Out of the music room,and away from his violin,the sound side of Mr.Wyvil's character was free to assert itself.In his public and in his private capacity,he was an eminently sensible man.
As a member of parliament,he set an example which might have been followed with advantage by many of his colleagues.In the first place he abstained from hastening the downfall of representative institutions by asking questions and making speeches.In the second place,he was able to distinguish between the duty that he owed to his party,and the duty that he owed to his country.When the Legislature acted politically--that is to say,when it dealt with foreign complications,or electoral reforms--he followed his leader.When the Legislature acted socially--that is to say,for the good of the people--he followed his conscience.On the last occasion when the great Russian bugbear provoked a division,he voted submissively with his Conservative allies.But,when the question of opening museums and picture galleries on Sundays arrayed the two parties in hostile camps,he broke into open mutiny,and went over to the Liberals.He consented to help in preventing an extension of the franchise;but he refused to be concerned in obstructing the repeal of taxes on knowledge."I am doubtful in the first case,"he said,"but I am sure in the second."He was asked for an explanation:"Doubtful of what?and sure of what?"To the astonishment of his leader,he answered:"The benefit to the people."The same sound sense appeared in the transactions of his private life.Lazy and dishonest servants found that the gentlest of masters had a side to his character which took them by surprise.And,on certain occasions in the experience of Cecilia and her sister,the most indulgent of fathers proved to be as capable of saying No,as the sternest tyrant who ever ruled a fireside.
Called into council by his daughter and his guest,Mr.Wyvil assisted them by advice which was equally wise and kind--but which afterward proved,under the perverse influence of circumstances,to be advice that he had better not have given.
The letter to Emily which Cecilia had recommended to her father's consideration,had come from Netherwoods,and had been written by Alban Morris.
He assured Emily that he had only decided on writing to her,after some hesitation,in the hope of serving interests which he did not himself understand,but which might prove to be interests worthy of consideration,nevertheless.Having stated his motive in these terms,he proceeded to relate what had passed between Miss Jethro and himself.On the subject of Francine,Alban only ventured to add that she had not produced a favorable impression on him,and that he could not think her likely,on further experience,to prove a desirable friend.
On the last leaf were added some lines,which Emily was at no loss how to answer.She had folded back the page,so that no eyes but her own should see how the poor drawing-master finished his letter:"I wish you all possible happiness,my dear,among your new friends;but don't forget the old friend who thinks of you,and dreams of you,and longs to see you again.The little world Ilive in is a dreary world,Emily,in your absence.Will you write to me now and then,and encourage me to hope?"Mr.Wyvil smiled,as he looked at the folded page,which hid the signature.
"I suppose I may take it for granted,"he said slyly,"that this gentleman really has your interests at heart?May I know who he is?"Emily answered the last question readily enough.Mr.Wyvil went on with his inquiries."About the mysterious lady,with the strange name,"he proceeded--"do you know anything of her?"Emily related what she knew;without revealing the true reason for Miss Jethro's departure from Netherwoods.In after years,it was one of her most treasured remembrances,that she had kept secret the melancholy confession which had startled her,on the last night of her life at school.
Mr.Wyvil looked at Alban's letter again."Do you know how Miss Jethro became acquainted with Mr.Mirabel?"he asked.
