Page:Lindigo.djvu/119

Rh themselves, gazed around on the familiar scenery, and when she had regained sufficient strength, Pamul, looking earnestly into his face, said, "I am glad to be able once more to visit this place, as I think it a befitting spot, and free from interruption, having something weighty on my mind for some time, and which I wish to communicate to you before I die, for feel that my time in this world is very short." During a short pause, for she appeared too weak to say more, Charlie endeavoured to cheer her. He told her that her health might again return, and then they would be enabled to resume their walks, and spend many happy days on the same spot. Pamul, however, interrupted him by giving a mournful motion of the head, and saying, "Never again in this life, whatever happiness may be store for me in that other world which you have taught me to look to, there is none in this, for my hours are numbered. I know that you, as well as my anxious relatives, have been uneasy and ignorant of the cause of my complaint. I thought that even you would never know it, and that the secret would go with me to the grave. However, my illness has caused me to throw off such foolish thoughts, as I consider, by confessing it to you, I may be doing what I can to prevent any unpleasantness on my decease. You will remember, the last time we visited this spot, that you confessed your love to one of your countrywomen. Little did you think that that admission would be the foundation of an illness and sorrow that would soon carry me to the grave. Had I known earlier of such a circumstance, I might have smothered my foolish hopes and grief; but, alas, it was then too late. I was ignorant that the hopeless flame which your first appearance struggling feebly in the water enkindled in my heart, had taken such a deep root, and which all earthly powers were unable to extinguish. Poor simpleton as I then was, I did not think of the insurmountable barrier which exists between our races. Your kindness, partiality, and interest in instructing me was stored up in my bosom, and added to my passion, until the fatal chasm which separates the white race from the coloured yawned before me."