One slander I'll refute--yes--and that
done, I'll close this idle episode in _my_ cursed epic, and never,
_never_ think of her again.'
But fancy will not be controlled by resolutions, though ne'er so wise
and strong, and precisely as the captain vowed 'never'--away glided that
wild, sad sprite across the moonlit river, and among the old black elms,
and stood unbidden beside Lilias. Little Lily, as they used to call her
five years ago; and Devereux, who seemed to look so intently and so
strangely on the flash and whirl of the dancers, saw but an old
fashioned drawing-room, with roses clustering by the windows, and heard
the sweet rich voice, to him the music of Ariel, like a far-off dirge--a
farewell--sometimes a forgiveness--and sometimes the old pleasant talk
and merry little laugh, all old remembrances or vain dreams now.
But Devereux had business on his hands that night, and about eleven
o'clock he had disappeared. 'Twas easy to go and come in such a crowd,
and no one perceive it.
But Puddock was very happy and excited. Mervyn, whom he had once feared,
was there, a mere spectator, however, to witness that night's signal
triumph.
Pages:
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550