Page:Glenarvon (Volume 2).djvu/327

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that I love, and, perhaps what is better worth, that I esteem and respect—that I honor as above every other in goodness, purity and generous noble feelings. O! think not so humbly of yourself: say not that you are degraded. My admiration of you shall excuse your error: my faithful attachment whilst existence is given to either of us shall atone for all. Look on me, my only friend; dry up the tears that fall for an involuntary fault; and consider me as your protector, your lover, your husband.

There required not many words, not many protestations. Calantha wept bitterly; but she felt happy. "If you change now," she said, "what will become of me? Let me go with you, Glenarvon, from this country: I ask not for other ties than those that already bind us. Yet I once more repeat it, I know you must despise me."—"What are words and vows, my heart's life, my soul's idol, what are they? The false, the vain, the worldly-