She knew now that he had always loved her, and had been true to her, and that the woman, who for more than eighteen years had been the object of her jealousy and envy was, as far as he was concerned, but a myth—a phantom.
Oh! the delight of knowing that his affection had never wavered, of realizing that he had been as faithful to her as she to him.
Her eyes unclosed and she looked up into the fond face bending over her, and a quick flush of happiness swept up to her brow, as she met the fervent lovelight in his glance.
She sat up and gently released herself from his clinging arms, and he raised and led her to the great chair in which he had been sitting when she entered the room.
At that moment there came a knock on the door and the servant announced that Sir William’s carriage was ready.
Sir William controlled his emotion as well as he was able, and turning to the man, said:
“I find I cannot leave for another hour yet, please send the carriage back to the stable, and I will ring when I wish it again.”
The man bowed and withdrew, and Sir William turned again to his dear one.
“Are you better, Virgie! Shall I call a maid to get you something?” he asked, regarding her still pale face anxiously.
“No, do not,” she pleaded, putting out her hand beseechingly.