She seemed to be possessed by a spirit of perversity, which ever after she wondered at.
They had just reached her uncle's, and she prepared to leave her lover, and enter the house.
"Stop one moment, Mari," he said, grasping her arm tightly; "remember that although I love thee now with my whole heart, and will forgive thee thy fickleness and forget thy folly, if thou wilt come to me, and draw back thy words—yet——"
Mari was beginning a hasty answer, but he interrupted her with a fierce—
"Hush! listen. I will sit down there on the limekiln until the moon has set—she is not far from her setting; thou wilt see me by the glow of the limekiln," and his voice changed to a low, pleading tone. "I will be waiting for thee, Mari, and if thou comest, my arms will be open to receive thee; but if not, I will never ask thee again; and, moreover, I will do all in my power to shut thine image out of my heart."
"Nos da," was all her answer, as she entered the cottage.
The house was empty, for 'n'wncwl Jos was out on one of his fishing expeditions, and running into the penucha, she bolted the door, and threw herself on her bed in a perfect storm of tears.
"Oh Hugh, Hugh, beth na'i?"[[2]] She knew now how much she loved him—how every feeling of her heart would be torn in losing him. She knew that the flattery and admiration of Sais were as nothing to her compared to Hugh Morgan's love, and yet—and yet—she could not stoop to ask his pardon. She rose and looked through the little window; she saw the glow from the limekiln, and also saw the dark figure sitting there. The moon hung very low in the sky, and she watched it tremblingly. The clock struck in the penisha; time was passing, and soon it would be too late.
Another storm of tears—and she rose again to look at the dark figure by the limekiln. The moon had already touched the horizon.
"Should she rush out now and ask his forgiveness?" She had a feeling that the dim, grey quietness of the night was a forecast of what her life would be without Hugh, while the light and warmth of the glowing kiln portrayed his deep love for her. She had but to ask, and she would be folded in its mantle of happiness. But the moon—she's gone!—and Mari fell sobbing on the floor.