Page:Glenarvon (Volume 2).djvu/248

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announced. He looked at both without exhibiting any symptom of surprise, and having read the letter, shewed it to Calantha. It greatly shocked her. "I am so used," said he smiling, "to these scenes, that they have lost all power with me." "Unhappy Elinor said Lady Avondale." "In good truth said Glenarvon you may spare your pity, Calantha: the lady has spirit enough: it is her lover who ought to claim compassion. Now do not frown," said he, "or reproach, or torment me about her. I know it was wrong first to take her with me—it was wrong to see her since; but never more, you may rely upon it, shall I transgress; and if you knew all, you would not blame me. She absolutely forced herself upon me. She sat at my door, and wept when I urged her to return home. What could I do: I might have resisted.—Calantha, when passion is burning in every vein—when opportunity is kind—and when those who from the modesty