root in my bosom; I went to seek Idris, my adored, now wandering alone,

while the waters were rushing from heaven like a cataract to bathe her dear

head in chill damp, her fair limbs in numbing cold. A female stood on the

step of a door, and called to me as I gallopped past. It was not Idris; so

I rode swiftly on, until a kind of second sight, a reflection back again on

my senses of what I had seen but not marked, made me feel sure that another

figure, thin, graceful and tall, stood clinging to the foremost person who

supported her. In a minute I was beside the suppliant, in a minute I

received the sinking Idris in my arms. Lifting her up, I placed her on the

horse; she had not strength to support herself; so I mounted

behind her, and held her close to my bosom, wrapping my riding-cloak round

her, while her companion, whose well known, but changed countenance, (it

was Juliet, daughter of the Duke of L---) could at this moment of horror

obtain from me no more than a passing glance of compassion. She took the

abandoned rein, and conducted our obedient steed homewards. Dare I avouch

it? That was the last moment of my happiness; but I was happy. Idris must

die, for her heart was broken: I must die, for I had caught the plague;

earth was a scene of desolation; hope was madness; life had married death;

they were one; but, thus supporting my fainting love, thus feeling that I

must soon die, I revelled in the delight of possessing her once more; again

and again I kissed her, and pressed her to my heart.

We arrived at our home. I assisted her to dismount, I carried her up

stairs, and gave her into Clara's care, that her wet garments might be

changed. Briefly I assured Adrian of her safety, and requested that we

might be left to repose. As the miser, who with trembling caution visits

443

The Last Man