‘Nay, it was that which taught me its power. Your rejection was the making of me; thanks to Violet, who would not let me harden myself, and ruin all.’
‘Violet! I could almost call her our presiding spirit, sent to save us from ourselves!’
‘Dear Violet! how glad she will be.’
‘Then,’ said Percy, as if he had only room for one thought, ‘are we indeed to begin anew?’
‘I will try to be less unbearable,’ was the stifled answer.
‘We have both had lessons enough to teach us to be more humble and forbearing,’ said Percy, now first venturing to take her hand. ‘Let us hope that since this blessing has been granted us, that we shall be aided in our endeavours to help each other.’
There was a grave and chastened tone about the meeting of these two lovers: Theodora almost terrified at realizing that the bliss she had once forfeited was restored to her, and Percy peculiarly respectful—almost diffident in manner, feeling even more guilty towards her than she did towards him. Neither could be content without a full confession of their wrongs towards each other, and the unjust impressions that had actuated them; and in the retrospect time passed so quickly away, that they were taken by surprise when the candles came in.
‘I need not go?’ entreated Percy.
‘No, indeed; but you have had no dinner.’
‘Never mind—I want nothing.’