At the Temple, he found a note from Paulina, telling him that he was expected hourly at Hilton House.
He lost no time in presenting himself. He endeavoured to stifle all emotion—to conquer the impatience that possessed him; but he could not.
Madame Durski was seated by one of the windows in the drawing-room when
Mr. Dale was announced.
She received her lover with every appearance of affection, and with an emotion which she seemed only anxious to conceal.
But to the jaundiced mind of Douglas Dale this suppressed emotion appeared only a superior piece of acting; and yet, as he looked at his betrothed, while she stood before him, perfect, peerless, in her refined loveliness, his heart was divided by love and hate. He hated the guilt which he believed was hers. He loved her even yet, despite that guilt.
"You are very pale, Douglas," she said after the first greetings were over. "But, thank heaven, there is a wonderful improvement. I can see restored health in your face. The fever has gone—the unnatural brightness has left your eyes. Oh, dearest, how happy it makes me to see this change! You can never know what I suffered when I saw you drooping, day by day."
"Yes, day by day, Paulina," answered the young man, gravely. "It was a gradual decay of health and strength—my life ebbing slowly—almost imperceptibly—but not the less surely."
"And you are better, Douglas? You feel and know yourself that there is a change?"
"Yes, Paulina. My recovery began in the hour in which I left London. My health has improved from that time."
"You required change of air, no doubt. How foolish your doctor must have been not to recommend that in the first instance! And now that you have returned, may I hope to see you as often as of old? Shall we renew all our old habits, and go back to our delightful evenings?"