The Lumley Autograph Part 4

But Mr. T----'s blaze of admiration was not the only flame at work, while he was gazing at the heroine of the moment. In the sudden burst of enthusiasm roused by the fair purloiner, he forgot all else; the precious volume in his hand drooped, touched the flame of a wax-light on the table, and in another instant the great Holberton Alb.u.m, that Alb.u.m of European reputation--was burning before our eyes--its invaluable leaves were curling, and blackening, and smoking under the devouring flame!

A shriek from Lady Holberton--an unearthly cry from the page of the Alb.u.m--both echoed by the spectators, came too late. The volume was half consumed. Of the Lumley Autograph not a line remained!

Such was the ill-fated end of the letter of the poor starving poet. It was written amid gloom and distress; its career closed in a stormy hour. The loss of the Alb.u.m of course broke off the engagement between Lady Holberton and Mr. T----. This however could scarcely have been regretted under the circ.u.mstances, for their union, after the catastrophe must have been one long series of miserable reproaches. The sudden change in Mr. T----'s feelings toward Miss Rowley was not a momentary one; the admiration first kindled by that lady's bold declaration, grew to be the strongest sentiment of his heart, and only a few weeks later he was made the happiest of men by receiving as his own the fair hand which accomplished the deed. Miss Rowley and Mr.

T---- were united in the bands of matrimony and collectors.h.i.+p. Lady Holberton was still inconsolable when I left London; she was thinking of traveling among the Hottentots, or in any other clime where alb.u.ms are unknown and her loss could be forgotten. The journey to Kaffirland was however postponed until the next change of ministry, and I have learned recently that the lady has so far recovered her spirits as to be thinking of an 'Omnibus.' The very last packet, indeed, brought a flattering application to myself; Lady Holberton graciously declaring that the name of Jonathan Howard is not only valued by herself, as that of a friend, but interesting to collectors generally, as having been once connected with that much lamented doc.u.ment, now lost to the world, the letter of the poor starving poet, known as the Lumley Autograph.

{"Omnibus" = in this context, an "omnibus bill" (i.e., one dealing with a variety of subject) in Parliament}