I would fain have averted
the calamity you are madly courting; but you would not. I humbly prayed
to be allowed to step between you and your uncle's avarice; but you
would not. I would willingly have prevented the accomplishment of your
uncle's plans; but--"
"Then you own that it is a plot?"
"I acknowledge nothing."
"But you know it is a base trick?"
"It is not for me to say. The law will be satisfied. I have offered to
do all I could for you, and you have refused. You appeal to my pity.
Pity! did you pity me when I would have been your willing slave,--when I
pleaded for the hope you have ruthlessly crushed?"
"I did pity you; but I could not help you. I could not then, and I
cannot now, give my hand where my heart is uninterested. I feared you
then, as I despise you now. Report said your character was not entirely
free from stain, and you are now striving to demonstrate the truth of
the rumors," said Emily, whose contempt would not be concealed.
"Report may have belied me," replied Maxwell, struggling with his
violent passions.
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