But Kirstie--though her heart leaped at his coming footsteps--though, when he patted her shoulder, her face brightened for the day--had not a hope or thought beyond the present moment and its perpetuation to the end of time.

Till the end of time she would have had nothing altered, but still continue delightedly to serve her idol, and be repaid (say twice in the month) with a clap on the shoulder.
I have said her heart leaped--it is the accepted phrase.

But rather, when she was alone in any chamber of the house, and heard his foot passing on the corridors, something in her bosom rose slowly until her breath was suspended, and as slowly fell again with a deep sigh, when the steps had passed and she was disappointed of her eyes' desire.

This perpetual hunger and thirst of his presence kept her all day on the alert.

When he went forth at morning, she would stand and follow him with admiring looks.