Page:A New England Tale.djvu/199

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188
A NEW-ENGLAND TALE.

up by the eloquence of your eye and your glowing cheek. I think friendship is a stronger feeling in your heart than love, Jane," he continued, with a penetrating look that certainly did not abate the carnation of her cheek. "If I, and all my ancestors had gone on crusades and pilgrimages, the spirit would not have moved you to such enthusiasm in our cause, as you manifest for the broad-brimmed, straight-coated brethren of friend Lloyd."

"Edward, have you yet to learn of me, that I speak least of what I feel most?"

The gentleness of Jane's manner, and the tenderness of her voice, soothed her lover; and he replied, "Forgive me, dear Jane, a little jealousy; you know jealousy argues love. To confess to you the honest truth, I felt a little more ticklish than usual, this evening, on the subject of quakerism. I had just parted with Mr. Lloyd; and he has been earnestly recommending to me, to undertake a reform in our poor-laws, by which, he thinks, that we should rid ourselves of the burden of supporting many who are not necessarily dependant on us, and improve the condition of those who are. The plan seems to me to be good and feasible."

"And what then, Edward, provoked your displeasure?"

"Why, he wished me to take the whole conduct of it. He preferred the plan should appear to originate with me; that I should head a petition