Read "Lodore" by Mary Shelley online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
But if for me thou dost forsake Some other maid, and rudely break Her worshipped image from its base. To give to me the ruined place-- Then fare thee well--I'd rather make My bower upon some icy lake. When thawing suns begin to shine. Than trust to love so false as thine! --Lalla Rookh.
On the same day Mr. and Mrs. Villiers left their sad dwelling to take possession of lady Lodore's house. The generosity and kindness of her mother, such as it appeared, though she knew but the smallest portion of it, charmed Ethel. Her heart, which had so long struggled to love her, was gladdened by the proofs given that she deserved her warmest affection. The truest delight beamed from her lovely countenance. Even she had felt the gloom and depression of adversity. The sight of misery or vice in those around her tarnished the holy fervour with which she would otherwise have made every sacrifice for Edward's sake.