Finally,
there was again silence, now only disturbed by the sound of a page
turned by Lord Cadurcis.
Suddenly the lady sprang from her seat, and firmly grasping the arm of
Cadurcis, threw herself on her knees at his side.
'Cadurcis!' she exclaimed, in a tender tone, 'do you love me?'
'My dear Gertrude,' said Lord Cadurcis, coolly, but rather regretting
he had quitted his original and less assailable posture, 'you know I
like quiet women.'
'Cadurcis, forgive me!' murmured the lady. 'Pity me! Think only how
miserable I am!'
'Your misery is of your own making,' said Lord Cadurcis. 'What
occasion is there for any of these extraordinary proceedings? I have
told you a thousand times that I cannot endure scenes. Female society
is a relaxation to me; you convert it into torture. I like to sail
upon a summer sea; and you always will insist upon a white squall.'
'But you have deserted me!'
'I never desert any one,' replied Cadurcis calmly, raising her from
her supplicating attitude, and leading her to a seat. 'The last time
we met, you banished me your presence, and told me never to speak to
you again. Well, I obeyed your orders, as I always do.'
'But I did not mean what I said,' said Lady Monteagle.
'How should I know that?' said Lord Cadurcis.
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