All the energies of her soul had been exerted to
encounter the trials and surmount the difficulties which she felt to be
unavoidable. When the beloved form of Edwin had appeared before her, she
relaxed in some degree from the caution and vigilance she had hitherto
preserved. It is the very nature of joyful surprize to unbend as it were
the strings of the mind, and to throw wide the doors of unguarded
confidence. Before, she had felt herself alone; she saw no resource but
in her own virtue, and could lean upon no pillar but her own resolution.
Now she had trusted to meet with an external support; she had poured out
her heart into the bosom of him in whom she confided, and she looked to
him for prudence, for suggestion and courage. But, instead of support,
she had found debility, and instead of assistance the resources of her
own mind were dried up, and her native fortitude was overwhelmed and
depressed. She turned pale at the recital of Roderic, her knees
trembled, her eyes forgot their wonted lustre, and she was immersed in
the supineness and imbecility of despair.
"Edwin!"--she cried, with a tone of perturbation; but her utterance
failed her. Her voice was low, hoarse, and inaudible. The fictitious
shepherd supported her in his arms.
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