Chapter 22

Summary

It was in the dreamy twilight of an autumn evening, about a fortnight after the arrival [of] Everard and his sister at Lord Felix's seat, that Alixe, accompanied by her friend Emily, stepped lightly and hurriedly along a superb gallery which joined the library.

“Oh wait, Emily, wait one moment. I never, never shall have firmness enough to go through the scene I am preparing for myself.” And so saying, Alixe sunk on a low cushioned seat in the embrasure of an old fashioned gothic window and burst into tears.

“My dear Alixe, you agitate yourself needlessly,” said her friend, soothingly. “Have we not both agreed that it must be done, and the sooner the better. A little courage now and you will spare yourself and one whom, I am persuaded, is dearer than self, much future misery. Go dearest, and may the God of the fatherless be with you.”

Alixe accordingly rose and advanced to the library door. What would she have given to have doubted his presence in that dreaded apartment? But no, she knew he was there, she knew he was alone. She stole thro’ the end of the dim gallery and, trembling like a guilty thing, paused before the door. She listened. All was so still that she fancied the beating of her heart might be heard in the distance. At length, summoning all her strength and calling rapidly to mind the different arguments for the step she was taking, which but last night appeared so incontrovertible, she turned the lock and entered the room. Everard was at the other end of it. He turned, on hearing the door open, and Alixe felt there was no longer any chance of retreat.

“Ha, my pretty Alixe, I almost took you for a spirit. You came in so softly I had thought you, with all the rest of your gay companions, were at the archery meeting. However, it is a lucky accident that brings you, for I was growing quite melancholy.”

“Everard,” said Alixe, while the big tears stood in her eyes. “I knew you were not going to the archery meeting and I came here to – to speak with you. It is not accident that has brought me and I would beg of you to hear me patiently for a little, a very little while.”