Sweet,
as well as disenchanting experiences are sometimes gained behind the
scenes. None but those who have tried it can appreciate the delight of
finding, in a manner that the uninitiate call cold and repellent, an
ever-ready loving caress. But in Royston's case there was no acting: it
was only that he allowed Cecil to see one phase of hid character that
was seldom displayed.
The subordinates in the drama betrayed much more outward concern and
disquietude than the principals. When Fanny Molyneux found that Royston
did not intend to evacuate his position, she tried the effect of a
vigorous remonstrance on her friend. The latter heard her patiently, but
quite impassively, declining to admit any probability of danger or
necessity to caution. _La mignonne_ was not convinced, but she yielded.
She wound her arm round Cecil's waist, as they sat and whispered,
nestling close to her side--"Dearest, remember this: if any thing should
happen, I shall always think that some blame belongs to me, and I will
never give you up--never."
The Tresilyan bent her beautiful swan-neck, as though she were caressing
a dove nestling in her bosom, and pressed her lips on her companion's
cheek long and tenderly.
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