Emilia in England Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 edition. Excerpt: ...now and then peeping up and breathing to the keen scent of the tender ferns. Wilfred still grasped her hand, and led her across the common, away from the rout. When the uproar behind them had sunk, he said: "You'll get your feet wet. I'm sorry you should have to walk. How did you come here? " She answered: " I forget." " You must have come here in some conveyance. IDid you walk? " Again she answered: " I forget; " a little querulously; perhaps wilfully. " Well " he persisted: " You must have got your harp to this place by some means or other? " " Yes, my harp " a sob checked her voice. Wilfrid tried to soothe her. "Never mind the harp. It's easily replaced." "Not that one I " she moaned. " We will get you another." " I shall never love any but that." "Perhaps we may hear good news of it tomorrow." "No; for I felt it die in my hands. The third blow was the one that killed it. It's broken." Wilfrid could not reproach her, and he had not any desire to preach. So, as no idea of having done amiss in coming to the booth to sing illumined her, and she yet knew that she was in some way guilty, she accused herself of disregard for that dear harp while it was brilliant and serviceable. " Now I remember what poor music I made of it I touched it with cold fingers. The sound was thin, as if it had no heart. Tick-tick --I fancy I touched it with a dead man's finger-nails." She crossed her wrists tight at the clasp of her waist, and letting her chin fall in her throat, shook her body fretfully, much as a pettish little girl might do. Wilfrid grimaced....