His face
is always before me as plain as life; it used to come to me bright and
loving; now it is pale, and stern, and sad. I was not so wretched till I
saw he was pining for me, and thinks me inconstant--oh, mamma, so pale!
so shrunk I so reckless! He was sorry for misbehaving that night: he
changed clothes with a beggar to kiss my dress, poor thing! poor thing!
Who ever loved as he does me! I am dying for him; I am dying."
"There! there!" said Mrs. Dodd soothingly. "You have said enough. This
must be love. I am on your Alfred's side from this hour."
Julia opened her eyes, and was a good deal agitated as well as surprised.
"Pray do not raise my hopes," she gasped. "We are parted for ever. His
father refuses. Even you seemed averse; or have I been dreaming?"
"Me, dearest? How can I be averse to anything lawful on which I find your
heart is really set, and your happiness at stake? Of course I have
stopped the actual intercourse, under existing circumstances; but these
circumstances are not unalterable: your only obstacle is Mr. Richard
Hardie."
But what an obstacle!" sighed Julia.
Pages:
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237