The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 295: what you’re looking at

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

278 REYNOLDS’ WORKS been invited to stop. Is it necessary to enter into details as to how this interval was passed, or can not the reader picture to himself all the tenderness of that scene which followed the mutual confession of love? There were long periods of silence, during which Wilham and Florina sat together, their hands locked, and their spirits blending in the raptured gaze which they fixed upon each other. Then there were intervals of soft and tender discourse, during which vows and pledges were renewed over and over again; and the time flew away so rapidly that the two hours had passed ere the lovers awoke from their dreamy bliss to the consciousness that time was passing at all. At length Deveril rose to take his departure. Nothing had been settled as to any future course which they were to pursue. They had been too much absorbed in the hap- piness of the present moment to be able to give serious attention to the circumstances that might arise from Florina’s resolve to renounce the coronet of Saxondale and bestow her hand upon the young artist. But, as in all such cases, there seemed to be a tacit yet mutually adopted under- standing that for the present their love should be concealed from all the world, that it should remain a secret sacredly treasured up in the sanctuaries of their own hearts, and that they should trust to the chapter of accidents to throw up circumstances in their favour. Thus ever is it with those who love in opposition to the wishes of relatives and friends, for there is a timidity in love which condemns the heart to keep it secret and forbids the lips to proclaim it boldly, even though the resolve be deeply taken that this shall be the only love that can lead to marriage. After exchanging a fond embrace, William and Florina separated, the former taking his departure from Lady Macdonald’s mansion, and the latter remaining alone to enjoy the luxury of a solitude in which she could ponder upon all that had passed. CONNIE NOO! KS ‘ (E(0)