uth mantel was a portrait of the Marquis
of Granby, which might have been a sign, and opposite to him, over the
sideboard, was a large tawdry-coloured print, by Bunbury, of Ranelagh in
its most festive hour. The general appearance of the room however though
dingy, was not squalid: and what with its spaciousness, its extreme
repose, and the associations raised by such few images as it did
suggest, the impression on the mind of the spectator was far from
unpleasing, partaking indeed of that vague melancholy which springs
from the contemplation of the past, and which at all times softens the
spirit.

Gerard walked to the window and looked at the grass-plot; Sybil seating
herself, invited their guest to follow her example; Egremont, not
without agitation, seemed suddenly to make an effort to collect himself,
and then, in a voice not distinguished by its accustomed clearness,
he said, "I explained yesterday to one who I hope I may still call my
friend, why I assumed a name to which I have no right."

Sybil started a little, slightly stared, but did not speak.

"I should be happy if you also would give me credit, in taking that
step, at least for motives of which I need not be ashamed; even," he
added in a hesitating voice, "even if you deemed my conduct indiscreet."

Their eyes met: astonishment was imprinted on the countenance of Sybil,
but she uttered not a word; and her father, whose back was turned to
them, did not move.

"I was told," continued Egremont, "that an impassable gulf divided the
Rich from the Poor; I was told that the Privileged and the People
formed Two Nations, governed by different laws, influenced by different
manners, with no thoughts or sympathies in common; with an innate
inability of mutual comprehension. I believed that if this were indeed
the case, the ruin of our common country was at hand; I would have
endeavoured, feebly perchance, but not without zeal, to resist such a
catastrophe; I possessed a station which entailed on me some portion of
its responsibility: to obtain that knowledge which could alone qualify
me for beneficial action, I resolved to live without suspicion among my
fellow-subjects who were estranged from me; even void of all celebrity
as I am, I could not have done that without suspicion, had I been known;
they would have recoiled from my class and my name, as you yourself
recoiled, Sybil, when they were once accidentally mentioned before you.
These are the reasons, these th