CHAPTER XI.—George is a Christian Gentleman.
In vain did Mercedes scan the broad bosom of the Pacific Ocean in search of something to say that would be soothing to Clarence's feelings, very proper for her to utter, and very acceptable to her mamma's sentiments, had she been there to hear it. But that vast sea was dark and mute. It did not respond. It only made her shudder to think of its awful silence that was so solemn, but not in the least comforting. It was so dark, so limitless, so cold. She turned her eyes to the luminous wake trailed by the steamer where such wealth of diamonds was wasted. “Fitful scintillations and then all lost in gloom,” she said, adding: “No, all is not wasted, those bright diamonds are not as evanescent as we, they will sink, but reappear again and remain there always to gladden or amuse poor travelers for ages to come; yes, when our two poor hearts have ceased forever to throb with joy or pain.”
“Is it not, then, wrong when life is so flitting to refuse pure and holy happiness which God has permitted to the children of man?”
“We will be talking bookish, like Corina Holman, if we sit here alone with the silent Pacific. Let us go to find Elvira,” said she, rising. “Ah, there she is now!”
Elvira was bidding good night to her two lady friends who stood at the door of their state-room, and (as all ladies must) had something very interesting to say at the last moment.
“And so I am to be patient whether there is hope or not,” said Clarence.
“You said you would speak with papa. You forget how very kind he is to everybody in general, and how partial to you in particular.”
“Yes, he is most generous, almost too noble for this world.”
“I have often thought that, but as he is past fifty, I trust that a kind Providence will spare him to us for many years yet.”
“Of course, he will be spared to you. If no good man could live, then the gift of life would be a brand upon man's forehead. But a character as his, is truly very rare. He comes nearer to my standard of excellence than any other man I ever saw, and I revere and love him for it.”