"
"Perhaps I am too much interested to judge fairly," said Julius. "I
should like you to consult some one--say Dr. Easterby--but it seems
to me that it is just such a vow as you may well be absolved from."
"But is it not Frank's protection?"
"Put yourself in that poor fellow's place, Lena, and see what it is
to him to be cast off for such a reason. He did the wrong, I know.
He knew he ought not, apart from your resolution, and he did thus
prove his weakness and unfitness--"
"Oh no, no--it was not his fault."
Julius laughed a little, and added, "I am not saying he deserves
you--hush!--or that it would be well to take him now, only that I
think to find himself utterly rejected for so insufficient a reason,
and when he was really deceived, would not only half kill him now,
but do his whole nature cruel harm."
"What is to be done then?" sighed Eleonora.
"I should say, and I think my mother would put him on some probation
if you like, even before you call it an engagement; but give him
hope. Let him know that your attachment is as true and unselfish as
ever, and do not let him brood in misery, enhanced by his deafness.
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