"
He sighed. "When does the African mail come in, my dear?" he asked as
Lady Constance put away the letter she had been reading.
"To-night, usually," she returned with a sigh. A sudden flush rose to
her cheek, rendering her face still more lovely while it lasted, but
leaving her paler than ever when it had gone.
"Still wandering," said her uncle sadly; "surely, by now, Adrien ought
to have forgotten the past."
"He'll never come back until he does," said Lady Constance softly.
"No," said her uncle, with a touch of pride. "He will not come back
until he can take up a worthier life with a worthy love, Constance. Ring
the bell, my dear, and inquire for the mail."
She obeyed him and returned to the fire again, placing her hand upon the
old man's shoulder. Very beautiful she looked, as the bright gleam of
the firelight illumined her face, more lovely now because of its tender,
womanly expression; and the old man's gaze rested lovingly on her.
"When he comes back," he said musingly, "Adrien will find a sweet prize.
He loves you, and his love will increase and endure."
Almost before he had finished speaking there came the sound of
footsteps, and the door opened.
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