Believe me, however, that it is not for myself that I suffer, but for
you, and the prospects of your future happiness. You must look upon my
conduct now as perfectly disinterested, for I have no hope. What, then,
should that conduct be in me as a generous man, which I trust I am, but
to promote your happiness as far as I can? and on that I am determined.
You say you love my brother; are you certain that your affection is
reciprocated?"
"I believe your brother certainly did love me," she replied, with a
tremor in her voice, which she could not prevent,
"Just so, my dear Miss Goodwin; that is well expressed--did love you;
perhaps it may have been so; possessing anything like a heart, I don't
see how it could have been otherwise."
"I will thank you, Mr. Woodward, to state what you have to say with
as little circumlocution and ambiguity as possible. Take me out of
suspense, and let me know the worst. Do not, I entreat you, keep me in
a state of uncertainty. Although I have acknowledged my love for your
brother, in order to relieve myself from your addresses, which I could
not encourage, still I am not without the pride of a woman who respects
herself.
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