from devices which would seem to an honest simple understanding the most
roundabout, wire-drawn wastes of invention,--I almost fear that in thine
admiration for his cleverness, thou mayest half forget thy contempt for
his knavery.

But when the head is very full, it does not do to have the heart very
empty; there is such a thing as being top-heavy!




CHAPTER IV.

Helen and Violante had been conversing together, and Helen had obeyed her
guardian's injunction, and spoken, though briefly, of her positive
engagement to Harley. However much Violante had been prepared for the
confidence, however clearly she had divined that engagement, however
before persuaded that the dream of her childhood was fled forever, still
the positive truth, coming from Helen's own lips, was attended with that
anguish which proves how impossible it is to prepare the human heart for
the final verdict which slays its future. She did not, however, betray
her emotion to Helen's artless eyes; sorrow, deep-seated, is seldom self-
betrayed. But, after a little while, she crept away; and, forgetful of
Peschiera, of all things that could threaten danger (what danger could
harm her more!) she glided from the house, and went her desolate way
under the leafless wintry trees. Ever and anon she paused, ever and anon
she murmured the same words: "If she loved him, I could be consoled; but
she does not! or how could she have spoken to me so calmly! how could her
very looks have been so sad! Heartless! heartless!"