“Entirely. I infinitely prefer to be alone; and as I am free from pain, and perfectly composed, I really don’t see what I could do with her if she were here, except listen to your praises.”
“And that would be too trying.”
“I never said so; but, as you advocate frankness, I will admit that I would rather the pleasure were postponed.”
“Sine die, I suppose?”
“Colonel Dacre, you are too spiteful! I won’t listen to you any longer.”
And she turned her face to the wall, with a resolute air.
He went down on one knee, and said in a tragical tone:
“I cannot depart without your forgiveness. There is a deep pit on the Teignmouth Road, and, blinded by despair, I should be sure to fall into it! There is also a swift river beyond. You will not, surely, send me forth to certain destruction?”
She gave him her hand, and his lips fastened on it eagerly, passionately. She kept her face averted still, but she did not chide him, and a faint tremor went through her whole frame. Then slowly she turned her head, and, looking him straight in the eyes, said softly:
“You have not told me your secret yet.”