Alice, or the Mysteries — Book 05

								

her lover, her old childish regard for him recommenced.  She pitied his
dejection, she respected his generosity, she was deeply grateful for his
forbearance.  But still--still she was free; and her heart bounded within
her at the thought.
Meanwhile, Vargrave, after his solemn farewell to Evelyn, retreated again
to his own room, where he remained till his post-horses arrived.  Then,
descending into the drawing-room, he was pleased to find neither Aubrey
nor Evelyn there.  He knew that much affectation would be thrown away
upon Mr. and Mrs. Merton; he thanked them for their hospitality, with
grave and brief cordiality, and then turned to Caroline, who stood apart
by the window.
"All is up with me at present," he whispered.  "I leave you, Caroline, in
anticipation of fortune, rank, and prosperity; that is some comfort.  For
myself, I see only difficulties, embarrassment, and poverty in the
future; but I despond of nothing.  Hereafter you may serve me, as I have
served you.  Adieu!--I have been advising Caroline not to spoil
Doltimore, Mrs. Merton; he is conceited enough already.  Good-by!  God
bless you all! love to your little girls.  Let me know if I can serve you
in any way, Merton,--good-by again!"  And thus, sentence by sentence,
Vargrave talked himself into his carriage.  As it drove by the
drawing-room windows, he saw Caroline standing motionless where he had
left her; he kissed his hand,--her eyes were fixed mournfully on his.
Hard, wayward, and worldly as Caroline Merton was, Vargrave was yet not
worthy of the affection he had inspired; for she could feel, and he
could not,--the distinction, perhaps, between the sexes.  And there still
stood Caroline Merton, recalling the last tones of that indifferent
voice, till she felt her hand seized, and turned round to see Lord
Doltimore, and smile upon the happy lover, persuaded that he was adored!

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