It
seemed as if this pure creature was drawing him to heaven holding by that
good book, and by her touching voice. He felt good all over. To be like
her, be tried to bend his whole mind on the prayers of the church, and
for the first time realised how beautiful they are.
After service he followed her to the door. Island home again, by the
pailful; and she had a thick shawl but no umbrella. He had brought a
large one on the chance; he would see her home.
"Quite unnecessary; it is so near."
He insisted; she persisted; and, persisting, yielded. They said but
little; yet they seemed to interchange volumes; and, at each gaslight
they passed, they stole a look and treasured it to feed on.
That night was one broad step more towards the great happiness, or great
misery, which awaits a noble love. Such loves, somewhat rare in Nature,
have lately become so very rare in Fiction that I have ventured, with
many misgivings, to detail the peculiarities of its rise and progress.
But now for a time it advanced on beaten tracks. Alfred had the right to
call at Albion Villa, and he came twice; once when Mrs.
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