“To that, no act of mine shall tempt you,” said Eva. “I see now how vain and unwise it was to accept this invitation.”
“Oh, Eva, how wild and unkind all this is! A moment ago I was supremely happy. Now the violence of a lady, who has, in fact, no authority over us, is enough to turn you against me.”
“No,” said Eva, “if she had not aroused me with such cruel violence, it must have come to the same thing. I have no part in this scene, no place among the more fortunate women who grace it.”
“But you have a place in my heart, Eva.”
“I know it; but that is a misfortune which I have brought upon you.”
“A misfortune! It is my glory. Understand me, Eva. From this night, you are my betrothed wife. Nothing shall separate us; no, not even your own proud will.”
Eva smiled, but the smile was more pathetic than tears.
“Ah, if my will were all!”
“That, going with me, girl, no power on earth shall reach us.”
His courage and his ardor failed to inspire her. She had been cruelly wounded, and the pride she was scarcely conscious of, armed her against him.