"It would do," I affirmed with some disdain, "perfectly well. I

have a woman's heart, but not where you are concerned; for you I

have only a comrade's constancy; a fellow-soldier's frankness,

fidelity, fraternity, if you like; a neophyte's respect and

submission to his hierophant: nothing more--don't fear."

"It is what I want," he said, speaking to himself; "it is just what

I want. And there are obstacles in the way: they must be hewn

down. Jane, you would not repent marrying me--be certain of that;

we MUST be married. I repeat it: there is no other way; and

undoubtedly enough of love would follow upon marriage to render the

union right even in your eyes."

"I scorn your idea of love," I could not help saying, as I rose up

and stood before him, leaning my back against the rock. "I scorn

the counterfeit sentiment you offer: yes, St. John, and I scorn you

when you offer it."

He looked at me fixedly, compressing his well-cut lips while he did

so. Whether he was incensed or surprised, or what, it was not easy

to tell: he could command his countenance thoroughly.

"I scarcely expected to hear that expression from you," he said: "I

think I have done and uttered nothing to deserve scorn."

I was touched by his gentle tone, and overawed by his high, calm

mien.

"Forgive me the words, St. John; but it is your own fault that I

have been roused to speak so unguardedly. You have introduced a

topic on which our natures are at variance--a topic we should never

discuss: the very name of love is an apple of discord between us.

If the reality were required, what should we do? How should we

feel? My dear cousin, abandon your scheme of marriage--forget it."

"No," said he; "it is a long-cherished scheme, and the only one

which can secure my great end: but I shall urge you no further at

present. To-morrow, I leave home for Cambridge: I have many

friends there to whom I should wish to say farewell. I shall be

absent a fortnight--take that space of time to consider my offer:

and do not forget that if you reject it, it is not me you deny, but

God. Through my means, He opens to you a noble career; as my wife

only can you enter upon it. Refuse to be my wife, and you limit

yourself for ever to a track of selfish ease and barren obscurity.

Tremble lest in that case you should be numbered with those who have

denied the faith, and are worse than infidels!"




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