The most savoury viands, the
most high flavoured ragouts, and the most delicious wines presented
themselves spontaneously to the expecting attendant. The hall was
illuminated with a thousand lustres that depended like stars from the
concave roof, and were multiplied by the reflection of innumerable
mirrors. The whole was arranged with inconceivable expedition.
In the mean time a few of the more distinguished attendants of her own
sex repaired to the presence of Imogen. They found her feeble,
spiritless and disconsolate. "Come," exclaimed their leader, in an
accent of persuasion; "comply, my lovely girl, let not us alone have
reason to complain of your unfriendliness and inflexibility."
Imogen was fatigued and she wished not for repose. Grief and persecution
had in a former instance inspired her with the love of solitude. But her
feelings were now of another kind. The disgrace and ingratitude of Edwin
had wounded her in the tenderest point, and she could not think of it
but with inexpressible anguish. She was for the first time afraid of her
own reflections, and desirous to fly from herself. "Yes," exclaimed she,
"and I would go, if you will promise me that it shall not be to the
presence of Roderic. The castle and the fields, the freshness of the
morning air and the gloom of a dungeon, are equal to me, provided I must
be kept back from the arms of my beloved parents, and their anxious and
tender spirits must still be held in suspence.
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