Lucile By Owen Meredith [i.e. E. R. B. Lytton] |
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| XVIII. |
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| XX. |
| XXI. |
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| XXIII. |
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| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. | XXVIII. |
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| XXX. |
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| XXXIII. |
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| XXXV. |
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 | Lucile |  |
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XXVIII.
To Matilda's relief
At that moment her husband approach'd.
At that moment her husband approach'd.
With some grief
I must own that her welcome, perchance, was express'd
The more eagerly just for one twinge in her breast
Of a conscience disturb'd, and her smile not less warm,
Though she saw the Comtesse de Nevers on his arm.
The Duke turn'd, and adjusted his collar.
I must own that her welcome, perchance, was express'd
The more eagerly just for one twinge in her breast
Of a conscience disturb'd, and her smile not less warm,
Though she saw the Comtesse de Nevers on his arm.
The Duke turn'd, and adjusted his collar.
Thought he,
‘Good! the gods fight my battle to-night. I foresee
‘That the family doctor's the part I must play.
‘Very well! but the patients my visits shall pay.’
Lord Alfred presented Lucile to his wife;
And Matilda, repressing with effort the strife
Of emotions which made her voice shake, murmur'd low
Some faint, troubled greeting. The Duke, with a bow
Which betoken'd a distant defiance, replied
To Lucile's startled cry, as surprised she descried
Her former gay wooer. Anon, with the grace
Of that kindness which seeks to win kindness, her place
She assumed by Matilda, unconscious perchance,
Or resolved not to notice, the half-frighten'd glance
That follow'd that movement.
‘Good! the gods fight my battle to-night. I foresee
‘That the family doctor's the part I must play.
‘Very well! but the patients my visits shall pay.’
Lord Alfred presented Lucile to his wife;
And Matilda, repressing with effort the strife
Of emotions which made her voice shake, murmur'd low
Some faint, troubled greeting. The Duke, with a bow
Which betoken'd a distant defiance, replied
To Lucile's startled cry, as surprised she descried
Her former gay wooer. Anon, with the grace
Of that kindness which seeks to win kindness, her place
She assumed by Matilda, unconscious perchance,
Or resolved not to notice, the half-frighten'd glance
That follow'd that movement.
The Duke to his feet
Arose; and, in silence, relinquish'd his seat.
One must own that the moment was awkward for all;
But nevertheless, before long, the strange thrall
Of Lucile's gracious tact was by every one felt,
And from each the reserve seem'd reluctant to melt;
Thus, conversing together, the whole of the four
Thro' the crowd saunter'd, smiling.
Arose; and, in silence, relinquish'd his seat.
One must own that the moment was awkward for all;
But nevertheless, before long, the strange thrall
Of Lucile's gracious tact was by every one felt,
And from each the reserve seem'd reluctant to melt;
203
Thro' the crowd saunter'd, smiling.
| Lucile | |