“‘Lady Fitzhenry has, I believe, resided here ever since the death of her husband?’ I said, as soon as I saw he had sufficiently recovered himself. ‘Yes,’ he replied: ‘by agreement, and the wording of the deed, which, at the time of Lord and Lady Fitzhenry’s marriage, saved this estate from falling into the hands of Lord Arlingford’s creditors, (it not being, like the rest of the property, entailed,) it became hers in the event of their having no children.’ ‘Does she do much good here?’ I enquired: ‘has she taken to the only employment left for the unhappy?’ ‘Oh! she is the friend and hope of all the poor of the neighbourhood,’ rejoined the good pastor with fervency: ‘at first, indeed, she was so absorbed by her grief, that she seemed to heed nothing which was passing around her, and I have seen her mechanically bestow charity to any one who chanced to cross her path; but her good mother gradually brought her to make it the occupation and interest of her life. Alas! I fear she has now no other. She is indefatigable in her exertions to do good; and may the happiness she bestows on others be at length repaid back on herself, and at least bring her peace and comfort, if not enjoyment! I understand she is in general quite calm, and even, at times, cheerful; she never, in the most distant manner, alludes to her loss, or to the past year of her life, and hastily turns off all conversation that can possibly lead to any circumstance connected with it; even with her parents, since the very first, she has maintained this same reserve. It seems as if her husband’s memory was buried within her own heart, and that she felt the grave had shut too close over such an adored being for its sacredness ever to be disturbed.’ I further learnt from my companion, that Mr. Benson has given up all share both in his mercantile concerns and in the banking-house; that his spirits and health seem to be both much broken; that he has lost all his bustling activity, and that he has just purchased a small place in the neighbourhood of Arlingford, intending there to pass the remainder of his days.