[Gutenberg 54212] • A Modern Mephistopheles, and A Whisper in the Dark

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ... next? I don't remember. If it is Vivien, they will have to skip it, unless they call you in for Merlin," he said, talking gayly, because a little conscience-stricken by the look Gladys wore, as she sung, with her eyes upon him, --" Our hoard is little, but our hearts are great." "They will not want a Merlin; for Gladys could not act Vivien, if she would," answered Helwyze, tapping restlessly as he waited. " She said she could do i any thing' to-night; and, upon my life, she looked as if she might even beguile you 'mighty master/ of your strongest spell." " She will never try." But both were mistaken; for, when they looked again, the dim light showed a dark and hooded shape, with glittering eyes and the semblance of a flowing, hoary beard, leaning half-hidden in a bower of tall shrubs from the conservatory. It was Olivia, as Merlin; and, being of noble proportions, she looked the part excellently. Upon the wizard's knee sat Vivien, --" A twist of gold was round her hair; A robe of samite without price, that more exprett Than hid her, clung about her lissome limbs, In color like the satin-shining palm On sallows in the windy gleams of March." In any other mood, Gladys would never have consented to be loosely clad in a great mantle of some Indian fabric, which shimmered like woven light, with its alternate stripes of goldcovered silk and softest wool. Shoulders and arms showed rosy white under the veil of hair which swept to her knee, as she chjng there, singing sweet and low, with eyes on Merlin's face, lips near his own, and head upon his breast: --" In Love, if Love be Love, if Love be ours, Faith and unfaith can ne'er be equal powers; Unfaith in aught is want of faith in all. " It is the little rift within the lute That by and by will make the...