"I want to say always, with Paul Flemming, 'I will be strong,' and therefore I placed here the inscription which proved an evangel to him, that when I come to my mother's grave I may be strengthened, not melted, by the thronging of bitter memories."
She looked up as he spoke, and the melancholy splendour of the deep eyes stirred her heart as nothing had ever done before.
"I have a few flowers left; let me lay them as an affectionate tribute, an 'in memoriam' on your mother's tomb—for the olden time, the cottage days, are as fresh in my recollection as in yours."
She held out a woodland bouquet which she had previously gathered; he took it, and strewed the blossoms along the broad base of the shaft, reserving only a small cluster of the rosy china cups. Both were silent; but as she turned to go, a sudden gust blew her hat from her head, the loosened comb fell upon the grass, and down came the heavy masses of hair. She twisted them hastily into a coil, fastened them securely, and received her hat from him, with a cool—
"Thank you, sir. When did you hear from Electra?"
They walked on to the cemetery gate, and he answered—
"I have heard nothing for some weeks. Have you any message? I am going to New York in a few days to try to persuade her to return to W—— with me."
"I doubt the success of your mission; W—— has little to tempt an artist like your cousin. Be kind enough to tender her my love, and best wishes for the realization of her artistic dreams."
They had reached the gate where Erebus waited, when Russell took off his hat.
"You have a long walk to town," said Irene, as Russell arranged her horse's reins.