"But you are hungry, thirsty--you must eat--"
"Thank you, no--only weary--"
So hand in hand she led me to my chamber.
"See, dear boy, I have kept everything as you left it; your bed is
quite ready, the sheets aired, all waiting for you when you should
choose to come."
She led me about the great chamber, showing me all things as they had
been on the night of my departure, even to the pen where I had tossed
it upon an unfinished manuscript. And no mention, never one word of
Diana; for the which I loved her and was grateful.
"Dear Aunt," said I, and kissed her. "O dear Aunt Julia!"
But when at last she was gone and I alone in the soft luxury of this
chamber, desolation filled me and I yearned bitterly for the
discomforts of the little camp within the copse; the rustle of leaves,
the soft, murmurous gurgle of the brook, the winking stars overhead;
for Jeremy, and Jessamy Todd and my loved Diana. And coming to the
open lattice, I leaned there to look upon the moon, this other Diana
so placid and serene. And thinking that perhaps my Diana looked upon
her even now, a Diana not at all placid and serene but with sweet,
grey eyes a-brim with tears and heart full of yearning tenderness--even
as mine, I fell upon my knees and stretching out my arms, whispered words
of love with passionate prayers:
"O Diana, beloved ... O God of Heaven--God of Mercy, bring her back
to me at last with heart as sweet and pure--teach me to be worthy,
fit me for such happiness.
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