DICK TURPIN. 673 



which they have been produced. Thus a number of writers possess 

 the form, whilst they want the spirit, of those whom it is alleged they 

 imitate ; because the former is the endowment of the age in which 

 they live, and the latter must be the un communicated lightning of 

 their own mind." This reasoning is as forcible as it is philosophical ; 

 and, without detracting from his originality, we cannot doubt but 

 that profound study and admiration of Victor Hugo, and kindred 

 feeling and sympathy with his genius, has produced a corresponding 

 effect upon Mr. Ainsworth's mind. But from whatever sources he 

 has derived his inspiration, he is unquestionably the founder of a new 

 school of romance in this country, and must be estimated accordingly. 

 Pie has not only the " endowment of the age," but the " uncommu- 

 nicated lightning," to perfect him. 



We shall not attempt to analyse the plot of Rook wood. It is wild 

 and terrible, intricate and full of interest, which would only be 

 destroyed by meagre analysis. We shall present our readers with a 

 scene which will at once satisfy them of the dramatic and agonizing 

 powers of the author. He is describing the horrible fate of Lady 

 Rookwood, the Lady Asheton of the tale, a character which, without 

 being in the slightest degree a copy, approaches more nearly to 

 Scott's chef-d'oeuvre in excellence and finish than anything we have 

 seen or expect to see: 



" At length a sound, like the sudden shutting of the church-door, broke 

 upon the profound stillness of the holy edifice. In the hush that succeeded, 

 a footstep was distinctly heard threading the aisle. 



" ' He comes he comes !' exclaimed Alan, joyfully adding, an instant 

 after, in an altered voice ' but he comes alone.' 



" The footstep drew near to the mouth of the vault it was upon the 

 stairs Alan stepped forward to greet, as he supposed, his grandson, but 

 started back in astonishment and dismay, as he encountered, in his stead, 

 Lady Rookwood. Alan retreated, while the Lady advanced, swinging the 

 iron door after her, which closed with a tremendous clang. Approaching 

 the statue of the first SirRanulph, she paused, and Alan then remarked the 

 singular and terrible expression of her eyes, which appeared to be fixed 

 upon the statue, or upon some invisible object near it. There was some- 

 thing in her whole attitude and manner calculated to impress the deepest 

 terror on the beholder. And Alan gazed upon her with an awe which 

 momently increased. Lady RookwoocTs bearing was as proud and erect 

 as we have formerly described it to have been her brow was as haughtily 

 bent her chiselled lip as disdainfully curled, but the staring, changeless 

 eye, and the deep-heaved sob, which occasionally escaped her, betrayed 

 how much she was under the influence of mortal terror. Alan watched 

 her in amazement. He knew not how the scene was likely to terminate, 

 nor what could have induced her to visit this ghostly spot, at such an 

 hour, and alone ; but he resolved to abide the issue in silence profound 

 as her own. After a time, however, his impatience got the better of his 

 fears and scruples, and he spoke. 



" ' What doth Lady Rookwood in the abode of the dead?' asked he, at 

 length. 



" She started at the sound of his voice, but still kept her eye fixed upon 

 the vacancy. 



(<f Hast'thou not beckoned me hither, and am I not come?' returned 

 she, in a hollow tone. ' And now thou askest wherefore I am here. 1 am 



M. M. No. 102. 4 R 



