So, Clemency, if you will take pity on me--oh!
Clemency--!"
The Viscount stopped, still kneeling before her with bent head, nor
did he look up or attempt to touch her as he waited her answer.
Then, slowly, she reached out and stroked that bowed and humble head,
and, setting her hands upon his drooping shoulders, she sank to her
knees before him, so that now he could look into the glowing beauty
of her face and behold the deep, yearning tenderness of her eyes.
"Dear," said she very gently, "dear, if you--want me so much you
have only to--take me!"
"For my Viscountess, Clemency!"
"For your--wife, dear!"
And now, beholding their great happiness, Barnabas stole from the
room, closing the door softly behind him.
Then, being only human, he sighed deeply and pitied himself mightily
by contrast.
CHAPTER LIX
WHICH RELATES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, HOW BARNABAS LOST HIS HAT
Now as Barnabas stood thus, he heard another sigh, and glancing up
beheld Mr. Shrig seated at the little Cobbler's bench, with a
guttering candle at his elbow and a hat upon his fist, which he
appeared to be examining with lively interest.
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