Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/287

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PAUL CLIFFORD.
279

the rapture of Lucy's momentary and innocent caress! And at a later, yet no distant, period, when in the felon's cell the grim visage of Death scowled upon him, it may be questioned whether his thoughts dwelt not far more often on the remembrance of that delightful moment, than on the bitterness and ignominy of an approaching doom!

"She breathes—she moves—she wakes!" cried the father, and Lucy, attempting to rise, and recognizing the Squire's voice, said faintly, "Thank God, my dear father, you are not hurt! And are they really gone?—and where—where are we?"

The Squire relieving Clifford of his charge, folded his child in his arms, while in his own elucidatory manner he informed her where she was and with whom. The lovers stood face to face to each other, but what delicious blushes did the night, which concealed all but the outline of their forms, hide from the eyes of Clifford!

The honest and kind heart of Mr. Brandon was glad of a release to the indulgent sentiments it had always cherished towards the suspected and