But his duty seemed plain, and he did not hesitate to obey its call,
though it demanded a great sacrifice.
The month to which he had limited his visit at Bellevue expired about
the period at which our tale begins. Inclination prompted him to accept
the pressing invitation of Colonel Dumont to prolong his stay; but,
bitter as was the thought of parting from her he loved, his nice sense
of honor compelled him to be firm in his purpose.
The announcement of his intended departure to Emily, as they were seated
in the drawing-room on the designated day, afforded him another evidence
that her heart was not untouched. Her pale cheek grew paler, and the
playful smile was instantly dismissed.
"So soon?" said she, scarcely able to conceal the tremulous emotion
which agitated her.
"So soon! I have finished the month allotted to me," replied Henry
Carroll, with a weak effort to appear gayer than he felt.
"Allotted to you! And pray are you stinted in the length of your visit?"
"My orders will not permit a longer stay, happy as I should be to
remain; and I have already trespassed long on your hospitality.
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