Page:Francesca Carrara 2.pdf/210

Rh "'Tis a world of sculpture!" exclaimed Guido, catching hold, as he passed, of a long garland covered with the most delicate frost-work, something like those which you see carved on the ancient marble of some sepulchral urn. As he touched it, the snow fell off, and, cleared from its mimic alabaster of rime, the green ivy, with its long bright leaves, remained in his hand.

"You would like," said Francesca, smiling, "to have your marble creations somewhat more lasting."

"And yet," replied he, "it is emblematic; behold it shelters the evergreen!"

"Just a lucky chance that there was not hidden beneath a dry and withered bough."

"It would have been a truer omen," answered he, mournfully. At this moment Arden came to their side.

"Yonder road," said he, "leads direct to Avonleigh. After a little while we shall have to branch off, as Lawrence Aylmer's house lies to the left; it is midway between Avonleigh and Evelyn Hall."

"So near!" thought Francesca;—and her thoughts turned more to the last road than the first. A woman never can wholly shake off the influence of him whom she first loved. The love