The World Before Them: A Novel. Volume 1 (of 3)

A Novel.
AUTHOR OF ROUGHING IT IN THE BUSH.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
LONDON: RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET. 1868.
LONDON:
Printed by A. Schulze, 13, Poland Street.

But, Dolly! father will never give his consent, you know that; said a male voice behind the hawthorn hedge, that skirted the deep, sandy lane that led to Heath Farm. The tone, reproachful and irritating, in which this was spoken, was answered in a sweet, calm voice.
Until he gives his consent, his frank, free consent, Gilbert, I cannot, and will not be your wife.
You are just as obstinate as the old man.
Ay, and as proud. But don't think for a moment, Gilbert, that I blame your father. Were I in his place, I might think just as he thinks. If he has higher views for his son than a marriage with a nameless girl like me, his son should be the last to find fault. Don't let love blind you to facts. Look them boldly in the face, as I do. I cannot forget what I am, and what I owe to your father. The happy life I have led here from a child, made me forgetful of the great debt until —and here the calm voice faltered— the reproaches of last night brought it all fresh to my mind, and I saw how ungrateful I had been to my benefactor, in giving the least encouragement to you.