n now to feel that to philosophise
is not to sneer. In Doubt, we are stopped short at every outlet beyond
the Sensual. In Belief lies the secret of all our valuable exertion.
Two sentiments are enough to preserve even the idlest temper from
stagnation--a desire and a hope. What then can we say of the desire to
be useful, and the hope to be immortal?"

This was language Constance had not often heard before, nor was it
frequent on the lips of him who now uttered it. But an interest in the
fate and happiness of one in whom he saw so much to admire, had made
Mandeville anxious that she should entertain some principle which he
could also esteem. And there was a fervour, a sincerity, in his voice
and manner, that thrilled to the very heart of Lady Erpingham. She
pressed his hand in silence. She thought afterwards over his words; but
worldly life is not easily accessible to any lasting impressions save
those of vanity and love. Religion has two sources; the habit of early
years, or the process of after thought. But to Constance had not been
fated the advantage of the first; and how can deep thought of another
world be a favourite employment with the scheming woman of this?

This is the only time that Mandeville appears in this work: a type of
the rarity of the intervention of religious wisdom on the scenes of real
life.

"By the way," said Saville, as, in departing, he encountered Constance
by the door, and made his final adieus; "by the way; you will perhaps
meet, somewhere in Italy, my old young friend, Percy Godolphin. He has
not been pleased to prate of his whereabout to me; but I hear that he
has been seen lately at Naples."

Constance coloured, and her heart beat violently; but she answered
indifferently, and turned away.

The next morning they set off for Italy. But within one week from that
day, what a change awaited Constance!

(1) After all, an astrologer,--nay, a cabalist--is not so monstrous
a prodigy in the nineteenth century! In the year 1801, Lackingtou
published a quarto, entitled _Magus: a Complete System of Occult
Philosophy; treating of Alchemy, the Cabalistic Art, Natural and
Celestial Magic,_ &c.--and a very impudent publication it is too. That
Raphael should put forth astrological manuals is not a proof of his
belief in the science he professes; but that it should _answer_ to
Raphael to put them forth, shows a tendency to belief in his purchasers.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

AMBITION VINDICATED.--THE