Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 1).pdf/401

 at her task, she tapped at the bed-room door, and begged a moment's audience. Elinor opened it, in the greatest consternation. "What!" cried she, taking her to the window, "is all over, without a word uttered?"

No; Ellis answered; she merely wished for more precise commands what she should say.

"Say?" cried Elinor, reviving, "say that I adore him! That since the instant I have seen him, I have detested his brother; that he alone has given me any idea of what is perfection in human nature! And that, if the whole world were annihilated, and he remained... I should think my existence divine!"

She then pushed her back, prohibiting any reply.

Harleigh, to whom all was incomprehensible, but whose expectations every moment grew higher, of the explanation he so much desired, perceiving the embarrassment of Ellis, gently advanced, and said, "Shall I be guilty of indiscre-