Part 108 (2/2)
”Lynette!...”
He swayed like a tree cut through and falling. She caught his hands, and drew them to her heart.
”I have been blind and deaf and senseless. I am changed, I am altered--I am awake at last! I know how great and precious is the love you have given me.... Do not tell me it is mine no longer! Owen, if you do that, it is I who shall die!”
A sob tore its way through him. His great frame quivered. His mask-like immobility broke up ... was gone. Her own tears falling, she stretched her arms to him; yet while his eyes devoured her, his arms hungered for her, he delayed, knitting his brows. She caught a word or two, whispered brokenly. He asked himself: ”Can this be Love?”
”It is Love! Owen, I kissed you one night when I found you sleeping! When will you kiss me back again?”
He cried out wildly upon G.o.d, and fell down upon his knees before her. He reached out groping, desperate arms, and s.n.a.t.c.hed her close. His deep, shuddering breaths vibrated through her; her own knees were trembling, her bosom in storm. She swayed like a young palm. Nearer--nearer! he felt her hands about his neck, her tears upon his face....
”Dear love, dearest husband, I have a message for you! Owen, shall I tell you what it is?”
”Tell me, my heart's beloved,” said Saxham in a whisper.
Their looks united in azure fire and golden. Their breath mingled, their lips were very near. She felt his strength about her; he drank in her sweetness. The kiss, the supreme boon, was as yet withheld.
She whispered....
”I awakened in the light of the early morning--the morning of the day I came to you. She sat beside me--the Mother, Owen! her dear hand on my heart, her dear eyes waiting for mine. She stooped and kissed me ... it was real ... I felt it! She said: 'Love your husband as I loved Richard!
Be to a child of his what I have been to you!'”
His arms wrapped round her, gathered her, enfolded her. His scalding tears wetted her white bosom as she drew the square black head to rest there, and drooped her cheek upon the broad brow. Her rich hair, loosed from its coils, fell in a heavy silken rope upon his shoulder ... their lips met in the nuptial, sacramental kiss....
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