"Is Henry's opinion to be followed rather than mine?"
"No, dearest Edward, do not take it in that way; but pray do not insist upon my doing this."
"I do insist upon it, and beg to hear nothing more said against it. I desire you to go there to-morrow morning; I am sorry you have not right feeling enough to do it of your own accord, but whether you agree with me or not you must obey me."
I was going to persist; but Edward's countenance was so stern that I dared not utter another word; and all night long I lay awake racking my brain to find out some expedient, some pretext, some excuse, for eluding this order, which it seemed to me equally dangerous to obey or to resist.
CHAPTER XXII.
"I know not what I said;
I've said too much unless I could speak all.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
****** You've raised the storm
Will sever us for ever ******
The rugged hand of fate has got between
Our meeting hearts, and thrusts them from their joys."
FATAL MARRIAGE.
"Farewell; God knows when we shall meet again;
I have a faint cold fear thrill through my veins
That almost freezes up the heat of life."
SHAKESPEARE.
The following morning I got up with that jaded feeling which an anxious and sleepless night produces. As I went into my dressing-room I saw a note lying on the chimney, and recognised Henry's handwriting. I darted upon it and tore it open; the few words it contained gave me the sincerest pleasure, and put an end for the moment to the difficulty under which I laboured. This was his note:—"Alice was confined a few hours ago of a small and delicate, but I hope healthy boy. They are both, I am happy to say, doing as well as possible. Ask Edward if I can come and dine with you to-day?"