transparent mist. She looked dejected, as docilely yielding to a commanding

power; she submissively entered, and was lost in the dark recess.

Were I subject to visionary moods," said the venerable lady, as she

continued her narrative, "I might doubt my eyes, and condemn my credulity;

but reality is the world I live in, and what I saw I doubt not had

existence beyond myself. From that moment I could not rest; it was worth my

existence to see her once again before she died; I knew that I should not

accomplish this, yet I must endeavour. I immediately departed for Windsor;

and, though I was assured that we travelled speedily, it seemed to me that

our progress was snail-like, and that delays were created solely for my

annoyance. Still I accused you, and heaped on your head the fiery ashes of

my burning impatience. It was no disappointment, though an agonizing pang,

when you pointed to her last abode; and words would ill express the

abhorrence I that moment felt towards you, the triumphant impediment to my

dearest wishes. I saw her, and anger, and hate, and injustice died at her

bier, giving place at their departure to a remorse (Great God, that I

should feel it!) which must last while memory and feeling endure."

To medicine such remorse, to prevent awakening love and new-born mildness

from producing the same bitter fruit that hate and harshness had done, I

devoted all my endeavours to soothe the venerable penitent. Our party was a

melancholy one; each was possessed by regret for what was remediless; for

the absence of his mother shadowed even the infant gaiety of Evelyn. Added

to this was the prospect of the uncertain future. Before the final

accomplishment of any great voluntary change the mind vacillates, now

483

The Last Man