Hear me, Kate--hear me, and say I have
not worked altogether in vain. I have acquired some little by my toils,
and can acquire more. There is one thing now, one blessing which you may
afford, and the possession of which will enable me to go with a light
heart and a strong hand into any forests, winning comforts for both of
us--happiness, if the world have it--and nothing to make us afraid."
He spoke with deep energy, and she looked inquiringly into his face. The
expression was satisfactory, and she replied without hesitation:--
"I understand you, Mark Forrester--I understand you, but it must not be.
I must regard and live for affections besides my own. Would you have me
fly for ever from those who have been all to me--from those to whom I am
all--from my father--from my dear, my old mother! Fy, Mark."
"And are you not all to me, Katharine--the one thing for which I would
live, and wanting which I care not to live? Ay, Katharine, fly with me
from all--and yet not for ever.
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