wilhelmlna: “And so being young and dipped in folly I fell in love with melancholy.”
@caeleps
He looked up from the book he had been skimming in the library. He could not help but recognize that quote. An American fellow, Poe he believed. He’d come across his writing not to long ago and found it quite fascinating and macabre. He shut the book gently as he turned and looked at the young woman.
“And used to throw my earthly rest And quiet all away in jest — I could not love except where Death Was mingling his with Beauty’s breath — Or Hymen, Time, and Destiny Were stalking between her and me”, he quoted the rest with a smile.
“I’m sorry I could not help but notice you reciting Poe. I’ve not met many who know the man’s work”, he said quietly as he held his book.
Mina's head shot up from behind a faded volume, startled at the sound of his voice. ❝Why, I hadn't even intended to read that aloud,❞ she admitted, laughing self-consciously. She closed the book in front of her, peering over at him. ❝It's beautiful, isn't it? I think it's entirely regrettable that he's so overlooked in this country.❞
She inclined her head curiously at the well-dressed man. Mina had an acute ability to recognize refinement, precisely because she so rarely encountered it, and she had the immediate impression that this gentleman was well beyond the social status of her usual acquaintances - aside from dear Lucy, of course, but she was so genial and approachable that it hardly mattered. Somewhat warily, she adjusted her posture. ❝Your memory is remarkable. You must really enjoy his work.❞
