"ARTHUR EMERSON STUART."
These wild and incoherent phrases stirred the young girl's heart with
intense pain and anxiety. She had known for almost a year that she
loved the young rector; she had believed that he cared for her, and
without allowing herself to form any definite thoughts of the future,
she had lived in a blissful consciousness of loving and being loved,
which is to the fulfilment of a love dream, like inhaling the perfume
of a rose, compared to the gathered flower and its attending thorns.
The young clergyman's absence at the time of her greatest need had
caused her both wonder and pain. His letter but increased both
sentiments without explaining the cause.
It increased, too, her love for him, for whenever over-anxiety is
aroused for one dear to us, our love is augmented.
She felt that the young man was in some great trouble, unknown to
her, and she longed to be able to comfort him. Into the maiden's
tender and ardent affection stole the wifely wish to console and the
motherly impulse to protect her dear one from pain, which are strong
elements in every real woman's love.
Mrs Irving had died without writing one word to the Baroness; and
that personage was in a state of constant excitement until she heard
of the rector's plans for rest and travel.
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