CONSTANCE'S DISCONTENT.

189

you will find many things to be pleasant and interesting, though of a very different kind; and being with your father and mother will make up for a great deal, will it not?'

'Oh, certainly, that will be a happiness to be with them,' said Constance. 'But to see my dear papa working all day at that wearisome law, instead of enjoying his own beautiful place!' And Constance threw herself in her favourite sofa corner, and began

to cry.

way

'You must forgive my speaking to you before Nellie,' said Mrs. Walton; but really, Constance, I must reprove you for the mistaken in which you are grieving over your mother's letter. She makes no complaint herself, but anticipates her London life with content; and you should feel nothing but happiness and thankfulness that your parents are returning in health from a very dangerous climate. I feel quite ashamed of your repining and ingratitude.'

These words only caused more tears from Constance, and Agnes began to talk of other things to Nellie. They worked a little, played the last new pieces they had learned; and after spending a very pleasant evening, Nellie returned home, more than ever full of pity for Constance, and stedfastly determined to have another sharp search after the mysterious leather box.

CHAPTER XI.

Search in the old-fashioned Furniture - Nellie's respect for Ancestry-She keeps her Plan a Secret-Early WorkConstance goes in Nellie's Carriage to see Mrs. BrandHears that her Parents return in Three Weeks-Nellie's Search is fruitless, so far.

N

ELLIE thought incessantly of where it might have been possible for old Mr. Norland to have placed the missing box, or the paper without the box. She wished that she could have talked to Constance about it, as then she could have learned many little details about the old man that might have helped her where he used chiefly to sit; where he used to write; and if he had the habit of putting away papers in books. 'If so,' thought Nellie, 'I may spend a good deal of time in hunting through every leaf of all the hundreds of books in the library; but first I will examine well his bedroom, both in the new house and the old wing.' This bedroom was now considered a spare room: it had been left exactly as it was when Lady Constance and Mr.

SEARCH FOR THE WILL.

191

Norland left; and Nellie thought, as she looked round it, that the old-fashioned, comfortable furniture was most probably the very same that old Mr. Norland had used. There was a capacious leather arm-chair beside the fireplace, a round table close to it, with drawers, a tall candlestand, and a readingdesk fixed at the side of the chimney-piece. The dressing-table in the middle of the room was also very old-fashioned. It had a mirror attached, and many little cupboards and oddly-shaped drawers. 'I will give that a good rummage,' said Nellie to herself; and then she looked about in vain for some other probable hiding-place. There were no closets in the room, no shelves. Nellie decided in her own mind that she would rise very early and carry on her search before the hour for her lessons, so that during the rest of the day nothing should be disarranged. When Nellie made up her mind to do anything thoroughly, she generally carried out her intention fully; and the following morning she completely ransacked table and dressing-table, carefully felt the cushions and stuffing of the old chair, and convinced herself that no small box or roll of paper was to be found in that In the afternoon the three girls from the Lodge came to ask her to walk; and they had a long stroll through the wooded part of the park. trees were just beginning to change colour, and were

room.

The

Search in the ol

Ancestry

Constanc

C

FOR THE WILL.

same that old Mr. Mabrous leather

ned, comfortable furni

thought, as she looked

J

161

r.

red on

ed Nellie.

e of seeing

ter yesterday He is going

use for them, that

en they arrive. So Con

are really coming; and when

Hears ..n them again, I believe she will be

Sear

anywhere than here, with the sight of her home always before her.'

I wish I had any news for her on that score,' said but I have not succeeded yet; and how

Nellie ;

provoking it will be should I really find the will, just

after Mr. Brand has taken a house for them!'

'Do you really imagine that you will find it?' said Agnes, smiling. I have not myself the smallest idea that you will do so. I say this because I feel such confidence in Lady Constance. Just think, Nellie, what was at stake with her! Can you for a moment suppose that she did not thoroughly examine every corner ?'

6

It is difficult to do so,' said Nellie thoughtfully; 'but for all that I have a conviction, an idea that I Ishall find the will. To-morrow I mean to examine

4 WILL.

• looked

101

NELLIE AND AGNES.

193

om in the old wing that Mr. Norland inthen I shall ransack the library again. d two hours in this search every mornif I don't find it, I think I shall go

ea you have taken up about it!'

ing. And you have been so

Constance, that I almost wonder

an feel such anxiety about her welfare.'

You know,' said Nellie, 'I have always pitied her very much. It was so unnatural a thing turning out the good nephew for the bad; and then I always feel an interloper here. Much as I love and admire the place, I shall be happier elsewhere. There is Lady Constance's picture, it always has reproachful eyes for me; and all the old family things, ornaments, and furniture. Although I am of no family myself, Agnes, and can boast of no ancestors whatever, I have the greatest possible respect and veneration for the fine old races of English country gentlemen. I cannot bear to hear of estates being sold to rich parvenus like ourselves.'

'It is odd,' said Agnes, 'that you should thus feel. I had always imagined that those who had made their own fortune, like your father, must feel a sort of contempt for people who inherited from father to son without any merit or work of their own.'

N