He
still maintained reserve with Reginald Eversleigh, who would go to his
house, and lounge purposelessly about, sullen and gloomy, but afraid to
question the master-mind which had so completely subjugated his weak
and craven nature.
The engagement between Paulina and Douglas had lasted nearly two
months, when a cloud overshadowed the horizon which had seemed so
bright.
Madame Durski became somewhat alarmed by a change in her lover's
appearance, which struck her suddenly on one of his visits to the
villa. For some weeks past she had seen him only by lamplight--that
light which gives a delusive brightness to the countenance.
To-day she saw him with the cold northern sunlight shining full upon
his face; and for the first time she perceived that he had altered much
of late.
"Douglas," she said, earnestly, "how ill you are looking!"
"Indeed!"
"Yes; I see it to-day for the first time, and I can only wonder that I
never noticed it before. You have grown so much paler, so much thinner,
within the last few weeks. I am sure you cannot be well."
"My dearest Paulina, pray do not look at me with such alarm," said
Douglas, gently. "Believe me, there is nothing particular the matter. I
have not been quite myself for the last few weeks, I admit--a touch of
low fever, I think; but there is not the slightest occasion for fear on
your part.
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