There was a sound without which startled them both, making Mellen turn hastily, and sending the sickly pallor anew across Elizabeth's face.
"Only the wind," he said, "blowing one of the shutters to with a crash."
"That is all, it——"
She did not finish; her eyes were fixed upon the window; she made one movement; tried to control herself; looked in the other direction before her husband could observe the eagerness with which her eyes had been strained out into the night; but all her attempts at self-control were in vain; she gave one heavy sigh, and sank lower and perfectly helpless in his arms.
For the second time that evening Elizabeth Mellen had swooned completely away.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE SUNSHINE OF THE HOUSE.
The day was so bright and beautiful that the preceding storm seemed only to have added freshness to both the earth and sky.
The hills rose up majestic in their richest verdure, the lovely bay was at rest in the sunshine, and the long white line of distant water shone out tranquilly, as if no treacherous wind would ever again lash it into fury.