Wilfred de Lisle, by C.H.H. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853. Excerpt: ... changes of the dance brought him to the side of Constance, he said coldly: "How long do you remain at Meltonby, Miss Vernon?" "Only a week longer, I believe," was the reply. "And then you return to Mr. Stanley's, I presume; if so, we shall no doubt meet again." When the quadrille was at an end, Captain Melville led Constance to her place near Mrs. Warden, and as he lingered for awhile to talk to her, Lord De Lisle passed them with his lovely cousin on his arm, and touching her dress with his foot, he bowed and calmly apologized without raising his eyes to her face. Captain Melville shortly afterwards departing in search of another partner, Robert Warden approached Constance, and requested the honour of her hand for the next dance; but his complimentary harangues were on that evening doomed to be more disregarded than ever, her thoughts being entirely engrossed by a more awakening subject. Upon looking around, she found herself occupying a seat exactly opposite to a window, near which Wilfred, Miss Lismore, and Claude Melville were stationed. She did not fail to remark with much anxiety the change which had taken place in Lord De Lisle's appearance; he was reclining back languidly, with his eyes fixed upon one of the brilliant chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, with an expression of the most melancholy thoughtfulness. Indifferent, cold, haughty, sad, she had before seen him, but never with such a look of mental and physical suffering on his countenance. Captain Melville was gazing anxiously at him, as he conversed eagerly with Miss Lismore; and Constance saw that she directed a glance of equal concern towards her cousin, as the young officer spoke. In the next moment she addressed some remark to Wilfred, which for a time disturbed his painful reverie;...