The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 322: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE SIREN’S WILES 305 himself on the bank at a distance of perhaps three feet from where she was half-reclining. ‘Is not this breeze beautiful? ”’ and as if with quite a mechanical and unconscious move- ment, she threw back her scarf and opened the front of her dress in such a manner as to display her bosom. “Yes,’’ said the baron, not appearing to notice the manceuvre, but keeping his eyes bent downward, ‘it is indeed a beauteous evening, and distressing is it to think that while nature is so serene around, the human heart can- not imbibe a kindred inspiration from this soit tranquillity. The glory of the descending sun is upon the waters; its beams appear to penetrate, like shafts of living light, down into the very depths of that sleeping sea. How is it that the lustre of that same heavenly orb cannot fathom the proiundities of the human soul? ”’ “Oh, how delicious is it to hear you speak thus! ”’ said Emma, in accents that were soft and musically tremulous. “ You do not now seem to be angry with me, you do not now appear as u rancorous feelings were agitating within you— Ah! is it possible that you have comprehended that emotion which for some time past I have experienced toward you? If such be indeed the case, then shall I conceive myself blessed with a happiness which on account of my misdeeds is so utterly undeserved. Ah! you do not chide me, you do not bid me hold my peace? Then indeed is there hope that I am not altogether indifferent to you. Oh, an idea suddenly strikes me,” she cried, with no affectation of a suddenly enhancing excitement, for the thought did that moment flash to her brain. ‘‘ The mercy you are disposed to show us is dictated by a generous pity, dare I say, a tender compassion for me? ”’ She paused for a reply, but Bergami, instead of giving one, bowed his face upon his hands and appeared to plunge into deep thought. “Oh, I have guessed the truth,” exclaimed Emma, her tones becoming now almost exultant as she felt within her- self the assurance that the magic of her charms was working its effect upon the Prussian officer. ‘‘ Now, then, shall I coniess frankly and candidly that I love you. Yes, noble Bergami, from the first moment I set eyes upon you, have { been smitten by your handsome person, your engaging manners, your fascinating discourse; and latterly I have GOmMiicdoo! <S) (CO) im