| Share page |
|
286 THE BATTLE OF LIFE. |
||
|
to overflowing with sorrow and compassion, that, bursting into tears, she threw her arms round Marion's neck.
"It's little that I know, my dear," cried Clemency, "very little ; but I know that this should not be. Think of wrhat you do !"
" I have thought of it many times," said Marion, gently.
" Once more," urged Clemency. "Till to-morrow."
Marion shook her head.
" For Mr. Alfred's sake," said Clemency, with homely earnestness. " Him that you used to love so dearly, once !"
She hid her face, upon the instant, in her hands, repeating " Once ! " as if it rent her heart.
" Let me go out," said Clemency, soothing her. " I'll tell him what you like. Don't cross the door-step to-night. I'm sure no good will come of it. Oh, it was an unhappy day when Mr. Warden was ever brought here! Think of your good father, darling : of your sister."
"I have," said Marion, hastily raising her head. "You don't know what I do. I must speak to him. You are the best and truest friend in all the world for what you have said to me, but I must take this step. Will you go with me, Clemency," she kissed her on her friendly face, " or shall I go alone ?"
Sorrowing and wondering, Clemency turned the key, and opened the door. Into the dark and doubtful night that lay beyond the threshold, Marion passed quickly, holding by her haud.
In the dark night he joined her, and they spoke together earnestly and long : and the hand that held so fast by Clemency's, now trembled, now turned deadly cold, now clasped and closed on hers, in the strong feeling of the speech it emphasized unconsciously. When they returned, he followed to the door; and pausing there a moment, seized the other hand, and pressed it to his lips. Then stealthily withdrew.
The door was barred and locked again, and once again she stood beneath her father's roof. Not bowed down by the secret that she brought there, though so young; but with that same expression on her face, for which I had no name before, and shining through her tears.
Again she thanked and thanked her humble friend, and trusted to her, as she said, with confidence, implicitly. Her chamber safely reached, she fell upon her knees; and with her secret weighing on her heart, could pray!
Could rise up from her prayers, so tranquil and serene, and bending over her fond sister in her slumber, look upon her face and |
||