FRESH AVOWALS OF ATTACHMENT. 223 



appearing in court, that I wish Charles would give up all 

 further proceedings, and let the matter rest as it is. Will 

 you ask him to do so, as he will not listen to me 1 " 



" My dearest girl, you know I would do anything to spare 

 your feelings ; but you must consider, if the trial is prevented 

 taking place, your fair name will be tarnished for ever, and 

 people will say you consented to elope with Lord Vancourt ; 

 this will be undoubtedly the opinion of the world, and the 

 reflections cast upon your character for such an act will follow 

 you through life. Would you consent to lie under such an 

 imputation, merely to avoid a little unpleasantry for a few 

 minutes ? as you have little more to depose to than your 

 honour, and surprise at Lord Yancourt's attempt to hurry 

 you off.* 



" If not for my own sake, yet for yours, dear William, must 

 I summon then all my courage, as no reflections shall ever be 

 cast on your wife, which I now consider myself to be, in the 

 sight of Heaven, having vowed never to marry another, if it 

 pleases the Almighty to spare our lives until that event takes 

 place." 



" My own dearest Blanche, on my account you shall never 

 be subjected to one moment's inquietude, which it may be in 

 my power to prevent. The world is nothing to me. I care 

 neither for its favours nor its frowns ; it is for yourself only I 

 am thinking, should any unfortunate circumstance prevent our 

 union ; for without Mrs. Harcourt's consent, I cannot claim 

 your hand until two long years have elapsed ; and how many 

 things may happen in that time to dash the cup of happiness 

 from my lips ! " 



" Nothing, William, but the hand of death can ever prevent 

 me fulfilling my engagement to you, although I fear you will 

 never believe me sincere in this oft-expressed determination. 

 Oh, would that you could read every secret feeling of my heart, 

 which beats for you only ! Indeed, indeed, dear William, your 

 doubts and suspicions make me very miserable ; for three long 

 weeks, day after day, hour after hour, I sat wondering why you 

 never came, watching and hoping that the sound of every horse 

 I heard approaching might be yours. Oh, had you come as 

 usual, I had been spared that unpleasant scene with Lord 

 Danby, and you the agony of believing for one moment that I 

 could prefer him or any other human being to yourself." 



" Dear, dear Blanche, pray spare me those bitter reflections 

 which my past conduct calls up ; but, indeed, I could not help 



