For this particular circumstance, Kate, inasmuch as it involved deep
ingratitude on their part, could not at all forgive them.
At this time, indeed, the melancholy position of Kathleen Cavanagh was
one which excited profound and general sorrow; and just in proportion
as this was sincere, so was the feeling of indignation against him whose
corruption and want of principle were supposed to have involved her
in their consequences. Two months or better of the period allotted by
Kathleen to the vindication of his character, had now elapsed, and yet
nothing had been done to set himself right either with her or the world.
She consequently argued and with apparent reason, that everything in the
shape of justification was out of his power, and this reflection only
deepened her affliction. Yes, it deepened her affliction; but it did
not; on that account succeed in enabling her to obliterate his image
the more easily from her heart. The fact was, that despite the force and
variety of the rumors that were abroad against him--and each succeeding
week brought in some fresh instance of his duplicity and profligacy,
thanks to the ingenious and fertile malignity of Hycy the
accomplished--despite of this, and despite of all, the natural reaction
of her heart had set in--their past endearments, their confidence their
tenderness, their love, now began, after the first vehement expression
of pride and high principle had exhausted the offended mind of its
indignation, to gradually resume their influence over her.
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