258 THE PURITAN S DAUGHTER. 



"Maiden, you are deceived." 



" Indeed, indeed, I am not ! — Oh, Mark, Mark, in pity's sake do riot 

 leave me ! Oh, Sir, in mercy's sake — my father, can you let me plead 

 in vain ? Think, he is now my husband, and that I love him more than all 

 the world, save you. Do not tear him from me ! have you forgotten how 

 you loved my poor mother, and yet cannot feel for me ? think what she 

 would have felt, had you been torn from her — it is not more than I feel 

 now." 



Sir Ralph covered his face with his hands, to hide the weakness of 

 his nature, for he deeply felt his daughter's sufferings, and the image of 

 her mother recurred to his imagination in all her saint-like purity. 



"Alas ! — is he gone ? — and not one look or word — Oh, Mark! Mark ! 

 what in heaven's name have I done, that all should turn thus against me .' 

 I have loved you with all the truth and fervour my weak nature could 

 allow, and yet you leave me thus." 



" My poor child," said Sir Ralph, pressing her to his breast ; " you 

 have placed your affections on one who knew not their priceless value, a 

 stranger to the heart's best and dearest feelings. It was an evil hour that 

 first threw you in each other's way, and more sad to you, I fear me, is 

 the present' In your guileless heart you will long cherish the remem- 

 brance of him, whom it would be happiness to blot for ever from your 

 memory ; but, alas ! I know you cannot do so — would that you could ! 

 My dearest child, in this world you will never meet again." 



The following letter was received by Sir Ralph, some time after the 

 above-narrated incidents took place : — 



" Honoured and esteemed good friend. 



" I have lately heard from the continent somewhat that relates to thee 

 and thine. The Mark Eveleigh who married the pretty maiden thy daugh- 

 ter, met, a few days since, with his deserts, in a sudden brawl, in the 

 low countries : his adversary's sword passed through his heart, leaving 

 him no time to call upon the Lord for forgiveness of his many and 

 great wickednesses. 



" Thy fair daughter may now seek comfort and consolation anew in 

 the wedded state ; and that her choice may be this time more worthy 

 than the last, is the ardent wish of your good friend, 



" Cromwell P""- 



"At Hampton Court, 

 this 2Zd of Nov. 1657." 



