My mood was scarcely disturbed by a
knock at the outer door, which was responded to by the maid who had
charge of my children, and the next instant I was thrilled almost to
stupefaction by seeing Evelyn enter the room.
'I've come! I've come!' she cried, in wild eagerness. 'Have you not
expected me? I'm home--home once more. Dearest--lover--husband--I'm
here, never to leave you!'
I only gasped forth--'Evelyn!'
I knew not but it was an illusion.
Then she threw herself upon me, and covered me with kisses, uttered a
volume of passionate endearments, entwined her arms about me in all
tender embraces. I reasoned with myself that it was a dream, and would
not stir lest it should dissolve.
She stood above me, and again I saw that light in her eyes. Then for the
first time I understood its import. Oh! the strange, deep, glorious
light of love and resolute devotion.
I rose falteringly, and asked in feeble accents,--'Is it you, Evelyn?
Have you indeed come?'
'Yes, yes, your Evelyn at last,--come to your arms and your heart. Your
own Evelyn, so long unworthy of you. Will you receive me?'
I but threw my arms around her, and sank down with her on my breast.
Nature exhausted itself in the intensity of that embrace.
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