The
references given, the sum of money lodged, were considered as putting
all scruples out of the question, and my immediate protectress and
kinswoman was so earnest that I should accept of the offer made me, as
to intimate that she would not encourage me to stand in my own light, by
continuing to give me shelter and food, (she gave me little more,) if I
was foolish enough to refuse compliance."
"Sordid wretch!" said Hartley, "how little did she deserve such a
charge!"
"Let me speak a proud word, Mr. Hartley, and then you will not perhaps
blame my relations so much. All their persuasions, and even their
threats, would have failed in inducing me to take a step, which has an
appearance, at least, to which I found it difficult to reconcile myself.
But I had loved Middlemas--I love him still--why should I deny it?--and
I have not hesitated to trust him. Had it not been for the small still
voice which reminded me of my engagements, I had maintained more
stubbornly the pride of womanhood, and, as you would perhaps have
recommended, I might have expected, at least, that my lover should have
come to Britain in person, and might have had the vanity to think," she
added, smiling faintly, "that if I were worth having, I was worth
fetching."
"Yet now--even now," answered Hartley, "be just to yourself while you
are generous to your lover.--Nay, do not look angrily, but hear me.
Pages:
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220