"
"Mr. Burke," replied the lady, "I am much obliged for the preference you
express for me; but whether you are serious or in jest, I can only say
that I have no notion of matrimony; that I have never had any notion of
it; and that I can safely say, I have never seen the man whom I should
wish to call my husband. You will oblige me very much, then, if in
future you forbear to introduce this subject. Consider it a forbidden
one, so far as I am concerned, for I feel quite unworthy of so gifted
and accomplished a gentleman as Mr. Burke."
"You will not discard me surely, Miss Clinton?"
"On that subject, unquestionably."
"No, no, my dear Miss Clinton, you will not say so; do not be so cruel;
you will distress me greatly, I assure you. I am very much deficient in
firmness, and your cruelty will afflict me and depress my spirits."
"I trust not, Mr. Burke. Your spirits are naturally good, and I have
no doubt but you will ultimately overcome this calamity--at least I
sincerely hope so."
"Ah, Miss Clinton, you little know the heart I have, nor my capacity for
feeling; my feelings, I assure you, are exceedingly tender, and I
get quite sunk under disappointment. Come, Miss Clinton, you must not
deprive me altogether of hope; it is too cruel. Do not say no forever."
The arch girl shook her head with something of mock solemnity, and
replied, "I must indeed, Mr.
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