"Leave an ungrateful country and a faithless love, and bury myself in the backwoods of America."
"That were a fool's plan indeed,—by Jove, you are easily cast down,—never say die! if a girl won't love you, make her!"
"That is easier said than done; one man can bring the horse to the water, ten cannot make it drink."
"A girl is not a horse, nor a mule either, but you are an ass to quote the proverb. Your plans have gone to mischief; hear mine."
For more than a quarter of an hour the Captain then detailed his scheme. During the recital, as on a former occasion in Stacy's cabin, the quick changes on L'Estrange's face showed the passions within his breast. When it was finished, for a moment he sat mute; then rising, said in a hollow voice:—
"Captain de Vere, I did not know you; you must be leagued with the Evil One to think of a scheme so heartless,—so diabolical."
"Keep your abuse for those who'll stand it,—I for one won't. I see you are a chicken-hearted fool! If you begin to grow soft, better throw up the whole,—faint heart never won fair woman yet,—let her marry,—see her in another's arms! A rare sight for a faithful lover!"
"Speak not of love, you who propose a plan so devilish,—you can never have felt it; your love is base, not true passion! I love the girl too well to harm a ringlet of her hair; I will not agree."
"Base ingrate, hear me. I care not what you do—it is nothing to me who gains your sweetheart. I have striven, worked, plotted for your weal; this is my reward—unqualified abuse. You and your paramour may go to the devil. I will have no more to do with you—good night."
"Stay," said L'Estrange, as he rose to depart, "oh, stay—forgive me, I meant not what I said; only give me time to think,—if you knew how I loved her!"