Lady Eleanore Rochcliffe , who refused to wet her beautiful lips even with a bubble of champagne , had sunk back into a large damask chair , apparently overwearied either with the excitement of the scene or its tedium ; and while , for an instant , she was unconscious of voices , laughter and music , a young man stole forward and knelt down at her feet . He bore a salver in his hand on which was a chased silver goblet filled to the brim with wine , which he offered as reverentially as to a crowned queen -- or , rather , with the awful devotion of a priest doing sacrifice to his idol . Conscious that some one touched her robe , Lady Eleanore started , and unclosed her eyes upon the pale , wild features and dishevelled hair of Jervase Helwyse . `` Why do you haunt me thus ? '' said she , in a languid tone , but with a kindlier feeling than she ordinarily permitted herself to express . `` They tell me that I have done you harm . '' `` Heaven knows if that be so , '' replied the young man , solemnly . `` But , Lady Eleanore , in requital of that harm , if such there be , and for your own earthly and heavenly welfare , I pray you to take one sip of this holy wine and then to pass the goblet round among the guests . And this shall be a symbol that you have not sought to withdraw yourself from the chain of human sympathies , which whoso would shake off must keep company with fallen angels . '' `` Where has this mad fellow stolen that sacramental vessel ? '' exclaimed the Episcopal clergyman . This question drew the notice of the guests to the silver cup , which was recognized as appertaining to the communion-plate of the Old South Church , and , for aught that could be known , it was brimming over with the consecrated wine . `` Perhaps it is poisoned , '' half whispered the governor 's secretary . `` Pour it down the villain 's throat ! '' cried the Virginian , fiercely . `` Turn him out of the house ! '' cried Captain Langford , seizing Jervase Helwyse so roughly by the shoulder that the sacramental cup was overturned and its contents sprinkled upon Lady Eleanore 's mantle . `` Whether knave , fool or Bedlamite , it is intolerable that the fellow should go at large . '' `` Pray , gentlemen , do my poor admirer no harm , '' said Lady Eleanore , with a faint and weary smile . `` Take him out of my sight , if such be your pleasure , for I can find in my heart to do nothing but laugh at him , whereas , in all decency and conscience , it would become me to weep for the mischief I have wrought . ''
But while the bystanders were attempting XXXXX lead away the unfortunate young man he broke from them and with a wild , impassioned earnestness offered a new and equally strange petition to Lady Eleanore .
Whether as at for from into on than to upon