Though sometimes rough, and irregular in his habits, to me he
has been at all times tender and kind: I would not now disobey his
commands. Still, in this matter, my heart inclines too much in your
favor not to make me less scrupulous than I should otherwise desire to
be. Besides, I have so long held myself yours, and with his sanction,
that I can the more easily listen to your entreaties. If, then you truly
love me, you will, I am sure, ask nothing that I should not grant.
Speak--what is the pledge?"
"It shall come with no risk, Kate, believe me, none. Heaven forbid that
I should bring a solitary grief to your bosom; yet it may adventure in
some respects both mind and person, if you be not wary. Knowing your
father, as you know him too, I would have from you a pledge--a promise,
here, solemnly uttered in the eye of Heaven, and in the holy stillness
of this place, which has witnessed other of our vows no less sacred and
solemn, that, should he sanction the prayer of another who seeks your
love, and command your obedience, that you will not obey--that you will
not go quietly a victim to the altar--that you will not pledge to
another the same vow which has been long since pledged to me.
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