They whisper to me that the king is cruel,
That his reign is wicked, his law a sin,
And every word they utter is fuel
To the flame that smolders within.
His dread of Rosalind’s grief and anger seemed to vanish before the new force of his passion for Berry, and he said to himself grimly that he must have it out with Rosalind, and be done with it. It was best to “be off with the old love” before he was “on with the new.”
The opportunity came soon.
His sister Marie privately lectured him on his indifference to his betrothed.
“How can you be so cruel to poor Rose? You treat her like a stranger.”
“Has she complained of me?” he asked evasively.
“How can she help it? The dear girl is miserable at heart, although she bears up bravely. You know every one is caviling because the wedding day is not set. Why don’t you settle it once for all, Charley, dear?”