She saw the softened look upon his face,
the flaming anger die out of his eyes.
"Hugh," she said, softly, "I, Beatrice Earle, pray you, by the
love you bear me, to release me from all claim, and leave me in
peace.
"Let me think," he replied; "give me a few minutes; no man could
part so hastily with the dearest treasure he has. Let me think
what I lose in giving you up."
Chapter XL
They stood for some time in perfect silence; they had wandered
down to the very edge of the lake. The water rippled in the
moonlight, and while Hugh Fernely thought, Beatrice looked into
the clear depths. How near she was to her triumph! A few
minutes more and he would turn to her and tell her she was free.
His face was growing calm and gentle. She would dismiss him with
grateful thanks; she would hasten home. How calm would be that
night's sleep! When she saw Lord Airlie in the morning, all her
sorrow and shame would have passed by. Her heart beat high as
she thought of this.
"I think it must be so," said Hugh Fernely, at last; "I think I
must give you up, Beatrice. I could not bear to make you
miserable.
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