309
CHAPTER XXVII.
"'Tis a hard lesson for the heart to learn,
That it can give itself, but give in vain."
Francesca hurried through the winding paths that led unperceived to the chateau, and, once safe in the solitude of her own chamber, gave way to the choking tears she sought not to repress; and yet she felt it a relief to look back to the event of the past evening. She no longer reproached herself for the change of her feelings towards Evelyn—how completely was it justified! her growing dislike had been, as it were, a natural warning—the good revolting unconsciously from the bad. Then her cheek burned, and her brow darkened, when she recalled the imputation he had cast upon her; shame, in the first instance, had been merged in surprise and anger—shame can never be the first feeling of the innocent; but even the falsest accusation brings the burning and bitter blush, to think that such can even have
