The Highwayman by H. C. (Henry Christopher) Bailey
page 41 of 328 (12%)
page 41 of 328 (12%)
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Miss Lambourne was singing Carey's song of the nightingale:
"While in a Bow'r with beauty blest The lov'd Amintor lies, While sinking on Lucinda's breast He fondly kiss'd her Eyes. A wakeful nightingale who long Had mourn'd within, the Shade Sweetly renewed her plaintive song And warbled through the Glade." On the coming of the men the wakeful nightingale broke off her plaintive song abruptly. Lady Waverton, who was again at full length on her couch, then opened her eyes. "Delicious, delicately delicious," she sighed. "Why did you stop, dear?" she controlled a yawn. "Oh, the men! Odious creatures!" she rose on her elbow and looked at them, and looked down at her dress and patted it. Colonel Boyce accepted the challenge briskly, and marched upon her. "Egad, my lady, your name is cruelty." "Who--I, sir? I vow I never had the heart to see any creature suffer." "Nay, your very nature is cruelty. You exist but to torture us." "Good lack, sir," says my lady, well pleased, "and must I die to serve your pleasure?" |
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