And just
as that thought came to her, causing the blue eyes to fill with tears,
she saw him standing before her.
She was not surprised; he was so completely part and parcel of her
thoughts and her life that she would never have felt surprised at seeing
him. He came up to her quietly.
"My darling Madaline, your face is pale, and there are tears in your
eyes. What is the matter? What has brought you out here when you ought
to be in-doors? What is the trouble that has taken away the roses and
put lilies in their place?"
"I have no trouble, Lord Arleigh," she replied. "I came here only to
think."
"To think of what, sweet?"
Her face flushed.
"I cannot tell you," she answered. "You cannot expect that I should tell
you everything."
"You tell me nothing, Madaline. A few words from you should make me the
happiest man in the world, yet you will not speak them."
Then all the assumed lightness and carelessness died from his manner. He
came nearer to her; her eyes drooped before the fire of his.
"Madaline, my love, let me plead to you," he said, "for the gift of your
love. Give me that, and I shall be content.
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