Allow me to see you to-morrow. You have taken me so completely by
surprise that I. am quite incapable of speaking on this subject, as
perhaps--but I know not yet--I must become more cool, and reflect deeply
upon what my conduct ought to be. Alas! my dear Miss Goodwin, little you
suspect how completely your happiness and misery are in my power. Will
you permit me to see you to-morrow?"
"Certainly, sir," replied Alice, "since it seems that you have something
of more than ordinary importance to communicate to me--something, which,
I suppose, I ought to know. I shall see you."
He then took his leave with an air of deep melancholy and sorrow, and
left poor Alice in a state of anxiety very difficult to be described.
Her mind became filled with a sudden and unusual alarm; she trembled
like an aspen leaf; and when her mother came to ask her the result of
the interview, she found her pale as death and in tears.
"Why, Alley, my child," said she, "what is the matter? Why do you look
so much alarmed, and why are you in tears? Has the man been rude or
offensive to you?"
"No, mamma, he has not; but--but--I am to see him again to-morrow,
and until then, mamma, do not ask me anything upon the subject of our
interview to-day.
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