H. B. Marriott Watson

“ Rising, I fronted her swiftly, with a glowing heart, as she stood confused and flushing at the accident.
'Without you,' said I, murmuring low, 'I have no honour, Phyllis. I am desperate for lack of you; my brain is become an ingenious cheat for you; I am a rogue, a rascal, in your presence. I know no deed I would not dare for you. I would give my soul as I have given my heart and life for you.'
My fervid eyes, drooping before her, beheld but her dazzling gown swaying in the breath of the valley. ”

“ My mind was a mad whirlpool, my pulse beat as the fleet wings of a dove; and when she stood upon the eyot I flung myself at her feet in the bracken.
'Phyllis,' I cried, 'be with me always as upon this passage. The world is planned upon this principle of dependence, Phyllis.'
She started and turned pale and red. ”

“ There was no great stretch between us now, and as I walked the rustle of her gown fell like music on my ears. And yet I was but commonly happy. When in the cold distance, it had seemed life had no fairer prospect than to be a little nearer; but now, grown familiar with the neighbourhood, I desired another advance, chafing at so frugal a pleasure. At length my ardent discontent provoked me past bearing. I glanced at the blue sky, the feathered elms, and the long bracken.
'The year is mending,' said I. 'Nature is in perfection. ”