She answered, with an equal
earnestness: "Yes, Hugh. It has done more for me than can well be
told. It has kept living and growing in me much that would otherwise
have been stunted or dead; an ever fresh flow of thought, where, but
for him, would have been a stagnant pool. My sad heart might have
grown bitter, my nature too austere, particularly when advancement to
high office brought with it an inevitable loneliness, had it not been
for the interest and charm of his visits and missives; his constant
gifts and kindness. There is about him a light-hearted gaiety, a
whimsical humour, a joy in life, which cannot fail to wake responsive
gladness in any heart with which he comes in contact. And mingled with
his shrewd wisdom, his wide knowledge of men and matters, there is ever
a tender charity, which thinks no evil, always believing in good and
hoping for the best; a love which never fails; a kindness which makes
one ashamed of harbouring hard or revengeful thoughts."
Hugh made no reply. He sat with his eyes fixed upon the beautiful face
before him, now glowing with enthusiasm. He waited for something more.
And presently it came.
"Also," said Mora, slowly: "a very precious memory of my early days at
Court, when as a young maiden I attended on the Queen, was kept alive
by a remarkable likeness in the Bishop to one who was, as I learned
this morning for the first time, actually near of kin to him. Do you
remember, Hugh, long years ago, that I spoke to you of Father Gervaise?"
"I do remember," said the Knight.
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