“I do—I do!”
“And that other is—Captain Maynard?”
“Father! I have once before confessed it. I told you I loved him, with my whole heart’s affection. Do you think that could ever change?”
“Enough, my brave Blanche!” exclaimed the invalid, raising his head proudly upon the pillow, and contemplating his daughter, as if in admiration. “Enough! dearest Blanche! Come to my arms! Come closer and embrace your father—your friend, who will not be much longer near you. It will be no fault of mine, if I do not leave you in other arms—if not dearer, perhaps better able to protect you!”
The wild burst of filial affection bestowed upon a dying parent permits not expression in speech.
Never was one wilder than when Blanche Vernon flung her arms around the neck of her generous parent, and showered her scalding tears upon his cheek!