A second pause. At length she said with emphasis and affection: “Heaven protect you on your journey.”
“Dearest Countess—”
“What is the matter with you, my Lord?” Amelia exclaimed, fixing her eyes on me, “Good God, how pale you look!”
The emotions of my heart were dreadful; my working bosom threatened to burst. “God knows,” I replied with a faltering voice, “whether I shall see you again.”
“We shall certainly meet again,” said she, looking up to heaven.
“Merciful God! should my hopes blossom first beyond the grave.”
“What hopes”? she exclaimed with inquisitive astonishment.
“And do you not divine how this separation will wound my heart?”
Amelia looked anxiously around, as if seeking Lady Delier; and then fixed her eyes again doubtfully on me.
“My Lord, your words and your behaviour are mysterious to me.”