CHAPTER XIX 252
I knelt . She did not stoop towards me , but only gazed , leaning back in her chair . She began muttering , -
" The flame flickers in the eye ; the eye shines like dew ; it looks soft and full of feeling ; it smiles at my jargon : it is susceptible ; impression follows impression through its clear sphere ; where it ceases to smile , it is sad ; an unconscious lassitude weighs on the lid : that signifies melancholy resulting from loneliness . It turns from me ; it will not suffer further scrutiny ; it seems to deny , by a mocking glance , the truth of the discoveries I have already made , -- to disown the charge both of sensibility and chagrin : its pride and reserve only confirm me in my opinion . The eye is favourable .
" As to the mouth , it delights at times in laughter ; it is disposed to impart all that the brain conceives ; though I daresay it would be silent on much the heart experiences . Mobile and flexible , it was never intended to be compressed in the eternal silence of solitude : it is a mouth which should speak much and smile often , and have human affection for its interlocutor . That feature too is propitious .
" I see no enemy to a fortunate issue but in the brow ; and that brow professes to say , -- ' I can live alone , if self-respect , and circumstances require me so to do . I need not sell my soul to buy bliss . I have an inward treasure born with me , which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld , or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give .' The forehead declares , ' Reason sits firm and holds the reins , and she will not let the feelings burst away and hurry her to wild chasms . The passions may rage furiously , like true heathens , as they are ; and the desires may imagine all sorts of vain things : but judgment shall still have the last word in every argument , and the casting vote in every decision . Strong wind , earthquake-shock , and fire may pass by : but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interprets the dictates of conscience .'
" Well said , forehead ; your declaration shall be respected . I have formed my plans -- right plans I deem them -- and in them I have attended to the claims of conscience , the counsels of reason . I know how soon youth would fade and bloom perish , if , in the cup of bliss offered , but one dreg of shame , or