Page:Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno Concluded.djvu/330

292 she went back to Fairyland, into the human spirit that loved her so dearly? The idea seemed too wild for belief. And yet, are there not 'more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy'?

"God meant it to be beautiful," I whispered, "and surely it was beautiful? God's purpose never fails!" I dared say no more, but rose and left her. At the entrance-gate to the Earl's house I waited, leaning on the gate and watching the sun set, revolving many memoriessome happy, some sorrowfuluntil Lady Muriel joined me.

She was quite calm again now. "Do come in," she said. "My father will be so pleased to see you!"

The old man rose from his chair, with a smile, to welcome me; but his self-command was far less than his daughter's, and the tears coursed down his face as he grasped both my hands in his, and pressed them warmly.

My heart was too full to speak; and we all sat silent for a minute or two. Then Lady Muriel rang the bell for tea. "You do take five o'clock tea, I know!" she said to me,