The Flower of Eden

"I ought not to rejoice that you have come, Phoebe," said he. "We meet
at a strange moment!"

"What has happened!" she exclaimed. "Why is the house so deserted?
Where are Hepzibah and Clifford?"

"Gone! I cannot imagine where they are!" answered Holgrave. "We are
alone in the house!"

"Hepzibah and Clifford gone?" cried Phoebe. "It is not possible! And
why have you brought me into this room, instead of the parlor? Ah,
something terrible has happened! I must run and see!"

"No, no, Phoebe!" said Holgrave holding her back. "It is as I have
told you. They are gone, and I know not whither. A terrible event
has, indeed happened, but not to them, nor, as I undoubtingly believe,
through any agency of theirs. If I read your character rightly,
Phoebe," he continued, fixing his eyes on hers with stern anxiety,
intermixed with tenderness, "gentle as you are, and seeming to have
your sphere among common things, you yet possess remarkable strength.
You have wonderful poise, and a faculty which, when tested, will prove
itself capable of dealing with matters that fall far out of the
ordinary rule."

"Oh, no, I am very weak!" replied Phoebe, trembling. "But tell me what
has happened!"

"You are strong!" persisted Holgrave. "You must be both strong and
wise; for I am all astray, and need your counsel. It may be you can
suggest the one right thing to do!"

"Tell me!--tell me!" said Phoebe, all in a tremble. "It oppresses,--it
terrifies me,--this mystery! Anything else I can bear!"