'
Herbert shook his hand very warmly. 'I can assure you, Lord Cadurcis,
you have not a more sincere admirer of your genius. I am happy in your
society. For myself, I now aspire to be nothing better than an idler
in life, turning over a page, and sometimes noting down a fancy. You
have, it appears, known my family long and intimately, and you were,
doubtless, surprised at finding me with them. I have returned to
my hearth, and I am content. Once I sacrificed my happiness to my
philosophy, and now I have sacrificed my philosophy to my happiness.'
'Dear friend!' said Cadurcis, putting his arm affectionately in
Herbert's as they walked along, 'for, indeed, you must allow me to
style you so; all the happiness and all the sorrow of my life alike
flow from your roof!'
In the meantime Lady Annabel and Venetia came forth from the villa to
their morning meal in their amphitheatre of hills. Marmion was not
there to greet them as usual.
'Was not Plantagenet amusing last night?' said Venetia; 'and are not
you happy, dear mother, to see him once more?'
'Indeed I am now always happy,' said Lady Annabel.
'And George was telling me last night, in this portico, of all their
life. He is more attached to Plantagenet than ever. He says it is
impossible for any one to have behaved with greater kindness, or to
have led, in every sense, a more calm and rational life.
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