The loud hum of the
revellers came softly and pleasantly on the ear. It was an hour of
quietness and delight--a few hasty, happy moments snatched from these
gaudy hours--the pomp and circumstance of life. Would that Sir John had
been here in lieu of his friend! thought Grace. No, she did not think
so, but she felt as though such a thought might have been nursed into
being with little effort. They were now stealing down the hill, and the
dark waters of the Orr were leaping and bubbling at their feet.
"We must return," said the maiden, looking up, alarmed at seeing, for
the first time, that they were cut off from all connection and
intercourse with their companions. Her attendant was a perfect stranger,
except in name, and though counselled to rely implicity on his care by
the master of the ceremonies himself, she felt her situation
embarrassing and unpleasant.
"And why must we return?" said the mask. The tone startled her; its
expression was now soft and beseeching, as though he had before spoken
in a masked voice.
"Why!" said she, looking as though she would have pierced through his
disguise.
"Nay, whet not thy glance so keenly.
Pages:
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570