"
"I know that I have nothing to justify my suit."
"You have everything to justify it;--at least I am bound to presume
that you have. If you love me,--you are justified."
"You know that I love you."
"I am sorry that it should ever have been so,--very sorry. I can only
hope that I have not been in fault."
"Will you try to love me?"
"No;--why should I try? If any trying were necessary, I would try
rather not to love you. Why should I try to do that which would
displease everybody belonging to me? For yourself, I admit your right
to address me,--and tell you frankly that it would not be in vain, if
I loved you. But I tell you as frankly that such a marriage would not
please those whom I am bound to try to please."
He paused a moment before he spoke further. "I shall wait," he said,
"and come again."
"What am I to say to that? Do not tease me, so that I be driven to
treat you with lack of courtesy. Lady Laura is so much attached to
you, and Mr. Kennedy, and Lord Brentford,--and indeed I may say,
I myself also, that I trust there may be nothing to mar our good
fellowship. Come, Mr. Finn,--say that you will take an answer, and
I will give you my hand."
"Give it me," said he. She gave him her hand, and he put it up to his
lips and pressed it.
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