"
Chapter XXXVI
Hugh Fernely took the letter from Lillian's hands, and read it
with a muttered imprecation of disappointment. The moon, which
had been struggling for the last hour with a mass of clouds,
shone out faintly; by its light Lillian saw a tall man with a
dark, handsome face browned with the sun of warm climes, dark
eyes that had in them a wistful sadness, and firm lips. He did
not look like the gentlemen she was accustomed to. He was polite
and respectful. When he heard her name, he took off his hat, and
stood uncovered during the interview.
"Wait!" he cried. "Ah, must I wait yet longer? Tell your sister
I have waited until my yearning wish to see her is wearing my
life away."
"She is really ill,"returned Lillian. "I am alarmed for her. Do
not be angry with me if I say she is ill through anxiety and
fear."
"Has she sent you to excuse her?" he asked, gloomily. "It is of
no use. Your sister is my promised wife, Miss Lillian, and see
her I will."
"You must wait at least until she is willing," said Lillian, and
her calm, dignified manner influenced him even more than her
words, as she looked earnestly into Hugh Fernely's face.
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