with that kind yet simple manner he knew well how to assume, "do let me assist you.—and from me you shall at least have the benefit of silence."
How unutterably do the wretched feel the least expression of kindness! He saw, as he gave his arm, that her eyes were filled with tears. She was thankful both for the support and for the silence; but how long, how very long, did it seem before they reached the Castle!
As they approached, Francesca turned to her father. The moon was just sinking behind the little chapel, and the complete darkness of the casement shewed a dim ray from the lamp within. "For pity's sake," said she, "spare me to-night the gaze of the household—I cannot bear it. May I return through the chapel, and so regain my chamber?"
"That will be the least painful to all parties," replied Buckingham; and leaving her to pass in at the door, he remained on the threshold, to make due explanation to Lord Avonleigh. The kindness here had its reasons. He knew that female tears and prayers were what Charles rarely resisted, and did not desire in this instance that he should be exposed to them; for, with all the Duke's pity for Francesca, he never relented towards Evelyn for one moment.
