slumbers - it was the dying look and gesture of Colonel Gardiner. Most devoutly
did he hope, as the rarely occurring post brought news of skirmishes with
various success, that it might never again be his lot to draw his sword in civil
conflict. Then his mind turned to the supposed death of Fergus, to the desolate
situation of Flora, and, with yet more tender recollection, to that of Rose
Bradwardine, who was destitute of the devoted enthusiasm of loyalty, which, to
her friend, hallowed and exalted misfortune. These reveries he was permitted to
enjoy, undisturbed by queries or interruption; - and it was in many a winter
walk by the shores of Ullswater, that he acquired a more complete mastery of a
spirit tamed by adversity than his former experience had given him; and that he
felt himself entitled to say firmly, though perhaps with a sigh, that the
romance of his life was ended, and that its real history had now commenced. He
was soon called upon to justify his pretensions by reason and philosophy.
 

                              Chapter Sixty-First.

                              A Journey to London.

The family at Fasthwaite were soon attached to Edward. He had, indeed, that
gentleness and urbanity which almost universally attracts corresponding
kindness; and to their simple ideas his learning gave him consequence, and his
sorrows interest. The last he ascribed, evasively, to the loss of a brother in
the skirmish near Clifton; and in that primitive state of society, where the
ties of affection were highly deemed of, his continued depression excited
sympathy, but not surprise.
    In the end of January, his more lively powers were called out by the happy
union of Edward Williams, the son of his host, with Cicely Jopson. Our hero
would not cloud with sorrow the festivity attending the wedding of two persons
to whom he was so highly obliged. He therefore exerted himself, danced, sung,
played at the various games of the day, and was the blithest of the company. The
next morning, however, he had more serious matters to think of.
    The clergyman who had married the young couple was so much pleased with the
supposed student of divinity, that he came next day from Penrith on purpose to
pay him a visit. This might have been a puzzling chapter had he entered into any
examination of our hero's supposed theological studies; but fortunately he loved
better to hear and communicate the news of the day. He brought with him two or
three old newspapers, in one of which Edward found a piece of intelligence that
soon rendered him deaf to every word which the Reverend Mr. Twigtythe was saying