He could not bear to lay her down, when the frightened maid came to his assistance, but his cousin reminded him of the proprieties by gently whispering in his ear:
“Go down, now, and wait in the drawing-room for news.”
He was loath to obey—he longed to rebel, to cry out fiercely:
“I will not go until she opens her blue eyes and smiles on me, my lost love, of whom I was cheated by cruel lies!”
But at that moment Annette entered and touched his hand warningly, as she exclaimed:
“I am so glad to see you both. But now let us go down and leave Emma to care for Daisie. It is only a simple fainting fit. See, she is already opening her eyes.”
It was true; and as they left the room Dallas could not resist the temptation of looking back. Yes, her eyes followed him with a wistful pain that pierced his heart to its center.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
LOVE THAT WOULD LAST
A very interesting party were grouped in Royall Sherwood’s drawing-room.
First, there was the host, who had insisted on being wheeled into the room when he learned of Lord Werter’s call.