Emilius desired. It was by
preaching, and not by wealth, that he must make himself known in the
world! but for a preacher to have a pretty wife with a title and a good
income, and a castle in Scotland, what an Elysium it would be! In such a
condition he would envy no dean, no bishop, no archbishop! He thought a
great deal about it, and saw no positive bar to his success.
She told him that she was going to Scotland.
"Not immediately!" he exclaimed.
"My little boy is there," she said.
"But why should not your little boy be here? Surely for people who can
choose, the great centre of the world offers attractions which cannot be
found in secluded spots."
"I love seclusion," said Lizzie with rapture.
"Ah, yes; I can believe that." Mr. Emilius had himself witnessed the
seclusion of Portray Castle, and had heard, when there, many stories of
the Ayrshire hunting. "It is your nature--but, dear Lady Eustace, will you
allow me to say that our nature is implanted in us in accordance with the
Fall?"
"Do you mean to say that it is wicked to like to be in Scotland better
than in this giddy town?"
"I say nothing about wicked, Lady Eustace; but this I do say, that nature
alone will not lead us always aright.
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