LXXII
Lovers have much to say when the barriers which have separated them are once down, and I will not hazard a guess at the hour when after a moment of delicious silence I ventured to remark:
“We have talked much about ourselves and our future. Shall we not talk a little now about Edgar?”
“Oh, yes; tell me the whole story. I’ve only heard that he arrived in time to prevent the marriage. That Dr. Hunter generously released her from all obligation to him and that she and Edgar will be united very soon.”
I was glad to comply. Glad to throw light into that darksome corner none of us had ever penetrated, our Lucy’s heart. When I had finished, we sat a moment in awe of the passionate tale, then I said:
“We must do something for Edgar. He will have no wedding, but he must have a wedding present.”
“Let it be much.”
“It shall be much.”
“But not too much. Edgar is reckless with money and even queens in these days sometimes come to grief. Shall we not put by a fund for the time when we see the sparkle leaving his eye and anxiety making Lucy’s pale cheeks still more pallid?”
“You shall do just as you wish, Orpha.”
“No; just as Father would wish.”
Ah! my beloved one!