Lord Melbourne had begun his career as a person of idle habits and
imprudent adventures, much given to coarse conversation, and unable to
say the simplest thing without an oath. He ended it as the man of
scrupulous dignity, tact, and delicacy, who moulded the innocent youth
of a girl-queen, to his own lasting honor and England's gratitude. In
ways less striking, the same influence of vast responsibilities was
perhaps acting upon William Ashe. It had already made him a sterner,
tougher, and--no doubt--a greater man.
The defection of William only left Kitty, it seemed, still more greedy
of things to see and do. Innumerable sacristans opened all possible
doors and unveiled all possible pictures. Bellini succeeded Tintoret,
and Carpaccio Bellini. The two sable gondoliers wore themselves out in
Kitty's service, and Margaret's kind, round face grew more and more
puzzled and distressed. And whence this strange impression that the
whole experience was a
flight on Kitty's part?--or, rather, that
throughout it she was always eagerly expecting, or eagerly escaping from
some unknown, unseen pursuer? A glance behind her--a start--a sudden
shivering gesture in the shadows of dark churches--these things
suggested it, till Margaret herself was caught by the same suppressed
excitement that seemed to be alive in Kitty.
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