"
The passionate eloquence of Maxwell might have melted a heart less firm
than that of Emily Dumont. As it was, the cold expression of contempt
left her features, and, if not disposed to listen with favor to his
suit, she was softened into pity for his assumed misery. Under any other
circumstances, the lie he had a moment before uttered would have forever
condemned him in her sight. But her charitable disposition compelled her
to believe that it was the last resort of a mind on the verge of
despair.
"Mr. Maxwell," said she, "I am deeply grieved that you should have
suffered any unhappiness on my account."
"I will bless you for even those words," returned Maxwell, hastily,
feeling that he had gained the first point.
"But I do not intend to encourage your suit," promptly returned the
lady.
"Be not again unkind! Veil not that heavenly sympathy in the coldness of
indifference again!"
"I wish not to be harsh, or unkind. You have before given me an index of
your sentiments, and I have endeavored, by all courteous means, to
discountenance them.
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