Yes—We cannot promise to do wrong: or, if we do, cannot perform—Neither can we, without guilt, refrain from doing right; whether we have or have not promised.
Some glimpse of this truth, for I perceive it to be one, had shot across my mind; but not with the perspicuity of your proposition—I am inclined to be a rude interrogator: I have another question to ask [He bowed]—I own you are seldom wrong, and yet I hope—[I remember, Louisa, that I gave a deep sigh here; and it must not be concealed]—I hope that you have been wrong, once in your life.
Madam!
But perhaps you have changed your opinion—Do you still think as you did?—Are you still certain that I act from mistaken principles? [He instantly understood me—Had you seen his look, Louisa—!]
I am, madam.
And shall persist to the end of time?
To the end of time.
I could not bear it, Louisa. I burst away.
What rash impulse was it that hurried me forward to tempt this trial?—Alas! It was the vain hope, for vain it appears to be, he might have retracted.
My heart is too full to proceed—Heaven bless you!—Heaven bless you, my dear friend!—You see how weak I am.