The
bursting of the leaf-buds brings me a tender thought of the one dear
heart that gives me all its spring; and whenever I see the smile of
a child, a generous look, the flash of sympathy in an eye, it makes
me warm with swift remembrance of the one I love the best of all,
just 'as a lamplight will set a linnet singing for the sun.'
Love is doing the same thing for Francesca; for the smaller feelings
merge themselves in the larger ones, as little streams lose
themselves in oceans. Whenever we talk quietly together of that
strange, new, difficult life that she is going so bravely and so
joyously to meet, I know by her expression that Ronald's noble face,
a little shy, a little proud, but altogether adoring, serves her for
courage and for inspiration, and she feels that his hand is holding
hers across the distance, in a clasp that promises strength.
At five o'clock we longed to ring for hot water, but did not dare.
Even at six there was no sound of life in the cosy inn which we have
named The Cromwell Arms ('Mrs. Duddy, Manageress; Comfort,
Cleanliness, Courtesy; Night Porter; Cycling Shed'). From seven to
half-past we read pages and pages of delicious history and legend,
and decided to go from Cappoquin to Youghal by steamer, if we could
possibly reach the place of departure in time. At half-past seven
we pulled the bell energetically. Nothing happened, and we pulled
again and again, discovering at last that the connection between the
bell-rope and the bell-wire had long since disappeared, though it
had been more than once established with bits of twine, fishing-
line, and shoe laces.
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