THE REFORM BILL.--A VERY SHORT CHAPTER.
This reconcilation was not so short-lived as matters of the kind
frequently are. There is a Chinese proverb which says: "How near are two
hearts when there is no deceit between them!" And the misunderstanding of
their mutual sentiments being removed, their affection became at once
visible to each other. And Constance reproaching herself for her former
pride mingled in her manner to her husband a gentle, even an humble
sweetness, which, being exactly that which he had most desired in her, was
what most attracted him.
At this time, Lord John Russell brought forward the Bill of Parliamentary
Reform. Lady Erpingham. was in the lantern of the House of Commons on
that memorable night; like every one else, her feelings at first were all
absorbed in surprise. She went home; she hastened to Godolphin's library.
Leaning his head on his hand, that strange person, in the midst of events
that stirred the destinies of Europe, was absorbed in the old subtleties
of Spinosa. In the frank confidence of revived love, she put her hand
upon his shoulder, and told him rapidly that news which was then on its
way to terrify or delight the whole of England.
"Will this charm you, dear Constance?" said he kindly; "is it a blow to
the party you hate, and I sympathise with --or----
"My father," interrupted Constance, passionately, "would to Heaven he had
seen this day! It was this system, the patron and the nominee system,
that crushed, and debased, and killed him. And now, I shall see that
system destroyed!"
"So, then, my Constance will go over to the Whigs in earnest?"
"Yes, because I shall meet there truth and the people!"
Godolphin laughed gently at the French exaggeration of the saying, and
Constance forgave him. The fine ladies of London were a little divided as
to the merits of the "Bill;" Constance was the first that declared in its
favour. She was air important ally--as important at least as a woman can
be. A bright spirit reigned in her eye; her step grew more elastic; her
voice more glad. This was the happiest time of her life--she was happy in
the renewal of her love, happy in the approaching triumph of her hate.