Page:Francesca Carrara 1.pdf/279

Rh saw Evelyn advancing slowly along, quite alone, and seemingly lost in deep meditation. Francesca was on the very point of beckoning to him, when she checked herself; she had already learned that leading lesson of society, namely, that of curbing your first impulses. She was unwilling to have it said that her early rising had been to meet him; and still more unwilling, when she recalled his wish to avoid any suspicion of his intercourse with the English Queen,—it was impossible to say how it might be excited, and she therefore resolved to pass on, without communicating the successful delivery of the letter. But, as he came nearer, she was startled to perceive his pale and haggard appearance. His dress was neglected, like one who had watched through the night, and cared not for the coming daylight. His lip and cheek were white; and his step was uncertain and agitated.

Every kind feeling in Francesca's heart rose to the surface; and she was just about to lean forward and speak, when a servant on horseback, leading another horse, rode up. Evelyn snatched the bridle hastily, flung himself on the steed, which pranced as if as impatient as himself, plunged the spurs in its side, and darted off like a man who strives to fly even from his very thoughts; while