A philosopher could have foretold that. Every thing in excess
brings on reaction. The drunkard may abstain long, but the moment he
touches spirit, an orgy commences. Men love, because the time and a
woman have come--and that hour and person came all at once to arouse me
from my lethargy.
"One day I was inert, apathetic, sluggish in my movements, careless of
all things and all persons around me. On the next I was aroused,
excited, with every nerve and faculty strung. I was becoming suddenly
intoxicated, and soon the drunkenness of love had absorbed all the
powers of my being.
"You know who aroused that infatuation, the daughter of George Conway."
XV.
THE STORM.
"At that time she was called Miss Mortimer. The commencement of our
acquaintance was singular. Fate seemed to have decreed that all
connected with our relations should be 'dramatic.'
"One night I was returning at full speed from the house of a gentleman
in the neighborhood, whither I had been to make a visit. The night was
as dark as a wolf's mouth, and a violent storm rushed down upon me,
when I was still many miles from home. I have scarcely ever witnessed a
more furious tempest; the thunder and lightning were fearful, and I
pushed my horse to his utmost speed to reach Fonthill before the
torrents of rain drenched me to the skin.
Pages:
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506