"I am not afraid of M. Julius."
"Are you, then, afraid of me?"
"Yes, certainly: you are so extremely severe."
"Have I found fault with you once since my return?"
"No; but you do not blame me the less in your own thoughts."
"Nay, I assure you I think of you very favourably. Besides, my dear Caroline, allowing that we are not always of the same opinion, and that—pardon my frankness—some of the disadvantages which I formerly remarked may yet remain from your too indulgent education—you possess so many good qualities, that these slight defects may be easily overlooked. I, also, have had my faults, and especially towards you; but, because we are neither of us perfect, need we be other than good friends? Forget the past, I entreat you, and give me some portion of your regard."
"With all my heart, Robert," cried Caroline, holding out her hand to her cousin, who kissed it affectionately. "Believe me, I was far from supposing that you set any value on my affection. I thought you despised me." And the tears stood in her eyes. "Let us say no more about it," she continued, more calmly, "it makes me too unhappy."
"How good and amiable you are, my dear Caroline; I have been very unjust."
"I shall think of it no more. I was so unreasonable five years ago, that I quite understand your thinking me very ridiculous."