Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/204

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
202
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

motive, that would not be held valid for one moment in any other matter!"

"And yet," exclaimed Walter, "what a delicious and a precious trust is that affection which yields its sweetest hopes to your keeping! you are in the place of destiny, to the woman who loves you."

"Do you know, Walter, that, though I know what you are saying is great nonsense," interrupted Lavinia, "I cannot help liking you for the deep, true feeling, you carry into every thing. Still, even you only confirm me in my creed: the warm emotion, the generous faith, only place you in the power of others, and power is what we all abuse. You, with your kind heart, your lofty talents, are you happy?"

"Oh, you know I am not!" exclaimed Walter. "I feel that I shall never be what I have powers to become: I cannot make the future my home, as I used to do."

"A most unsubstantial one!" cried the actress: "give me the praise that rings upon the ear; the applause that comes over the