eep.

"Rachel's character, though not quite so harshly defined, possessed too
much of the vindictive nature of the mother. She had loved Sir
Alexander with all the ardour of a first youthful attachment. His
wealth and station were nothing to her--it was the man alone she
prized. Had he been a peasant, she would have loved as warmly and as
well. Lost to her for ever, she overlooked the great pecuniary favours
just conferred upon her mother and herself, and only lived to be
revenged.

"It was while smarting under their recent disappointment that these
women were sought out and bribed by Robert Moncton to become his agents
in a deep-laid conspiracy, which he hoped to carry out against Sir
Alexander and his family.

"Robert Moncton was still unmarried, and Dinah took the charge of his
establishment, being greatly enraged with her beautiful daughter for
making a run-away match with Roger Mornington, Sir Alexander's
huntsman, who was a handsome man, and the finest rider in the county of
York.

"After an absence of five years, Sir Alexander suddenly returned to
Moncton Park, accompanied by a young and lovely bride. During that five
years, a great change had taken place in the young Baronet, who
returned a sincere Christian and an altered man.

"Devotedly attached to the virtuous and beautiful lady whom he had
wisely chosen for his mate, the whole study of his life was to please
her, and keep alive the tender affections of the noble heart he had
secured.

"They loved, as few modern couples love; and Sir Alexander's friends,
and he had many, deeply sympathized in his happiness.

"Two beings alone upon his estate viewed his felicity with jealous and
malignant eyes--two beings, who, from their lowly and dependent
situations, would have been thought incapable of marring the happiness
which excited their envy. Dinah North had been reconciled to her
daughter, and they occupied the huntsman's lodge, a beautiful cottage
within the precincts of the park. Dinah had secretly vowed vengeance on
the man who, from principle, had saved her child from the splendid
shame the avaricious mother coveted. She was among the first to offer
her services, and those of her daughter, to Lady Moncton. The pretty
young wife of the huntsman attracted the attention of the lady of the
Hall, and she employed her constantly about her person, while in cases
of sickness, for she was very fragile, Dinah officiated as nurse.

"A year passed away, and the