Everyone has experienced, I suppose for a few wonderful moments, now and
then, a glow of seemingly causeless happiness, in which the earth and its
people are glorified--peace and sunlight rest on everything--the spirit
of music and love is in the air, and the heart itself sings for joy. In
the light of this celestial illusion she stood now by the piano, turning
over the pages of poor Tom Moore, as I have said, when a low pleasant
voice near her said--
'I was so glad to see that Dorcas had prevailed, and that you were here.
We both agreed that you are too much a recluse in that Der Frieschutz
Glen--at least, for your friends' pleasure; and owe it to us all to
appear now and then in this upper world.'
'Excelsior, Miss Lake,' interposed dapper little Mr. Buttle, with a
smirk; 'I think this little bit of music--it was got up, you know, by
that old quiz, Dowager Lady Chelford--was really not so bad--a rather
good idea, after all, Miss Lake. Don't you?'
Poor Mr. Buttle did not know Lord Chelford, and thus shooting his 'arrow
o'er the house,' he 'hurt his brother.' Chelford turned away, and bowed
and smiled to one or two friends at the other side of the room.
'Yes, the music was very pretty, and some of the songs were quite
charmingly sung. I agree with you--we are very much obliged to Lady
Chelford--that is her son, Lord Chelford.
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