Page:The Family Legend.pdf/110

HELEN.

Oh, oh! forbear! It was not you, my father;

I gave myself away: I did it willingly:
We acted both for good; and now your love
Repays me richly—stands to me instead
Of many blessings.—Noble Lorne, besides—
O, he hath been to me so kind—so tender!

(Taking her brother's hand, and pressing it to her breast; then joining her father's to it, and pressing them both ardently to her lips.)

Say not I am deserted: heaven hath chid me—

Hath chid me sorely: but hath bless'd me too,—
O, dearly bless'd me!

ARGYLL.

Hath chid thee sorely!—how I burn to hear it!

What hast thou suffer'd?

LORNE.

We will not tell thee now. Go to thy chamber

And be a while composed. We have, my father,
A tale to tell that will demand of thee
Recruited strength to hear.—We'll follow thee.

(Exeunt; Lorne, supporting his Father and Helen into the Chamber.)