ABSTRACT

The arrival of Zenna, Lok, and Herman, sent a short-lived beam of joy to the heavy heart of Waldorf. They / found him in an attitude that brought tears into their eyes. Pale and wan, his trembling arms supported the declining Helena. Her fevered breath, interrupted by convulsive catchings, was inhaled by the pallid Waldorf. Her countenance was hectic, yet a sort of painful brilliancy gave the deceitful glow of beauty to her features. Her arms clasped his neck, and the swift tears trickled from his watchful eyes, and fell on her burning cheek. His flowing ringlets hung neglected on his shoulders; and an air, scarcely to be expressed, diffused itself on his features; it was something resigned, yet rather as if resignation had been the fruits of despair; it was so bitter, yet so mournful – so accusing, yet so submissive; in / short, it possessed all the hopelessness of resignation, with all the madness of despair.