Jaspar was not immediately missed by Emily, and his absence was too
desirable to be the cause of any solicitude. As the tea-hour approached,
and the ladies were requested to take their places at table, she was
very much surprised to see _Mr. Maxwell_ present himself as her escort
to the table. Since the unhappy disclosure of his love in the office,
she had regarded him with pity, rather than with the contempt he
merited. She could not but feel that he loved her. His eloquent language
and forlorn aspect had not been in vain, for they had saved him from her
_utter_ contempt. A true woman cannot be conscious of possessing a
portion of the love, even of a dissolute man, without feeling some
respect for him. To love truly and devotedly is an element of the
angelic character; and such love will purify and ennoble even the
grossest of human beings. Emily unconsciously arrived at this
conclusion; and, discerning some indications of pure love towards her in
his gross and earthly mind, she felt that he was entitled to her
sympathy. She cherished no affection for him; all that her gentle heart
could contain was bestowed upon another.
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