She battled against the marriage for a long time with a strange
persistence--all the more strange because she never alleged the
slightest personal dislike to me; but after a vigorous cannonading
from her own garrison (in which, I am proud to say, I did not in
any way join), she hoisted the white flag and surrendered.
I was very happy. I had no fear about being able to gain Elsie's
heart. I think--indeed I know--that she had liked me all along,
and that her refusals were dictated by other feelings than those of
a personal nature. I only guessed as much then. It was some time
before I knew all.
As the day approached for our wedding Elsie did not appear at all
stricken with woe. The village gossips had not the smallest
opportunity for establishing a romance, with a compulsory bride for
the heroine. Yet to me it seemed as if there was something strange
about her. A vague terror appeared to beset her. Even in her most
loving moments, when resting in my arms, she would shrink away from
me, and shudder as if some cold wind had suddenly struck upon her.
That it was caused by no aversion to me was evident, for she would
the moment after, as if to make amends, give me one of those
voluntary kisses that are sweeter than all others.
Pages:
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547