"
In a flash I saw the advantage her prolonged absence would give me,
unless, indeed, she had become my confederate, so I beheld her depart
with a feeling of relief which reacted in the next moment to positive
helplessness and terror as the bolt was drawn, behind her. What could I
do? What was there to be done? For a time I sat mute and crushed by
consideration; then casting myself on my bed I slept for half an hour,
the kind of slumber that confusion generates, and yet I woke refreshed,
calmed, comforted, and with a clearly-formed resolution and plan of
action. I rose and approached Mrs. Clayton, whose groans, perhaps,
aroused me, and, as I stood beside her bed, the clock in the dining
room-below struck six. I had still three hours for hope--for endeavor,
before the circle of flame should close hopelessly around me forever!
Three hours--were they not enough? Could I not compel them to
concentration?
A cup of strong tea was hastily drawn and swallowed--another made for,
and administered by my hand to, Mrs. Clayton, with toast _ad libitum_--a
tedious process--and afterward Ernie's supper prepared and eaten--all in
less than half an hour. By seven he was in bed and asleep, and I had
taken my seat by Mrs. Clayton, for the purpose, apparently, of merciful
ministry to her condition--a piece of self-abnegation, as it seemed, and
as she felt it, scarcely to be expected on my blissful marriage-night.
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