Evan Harrington -- Volume 4

ch the water flowed, and the dive could be taken to a paved depth, and you swam out over a pebbly bottom into sun-light, screened by the thick-weeded banks, loose-strife and willow-herb, and m

he lover's mind, to tender dreams; and often at dawn, when dressing, his restless heart embarked on it, and sailed into havens, the phantom joys of which coloured his life for him all the day. But most he loved to look across it when the light fell. The palest solitary gleam along its course spoke to him rich promise. The faint

of deeds achieved for her sake, you may be sure the young man behaved worthily, though he was modest when she praised him, and his limbs trembled when the land whispered of his great reward to come. The longer he

be his. Then blow upon blow was struck, and he prayed to be near her till he died: no more. Then she, herself, struck him to the ground, and sitting in his chamber, sick and weary, on

d trees stood like temples of darkness; their shadows lengthened supernaturally; and a pale gloom crept between them on the sward. He had been thinking for some time that Rose would knock at his door, and give him her voice, at least; but she did not come; and when he had gazed

nd could wish him; but he has had a terrible fall in the morning, and a young woman rages in his brain. Better, indeed, and 'more

was the halcyon, and another the petrel, it no longer disturbed him, seeing that he was a stranger to the influences by which she was affected. The Countess rated him severely for not seeking repose and inviting sympathy. She told him that the Jocelyns had one and all combined in an inf

d whispered aloud, 'Hush: she is here. She is so an

ly. 'May she come, Loui

returned the Countess. 'Oh, w

d to Evan's chagrin int

This young lady had restless brilliant eyes, and a contraction about the forehead which gave one the idea of a creature suffering perpetual

nk it is I who ought to be

es and dropping them as before, murmu

f you did me the h

menced twisting and intertwining

e dismissed from your present servic

n, thinking more of the unmu

his mind, at least. The waters streamed on endlessly into the golden arms awaiting them. The low moon burnt

iss Bonner asked, an

ay, and perhaps I

e these

been so happy

ruel young me

don't call young men

ake advantage of what Ro

d under his inquiring look, and added: 'I wish I could say the

Jocelyn herse

But am I not-tell me-do I not look

ifference that ill

es! And Rose is so

ure, she does no

Rose?

han much logic. Though Evan claimed only the hand- kerchief he had won, his heart

ll you so

ll me what

nd you or not, you ha

'I am only waiting to int

d in her voice as well there

, and Harry, are going

e shadow was thrown towards the ho

aking the hand of

them. At any rate, you have done me a g

onner's trembling moist hand, and as he continued standing, she moved t

is dear boy, and the Countess had met and engaged and driven him to

up to him, 'I thought you were i

eft them with a light laugh to go to Juliana, whom she found in tears. The Countess was quite awa

him. He was simply going to ask for his own, before he went, and had no cause to fear what would be thought by any one.

, nor compared the fineness of his instincts with the behaviour of titled gentlemen. Rather he seemed to admit the distinction between his birth and that of a gentleman, admitting it to his own soul, as it were, and struggled simply as men struggle against

n the evening sky, a grey speck in a field of grey, and not be seen or known, till surely as the circle advances the faint planet gathers fire, and, coming nearer earth, dilates, and will and must be seen and known. When Evan lay like a dead man on the ground, Rose turned upon herself as the author of his death, and then she felt this presence within

e spoke did she feel, and start to feel, how long had

me out, Evan? I

shall leave early to-morrow

re goi

, and left the thrill

going; I should h

now. I did not think of any risk to you. I only wanted you to beat. I wanted you to be firs

ept them on him, too deep in

ze on her t

ake the leap any day fo

come fo

s speaking the colour mounted in h

efend myself. It was the Countess, Evan. She is offended with me-very justly,

ough he felt more in it, and had some secret nerves set

nd to withho

n? Anything that yo

chief. Is no

or it? Because he asked for nothing el

ause it was so poor a gif

Because in honour she w

hesitate still

g but that; and if you are going aw

refusal, as was she not to see his in the request. But Love is b

I shall go about boasting "This is Miss Jocelyn'

n Rose's breast with a pe

ive it yo

ed with his blood. He guessed where it had been nestling, and, now, as if by revelation, he s

! bel

am, he looked and saw in her sweet face the living wonders th

to say it-and it 's unpard

d her fac

for loving

ds should be joined, their eyes intermingling. And when Evan, with a lover's craving, wished her lips to say what her eyes said so well, Rose drew his fingers up, and, with an arch smile and a blush, kissed them. The simple act set his heart thumping, and from the look of love, she saw an expression of

eak to Mama

lead cru

d; but could g

words about his bruised shoulder, touching it softly, as if she knew the vir

? I can hardly believe it now! Do you know,' she hurried on, 'they think me cold and heartless,-

As Evan listened, the words were like

ying to himself, 'to-mo

well of me a f

a speechless breath, or a touch: and to break the marriage of their eyes the

kissed the hand of Rose, and led her back to the house. He had appe

Rose whispered, 'Till dea