“Is India well?” again spake Mark, in a faltering voice.
“India is well, and beautiful as ever. She was the belle of Washington last winter—her beauty the theme of every tongue—the envy of every woman, the madness of every man. No assembly was complete without ‘the Pearl of Pearl River!’”
Mark Sutherland grew pale, and shivered—saying, “Of course she”——
“Among her own sex there was no rival star. She divided public interest and attention only with St. Gerald Ashley, that great new planet on the political horizon.”
Mark Sutherland’s whole strong frame was convulsed. He started up and paced the floor in extreme agitation—then, seizing his hat, rushed out of the room.
“And I was to prepare him for it, said Rosalie!” exclaimed Mrs. Vivian, looking after him, as the pity of her heart grew strong.
CHAPTER X.
ROSALIE AND HER LOVER.
“She loves, but ’tis not him she loves—
Not him on whom she ponders,
When in some dream of tenderness