She did not quite understand herself. It was not that she loved Earle so passionately; the capability of great love was not hers. It was not that; it was that Earle, the master-mind, had, by the force and nobility of his own character, completely influenced her, and had won a complete ascendency over her. She had not much power of loving; what she had was his. But Earle represented peace, happiness, and prosperity to her—Earle was her sure haven of rest, her shield against all evil, her refuge against her direst enemy and bitter foe, Lord Vivianne.
So, welcome, bright, sunny day!—welcome golden sun and sweet flowers!
The post brought her her daily love-letter; but it was brief. It said simply:
"I cannot write much to my darling. I shall see her to-day, and, in two days more, she will be mine until death parts us."
He thought of the words when he saw them again.
Every face wore its brightest look at the breakfast-table that day. The earl and countess were happy in their beautiful daughter's happiness; Mattie, because she entered so easily into the joy of others.
"Doris," said Mattie, "will you come out? We shall have just time for a stroll in the woods before Earle comes."
Lady Doris laughed.
"I really cannot, Mattie. The spirit of unrest is on me, I cannot go anywhere or do anything until I have seen Earle."
"Have you decided yet about your wedding-dress?" asked Mattie. "This strange caprice of silence makes me afraid to speak; but, silence or not, it is high time that it was seen about."