small acknowledgment of benefits conferred upon Edgar, by his grateful father."

A swift passage across the Atlantic, in very fine weather, brought them to their desired haven. It had been keenly enjoyed by Roland, for the sight of the wide expanse of ocean was exhilarating to a soul like his. When first espying the white cliffs of Dover, he mentally asked, "shall I find any kindred in my native land, or am I still to wander alone in this wide world? Be that as my Father wills; I have kindred there," looking upward, "they await my coming."

He was so young when he first left Scotland, that much of the impression had vanished, and the present, therefore, had all the charm of novelty.

Taking a steamer, they crossed the Channel, and after a short journey on land, found themselves among the crowds of Paris, wending their way alone, in search of lodgings.

Taking rooms together, they soon realized that their surroundings were totally different from America; and curiosity for a few days kept them busy visiting the lions of the brilliant city, and making themselves acquainted with its numerous works of art, and countless attractions.

As soon as Edmund became a little domesticated, Roland took tickets for their attendance upon a course of scientific lectures, in one of the best institutions of the great city.

It was an important advantage to study with such a friend; for Roland's comprehensive mind, and clear intellect took in all that was demonstrated, and many a maze of perplexed reasoning was made clear to Edmund by the keen analysis of Roland's superior powers.

"You must not expect me to visit the vicious amusements of Paris, Edmund, my principles forbid this; but, if you must see all, Mr. Lisle, a young American, of fine moral character, is here, and will escort you; he is a safe guide; I hope that you will see the real tendency of sinful pleasures, and learn to value something higher."

"Just let me tell you, Roland, about the opera," said Edmund, one night, after his return, "it was splendid; the music was enchanting, the Emperor and Empress were both present--what a cold, dead, statuesque face he has! That beautiful woman cannot love him, I am sure; you should see Eugenie, she is truly an elegant woman, and her dress was perfect. I don't believe that there is much love for the Emperor here, for, although the audience noticed his presence, by a 'Vive l'Empereur,' there was no heart in it."

"You only saw the outside of the opera, Edmund; you did not follow the multitude who crowd gambling saloons, and other vicious places of resort after the opera was over. I should be sorry to see you escorted there by any of these gay young Frenchmen; while I feel as if I have no right to put actual restrictions upon your liberty, I trust that you will promise me one thing, Edmund."

"What is that, Roland? You are so reasonable with me, so considerate, that I think I may safely promise."

"You will find that there is no Sabbath in Paris; that is, no Christian Sabbath; people attend to business and seek their pleasure more on that day than on any other. I want you to promise that you will attend upon the Evangelical Chapel on Sunday, and avoid the places of public amusement."

"I can easily promise that, Roland, for I feel shocked myself at what I see."

It was a refreshing season to Roland, when he could turn aside from the gay glittering world around him, and worship his God with many of the wise and good of all Protestant churches. Sometimes American ministers led the devotions of the day, and he could then join in the familiar hymns of his childhood and youth, even in the midst of an infidel and dissolute capital.

"Who is that young man?" said Dr. M. to Henry Lisle, "I have observed his devotional aspect; I think he is a stranger; I really feel as if I should like to make his acquaintance."

"That is a young Scotchman; he has lived most of his life in America, and is here with a friend, whose studies he is directing."

"Do you know him, Lisle? if so, introduce me."

After the services, Dr. M. was made acquainted with Roland, and he began to feel not quite so much alone in the great world.

At the rooms of Dr. M. he was privileged to meet what was really the choice society of Paris. The good and wise frequently assembled at his apartments, and Roland and Edmund were, at all times, welcome guests.

Dr. M. had heard from Edmund something of his history, and having struggled himself in his early days, deeply sympathized with the brave young spirit of Roland Bruce. Sometimes, they were invited to the saloons of French philosophers, but the skeptical spirit, everywhere manifested, led Roland to be very careful how he exposed his young friend to such influences.

The halls of art were crowded with the finest specimens of distinguished artists, both of ancient and modern days; and our young friends spent many hours in examining these wondrous triumphs of human skill. The winter passed rapidly; early in the spring, they visited Switzerland, explored its natural beauties, passed through Germany, sailed upon the Rhine, and recrossing the Channel, found themselves in London, at the opening of the gay season.

Roland was pleased at the improvement manifested in Edmund; he was learning to distinguish between the good and the vile, and his friend felt as if he might trust him while in London, without his supervision, which he knew he must do, when he should visit Scotland, or else leave him in one of the Scottish cities. Roland busied himself for awhile in seeing the sights of London, and in visiting the ragged schools, and other benevolent institutions, by which he gained many valuable hints from those so much longer engaged in such good works.

