Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1880. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXXVIII. "HOW LONG HAS HE LOVED HER?" Lord Brandon hastened to join Miss Arncourt. He saw the blooming flowers as he passed by, but none there seemed to him so fair as the beautiful girl he loved so perseveringly. "Who so fair, "he asked himself, "as she? Who so graceful?" If he could only win her for himself--win her and keep her in his heart, he would be happy for evermore. He went up to her. She was standing by the rosegarden, her white hands toying carelessly with a beautiful rose. She knew that he was coming, yet her eyes never glanced at him; their expression was one of proud, cold, weaned indifference. When Lord Bandon drew near enough to look in her face, he was startled by the terrible change in it. The youth, the beauty, the exquisite bloom, the radiance--all seemed to have died out of it, and given place to a haggard care and gloom. "Miss Arncourt!" he cried, in wonder. Slowly she turned her dark, beautiful eyes on him. "Do you want me?" she asked. "I saw you, and thought I should like to ask you how you were, but you surprised me." "To be easily surprised shows a weak mind," she said, with a miserable attempt at her old gayety of manner. "I am quite content to be considered weak-minded, if you choose to call me so," he said, with a bow and a smile. "But, Miss Arncourt, do pray assure me that you are not ill." "There is little need to assure you of the fact when you find me standing before you in perfect health," she replied. "But you look so changed--do not frown; you know the least shadow of a frown from you makes me miserable. I will not say that you look ill if it displeases you; I will keep my thoughts to myself." "Perhaps that will be the wisest thing for you to do," she said, dryly. She was annoyed that the pallor of her face should be ...