Godolphin, Volume 4. by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
page 35 of 68 (51%)
page 35 of 68 (51%)
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more fixedly combined her image with that of a wearisome seclusion and an
eternal ennui. From the thought of Lucilla, coupled with its many embarrassments, Godolphin turned with avidity to the easy enjoyments of life--enjoyments that ask no care and dispense with the trouble of reflection. But among the visitors to Rome, the one whose sight gave to Godolphin the greatest pleasure was his old friend Augustus Saville. A decaying constitution, and a pulmonary attack in especial, had driven the accomplished voluptuary to a warmer climate. The meeting of the two friends was quite characteristic: it was at a soiree at an English house. Saville had managed to get up a whist-table. "Look, Saville, there is Godolphin, your old friend!" cried the host, who was looking on the game, and waiting to cut in. "Hist!" said Saville; "don't direct his attention to me until after the odd trick!" Notwithstanding this coolness when a point was in question, Saville was extremely glad to meet his former pupil. They retired into a corner of the room, and talked over the world. Godolphin hastened to turn the conversation on Lady Erpingham. "Ah!" said Saville, "I see from your questions, and yet more your tone of voice, that although it is now several years since you met, you still preserve the sentiment--the weakness--Ah!--bah!" "Pshaw!" said Godolphin; "I owe her revenge, not love. But Erpingham? |
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