You could not take Antony's place. You could
not give up your name--not for a kingdom."
"Then," said Elizabeth, a little proudly, "he must give me up. I cannot
disobey my father."
Phyllis quietly rose and went out. She could not interfere with the
lovers, but she felt sorry enough for them. Richard's compliance was
forbidden by every sentiment of honor. Elizabeth was little likely
to give way. Richard held her to her promise, and pleaded for its
fulfillment. He wanted no fortune. He was quite content that her
fortune should go to free Hallam. But he did not see that her life
and happiness, and his, also, should be sacrificed to Antony's insane
ambition. "He will marry, doubtless," he urged. "He may have a large
family; cannot one of them, in such case, be selected as heir?"
This was the only hope Elizabeth would admit. In her way she was as
immovable as Richard. She had made up her mind as to what was her duty
in the premises, and her lover could not move her from this position.
And, as the unhappy can seldom persuade themselves that "sufficient
unto the day is the evil thereof," each heart was heavy with the
probable sorrows that were to flow from this complication of affairs.
Phyllis, musing thoughtfully at her own room window, saw the squire
walking on the terrace. Her first impulse was to go to him, but she
sat down to consider the inclination.
Pages:
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125