Remember , there are others , better , braver , more worthy of you ; that life is long , and full of pleasure yet untried . '' `` Have no fears for me , Mamma . I 'll not disgrace you or myself by any sentimental folly . I do love Paul , but I can conquer it , and I will . Give me a little time , and you shall see me quite myself again . '' Lillian lifted her head with an air of proud resolve that satisfied her mother , and with a grateful kiss stole away to ease her full heart alone . As she disappeared Lady Trevlyn drew a long breath and , clasping her hands with a gesture of thanksgiving , murmured to herself in an accent of relief , `` Only a love sorrow ! I feared it was some new terror like the old one . Seventeen years of silence , seventeen years of secret dread and remorse for me , '' she said , pacing the room with tightly locked hands and eyes full of unspeakable anguish . `` Oh , Richard , Richard ! I forgave you long ago , and surely I have expiated my innocent offense by these years of suffering ! For her sake I did it , and for her sake I still keep dumb . God knows I ask nothing for myself but rest and oblivion by your side . '' Half an hour later , Paul stood at the hall door . It was ajar , for the family had returned unexpectedly , as was evident from the open doors and empty halls . Entering unseen , he ascended to the room my lady usually occupied . The fire burned low , Lillian 's chair was empty , and my lady lay asleep , as if lulled by the sighing winds without and the deep silence that reigned within . Paul stood regarding her with a great pity softening his face as he marked the sunken eyes , pallid cheeks , locks too early gray , and restless lips muttering in dreams . `` I wish I could spare her this , '' he sighed , stooping to wake her with a word . But he did not speak , for , suddenly clutching the chain about her neck , she seemed to struggle with some invisible foe and beat it off , muttering audibly as she clenched her thin hands on the golden case .
XXXXX leaned and listened as if the first word had turned him to stone , till the paroxysm had passed , and with a heavy sigh my lady sank into a calmer sleep .
Lillian Mamma Paul Richard Trevlyn disgrace fire locks rest years