Mr. Denver finished his narration, which was attended to by Signora Rivolta not without some emotion. She felt much more deeply at this recital of her father’s decease than she had at the discovery of his existence. Clara too felt very sorry for her loss; for there had always been about her grandfather a peculiarly kind and gentle manner. He was an odd man, certainly; but if odd men have amiable qualities, their very oddness renders these good qualities more impressive and beautiful. Clara relied upon his judgment, and was delighted with the kindness of his heart. Clara was one who loved prodigies; and to her imaginative mind old Mr. Martindale was a prodigy of wisdom and benevolence. Clara might possess judgment as well as imagination; but she was not always aware of the precise line which divided them, and she sometimes mistook the promptings of the one for the decisions of the other. The construction and arrangement of the external world is beautifully adapted to the varieties of minds which contemplate it, and the diversities of feelings which delight to be interested. If there be in any mind a love of the wonderful, there is abundant supply of it. If there be a delight in uniformity, there is also a uniformity precise beyond the utmost stretch of mathematical conception; and amidst human character there is also a delightful abundance of varied interest: for the sensibility which is most happy in tears, may also find sorrows wherewith to sympathise; the humor that is disposed to indulge itself in laughter, lacks not a liberal harvest of absurdities; the censorious, whose virtues consist in railing at others’ vices, never are at a loss for some vices to reprove; and those who like Clara Rivolta are delighted with romantically beautiful specimens of exalted moral character, may always find them. It was then determined by the party that the gentlemen should proceed to the cottage, and take the necessary steps for arranging the funeral of their deceased friend, and that the ladies should remain at the house of Mr. Denver. CHAPTER XIV. “Oh may we meet you in some happier clime, Some safer vale, beneath a genial sky.” LANGHORNE. At the cottage the party found the Earl of Trimmerstone and Mr. Price in very close and serious conversation. They were discussing the arrangements for the funeral; but they seemed pleased at the addition to their party; and in the manner of Lord Trimmerstone towards Markham and Colonel Rivolta, there did not appear the slightest symptom of jealousy, or the least coolness or haughtiness.