But in April I chanced for some reason to go to
White Farm.... I see her now! Yes, she has beauty, though it would not
strike many with the edge of the sword.... Yes, I see--about the mouth
and the eyes and the set of the head. It's subtle--it's like some
pictures I remember in Italy. And intelligence is there. Enchantment
... the more real, perhaps, for not being the most obvious.... So you
are enchained, witched, held by the great sorceress!... Elspeth is
only one of her little names--her great name is just love--love
between man and woman.... Oh yes, the whole of the sweetness is
distilled into one honey-drop--the whole giant thing is shortened into
one image--the whole heaven and earth slip silkenly into one banner,
and you would die for it! You see, my dear," said Mrs. Alison, who had
never married, "I loved one who died. I know."
Glenfernie took her hand and kissed it. "Nothing is loss to
you--nothing! For me, I am more darkly made. So I hope to God I'll
not lose Elspeth!"
Her tears, that were hardly of grief, dropped upon his bent head. "Eh,
my laddie! the old love is there in the midst of the wide love. But
the larger controls.... Well, enough of that! And do you mean that you
have asked Elspeth to marry you--and that she does not know her own
heart?"
They talked, sitting before the fragrant garden, in the little room
that was tranquil, blissful, and recluse.
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