Farina by George Meredith
page 37 of 141 (26%)
page 37 of 141 (26%)
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Her face was so sweet a charity! 'Dear love! one word!--or say nothing, but remain, and move not. So beautiful you are! Oh, might I kneel to you here; dote on you; worship this white hand for ever.' The colour had passed out of her cheeks like a blissful western red leaving rich paleness in the sky; and with her clear brows levelled at him, her bosom lifting more and more rapidly, she struggled against the charm that was on her, and at last released her hand. 'I must go. I cannot stay. Pardon you? Who might not be proud of your love!--Farewell!' She turned to move away, but lingered a step from him, hastily touching her bosom and either hand, as if to feel for a brooch or a ring. Then she blushed, drew the silver arrow from the gathered gold-shot braids above her neck, held it out to him, and was gone. Farina clutched the treasure, and reeled into the street. Half a dozen neighbours were grouped by the door. 'What 's the matter in Master Groschen's house now?' one asked, as he plunged into the midst of them. 'Matter?' quoth the joy-drunken youth, catching at the word, and mused off into raptures; 'There never was such happiness! 'Tis paradise within, exile without. But what exile! A star ever in the heavens to lighten the road and cheer the path of the banished one'; and he loosened |
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