Her Royal Lover: A Novel — page 351: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

t HER ROYAL LOVER. - 343 All these thoughts were clashing and crossing each other in the enfeebled brain of the poor in- valid. <A little repose, a little quiet and affection, and perhaps nature had still resisted; but nothing; nothing but desertion, grief, regrets. What more was necessary to destroy this sensitive being emaci- ated by sorrow?” As upon the finest summer days, this spring sky was of an intense blue; the sun become a magnifi- cent incandescent globe was sinking into the waves, entirely covered with marine alga; each house of the little town of S—— was enkindled with the last light of day ; one had said that an immense conflagra- tion was about to consume all. It was a magnificent spectacle, but soon a long, reddish train alone re- mained on the horizon, as if it was the blood of her bruised heart which tinted this sea. Gradually the country recovered its customary aspect, and then entirely disappeared under the shadows of twilight which were invading the earth. The church bell was heard in the distance; its clear and joyous voice was throwing its gay and pearly notes, an- nouncing that the hour of “Ave Marie,” of repose and prayer, had come. The day had been hot without being oppressive, the warm colors of the setting sun were announcing another day full of promise for the bathers and the tourist. A gentle breeze which was rising out at sea was wafting its refreshing breath upon all brows fatigued by the heat of the day. Najeska Ivanowna, profit- ing of these beneficent zephyrs, was installed upon the terrace, very near a large door, where the two little girls of her first marriage were now wildly and heedlessly playing with their old Russian gov- GComichbooks