Now he took it into his clasp as tenderly as though it were Francesca's
face, and kissed it with the self-same clinging and passionate fondness
as this of which he had just read. Here had her lips rested,--here; he
felt their fragrance and softness thrilling him under the cold, dead
paper, and pressed it to his heart while he continued to read:--
"Before she turned, I walked to another window,--wishing to give her
time to recover calmness, or at least self-control, and was at once
absorbed in contemplating a gentleman whom I felt assured to be Mr.
Ercildoune. He stood with his back to me, apparently giving some order
to the coachman: thus I could not see his face, but I never before was
so impressed with, so to speak, the personality of a man. His physique
was grand, and his air and bearing magnificent, and I watched him with
admiration as he walked slowly away. I presume he passed the window at
which she was standing, for she called, 'Papa!' 'In a moment, dear,' he
answered, and in a moment entered, and was presented; and I, raising my
eyes to his face,--ah, how can I tell you what sight they beheld!
"Self-possessed as I think I am, and as I certainly ought to be, I
started back with an involuntary exclamation, a mingling doubtless of
incredulity and disgust. This man, who stood before me with all the ease
and self-assertion of a gentleman, was--you will never believe it, I
fear--_a mulatto_!
"Whatever effect my manner had on him was not perceptible.
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