Page:Glenarvon (Volume 2).djvu/301

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me; but on my knees here, even here, I humble myself before you. Speak not so harshly to me: I am very miserable."

"Consent to see him no more. Say it, my child, and all shall be forgotten—I will forgive you."—"I must see him once more—ah! once more; and if he consents, I will obey."—"Good God! do I live to hear such words? It is then to Lord Glenarvon's mercy, and to no effort of your own, that I am to owe your amendment? See him then, but do it in defiance of my positive commands:—see him, Calantha; but the vengeance of an offended God, the malediction of a father fall on thee for thy disobedience:—see him if it be thy mad resolve; but meet my eyes no more. A lover may be found at any time; but a father, once offended, is lost for ever: his will should be sacred; and the God of Heaven may see fit to withdraw his mercy from a disobedient child." The Duke, as he spoke these words, trembling