CHAPTER X. ABOUT BOUT this time the baron received a letter from Osmond, who in formed him that he had settled the affairs of the Horrordale estate; yet, notwithstanding the lapse of time and the most minute investigation, could hear no further tidings of the ruffians who had assaulted his cousin Orlando, they having secured so cautious a retreat as to baffle every enquiry. The letter further stated, that although he had been at considerable expence to repair and, in some mea sure, enliven the castle; yet, the situation was so dreary, that he should by no means choose to make it his continual place of abode. It concluded with an intimation that he intended shortly doing himself the honour of a visit to Bellgrove. The baron and his lady were pleased with this instance of Osmond's attention to them; next to the pleasure they felt in his late aggrandizement, they were not a little happy in finding it had not erased that dutiful respect and esteem they had an undoubted. right to claim from him.. The family at Bellgrove Castle were, therefore, in daily expectation of a visit from Osmond, whose presence, they thought, would add to the felicitics of the place.. Orlando Orlando had felt himself rather vacant since the departure of his cousin, from whom he had never yet been separated for such a time. His ennui, however, was in no small degree alleviated by his visits to his adorable Monimia and the sensible conversation of Julia, whom he now regarded with all the affection of a sister. The baron and his lady had been some time under an engagement to visit the vicarage on a certain day,. which being arrived, they set off early in the morning, accompanied by Julia. Orlando could not attend them at that time, having an appointment upon his hands; but promised to be with them at dinner.. Julia had not, as yet, obtained an opportunity to be introduced to the doctor and Monimia, and the baroness having observed a great resemblance between the latter and her protegé, wished much to produce an interview between them. The day being fine induced them to take a circuitous jaunt to the vicarage. The party in the carriage had arrived at a situation where the beauties of the place invited them to leave their seats, and traverse the rest of the way on foot. This they thought might be attempted with safety, as Ashgrove village steeple was in sight, and at no such considerable distance as would occasion labour and fatigue.. Just as they had passed through a delightful delightful little shrubbery, they saw. a young girl holding an infant in her arms. The beauty of the child caught the attention of the baroness and Julia; the former took it in her arms, and the latter was impatient to caress it. "Whose child is this, my good girl?" cried the baroness, as she gave the little cherub to Julia... "Please your grace," answered the the nurse, "it is the parson's who preaches where yonder steeple is." "Oh! it is," cried the baron (stifling a smile); "I am glad to hear the doctor is likely to have a family about him soon." "Pshaw, my dear," cried his lady, "the girl has made a mistake; I dare |