Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/84

60 When Claudius read this, he smote his brow for a fool. All his love returned as new as fire; and, when he thought upon her great delicacy through this affair, he wondered, and was ashamed. He took horse, and flew to her house; but they denied him entrance, saying their lady was dying: but, by threats and protestations, he gained the lady's chamber. Her beauty was greater than ever, though fading; it touched the heart. On seeing him, the same melancholy look returned, that had so pained him before; but, recovering herself, she, with a low, yet cheerful voice, thanked him, as one who had long known him, and put forth her hand kindly and familiarly. He, seeing death in her countenance, fell upon his knees, and hiding his face in her pillow, wept bitterly; and when he looked upon her, she was also weeping. He told her of his want of feeling, and of his penitence for his neglect; kissed her, and said he hoped she would recover and marry him. This unexpected declaration so acted upon her feelings that it caused her to faint. He raised her head, and laid it on his bosom; and presently reviving, she said, "As love for you has made me thus suddenly weak, and miserable, and dying, I do think, by the new life and joy I feel within me, that to be thy wife would re-