"
"Yes, Alley," added her father, smiling, "and they literally dragged
me into it; and yet, when we came together, Alice, there never was a
happier couple in existence."
Alice could not help smiling, but the smile soon passed away. "That may
be all very true," she replied, "but in the meantime, you must not press
me on this subject. Don't entertain it for a moment. I shall never marry
this man. Put an end to it--see his mother, and inform her, without loss
of time, of the unalterable determination I have made. Do not palter
with them, father---do not, mother; and above all things, don't attempt
to sacrifice the happiness of your only daughter. I could make any
sacrifice for your happiness but this; and if, in obedience to your
wishes, I made it, I can tell you that I would soon be with my sister.
You both know that I am not strong, and that I am incapable of severe
struggles. Don't, then, harass me upon this matter."
She here burst into tears, and for a few minutes wept bitterly.
"We must give it up," said her father, looking at Mrs. Goodwin."
"No such thing," replied his wife; "think of our own case, and how happy
we have been in spite of ourselves.
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