"Out on you! it is a selfish, an ignoble system," said Constance. "You smile--well, I may be unphilosophical, I do not deny it. But, give me one hour of glory, rather than a life of luxurious indolence. Oh, would," added Constance, kindling as she spoke, "that you--you, Mr. Godolphin,--with an intellect so formed for high accomplishment--with all the weapons and energies of life at your command,--would that you could awaken to a more worthy estimate--pardon me--of the uses of exertion! Surely, surely, you must be sensible of the calls that your country, that mankind, have at this epoch of the world, upon all--all, especially, possessing your advantages and powers. Can we pierce one inch beyond the surface of society, and not see that great events are hastening to their birth? Will you let those inferior to yourself hurry on before you, and sit inactive while they win the reward? Will you have no share in the bright drama that is already prepared behind the dark curtain of fate, and which will have a world for its spectators? Ah, how rejoiced, how elated with myself I should feel, if I could will over one like you to the great cause of honourable exertion!" For one instant Godolphin's eye sparkled, and his pale cheek burned--but the transient emotion faded away as he answered-- "Eight years ago, when she who spoke to me was Constance Vernon, her wish might have moulded me according to her will. Now," and he struggled with emotion, and turned away his face,--"now it is too late!" Constance was smitten to the heart. She laid her hand gently on his arm, and said, in a sweet and soothing tone, "No, Percy, not too late!" At that instant, and before Godolphin could reply, they were joined by Saville and Lady Charlotte Deerham. [1] I suppose Godolphin by the word pleasure rather signifies happiness. CHAPTER XXXIX. LUCILLA'S LETTER.--THE EFFECT IT PRODUCES ON GODOLPHIN.