were."

Words like these from the lips of one in whom such tender supplications,
such feminine yearnings, were not common, subdued Godolphin at once. He
folded her in his arms, and kissing her passionately, whispered, "Be
always thus, Constance, and you will be more to me than ever."

CHAPTER LX.

THE REFORM BILL.--A VERY SHORT CHAPTER.

This reconcilation was not so short-lived as matters of the kind
frequently are. There is a Chinese proverb which says: "How near are two
hearts when there is no deceit between them!" And the misunderstanding of
their mutual sentiments being removed, their affection became at once
visible to each other. And Constance reproaching herself for her former
pride mingled in her manner to her husband a gentle, even an humble
sweetness, which, being exactly that which he had most desired in her, was
what most attracted him.

At this time, Lord John Russell brought forward the Bill of Parliamentary
Reform. Lady Erpingham. was in the lantern of the House of Commons on
that memorable night; like every one else, her feelings at first were all
absorbed in surprise. She went home; she hastened to Godolphin's library.
Leaning his head on his hand, that strange person, in the midst of events
that stirred the destinies of Europe, was absorbed in the old subtleties
of Spinosa. In the frank confidence of revived love, she put her hand
upon his shoulder, and told him rapidly that news which was then on its
way to terrify or delight the whole of England.