He is quite loyal and orthodox in all his opinions; ready to risk his
life for our blessed constitution in Church and State. He requested,
as a favour, that he might remain at our prayers last night. It is
delightful for me to see him turn out so well!'
In the meantime Cadurcis and Venetia entered the grotto.
'The dear Doctor!' said Cadurcis: 'five years have brought no visible
change even to him; perhaps he may be a degree less agile, but I will
not believe it. And Lady Annabel; it seems to me your mother is more
youthful and beautiful than ever. There is a spell in our air,'
continued his lordship, with a laughing eye; 'for if we have changed,
Venetia, ours is, at least, an alteration that bears no sign of decay.
We are advancing, but they have not declined; we are all enchanted.'
'I feel changed,' said Venetia gravely.
'I left you a child and I find you a woman,' said Lord Cadurcis, 'a
change which who can regret?'
'I would I were a child again,' said Venetia.
'We were happy,' said Lord Cadurcis, in a thoughtful tone; and then in
an inquiring voice he added, 'and so we are now?'
Venetia shook her head.
'Can you be unhappy?'
'To be unhappy would be wicked,' said Venetia; 'but my mind has lost
its spring.'
'Ah! say not so, Venetia, or you will make even me gloomy.
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