But Mary regretfully parted from the calm and silent spot, over which the shades of evening were now fast gathering, imparting a still greater air of solemn tranquillity to the scene. And often in days to come, when the poignant anguish then and there so softened and assuaged, had again died away, never to be recalled by the powers of memory—the place, and the hour, would float back upon her recollection—like the oasis amidst the parching sterility of the desert, to the grateful traveller—divested of all but their vague soothing and pleasurable associations.
On their way back to Arthur's chamber door, they fell in with several of his fellow students, just coming out of Hall.
They all respectfully stepped aside, and made way for "Seaham and his sister."
Arthur had already rendered himself not only a most popular and general favourite, but much respected, member of the Temple community, by his sociable, engaging—yet at the same time, steady, gentlemanly, and superior conduct and deportment.
CHAPTER VII.
Oh, what authority and show of truth
Can cunning sin cover itself withal!
SHAKESPEARE.
Thus men go wrong with an ingenious skill,
Bend the straight rule to their own crooked will.
COWPER.