But all in vain. He even
besought his father to use his influence with Alice in his favor.
Colonel Delany, his objections being all now removed, urged his niece,
by her affection, by her compassion, and, finally, after some delicate
hesitation, by her gratitude, to accept the proffered hand of his son.
But Alice was steadfast in her rejection.
"A change had come o'er the spirit of her dream!"
Alas, alas! that a change of fortune should work such a change of
spirit! Alice Raymond was now Lady Hilden. Her once holy, loving, meek
blue eyes were now splendid with light and joy. Upon cheek and lip,
once so delicately blooming, now glanced and glowed a rich, bright
crimson. Her once softly falling step had become firm, elastic and
stately. "A peeress in my own right," was the thought that sent a
spasmodic joy to the heart of Alice. I am sorry she was not more
philosophical, more exalted, but I cannot help it, so it was; and if
Alice "put on airs," it must not be charged upon her biographer.
Time sped on. A rumor of an approaching marriage between Mr. Richard
Delany and Lady Hilden was industriously circulated, and became the
general topic of conversation in the neighborhood.
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