"Scarcely. For years she shut herself in her castle; but the Earl of Bellamont, pitying her loneliness and her sorrows, a year since did prevail on her to take up her abode at Castle Cor."
"And so, when he was appointed governor, she came hither with him? I would see her, Elpsy."
"Nay, thou hadst better not. There is one who alone will demand all thy time and thought! Hast thou the will to perform? will no faint-heartedness come over thee?"
"None. I love her still. Time only increases my passion. Five years has given me worldly lessons. I am ready to fulfil the vow I made to thee when in port a few months ago, in expectation of her arrival, and now assert my claim to the rank and title of Lester, for I have been taught that kings have been bastards, and bastards kings."
"And to this title seek to annex that of the house of Bellamont?"
"But will she hear me still? I fear even thy art, aided by thy subtlest filters, could not make her love if love has once died in her heart."
"It will depend on thee—as it chance that thou love her or her title more."
"I care not for her title so I be once more her accepted wooer. Elpsy," he said, with animation, "I have loved this maiden well; never, save when sleeping—nor even then, for my dreams were of her alone—have I ceased to think of her. There is none, save thyself, that know I am not the true Lester?"
"None. Even Lady Lester still mourns thee as her son, and would be first to hail thee."
"The Mark Meredith?"