Page:Glenarvon (Volume 1).djvu/140

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despised, were tenaciously cherished by her; to be told that dear as he was, her freedom was even dearer; that she thought it a crime to renounce her vows, her virgin vows; and that she never would become a slave and a wife;—he must not expect it.

Unhappy Avondale! even such an avowal did not open his eyes, or deter him from his pursuit. Love blinds the wisest: and fierce passion domineers over reason. The dread of another separation inspired him with alarm. Agitated—furious—he now combatted every objection, ventured every promise, and loved even with greater fondness from the encreasing dread of again losing what he had hoped was already his own.—"Men of the world are without religion," said Calantha with tears; "Women of the world are without principle. Truth is regarded by none. I love and honour my God, even more than I love you; and truth is dearer to me than life. I am not