Well, I am
ready to save Gerard, my friend, for so I'll call him as you
wish it; one I have served before and long; one whom I came up
from Mowbray this day to serve and save; I am ready to do that
which you require; you yourself admit it is no light deed; and
coming from one you have known so long, and, as you confess,
so much regarded, should be doubly cherished; I am ready to do
this great service; to save the father from death and the
daughter from despair. --if she would but only say to me, 'I
have but one reward, and it is yours.'"
"I have read of something of this sort," said Sybil, speaking
in a murmuring tone, and looking round her with a wild
expression, "this bargaining of blood, and shall I call it
love? But that was ever between the oppressors and the
oppressed. This is the first time that a child of the people
has been so assailed by one of her own class, and who
exercises his power from the confidence which the sympathy of
their sorrows alone caused. It is bitter; bitter for me and
mine--but for you, pollution."
"Am I answered?" said Morley.
"Yes," said Sybil, "in the name of the holy Virgin."
"Good night, then," said Morley, and he approached the door.
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