Page:History of Sir William Wallace (2).pdf/23

                                 23 her snowy arm into his nosom, as a charm that should preserve him in safety for her, rushed forth. The dreadful action follow- ed, fatal to many thousands, but to Bentinck with o:ly the honourable distinc- tion of a slight wound in the breast ; and hen the talsmanic glove was restored to its beautiful owner, the few drops of gore that sullied its delicate hue, were.gems that enriched it with inestimable value. A year of refined felicity elapsed before the lovers sealed their faith at the altar. Since that period, if ever perfect and consummate bliss was the lot of human nature, it has been enjoyed by those two favoured indiv- iduals; and at this moment Eustace Ben- tinck lives, a stinking example of fortune retrieved, happiness attained, and even ex- istence preserved through the magical power of successful early love.