Becoming brighter,
flashes of a dim, rainbow-coloured light crept slowly by, like the
aurora sweeping over an illuminated cloud. Suddenly he saw, or his eyes
deceived him, a female form shaping itself from these chaotic elements.
But it was observed only during the short intervals when the beams
seemed to kindle with unusual brightness. Every flash, however, rendered
the appearance more distinct. Dazzled and bewildered, the heated senses
were become the victims of their own credulity, the mind receiving back
its own reactions. Taking its impression probably from the occurrences
of the morning, the eye rapidly moulded the figure into the likeness of
Kate. Her eyes were turned upon him, beaming with that soft and melting
expression he had so recently beheld. It was but momentary, or he could
have persuaded himself that she looked on him with an air the most
tender and compassionate. Never did fancy portray her in a form so
lovely. Deep and indelible was the impression; and though it might be
"The imagination
Become impregnate with her own desire,"
yet she had performed her office well. Not all the realities, all the
blandishments that woman ever displayed, even the most resistless, could
have wrought half so dexterously or gained such swift access to the
heart.
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