Jaspar did not even raise his eyes from the floor, as
she entered. He heard the door close, and being aware by the silence of
the parties--for De Guy had judged an announcement unnecessary--that
they were ready to hear him, he said, in a gentle tone,
"Emily, I have sent for you to receive a proposition, which will finally
terminate the unfortunate circumstances that have shrouded our family in
hostility and misery."
"Indeed, uncle, I have no feeling of hostility towards you. God forbid!"
replied Emily, upon whose agitated senses Jaspar's mild words had fallen
like promises of peace.
Jaspar was astonished. He had lost much of the severity of his
disposition in the miseries which had overtaken him. He was humiliated,
his spirit broken, and he could not understand why his victim did not
upbraid him, as he expected, for the wrongs he had inflicted. A
momentary hope of reconciliation on better terms crossed his mind; but
there stood the attorney, who would permit no other compromise.
"I restore your fortune," said Jaspar, with a shudder, as he raised his
head for the first time from the floor to look upon his niece,--"I
restore it, on one condition.
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