CHAPTER CLIII.
PROCEEDINGS IN CASTELCICALA.
The scene, which they had just witnessed, produced a most painful impression upon the minds of the lovely Italian lady and Richard Markham.
For some moments after they were alone in the drawing-room together, they maintained a profound silence.
At length Richard spoke.
"It is a mournful occurrence which has brought us together to-day, Isabella," he said.
"And although this meeting between us be unknown to my father," answered Isabella, "yet the nature of the circumstance which caused it must serve as my apology in your eyes."
"In my eyes!" ejaculated Markham. "Oh! how can an apology be necessary for an interview with one who loves you as I love you?"
"I am not accustomed to act the prude, Richard," returned Isabella; "and therefore I will not say that I regret having met you,—apart from the sad event which led to our meeting."
"Oh! Isabella, if I do not now renew to you all my former protestations of affection, it is because it were impious for us to think of our love, when death is busy in the same house."
"Richard, I admire your feeling in this respect. But you are all our poor dying friend proclaimed you—high-minded, honourable, and generous. O Richard! the prophetic language of Mary-Anne has produced a powerful impression upon my mind!"