and in a little time the whole
affair will be considered rather one of inheritance than bequest. But,
after all, what is it to me! It is only for your sake, Digby, that I
rejoice. I think it will please your family. I will settle everything
immediately on Henrietta. They shall have the gratification of knowing
that their son is about to marry the richest heiress in England.'

The richest heiress in England! Henrietta Temple the richest heiress in
England! Ah! how many feelings with that thought arise! Strange to say,
the announcement of this extraordinary event brought less joy than might
have been supposed to the heiress herself.

It was in her chamber and alone, that Henrietta Temple mused over this
freak of destiny. It was in vain to conceal it, her thoughts recurred
to Ferdinand. They might have been so happy! Why was he not true? And
perhaps he had sacrificed himself to his family, perhaps even personal
distress had driven him to the fatal deed. Her kind feminine fancy
conjured up every possible extenuation of his dire offence. She grew
very sad. She could not believe that he was false at Ducie; oh, no! she
never could believe it! He must have been sincere, and if sincere, oh!
what a heart was lost there! What would she not have given to have
been the means of saving him from all his sorrows! She recalled his
occasional melancholy, his desponding words, and how the gloom left his
brow and his eye brightened when she fondly prophesied that she would
restore the house. She might restore it now; and now he was another's,
and she, what was she? A slave like him. No longer her own mistress, at
the only moment she had the power to save him. Say what they like, there
is a pang in balked affection, for which no wealth, power, or place,
watchful indulgence, or sedulous kindness, can compensate. Ah! the
heart, the heart!

CHAPTER II.

_In Which the Reader Is Again Introduced to Captain
Armine, during His Visit to London_.

MISS GRANDISON had resolved upon taking a house in London for the
season, and had obtained a promise from her uncle and aunt to be
her guests. Lady Armine's sister was to join them from Bath. As for
Ferdinand, the spring had gradually restored him to health, but not to
his former frame of mind. He remained moody and indolent, incapable of
exertion, and a prey to the darkest humours; circumstances, however,
occurred which rendered some energy on his part absolutely necessary.
His cre