Chapter 54

undresses her, and puts her to bed_.

_Lily_. Father does all things for his little Lily.

_Julian_. My own dear Lily! Go to sleep, my pet.

[_Sitting by her_.]

"Wenn ich seh' und höre dich, Das genügt mir inniglich."

[_Falling on his knees_.]

I come to thee, and, lying on thy breast, Father of me, I tell thee in thine ear, Half-shrinking from the sound, yet speaking free, That thou art not enough for me, my God. Oh, dearly do I love thee! Look: no fear Lest thou shouldst be offended, touches me. Herein I know thy love: mine casts out fear. O give me back my wife; thou without her Canst never make me blessed to the full.

[_Silence_.]

O yes; thou art enough for me, my God; Part of thyself she is, else never mine. My need of her is but thy thought of me; She is the offspring of thy beauty, God; Yea of the womanhood that dwells in thee: Thou wilt restore her to my very soul.

[_Rising_.]

It may be all a lie. Some needful cause Keeps her away. Wretch that I am, to think One moment that my wife could sin against me! She will come back to-night. I know she will. I never can forgive my jealousy! Or that fool-visit to lord Seaford's house!

[_His eyes fall on the glove which the child still holds in her sleeping hand. He takes it gently away, and hides it in his bosom_.]

It will be all explained. To think I should, Without one word from her, condemn her so! What can I say to her when she returns? I shall be utterly ashamed before her. She will come back to-night. I know she will.

[_He throws himself wearily on the bed_.]