Taking up the paper one morning, he read a glaring account of a drawing-room, when the Queen of England gave one of her receptions.

A rapturous description was given of the first appearance of Miss Hamilton, a young American. Her beauty, her grace, her manners were descanted upon. The perfect ease of her deportment, as she advanced under the escort of the American Minister, was described; and a brilliant season prophesied for the young heiress of Woodcliff. She was particularly distinguished by the Queen, who, contrary to her general practice, made some especial remarks to her about her country. Madeline's blushing acknowledgment of Her Majesty's notice was much enlarged upon.

Roland read the account with mingled feelings; but pain was uppermost, for he feared that the very novelty of the scene would insensibly draw her heart away from better things.

Edmund having brought letters of introduction was presented on the same day. He came home to Roland in ecstacies of delight.

"You should have seen the blaze of English beauty; but it was nothing compared to the young American, Miss Hamilton; theirs was rich, blooming, rosy, the glow of full redundant health, and the grace and ease of high birth; hers was spiritual! delicate! bewitching! none could tell which was the most beautiful; hair, eyes, coloring, or expression, but one exquisite combination of all that can attract in woman. Then her ease, her simplicity, her apparent unconsciousness, was the theme of every tongue. Her dress was perfect; her pure white lace, with moss-rose buds, and a set of pearls, softened still more her delicate beauty; she managed her train, Roland, as if she had dwelt in the presence of royalty all her life, stepping backward so gracefully, I could imagine the pretty little foot, by the beautiful hand and arm. I declare, Roland, I was proud of our young American. I'll warrant she has a royal nature, royal in its highest sense; you ought to have seen her, Roland. I waited until the drawing-room was dismissed, and stood at the door, to see her handed to her carriage by Lord N----, an elegant young nobleman; did not I envy the fellow, Roland? I'll find out where she stays, and, mark me! I'll have an introduction before the month is over."

Roland was amused at Edmund's enthusiasm, and troubled at the account of the impression made in the world of fashion by his peerless young friend.

"In the gay metropolis, with all her attractions, will she be kept unscathed?" whispered Roland to his heart. "Looking aloft" for her, as well as for himself, he felt the blessedness of remembering her in his daily prayers, and never was Madeline forgotten.

Edmund frequently alluded to his want of success in obtaining Miss Hamilton's direction, but one day, he came in full of glee: "Lisle is here, Roland; he knows Lord N----, and he will inquire of him for Miss Hamilton; he has letters of introduction to some of the nobles of England, and is as much interested as I in trying to find out where she is. The Duke of D---- will give a ball next week, Lisle is invited; he will get an introduction for me before that time, and I shall then meet Miss Hamilton."

Edmund seemed possessed with this one idea of obtaining an introduction to the reigning star.

"Congratulate me, Roland; the Duke of D---- called yesterday on Lisle while I was there; I was introduced as Lisle's young American friend, and to-day I have a card for the ball."

Nothing else was talked of but the coming ball. Edmund's head was full of the anticipated pleasure.

The evening came and passed. Next day, Edmund was in a high state of excitement.

"I was introduced, Roland, to Miss Hamilton, but that was all, I could get no nearer; she was surrounded by admirers--the Duke of D----, and the Earl of M----, Lord B----, and Lord G----, but most of all, Lord N----, were devoted in their attentions. If her young head is not turned by all this, I shall proclaim her a wonder. Lord N---- is a handsome young nobleman, with that respectful deference to ladies, and especially to Miss Hamilton, which I think would captivate such a girl."

Roland was compelled to listen silently, for he had not told Edmund that he had ever seen Madeline; but every word was painful, for he felt the ordeal to be so severe--would she come out unharmed?

"I went last night to the opera, Roland; Miss Hamilton was there, attended by her father and Lord N----. Mr. Hamilton looked so proud of his beautiful daughter, and no wonder; nothing to compare to her could be seen anywhere last night; eye-glasses were levelled at her from all quarters, but I really don't believe that she knew it, and, if she did, she certainly did not betray it."

Roland attended weekly upon the services of the Rev. Mr. B----, a minister of the establishment, simply on account of the earnest spirituality of his preaching.

On the next Sunday, whom should he see advancing up the aisle, in a simple modest dress, with a close bonnet and veil, but Madeline, attended by her father and aunt.

