But he might have prayed in a new version of the litany:
“From all false friends and wicked schemers, good Lord, deliver us!”
Just now he could think of nothing clearly but the intoxicating bliss of Violet’s nearness, and the shy gladness of her dark-blue eyes as they dwelt on his, so dark, so true, so tender.
He placed his hand fondly over hers, thrilling with joy at the soft contact, and poured out, in love’s tender phrases, low and deep, all his joy at seeing her again.
But Violet, with a shy consciousness of Amber’s presence, rejoined, softly and anxiously:
“Oh, Cecil, we have no time even to rejoice over this happy meeting, for I want you to advise me how to escape from the perils that surround me.”
And, clasping her white hands in piteous terror, she added:
“Oh, I am so frightened, Cecil, at the dark and cruel fate that seems lowering over my head! I have no peace by day or night. Terrible dreams startle me from sleep, and fill me with forebodings of evil!”
“My darling, you are weak and nervous, that is all. There is no real danger, for, as I have written to you every day, they cannot force you into an unwilling marriage. Only be courageous, and persist in refusing Harold Castello’s suit, and all will be well. Judge Camden will give up his plan when he finds you are determined not to yield.”
“Ah, you do not know grandpapa as well as I do, Cecil. I fear his power, he is so harsh and cruel!”