Page:Romance & Reality 3.pdf/306

304 How many discourses of Algernon's freshened on his memory!—discourses on which his rich but melancholy imagination wasted its strength. Then he recalled the affectionate interest with which Algernon ever entered into his plans—how he had encouraged him with prediction, and shared with him in hope. "And how little," thought Edward, bitterly and sadly, "how little has sufficed to put discord and division between us! A weary and evil experience is that of life! But I ought to blame myself—I was unkind and impatient. We shall be the better friends for the future." And he put spurs to his horse, in the eagerness of reconciliation. He were no true lover who could ride the greensward by moonlight without thinking of her "the gentle lady of his heart;" and from thinking how affectionately Algernon would listen to the history of his love, and Beatrice's infinite perfections, he very naturally soon thought of those perfections only. However, he was roused from this reverie by suddenly entering the drive which led direct to the house. Here was sufficient indication that he was not the only visitor expected that night. Lamp after lamp flashed through the thick