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of a passion that had sifted itself clear of the baser parts of emotionthe heat, the violence, the unreasonand that burned as steadily as a lamp in a windless place. By tacit consent, as he talked, they had walked more and more slowly, and at last they stopped and he took her hand. Ah, Lord Warburton, how little you know me! Isabel said very gently. Gently too she drew her hand away. Dont taunt me with that; that I dont know you better makes me unhappy enough already; its all my loss. But thats what I want, and it seems to me Im taking the best way. If youll be my wife, then I shall know you, and when I tell you all the good I think of you youll not be able to say its from ignorance. If you know me little I know you even less, said Isabel. You mean that, unlike yourself, I may not improve on acquaintance? Ah, of course thats very possible. But think, to speak to you as I do, how determined I must be to try and give satisfaction! You do like me rather, dont you? I like you very much, Lord Warburton, she answered; and at this moment she liked him immensely. I thank you for saying that; it shows you dont regard me as a stranger. I really believe Ive filled all the other relations of life very creditably, and I dont see why I shouldnt fill this onein which I offer myself to youseeing that I care so much more about it. Ask the people who know me well; Ive friends wholl speak for me. I dont need the recommendation of your friends, said Isabel. Ah now, thats delightful of you. You believe in me yourself. Completely, Isabel declared. She quite glowed there, inwardly, with the pleasure of feeling she did. The light in her companions eyes turned into a smile, and he gave a long exhalation of joy. If youre mistaken, Miss Archer, let me lose all I possess! She wondered whether he meant this for a reminder that he was rich, and, on the instant, felt sure that he didnt. He was sinking that, as he would have said himself; and indeed he might safely leave it to the memory of any interlocutor, especially of one to whom he was offering his hand. Isabel had prayed that she might not be agitated, and her mind was tranquil enough, even while she listened and asked herself what it was best she should say, to indulge in this incidental criticism. What she should say, had she asked herself? Her foremost wish was to say something if possible not less kind than what he had said to her. His words had carried perfect conviction with them; she felt she did, all so mysteriously, matter to him. I thank you more than I can say for your offer, she returned at last. It does me great honour. Ah, dont say that! he broke out. I was afraid youd say something like that. I dont see what youve to do with that sort of thing. I dont see why you should thank meits I who ought to thank you for listening to me: a man you know so little coming down on you with such a thumper! Of course its a great question; I must tell you that Id rather ask it than have it to answer myself. But the way youve listenedor at least your having listened at allgives me some hope. Dont hope too much, Isabel said. Oh Miss Archer! her companion murmured, smiling again, in his seriousness, as if such a warning might perhaps be taken but as the play of high spirits, the exuberance of elation. Should you be greatly surprised if I were to beg you not to hope at all? Isabel asked. |
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