Both were silent for a space. Sorrowful emotion had exhausted language. Eustace gazed vacantly towards the castle of Hawksglen, which was dimly seen through the trees. Eleanor raised her swimming eyes to his face, and his look met hers. Never, perhaps, till now, in this dark and troublous hour, had the fair girl felt how devotedly she loved him--how deep was her interest in his fate since she realised that he was about to launch forth upon that ocean whose depths bury many a blasted hope.
"Let us prepare to part," said Eustace, breaking the silence. "To contemplate speedy separation is the surest way to lessen its pain when the inevitable hour arrives."
"Speak not of parting, I implore you!" she ejaculated, whilst her tears dropped fast. "The word sounds like a knell."
In what better terms could the fair girl have avowed her affection? Eustace tenderly grasped her hand. "We are no longer kinsfolk," he said; "but the love I bear you can never die. I will cherish it in my heart of hearts, however fortune may frown or smile."
She gave a loud sob, and fell upon his breast. He clasped her in his trembling arms, and kissed her cheek. Hark! a murmur of voices--the rustle of brackens, the crash of branches, the tread of hurrying footsteps--and Sir James Elliot and his lady stood before the pair! Eleanor started from her lover's arms, and shrieking, would have sunk to the earth had not her father sustained her. She swooned in his embrace.
"Behold the proof of suspicions which you have scoffed at as often as I expressed them," cried Lady Elliot, looking livid with anger, and darting a fiery glance at her husband. "This base-born minion will bring disgrace upon your house and name, and yet you are deaf and blind."
"Youthful folly," answered the knight. "But it shall never bring dishonour upon me. Eustace, both you and my daughter sadly forget your stations!"
"Forget!" echoed the lady. "Must such insolence be borne at _his_ hands?"
"No, it shall not," said the knight. "Eustace, I have protected you since your infancy; but the obligation was fully repaid when you saved my life in battle, and therefore we shall cry quits, and part."
"The passing hour shall part us," said Eustace, calmly.