"YOU don't think it's serious, do you, Godfrey?"
"Far from it! In a few days, I feel quite sure, all will be well again."
"I think so, too. I was a little frightened at first, but I think so
too. It was very kind to go and make my excuses for me to people who are
almost strangers to you. But why not have gone with them to the concert?
It seems very hard that you should miss the music too."
"Don't say that, Rachel! If you only knew how much happier I am--here,
with you!"
He clasped his hands, and looked at her. In the position which he
occupied, when he did that, he turned my way. Can words describe how
I sickened when I noticed exactly the same pathetic expression on his
face, which had charmed me when he was pleading for destitute millions
of his fellow-creatures on the platform at Exeter Hall!
"It's hard to get over one's bad habits, Godfrey. But do try to get over
the habit of paying compliments--do, to please me."
"I never paid you a compliment, Rachel, in my life. Successful love
may sometimes use the language of flattery, I admit. But hopeless love,
dearest, always speaks the truth."
He drew his chair close, and took her hand, when he said "hopeless
love." There was a momentary silence. He, who thrilled everybody, had
doubtless thrilled HER. I thought I now understood the words which had
dropped from him when he was alone in the drawing-room, "I'll do it
to-day." Alas! the most rigid propriety could hardly have failed to
discover that he was doing it now.
"Have you forgotten what we agreed on, Godfrey, when you spoke to me in
the country? We agreed that we were to be cousins, and nothing more."
"I break the agreement, Rachel, every time I see you."
"Then don't see me."
"Quite useless! I break the agreement every time I think of you. Oh,
Rachel! how kindly you told me, only the other day, that my place in
your estimation was a higher place than it had ever been yet! Am I mad
to build the hopes I do on those dear words? Am I mad to dream of some
future day when your heart may soften to me? Don't tell me so, if I
am! Leave me my delusion, dearest! I must have THAT to cherish, and to
comfort me, if I have nothing else!"
His voice trembled, and he put his white handkerchief to his eyes.
Exeter Hall again! Nothing wanting to complete the parallel but the
audience, the cheers, and the glass of water.
Even her obdurate nature was touched. I saw her lean a little nearer to
him. I heard a new tone of interest in her next words.