And she
paused for an instant, collecting as it were her mind with an
expression almost of pain upon her countenance. "These
changes of life are so strange and rapid that it seems to me I
can scarcely meet them. You are Lord Marney's brother; it was
but yesterday--only but yesterday--I learnt it. I thought
then I had lost your friendship, and now you speak of--love!
"Love of me! Retain your hand and share your life and
fortunes! You forget what I am. But though I learnt only
yesterday what you are, I will not be so remiss. Once you
wrote upon a page you were my faithful friend: and I have
pondered over that line with kindness often. I will be your
faithful friend; I will recall you to yourself. I will at
least not bring you shame and degradation."
"O! Sybil, beloved, beautiful Sybil--not such bitter words;
no, no!"
"No bitterness to you! that would indeed be harsh," and she
covered with her hand her streaming eyes.
"Why what is this?" after a pause and with an effort she
exclaimed. "An union between the child and brother of nobles
and a daughter of the people! Estrangement from your family,
and with cause, their hopes destroyed, their pride outraged;
alienation from your order, and justly, all their prejudices
insulted.
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