He softly unclosed the gate, and traversed the little garden with
noiseless steps, carefully avoiding the path that led directly to the
house.
A screen of filberts concealed his tall figure from observation; and
stepping behind the mossy trunk of an excavated oak that fronted the
casement, he sent an eager glance towards the spot from whence the
sounds issued. The sight that met his eager gaze called into action all
the demoniacal passions which the tones of that sweet voice had lulled
to rest.
Seated on a rude bench, fronting the lawn, he beheld the only human
creature he had ever loved encircled in the arms of his brother
Algernon. The guitar, on which he had been playing, now lay neglected at
his feet, and the head of the beautiful girl was fondly nestled in his
bosom. As the delighted Algernon bent caressingly over her, to catch the
low sweet words that murmured from her lips, his bright auburn curls
mingled with the glossy raven tresses that shaded the transparent cheek
of his lovely mistress, and he pressed a fond kiss upon her snowy brow.
Oh, sight of hell! Mark Hurdlestone suppressed the yell of agony that
convulsed his throat, while he gazed with flashing eyes upon the pair
before him; yes, with such a glance as Satan regarded our first parents
ere sin had exiled them from Paradise, and destroyed the holy beauty of
innocence.
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