The Weird of the Wentworths: A Tale of George IV's Time, Vol. 2Scotus, Johannes
History
The Weird of the Wentworths: A Tale of George IV's Time, Vol. 2
Scotus, Johannes
Conduct of life -- Fiction; Great Britain -- History -- George IV, 1820-1830 -- Fiction
He then sought his own room, first asking Jeanie Forbes, who watched
outside, to wait a few minutes whilst he penned a note. He sat down and
hurriedly wrote the verses we have already made our readers acquainted
with, from his memory, and, folding them up, sent them to Lady Florence
by Jeanie, to whom he gave a valuable ring, as a memento.
Early next morning our hero arose, and, unable to eat more than an
apology of a breakfast with Lord Wentworth, who alone was up, prepared
to leave for ever. He never came back.
"Give my love to Ellen, and to your sister," he said, as he got into the
post-chaise, which was to tear him from all he prized. He felt a choking
sensation from grief as he said the words.
"I will. God bless you, my boy! win laurels and then lady-love!" said
the Earl, shaking hands.
Just as the carriage was starting Jeanie Forbes hurried up and pressed a
note into his hand. He could hardly read it, so dizzy grew his brain. On
the outside were the words "Look to my window."
The carriage started. As it crossed the bridge he looked towards the
window of the room in which all that was dear then was. He saw a white
figure, and a whiter arm that waved a kerchief. He kissed his hand; and
then an envious corner of the castle hid all from his view. Again the
window re-appeared as he drove smartly down the park road. He looked
back, his eye fixed on that lattice, and the white kerchief and the arm
that waved it! But the horses cruelly trotted on; it grew fainter and
further--further and fainter--dimmer still--until not even an eye of
fondest hero could detect it any more.
He sank back with a feeling of utter heartbroken and sickening grief--as
if deserted by all he loved. Had she asked him then, he had thrown
honour, glory, duty to the winds!
As he drove on, the first poignancy passed away, and he began to break
the seal of the note he had not yet read. As he opened it a long tress
of her golden hair fell out at his feet. He picked it up and pressed it
to his lips. The letter ran thus:--
"DEAREST JOHNNY,
"I am punished for my vanity; but let it pass. It is vain to lament
what is done. You did right. Had you stayed I would not have loved
you half as much as I now do, though it would have gratified my
wishes. Johnny, I shall ever think of you in my prayers--when
tossed on the restless billow--when on the battle-field--when on
the sultry march. When at even you see the star we have gazed on so
oft, you will think it is the morning star of my hopes! Farewell,
Johnny! And whether we meet again or not, our vows shall never be
broken. Farewell! If you come back you will find Florence faithful.
Nothing but death shall then part us. And, if you die a soldier's
death, you shall have it watered with Florence's tears.
"Go where glory waits thee,
But while fame elates thee,
Oh! still remember me!"
Bind my hair in your plume; and, when you fight, remember your
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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