The Landlord at Lions Head — Volume 2 by William Dean Howells
page 86 of 244 (35%)
page 86 of 244 (35%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
rest, but they had scarcely spoken together; and he knew of the struggle
she must now be making with herself when she went on: "I didn't know you had been called. I thought you were still sleeping." "Yes. I seemed to sleep for centuries," said West over, "and I woke up feeling coeval with Lion's Head. But I hope to grow younger again." She faltered, and then she asked: "Did you see the light on it when the sun went down?" "I wish I hadn't. I could never get that light--even if it ever came again." "It's there every afternoon, when it's clear." "I'm sorry for that; I shall have to try for it, then." "Wasn't that what you came for?" she asked, by one of the efforts she was making with everything she said. He could have believed he saw the pulse throbbing in her neck. But she held herself stone-still, and he divined her resolution to conquer herself, if she should die for it. "Yes, I came for that," said Westover. "That's what makes it so dismaying. If I had only happened on it, I shouldn't have been responsible for the failure I shall make of it." She smiled, as if she liked his lightness, but doubted if she ought. "We don't often get Lion's Head clear of snow." "Yes; that's another hardship," said the painter. "Everything is against |
|