And tell me how you
come to suppose, that you have fixed your heart unalterably upon a man
whom you have seen, as I think, but once."
"I have seen him oftener," said the damsel, looking down; "but I have
only spoken to him once. I should have been able to get that once out
of my head, though the impression was so deep, that I could even now
repeat every trifling word he said; but other things have since
riveted it in my bosom for ever."
"Maiden," replied the lady, "_for ever_ is the word which comes most
lightly on the lips in such circumstances, but
which, not the less, is almost the last that we should use. The
fashion of this world, its passions, its joys, and its sorrows, pass
away like the winged breeze--there is nought for ever but that which
belongs to the world beyond the grave."
"You have corrected me justly, madam," said Margaret calmly; "I ought
only to have spoken of my present state of mind, as what will last me
for my lifetime, which unquestionably may be but short."
"And what is there in this Scottish lord that can rivet what concerns
him so closely in your fancy?" said the lady. "I admit him a
personable man, for I have seen him; and I will suppose him courteous
and agreeable. But what are his accomplishments besides, for these
surely are not uncommon attributes."
"He is unfortunate, madam--most unfortunate--and surrounded by snares
of different kinds, ingeniously contrived to ruin his character,
destroy his estate, and, perhaps, to reach even his life.
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