A countess? She might
have brought him higher title, a prouder name, richer coffers; but
he is not one to weigh my love against gold, or lineage, or proud
estates, or even royal favor; such, such is the man to whom I owe my
very life, my father's life, Ruez's life, nay, what do I not owe to
him? since all happiness and peace hang upon these; and yet I
repulsed, nay, scorned him, when he knelt a suppliant at my feet. O,
how could a lifetime of devoted love and gentleness repay him all,
and make me even able to forgive myself for the untrue, unnatural
part I have played?"
She covered her face with her hands, as if to efface the memory of
the conduct which she had just recalled so earnestly, and then
rising, walked back and forth in her apartment with all the
impetuosity of her Creole blood evinced in the deepened color of her
cheek, and the brightness of her beauteous eyes. Then once more
seating herself, she sat and trotted her foot impatiently upon the
floor.
"O, why, why cannot I recall the past; alas, I see my error too
late. Pride, pride, how bitterly and surely dost thou bring thine
own reward!"
She strove to answer the letter that now lay open before her upon
the table, but could scarcely hold the pen, so deep and long drawn
were the sighs that struggled in her bosom.
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