TUB nCKWICK CLUB. 73
CHAPTER VIU.
STRONGLY ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE POSITION, THAT THE COUASR OF TRUE LOVE IS NOT A RAILWAY.
The quiet seclusion of Dingley Dell, the presence of so many of the gentler sex, and the solicitude and anxiety they evinced in his behalf, were all favourable to the growth and development of those softer feel- ings which nature had implanted deep in the bosom of Mr. Tracy Tup- man, and which now appeared destined to centre in one lovely object. The young ladies were pretty, their manners winning, their dispositions unexceptionable ; but there was a dignity in the air, a touch-me-not- ishness in the walk, a majesty in the eye of the spinster aunt, to which, at their time of life they could lay no claim, which distinguished her from any female on whom Mr. Tupman had ever gazed. That there was something kindred in their nature, something congenial in their souls, something mysteriously sympathetic in their bosoms, v/sls evident. Her name was the first that rose to Mr. Tupman's lips as he lay wounded on the grass ; and her hysteric laughter, was the first sound that fell upon his ear, when he was supported to the house. But had her agitation arisen from an amiable and feminine sensibility which would have been equally irrepressible in any case ; or had it been called forth by a more ardent and passionate feehng, which he, of all men living, could alone awaken ? These were the doubts which racked his brain as he lay extended on the sofa : these were the doubts which he determined should be at once and for ever resolved.
It was evening. Isabella and Emily had strolled out with Mr. Trundle ; the deaf old lady had fallen asleep in her chair ; the snoring of the fat Ijoy, penetrated in a low and monotonous sound from the distant kitchen ; the buxom servants were lounging at the side-door, enjoying the pleasantness of the hour, and the delights of a flirtation, on first principles, with certain unwieldy animals attached to the farm ; and there sat the interesting pair, uncared for by all, caring for nonie, and dreaming only of themselves : there they sat, in short, like a paii* of carefully-folded kid-gloves — bound up in each other.
- ' I have forgotten my flowers," said the spinster aunt.
- ' Water them now," said Mr. Tupman, in accents of persuasion.
" You will take cold in the evening air," urged the spinster aunt, affectionately.
" No, no," said Mr. Tupman, rising; •* it will do me good. Let me accompany you."
The lady paused to adjust the sHng in which the lefi arm of the youth was placed, and taking his right arm led him to the garden.
There was a bower at the further end, with honeysuckle, jessamine, and creeping plants — one of those sweet retreats, which humane men erect for the accommodation of spiders.
