Sandra Belloni -- Volume 3

me idea whither we would go: in harness we are simply driven, and the destination may be anywhere. To be reduced to this condition (which will happen now and then in the case of very young men wh

conduct at Brookfield did not satisfy his remorseless critical judgement. In consequence, when he again saw Lady Charlotte, his admiration of that one prized characteristic of hers paralyzed him. She looked, and moved, and spoke, as if the earth were her own. She was a note of true music, and he felt himself to be an indecisive chord; capable ultimately of a splendid performance, it might be, but at present crying out to be played upon. This is the condition of a man in harness, whom witlings may call what they will. He is subjugated: not won. In this state of subjugation he will joyfully sacrifice as much as a man in love. For, having no consolatory sense of happiness, such as encircles and makes a nest for lovers, he seeks to attain some stature, at lea

lowing letter from

Mr. W

. Pray come; come now. Come on a swift horse. The thought of you galloping to me goes through me like a flame that hums. You will come, I know

ssandra Belloni' was given w

red coxcombry, "why then oneself will take a little of the praises given to her." And that seemed eminently satisfactory. Men think in this way when you have loved them, ladies. All men? No; only the coxcombs; but it is to these that you give your fresh affection. They are, as it were, the band of the regiment of adorers, marching ahead, while we sober working soldiers follow to their music. "If she grows famous, why then I can bear in mind that her heart was once in my possession: and it may return to its old owner, perchance." Wilfrid indulged in a pleasant little dream of her singing at th

Two days later, at noo

him in the billiard-r

horseback to see you."

of escape gave him a

Lady Charlotte, when she heard that E

fear for he

s every minute of his time to that ki

; the very best dish in the world; but it does not prove us. It fattens and strengthens us, just as the sun does. Adversity is the inspector of our constitutions; she simply tries our muscle and powers of endurance, and should be a periodical visitor. But, until she comes, no man is known. Wilfrid was not absolutely engaged to Lady Charlotte (she had taken care of that), and being free, and feeli

had to attain, in his severe contemplation. A born lady, on her assured level, stood a chance of becoming a Goddess; but ladyship was Emilia's highest mark. Such is the state of things to the sentimental fancy when girls are at a disadvantage. She smil

milia; "I only

im, and me in the b

her word to return earl

d Lady Charlotte. "Give me five minu

y removed the captain, by de

Emilia's cheeks, as she looked upon Wilfrid. Then sh

" cried

ught him over. He will

st be m

I kno

tell y

r. Pow

that Lady

word like it,...he said 'her lover'-Oh! mine!" Emilia lifted

His heart was in a tumult; stirred both ways: stirr

m I?" he

!" Emilia

her sla

from the first growth of sensation. Something with the bloom on it

with these observations, and really deserve the stigma. If you will smil

s eyes were so taken with her, that she failed to observe a tiny red-flowing runlet in the clay, with yellow-ridged banks almost baked to brick. Over it she was borne, but at the expense of a shaking that caused her t

galloped back to Emilia, who was deposited on a bush of bramble.

t." Emili

frigh

," was hal

t. Tell me why you rode over to us

ister Cornelia," came the answer, wi

to assure him of her safety and take his clasp, forgetful of the instincts derived from riding-habits, her feet became entang

said Lady Charlotte,

spill, by any 'assiduous attentions' and precautions. She's sure to take as ma

rprise, bowed, and flowe

t look of a wh

ed; not without a certain a

two? Captain Gambler will see me safe from the savage admi

. "Ta-ta!" she waved her fingers from her lips. The pairs then separate