'Yes—you see, you feel the truth now,' said Lord Colambre. 'You see, you feel, that I love you—passionately.'
'Oh, let me not hear it!' said she; 'I must not—ought not. Never, till this moment, did such a thought cross my mind—I thought it impossible—oh, make me think so still.'
'I will—it is impossible that we can ever be united.'
'I always thought so,' said she, taking breath with a deep sigh. 'Then why not live as we have lived?'
'I cannot—I cannot answer for myself—I will not run the risk; and therefore I must quit you—knowing, as I do, that there is an invincible obstacle to our union, of what nature I cannot explain; I beg you not to inquire.'
'You need not beg it—I shall not inquire—I have no curiosity—none,' said she, in a passive, dejected tone; 'that is not what I am thinking of in the least. I know there are invincible obstacles; I wish it to be so. But, if invincible, you who have so much sense, honour, and virtue—'
'I hope, my dear cousin, that I have honour and virtue. But there are temptations to which no wise, no good man will expose himself. Innocent creature! you do not know the power of love. I rejoice that you have always thought it impossible—think so still—it will save you from—all I must endure. Think of me but as your cousin, your friend—give your heart to some happier man. As your friend, your true friend, I conjure you, give your heart to some more fortunate man. Marry, if you can feel love—marry, and be happy. Honour! virtue! Yes, I have both, and I will not forfeit them. Yes, I will merit your esteem and my own—by actions, not words; and I give you the strongest proof, by tearing myself from you at this moment. Farewell!'
'The carriage at the door, Miss Nugent, and my lady calling for you,' said her maid. 'Here's your key, ma'am, and here's your gloves, my dear ma'am.'
'The carriage at the door, Miss Nugent,' said Lady Clonbrony's woman, coming eagerly with parcels in her hand, as Miss Nugent passed her and ran downstairs; 'and I don't know where I laid my lady's NUMBRELLA, for my life—do your Anne?'
'No, indeed—but I know here's my own young lady's watch that she has left. Bless me! I never knew her to forget anything on a journey before.'