登陆注册
14820400000048

第48章

When Euphra rose from the table, and Harry followed her example, Hugh thought it better to rise as well. Mr. Arnold seemed to hesitate whether or not to ask him to resume his seat and have a glass of claret. Had he been a little wizened pedagogue, no doubt he would have insisted on his company, sure of acquiescence from him in every sentiment he might happen to utter. But Hugh really looked so very much like a gentleman, and stated his own views, or adopted his own plans, with so much independence, that Mr. Arnold judged it safer to keep him at arm's length for a season at least, till he should thoroughly understand his position--not that of a guest, but that of his son's tutor, belonging to the household of Arnstead only on approval.

On leaving the dining-room, Hugh hesitated, in his turn, whether to betake himself to his own room, or to accompany Euphra to the drawing-room, the door of which stood open on the opposite side of the hall, revealing a brightness and warmth, which the chill of the evening, and the lowness of the fire in the dining-room, rendered quite enticing. But Euphra, who was half-across the hall, seeming to divine his thoughts, turned, and said, "Are you not going to favour us with your company, Mr. Sutherland?""With pleasure," replied Hugh; but, to cover his hesitation, added, "I will be with you presently;" and ran up stairs to his own room.

"The old gentleman sits on his dignity--can hardly be said to stand on it," thought he, as he went. "The poor relation, as she calls herself, treats me like a guest. She is mistress here, however;that is clear enough."

As he descended the stairs to the drawing-room, a voice rose through the house, like the voice of an angel. At least so thought Hugh, hearing it for the first time. It seemed to take his breath away, as he stood for a moment on the stairs, listening. It was only Euphra singing The Flowers of the Forest. The drawing-room door was still open, and her voice rang through the wide lofty hall. He entered almost on tip-toe, that he might lose no thread of the fine tones.--Had she chosen the song of Scotland out of compliment to him?--She saw him enter, but went on without hesitating even. In the high notes, her voice had that peculiar vibratory richness which belongs to the nightingale's; but he could not help thinking that the low tones were deficient both in quality and volume. The expression and execution, however, would have made up for a thousand defects. Her very soul seemed brooding over the dead upon Flodden field, as she sang this most wailful of melodies--this embodiment of a nation's grief. The song died away as if the last breath had gone with it; failing as it failed, and ceasing with its inspiration, as if the voice that sang lived only for and in the song. A moment of intense silence followed. Then, before Hugh had half recovered from the former, with an almost grand dramatic recoil, as if the second sprang out of the first, like an eagle of might out of an ocean of weeping, she burst into Scots wha hae. She might have been a new Deborah, heralding her nation to battle. Hugh was transfixed, turned icy cold, with the excitement of his favourite song so sung.--Was that a glance of satisfied triumph with which Euphra looked at him for a single moment?--She sang the rest of the song as if the battle were already gained; but looked no more at Hugh.

同类推荐
热门推荐
  • 息壤

    息壤

    万物有灵。不仅人有灵魂,日月山河、树木花鸟等无不具有灵魂。先民摄取天地万物之灵于自身,以此获得超脱的力量。少年遭受暗害,先天灵种被夺,却大难不死,获得息壤空间。息壤空间以一方息壤之土,无物不可种,无物不可养,于是每日朱果入口,火树银花养万千龙蝠......
  • 方法决定成败

    方法决定成败

    成大事者和平庸之辈的根本区别之一就在于他们遇到困难的时候能够理智对待,主动寻找解决问题的方法,一个人只有敢于挑战,并在困局中突围而出,才能奏出激越而雄浑的生命乐章,彰显出人性的伟大光辉。《方法决定成败》(作者才永发)就是从把握时机、细心观察、用心揣摩、讲求方法、注意分寸、三思而行、注意细节、巧借外力、知己知彼、恪守原则几大部分来进行阐述,让我们能够轻而易举地找对方法,做对事情。当你阅读《方法决定成败》,学习书中的方法,并适当地用于现实生活中时,你会猛然发现,只要找对了方法,事情做起来竟如此简单。
  • 内外夹攻

    内外夹攻

    正解与设定的较量,虚幻与现实的侵蚀,臆想与行动的出入。对镜而视,于长久之后,不辨你我。方圆中,方丈间,不为涅槃重生,只愿天下太平。——————————————————————半涟灵花之PATCH此文另一个版本刚开的未更新此文更新继续,进度保持呃终于留下言了注意作者是男男哦别认错了呦么么哒————————注意第97章节加入新的更改内容我一天没发送什么还说我发表的太快啊,评论都写不上去了
  • 买东西的小道士

    买东西的小道士

    随你信不信,反正我只是个卖东西的......小道士。
  • 妖雪录

    妖雪录

    如果没有如果,那么这一切是否可以重来、在这里有着千奇百怪的人殇,却唯独缺了它。请好好珍惜.你生命中的点点滴滴。ps;通过我的作品请感受下神逻辑。
  • 慕尼黑之恋

    慕尼黑之恋

    走出弗雷德里克街,能听到隐隐的涛声,这是绕城的因河在夜色中奔流。河畔灯光幽暗看不到人影,河面范动着白色的波光,河对岸山影绰约,一派寂寥神秘的景象,与弗雷德里克街的喧闹形成强烈对比。人间的繁华和冷寂,在一个小城里,就展现得如此鲜明。
  • 全能卡修

    全能卡修

    一张小小的卡片能做什么?能无声无息地消灭一个城市甚至一个世界!当今世界卡修横行,撑握了绝对权力的卡修支配着别人的命运,不想被人支配,只有一条路可行……成为卡修,去支配别人!全新的卡片世界,请进!
  • Lesser Hippias

    Lesser Hippias

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • 我的管家女仆

    我的管家女仆

    BOSS让人绑走,被打的遍体鳞伤直至晕死过去,急疯了的部下在查清他的位置后,直接杀入敌阵,强行救走,现在,BOSS醒了,他会干什么?我们的故事,从这里开始。。。。。---------------------“高空跳伞,深海爆破,导弹定位,火炮指引,又或者您需要400公里外的新鲜鱼子酱,特勤小组竭诚为您服务”——管家“说!别废话!你要我去干掉谁?!”——女仆一号“你说了算。”——女仆二号“杀个虫子而已,少特么唧唧歪歪!”——女仆三号“您需要咖啡?牛排?还是需要我去操作240毫米的榴弹炮?”——女仆四号
  • 福妻驾到

    福妻驾到

    现代饭店彪悍老板娘魂穿古代。不分是非的极品婆婆?三年未归生死不明的丈夫?心狠手辣的阴毒亲戚?贪婪而好色的地主老财?吃上顿没下顿的贫困宭境?不怕不怕,神仙相助,一技在手,天下我有!且看现代张悦娘,如何身带福气玩转古代,开面馆、收小弟、左纳财富,右傍美男,共绘幸福生活大好蓝图!!!!快本新书《天媒地聘》已经上架开始销售,只要3.99元即可将整本书抱回家,你还等什么哪,赶紧点击下面的直通车,享受乐乐精心为您准备的美食盛宴吧!)