"
"A day, Miss Wildmere. Your appearance indicates that you have
survived admirably."
"The moon is so bright that we could drive fast, and I'm always happy
when in rapid motion."
"You have had the advantage of me then; yet I've been in rapid motion
a good part of the day on express trains."
"I feared you were not going to return to-day," she said, as she
strolled out with him on the piazza.
"Feared?"
"Yes, why not?"
"It strikes me that I might ask, Why?"
"Surely you would not have me lose such an evening as this, Mr. Muir?"
she said, a little reproachfully.
"I would have you follow your own heart."
"I shall follow it as soon as possible," she replied, so earnestly
that he was disarmed--especially as the glance which accompanied the
words was full of soft allurement and appeal. Of her own accord she
put her hand on his arm, and spoke in low, contented tones, as if she
had at last found rest and refuge. The moon poured around her a flood
of radiance, which gave her an ethereal aspect. Her white drapery
enhanced and spiritualized her remarkable beauty, making her appear
all that lover or poet could ask. His own words grew kinder and
gentler; his heart went out to her as never before; she seemed so
fair, delicate, and pure in that witching light that he longed to
rescue her at once from her surroundings.
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