ERNEST MALTRAVERS

BY EDWARD BULWER LYTTON
(Lord Lytton)


BOOK IX.

I go, the bride of Acheron.--SOPH. /Antig./

These things are in the Future.--/Ib./ 1333.



CHAPTER I.

* * * "There the action lies
In its true nature * * * *
* * * What then? What rests?
Try what repentance can!"--/Hamlet/.

"I doubt he will be dead or ere I come."--/King John/.

IT was a fine afternoon in December, when Lumley Ferrers turned from
Lord Saxingham's door. The knockers were muffled--the windows on the
third story were partially closed. There was sickness in that house.

Lumley's face was unusually grave; it was even sad. "So young--so
beautiful," he muttered. "If ever I loved woman, I do believe I loved
her:--that love must be my excuse. . . . I repent of what I have