These probabilities, as
Brant understood them, only served to render him more ardent in his
quest, more eager to test his strength in the contest for a prize so
well worth the winning. He acknowledged no right that such a man as
Hampton could justly hold over so innocent and trustful a heart. The
girl was morally so far above him as to make his very touch a
profanation, and at the unbidden thought of it, the soldier vowed to
oppose such an unholy consummation. Nor did he, even then, utterly
despair of winning, for he recalled afresh the intimacy of their few
past meetings, his face brightening in memory of this and that brief
word or shy glance. There is a voiceless language of love which a
lover alone can interpret, and Brant rode on slowly, deciphering its
messages, and attaining new courage with every step of his horse.
All the world loves a lover, and all the fairies guide him. As the
officer's eyes, already smiling in anticipated victory, glanced up from
the dusty road, he perceived just ahead the same steep bank down which
he had plunged in his effort at capturing his fleeing tormentor. With
the sight there came upon him a desire to loiter again in the little
glen where they had first met, and dream once more of her who had given
to the shaded nook both life and beauty.
Pages:
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284