The lover stood up. “He who has been arranging that fine scheme to disgrace and martyrize you? True, as I live! that’s the reason of their having you back. Your old servant heard him and your uncle discussing it. He!—Lucy! he’s a good man, but he must not step in between you and me. I say God has given you to me.”
He was down by her side again, his arms enfolding her.
She had hoped to fight a better battle than in the morning, and she was weaker and softer.
Ah! why should she doubt that his great love was the first law to her? Why should she not believe that she would wreck him by resisting? And if she suffered, oh sweet to think it was for his sake! Sweet to shut out wisdom; accept total blindness, and be led by him!
The hag Wisdom annoyed them little further. She rustled her garments ominously, and vanished.
“Oh, my own Richard!” the fair girl just breathed.
He whispered, “Call me that name.”
She blushed deeply.
“Call me that name,” he repeated. “You said it once today.”
“Dearest!”