ce. Such embraces cast the soul beyond happiness, into no
known region of sadness, but we drew apart sadly, even as that involved
pair of bleeding recollections looked on the life lost to them. I knew
well what a height she dropped from when the senses took fire. She
raised me to learn how little of fretful thirst and its reputed voracity
remains with love when it has been met midway in air by a winged mate
able to sustain, unable to descend farther.

And it was before a witness, though unviewed by us.

The farewell had come. Her voice was humbled.

Never, I said, delighting in the now conscious bravery of her eyes
engaging mine, shadowy with the struggle, I would never doubt her, and I
renounced all pledges. To be clear in my own sight as well as in hers, I
made mention of the half-formed conspiracy to obtain her plighted troth
in a binding manner. It was not necessary for me to excuse myself;
she did that, saying, 'Could there be a greater proof of my darling's
unhappiness? I am to blame.'

We closed hands for parting. She hesitated and asked if my father was
awake; then promptly to my answer:

'I will see him. I have treated you ill. I have exacted too much
patience. The suspicion was owing to a warning I had this evening,
Harry; a silly warning to beware of snares; and I had no fear of them,
believe me, though for some moments, and without the slightest real
desire to be guarded, I fancied Harry's father was overhearing me. He is
your father, dearest: fetch him to me. My father will hear of this from
my lips--why not he? Ah! did I suspect you ever so little? I will atone
for it; not atone, I will make it my pleasure; it is my pride that has
hurt you both. O my lover! my lover! Dear head, dear eyes! Delicate
and noble that you are! my own stronger soul! Where was my heart? Is it
sometimes dead, or sleeping? But you can touch it to life. Look at me--I
am yours. I consent, I desire it; I will see him. I will be bound. The
heavier the chains, oh! the better for me. What am I, to be proud of
anything not yours, Harry? and I that have passed over to you! I will
see him at once.'

A third in the room cried out, 'No, not that--you do not!'

The tongue was German and struck on us like a roll of unfriendly
musketry before we perceived the enemy. 'Princess Ottilia! you remember
your dignity or I defend you and it, think of me what you will!'

Baroness Turckems, desperately entangled by the sofa-covering, rushed
into t