The world laughs and mocks at
the wretched. Misfortune is the only disgrace which is never
forgiven. You may be a thief, a murderer, and you will be pardoned
if you are adroit enough to slip your head from the noose. Criminals
are pitied and pardoned, unfortunates never. Ah, this is a mad, gay
world, and they are fools who take it earnestly; who do not laugh--
laugh even as I do."
The princess laughed aloud--if that could be called a laugh, from
which she shuddered back herself in terror.
"It is bitter cold here, "she said, shuddering; "I think I shall
never be warm again. I am always freezing, and this miserable frost
has turned my heart and soul to ice. I would like to know if they
will thaw in the grave?"
She stepped slowly from the window, and crept through the large,
empty room to the chimney, where a large wood-fire was burning--now
flickering up in clear flames, now breaking into glowing coals.
Amelia took the poker, and amused herself by dashing the coals
apart, and watching the flashing, dancing flames. The fire seemed to
embrace her whole figure, and threw a rosy shimmer over her wan and
fallen cheeks. She gazed deep down into the glowing coals, and
murmured broken, disconnected words.
Pages:
1079
1080
1081
1082
1083
1084
1085
1086
1087
1088
1089
1090
1091
1092
1093
1094
1095
1096
1097
1098
1099
1100
1101
1102
1103