The maiden, with
whom it was his sole aim to pass a few hours of pleasantry and
amusement, had enthralled him by so sudden a spell, that he was more
than half inclined to believe in the boasted skill and exploits of the
sex, which has rendered Lancashire so famous. Her unaccountable absence
impressed itself strangely upon his thoughts. He was in love!--and he
writhed at the discovery; but he would have given worlds just then to
have proclaimed it at his mistress's feet.
Scarcely conscious how the night wore on, he was obliged to act his
part. Supper was announced; and he took his station where he could see
the guests unmask as they entered to the banquet.
The tables were nearly filled, but the Silver Knight and his fair lady
were still absent. Grace Gerard is doubtless in her own chamber, was the
host's reply to some inquiry from Sir John:--she had craved excuse from
some slight indisposition. But this did not satisfy him to whom it was
addressed: he suspected her chamber would be found unoccupied;--his
heart felt wasted and desolate;--it was as if the whole fair face of
nature were blotted out,--the light being gone which rendered it
visible.
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