A Romance of the Nineteenth Century

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1881. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 'Well, ' she said, 'and have they been wishes only? Have you given the struggle up? Have you exchanged life in England for a dream by the Mediterranean?' 'One of the oldest, ' he said, ' of all old mysteries is the division between will and wish. I have still the wish to act, but at present I have lost the will: and though our work may be all cut out for us, we can't do it if our arms are broken. I began my activity under a passing emotional stimulus; but that has now gone and has left me as weak as ever. For a life's work, unless one's own advancement is included in it, one needs some other motive than the strength of one's own conscience. On a night like this, alone, and with you beside me, what dreams I might fill my soul with, of deeds done, and of hope and faith recovered; but to see one's castle in a dream is one thing, and to build it with brick afterwards is quite another thing.' Vernon felt on his arm Miss Walters' hand press heavier, and she looked at him with liquid eyes. 'Am I, then, ' she said, 'any help to you in your dreaming?' As she spoke they paused, and looked at the scene about them. They had just emerged from a walk of winding shadow, and found themselves suddenly face to face with the sea. It was close to them. They were on a long curved terrace, and the quiet ripples were lapping on its marble border. The sight for a moment held the two wanderers breathless, but presently they had to turn to a matter a little homelier. The air was warm, but Miss Walters shuddered slightly as a breath from the waves swept up to her. Vernon remarked it tenderly. 'It is nothing, ' she said. 'However, just round that corner, in the boathouse, is a hat and a shawl of mine, which Jack Stapleton left there. I think I will go and fetch them.' They entered and...