“I cannot look up to you with confidence, although I love you heart and soul.
“You are too good, too holy, for one like me to aspire to.
“Yet believe me when I utter these true and honest words, that, disowned as I am by a cold, cold world, and looked upon with suspicion, my soul is as free from guilt as it ever was in the sight of God, and the only tie that keeps me in the world, the only regret I should have in quitting it, is the contemplation of one I adore with all the power of my mind and soul.”
Charles kissed her hand again and rose to depart.
“Stay,” said Clara, speaking for the first time, slowly, and almost in a whisper; “However unintelligible your character is, or may have been, to others, Mr. Warbeck, I have always looked upon you as a friend, and confess it openly everywhere, Charles.
“Were the world to be ten times as cold as it is towards you, I should never, never change, believe me.”
This little outburst of honest feeling was too much for Clara’s feelings.
She endeavoured to conceal her tears, but they coursed down her cheeks thick and fast until her breast heaved with emotion, and she audibly sobbed.
She rose in a hasty manner to leave the room.
Charley was fired with love, and caught her to his heart.