They were on Union Street, when a quicker step behind, a something of

familiar sound, gave her two moments' preparation for the sight of

Captain Wentworth. He joined them; but, as if irresolute whether to

join or to pass on, said nothing, only looked. Anne could command

herself enough to receive that look, and not repulsively. The cheeks

which had been pale now glowed, and the movements which had hesitated

were decided. He walked by her side. Presently, struck by a sudden

thought, Charles said-"Captain Wentworth, which way are you going? Only to Gay Street, or

farther up the town?"

"I hardly know," replied Captain Wentworth, surprised.

"Are you going as high as Belmont? Are you going near Camden Place?

Because, if you are, I shall have no scruple in asking you to take my

place, and give Anne your arm to her father's door. She is rather done

for this morning, and must not go so far without help, and I ought to

be at that fellow's in the Market Place. He promised me the sight of a

capital gun he is just going to send off; said he would keep it

unpacked to the last possible moment, that I might see it; and if I do

not turn back now, I have no chance. By his description, a good deal

like the second size double-barrel of mine, which you shot with one day

round Winthrop."

There could not be an objection. There could be only the most proper

alacrity, a most obliging compliance for public view; and smiles reined

in and spirits dancing in private rapture. In half a minute Charles

was at the bottom of Union Street again, and the other two proceeding

together: and soon words enough had passed between them to decide

their direction towards the comparatively quiet and retired gravel

walk, where the power of conversation would make the present hour a

blessing indeed, and prepare it for all the immortality which the

happiest recollections of their own future lives could bestow. There

they exchanged again those feelings and those promises which had once

before seemed to secure everything, but which had been followed by so

many, many years of division and estrangement. There they returned

again into the past, more exquisitely happy, perhaps, in their

re-union, than when it had been first projected; more tender, more

tried, more fixed in a knowledge of each other's character, truth, and

attachment; more equal to act, more justified in acting. And there, as

they slowly paced the gradual ascent, heedless of every group around

them, seeing neither sauntering politicians, bustling housekeepers,

flirting girls, nor nursery-maids and children, they could indulge in

those retrospections and acknowledgements, and especially in those

explanations of what had directly preceded the present moment, which

were so poignant and so ceaseless in interest. All the little

variations of the last week were gone through; and of yesterday and

today there could scarcely be an end.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024