Anne Bronte: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

52. CHAPTER LII (continued)

'Adieu then, dear Helen, forever! Forever adieu!'

So said I - and yet I could not tear myself away. I moved a few paces, and then looked back, for one last view of her stately home, that I might have its outward form, at least, impressed upon my mind as indelibly as her own image, which, alas! I must not see again - then walked a few steps further; and then, lost in melancholy musings, paused again and leant my back against a rough old tree that grew beside the road.