"Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet,
And thy mouth is comely:
Thou art all fair, my love;
And there is no spot in thee."
When Matilda started up, suddenly saying she had heard the voice of
her grandmother calling, the heavy folio slipped unheeded from his
knee, and he gazed steadily at Rose with eyes that bore a look as if a
thick veil had suddenly fallen from them. There was a world of pathos
in his face, for he realized, even as he gazed on her, that nothing
again could ever look to him as it had looked before this moment had
come. Rose had watched him furtively while he read, surprised to find
him so handsome. She had never seen him other than at a distance, for
his coarse russet gown had repelled her. But now she observed with
astonishment how beautiful were his deep-set, blue eyes, how noble his
high forehead, how exquisitely moulded his lips and chin, how proud the
carriage of his head. Everything about him, even his slender, delicate
hands, spoke of a refinement far beyond even that of the Baron, for all
his silks and embroideries. Prim little Matilda was not so foolish,
then, after all!
As he looked on her, he saw with bewilderment all his well-laid plans
come crashing to the ground. He had been so sure of himself (but
self-pride had ever been his besetting sin). Here was a lesson in
humility, indeed! He understand the love of a woman! He, forsooth, an
ignorant youngster! He, who but a half-hour ago (when he had been ages
younger) had been willing to lay down the law to saints and martyrs!
Ignoramus! Had he not held a woman's form to his and praised God that
his heart had not beat one stroke the quicker? Had not he pressed
a kiss on a woman's brow and been thankful that there had been no
unchaste thrill? Well did he know now with a sudden revelation that he
could not so much as touch this woman's hand but the blood would mount
like strong wine to his head. There was a touch of solemnity in his
eyes as they rested on the face that was teaching him so much. When at
last she stirred uneasily under his persistent gaze, it seemed to him
as if hours, months,--years, had passed.
"Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my bride;
Thou has ravished my heart
With one look from thine eyes.
With one chain of thy neck."
She started at the low words which seemed to escape him involuntarily.
Annys continued to gaze gravely on her, and came near to her.
"Why didst thou come into my life?" he asked quietly.
Then after an instant's pause for the reply which did not come, he
added hopelessly, with a weary sigh, "I had thought myself so happy."
And then without one word more he was gone.