This last wish seemed like a positive prohibition of the fond hope he
had cherished, of regarding her in a nearer and more tender relation. He
congratulated himself on the decision with which he had resisted the
temptation to avow his love.
This injunction of Emily's father could be interpreted in two ways,--as
a requirement to preserve the present friendly relations, or as a
prohibition against his ever making her his wife. The latter method of
rendering his meaning seemed to him the most in accordance with their
relative positions, and he was compelled to adopt it.
After renewing his thanks to his benefactor, he took his leave with a
sad heart, and departed from the mansion which contained his newly-found
yet now rejected love.
CHAPTER III.
"_Macbeth_.--What is 't ye do?
_Witches_.--A deed without a name."
Shakespeare.
In the management of his estates, Colonel Dumont had, for many years,
been assisted by an only brother. This brother was directly the opposite
of himself in character, in aims, in everything.
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