Encouraged by this
unequivocal evidence of success, nature grew still more powerful in its
efforts, and the closing verse was sung to an ear that nestled near her
heart, as it had often done during the early years of Narra-mattah while
listening to its melancholy melody.
Content was a quiet but an anxious witness of this touching evidence of a
reviving intelligence between his wife and child. He best understood the
look that beamed in the eyes of the former, while her arms were, with
extreme caution, folded around her who still leaned upon her bosom, as if
fearful one so timid might be frightened from her security by any sudden
or unaccustomed interruption. A minute passed in the deepest silence. Even
Whittal Ring was lulled into quiet, and long and sorrowing years had
passed since Ruth enjoyed moments of happiness so pure and unalloyed. The
stillness was broken by a heavy step in the outer room; a door was thrown
open by a hand more violent than common, and then young Mark appeared, his
face flushed with exertion, his brow seemingly retaining the frown of
battle, and with a tread that betrayed a spirit goaded by some fierce and
unwelcome passion.
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