Diana of the Crossways — Volume 3 by George Meredith
page 26 of 118 (22%)
page 26 of 118 (22%)
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'I could not eat or drink.' He tried to brush away the impression of the tomb in the heavily- curtained chamber by thinking of the summer-morn outside; he spoke of it, the rosy sky, the dewy grass, the piping birds. She listened, as one hearing of a quitted sphere. Their breathing in common was just heard if either drew a deeper breath. At moments his eyes wandered and shut. Alternately in his mind Death had vaster meanings and doubtfuller; Life cowered under the shadow or outshone it. He glanced from her to the figure in the bed, and she seemed swallowed. He said: 'It is time for you to have rest. You know your room. I will stay till the servants are up.' She replied: 'No, let this night with him be mine.' 'I am not intruding . . .?' 'If you wish to remain . . .' No traces of weeping were on her face. The lampshade revealed it colourless, and lustreless her eyes. She was robed in black. She held her hands clasped. 'You have not suffered?' 'Oh, no.' |
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