Sunset was near as she approached the cliff. She paused where the chasm opened out its deep vista upon the waters. They were now sparkling in the crimson flush from a sky more than usually brilliant. Both sky and ocean were blent in one; the purple beam ran out so pure along the waves, that every billow might now be seen, every path and furrow of the deep.
Adeline climbed over the rail. She stood on that extreme verge, so fearful and abrupt that it might have rendered dizzy a stouter head than her own.
"This night are we married, Mortimer. The ring and the cliff!"
The ring at this moment shot forth a tremulous brightness; probably from participation with the glowing hues by which it was surrounded.
"The genii of that ring—said he not so?—they will bear me to him. Our couch is decked, and the bridal hymn——Hark!"
It was only the sound from some passing skiff that crept along the waters, but Adeline thought she heard the voice of her lover.
"He calls me; when will he return?"
She looked anxiously on the ring, as though expecting a reply; but she saw its bright hues diminish, and gradually grow dim in the dull grey light which displaced the gaudy sunset.
"Oh, why art thou gone so soon?" Her heart seemed full, as though in the very agony of separation.
"I must away. His bark is on the deep; and he will not return."