Margaret Denzil's History (Volume 2) (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. 1864. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII. ILLUMINATION. It is an old and constant discovery that few miseries, few calamities, are capable of destroying the heart of a man. It is an ark built by divine hands, and howsoever it may suffer, is meant to endure and does endure. Caught in sudden tempest, cast from wave to wave in the dark, pierced by hidden sharp rocks, thunder-scathed, beaten down deep into the sea till there seems no more hope for it and no good in hope, --it survives. Let but the storm abate a little, and the ark is lift up; it rides upon the surface of the waters, timidly looking for a gleam of light or a green bough: and when they are assuaged, then you may see how many living things have been kept alive in the ark, as they descend into the desolation and patiently begin the world anew. So it was with me. My misfortunes were very great--greater for having fallen full upon me at the moment when my own happiness was perfected, and when I believed in the happiness and innocence of all the world; yet I found I could live. My heart beat in its accustomed measure, even a little stronger and steadier, perhaps. Certainly I rode back from Weymouth with far less agitation, far more clearness and calmness, than I felt during the journey thither, or at any time since I left my husband's house. Now I knew and had undergone the worst that could befall; and the only result at present was, as if my mind, that had at once been light, was now condensed into cold, heavy, impenetrable crystal. To be sure, that made a difference. As long as it was light it mingled with the light; it was a part of the sunshine, and fellow with everything in nature that lives or seems to live. But now all was changed: fellowship had ended between us: we were strangers. Though the sun still shone, its beams w...