He sought to return it, but the sight of such emotion, trifling as it was, caused his heart to sink with indescribable fear; his lip quivered, as utterly to prevent the words he sought to speak, and as he clasped her to his bosom and bent his head on hers, a low yet instantly suppressed moan burst from him.
"Nigel, dearest Nigel, what has chanced?
Oh, speak to me!" she exclaimed, clasping his hand in both hers, and gazing wildly in his face.

"Thou art wounded or ill, or wearied unto death.

Oh, let me undo this heavy armor, dearest; seek but a brief interval of rest.

Speak to me, I know thou art not well." "It is but folly, my beloved, a momentary pang that weakness caused.
Indeed, thy fears are causeless; I am well, quite well," he answered, struggling with himself, and subduing with an effort his emotion.

"Mine own Agnes, thou wilt not doubt me; look not upon me so tearfully, 'tis passed, 'tis over now." "And thou wilt not tell me that which caused it, Nigel?
Hast thou aught of suffering which thou fearest to tell thine Agnes?
Oh! do not fear it; weak, childlike as I am, my soul will find strength for it." "And thou shalt know all, all in a brief while," he said, her sweet pleading voice rendering the task of calmness more difficult.