Ah, my lord—my dear Reginald, I have passed a miserable time, and thought some terrible misfortune had befallen you. For mercy’s sake tell me where you have been, and what has happened.”
“I have been to De Monpres, as I told you.”
“Ah! nowhere else?”
“Why do you ask? I am here by your side. Be satisfied.”
“I am more than satisfied.”
He knelt by her side, and gazed upon her wan features. He did not remember her ever looking so beautiful as she did at that time. He was absorbed in contemplating her expressive and charming face. The terrible incidents of the night were for a moment or so effaced from his memory—he thought only of Theresa.
He leant over her and embraced her tenderly.
Theresa’s large eyes were bent upon Lord Ethalwood, upon whom she gazed with an expression of dreamy astonishment, and at first he was half disposed to think that she intended to repulse him, but in this he was mistaken. Tears came to her relief, and in piteous accents she exclaimed—
“I have reason to be thankful, to rejoice—for you are safe. Gracious heaven! it is almost more than I have expected.”
Her companion made no reply, but wound his arms lovingly around her.