‘Blodget,’ said Fanny, in a deep and even solemn tone, while she raised her dark eyes to his countenance, with an expression of profound earnestness, ‘I would rather die than continue to lead the life which I have lived since you so unkindly deserted me. Indeed, I know not why I have not long since sought death in preference to such a life of shame, and misery and conscious degradation. Tell me whether you mean to atone for all that you have made me suffer by making me your wife?’
‘You cannot expect it,’ returned Blodget, dropping her hands, and taking a hasty turn across the room. ‘You have seen enough of life by this time, I should think, to see the foolishness of such an expectation.’
‘My experience of life has been bitter enough, God knows,’ said Fanny, heaving a deep sigh, while tears again gathered in her dark eyes. ‘Why did you ever seek my love? Was it honorable to do so, and to win my heart, and then, when I had given you the tenderest proof of love that woman can bestow, to cast me from you as you might a flower that you had plucked for its beauty and fragrance, and when it had ceased to charm, you cast upon the footway to be trodden upon and to mingle with the mire? That is what you have done—that has been my fate.’
‘Well, it cannot be helped now, Fan,’ observed Blodget, some twitchings of remorse giving a slight degree of impatience to his tone. ‘Will you come away from here and have a bottle of wine with me? Nay, if you like it better, for once I will stop here.’
‘Never again, Blodget, will I press the same bed with you, unless as your wife,’ exclaimed Fanny, with solemn earnestness. ‘I would rather lay down in some secluded spot, and die of hunger; or seek a refuge from the shame and misery that are killing me, in the waters of the bay.’
‘Good night, then,’ returned the seducer. ‘I am off! I will do the generous, though.’
The libertine’s tone and manner were hurried and uneasy. He took a slug from his purse and laid it on the table, but Fanny rose immediately, her dark eyes flashing and her cheeks glowing, and taking up the coin, threw it at his feet.
‘Not from you, sir!’ she exclaimed vehemently. ‘I will neither sell myself to you, nor have it thought that I have done so. You sought me, and you gained me, and I do not blush for what has passed; but my fond and trusting heart betrayed me, and not such a paltry bribe as that. Would you have me despise myself more than I do already?’
‘Fanny,’ said Blodget, in a tone which evinced considerable agitation, for the words, look, and tone of the poor girl had at length penetrated to his heart. ‘Let us be friends, as we were before I left New-York. Forgive me for what you have suffered, and kiss me.’
‘No! no!’ returned Fanny, extending her hand to ward him as he approached her. ‘I forgive you, and now leave me; but remember that there is One besides whose forgiveness you have to seek, and whose pardon is of more consequence than mine.’