"Again let me assure you such will never be the case; from my heart I pity, will keep with you, if you will let me, and if he cares not for you, strive to lead your thoughts from him, and help you to conquer your love and learn if possible that there are other things to strive for besides his love, things that ought never to be lost sight of."
"And pray what may these wonderful things be?" asked she sarcastically.
"Your own self-respect, and the esteem of those around you."
"Self-respect! Esteem! Am I a child that you pretend to teach me? Did I think myself deficient in morals I should not come to Miss Neville to learn them."
"I do not pretend to teach you, Miss Strickland, neither do I wish to intrude my advice where I see it is not wanted."
"You do well. I want neither advice nor assistance from any one. My mind is fully made up how to act, I will enter heart and soul into it, and it will be strange if I do not succeed; so you had best, of all my friends," and Frances dwelt contemptuously on the last word, "wish me success."
"I am in total ignorance as to what your plans are; and therefore am not able to give any opinion on the subject."
"I shall be delighted to unravel them: it is but fair we should start together in the race we are to run."