There was still, however, a worse symptom, and
one which gave that gaze a significance that appalled her--this was
the smile of triumph which she had seen playing coldly but triumphantly
about his lips in her dreams. That smile was the feather to the arrow
that pierced her, and that was piercing her at that moment--it was the
cold but glittering glance of the rattlesnake, when breaking down by the
poison of his eyes the power of resistance in his devoted victim.
"Mr. Woodward," said she, after a long pause, "I am unable to bear an
interview--have the goodness to withdraw, and when you go down-stairs
send my mother up. Excuse me, sir; but you must perceive how very ill I
have got within a few minutes."
"I regret it exceedingly, Miss Goodwin. I had something to mention to
you respecting that unfortunate brother of mine; but you are not now in
a condition to hear anything unpleasant and distressing; and, indeed,
it is better, I think, now that I observe your state of health, that you
should not even wish to hear it."
"I never do wish to hear it, sir; but have the goodness to leave me.
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