and the sweet and silver night had stolen, with her noiseless steps, upon the air. The scene was usually bare and desolate, but it was now softened by the united influence of summer and of moonlight. There was not a cloud on the sky, save a few light vapours that congregated near the moon; but even they were lustrous with her presence. The herbage shone with silver dews, like a sheet of water tremulous with the passing wind, and not a leaf on the surrounding trees but seemed the mirror of a ray; all around was silent as sleep, and as soft. It seemed a world on which shadow had never rested, and tumult had never disturbed; crime, rage, and grief had no part in elements so lovingly blended; the earth was at rest, and the still bright air slept on her bosom.
But there was something in the tranquillity that mocked Sir Jasper's unrest: the contrast was too forcible between the outward and inward world: the one so serene, so spiritual; the other so troubled, and so actual. He turned from the window; and, ringing the bell hastily, ordered the servants to close the curtains.