Several pew-doors were opened, but the sexton led them forward to a pew, where sat a young lady and gentleman of high rank.

"That is Lord N----," whispered Edmund to Roland, for he had observed the party.

Madeline was earnest, devout, prayerful, and listened to the sermon with such an humble, serious manner, as to lead Roland to hope that she was yet the simple, earnest child of Woodcliff. Lord N---- and his sister were equally devout, and Roland felt that the deportment of the young man in church was just such as was calculated to please one like Madeline.

It was pleasant to worship God in the same house with his friend, to sing the same hymns, and use the solemn words of the same beautiful service. The service ended, Roland paused a moment at the door, hoping to receive one passing glance, but Madeline walked out, closely attended by Lord N----, who handed the party to their carriage, ere he entered his own; she did not even see Roland. His heart sank, for he could not bear to think himself forgotten.

Edmund still continued to rave about Madeline, telling whenever he met her, and running on in the same strain about her beauty.

The next Sunday, Roland bent his steps to the Ragged School in one of the lanes of London.

When he entered, he was surprised to see several ladies of rank in the audience. It was a novel sight, for there were large numbers present from the very lowest haunts, clothed in rags and filth, even up to those who had adopted some of the customs of civilized humanity.

Far up the room, he thought that he saw a familiar form; he advanced, and attended by Lord N---- and his sister, sat Madeline, in all the sweet simplicity of her girlish days.

She saw Roland, a bright smile welcomed him, and he stepped forward extending his hand, his honest, strong, guiding hand; the very touch was strength to Madeline. No more salutations were exchanged until the close of the services.

"How came you here, Miss Madeline?" was the first question.

"Did you not tell me to visit such places when I came to London, Mr. Bruce?" was the frank, artless answer.

"Thank you, Miss Madeline for the remembrance; have you learned anything by your visits?"

"A great deal, for Lord N---- and Lady Alice are both interested in these good works, and they have told me the various ways by which these poor creatures may be reached."

"London and its gayeties have not then wholly obliterated your desires to do good, Miss Madeline."

"By no means, Mr. Bruce," replied Madeline, with one of her brightest smiles; "I am only anxious to be once more at Woodcliff to put some of my plans into practice."

"How is Mr. Hamilton, Miss Madeline?"

"Rather better; we see that London air agrees with him, and shall, therefore, stay longer in England than we had at first intended."

This was a short, but pleasant interview, and Roland felt cheered by the few hasty words dropped by Madeline.

Passing through the streets of London one day, he observed Madeline in a carriage with the lady whom she styled Lady Alice--it was evidently a nobleman's carriage by the coronet on the pannels. He sighed as he thought of the great distance between them socially, but could not resist the opportunity of watching the carriage, which stopped at the door of a store; the ladies dismounted, and entered the store; waiting for them to return to the carriage, Roland inquired whose carriage it was, and the direction of their residence. Having obtained information, he walked to the spot, and saw the elegant mansion where Madeline was staying--what folly! thought he, to suppose that she can ever regard me in any other light than an humble friend; but it is a pleasure to see her. He had not stood many minutes, ere he perceived a lady's form standing near the drawing-room window; she looked out, but not observing Roland, who stood concealed behind a tree.

Soon he heard voices, for the window was open; and in a few minutes more, the rich melody of Madeline's notes, singing a new and brilliant piece. He stood sorrowfully, for why should he thus haunt her dwelling to hang upon a voice, which the friendship of early days had given him a right to hear still in the intimate communion of a congenial spirit. It seemed a cold barrier of society which thus shut him out, and which he sometimes felt he must dare to batter down.

The season was passing rapidly; and Roland began to prepare for his northern tour. Edmund had concluded to accompany him, for he had not made the progress in Madeline's acquaintance that he desired.

His journey through England was truly delightful--like a beautiful garden, every corner was highly cultivated; gentlemen's country seats, noblemen's splendid palaces and parks, picturesque villages, and shady, green lanes everywhere met his eye, and though unlike the grand features of American scenery, the panorama had all the charm of a lovely picture of domestic ease and elegance, the charm which dwells so especially among English homes. Stopping awhile at the Lakes of Westmoreland, they explored its exquisite beauties, so often the subject of the painter's pencil, and the poet's pen; and passing on, travelled more rapidly, until they reached Edinburgh; visiting many spots of historic interest. Roland stayed a few days, and then turned his face towards his native hills, leaving Edmund in Edinburgh, until he should hear from him.