“What! your paleness, that dark rim under your lovely eyes—am I the cause?”
“Indeed you are. But I forgive you. You are sadly pale and worn too. Oh, how unfortunate we are!”
“Do not cry, dearest,” said he. “Do not despair. Be calm, and let me know the worst. I will not reproach you, though you have reproached me. I love you as no woman can love. Come, tell me.”
“Then the truth is, Lord Uxmoor has renewed his attention to me.”
“Ah!”
“He has been here every day.”
Severne groaned.
“Aunt Maitland was on his side, and spoke so kindly to me, and he saved my life from a furious bull. He is brave, noble, good, and he loves me. I have committed myself. I cannot draw back with honor.”
“But from me you can, because I am poor and hated, and have no title. If you are committed to him, you are engaged to me.”
“I am; so now I can go neither way. If I had poison, I would take it this moment, and end all.”