Each secret winding, each inmost feeling
Of my soul echoed to its spell!
’Twas whispered balm! ’Twas sunshine spoken!
I’d live years of grief and pain
To have my long sleep of sorrow broken
By such benign, blessed sounds again!”
“Beautiful words,” Lady Elaine murmured, dreamily, “and beautifully rendered!”
Viscount Rivington only dimly comprehended her remark. His whole being was on fire with love.
He made no reply, but snatched her to him in a frenzy of passion.
For a moment Lady Elaine was so overcome with astonishment that she could make no resistance. His action had been so unexpected, so sudden, that she felt herself clasped in his arms before she realized what had happened. Brief as the scene was, it had not escaped the watchful eyes of Margaret Nugent, and she retired with the feelings of a victor.