Paul's preference of love--the principle that abideth! The
affections, dear Monica, are eternal; and being so, celestial, divine, and
consequently happy, deriving happiness, and bestowing it."
'I was always impatient of his or anybody else's metaphysics; but I
controlled myself, and only said, with my customary impudence--
'"Well, dear Silas, and when do you wish me to come?"
'"The earlier the better," said he.
'"Lady Mary and Ilbury will be leaving me on Tuesday morning. I can come to
you in the afternoon, if you think Tuesday a good day."
'"Thank you, dear Monica. I shall be, I trust, enlightened by that day as
to my enemies' plans. It is a humiliating confession, Monica, but I am past
feeling that. It is quite possible that an execution may be sent into
this house to-morrow, and an end of all my schemes. It is not likely,
however--hardly possible--before three weeks, my attorney tells me. I shall
hear from him to-morrow morning, and then I shall ask you to name a very
early day. If we are to have an unmolested fortnight certain, you shall
hear, and name your own day."
'Then he asked me who had accompanied me, and lamented ever so much his not
being able to go down to receive them; and he offered luncheon, with a sort
of Ravenswood smile, and a shrug, and I declined, telling him that we had
but a few minutes, and that my companions were walking in the grounds near
the house.
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