Page:Elizabeth's Pretenders.djvu/149

136 at your own place? Pray think better of this, and do not let the scandal get about the county that you have run off, God knows where, by yourself. Your aunt has been made quite ill by this; I never knew her so nervous and upset. Though I must say I think you have behaved very ungratefully, I remain always, "Your affectionate uncle,". "P.S.—Pray write at once; and, if yoll will return, I will meet you anywhere, and all shall be forgotten."

This is the reply Elizabeth forces herself at last to write:—

",

"I know my conduct must appear very strange to you, and, unfortunately, I cannot explain my motives for behaving as I have done. Believe me, I am not ungrateful for all the kindness you have shown me, but there are many reasons why I desire for awhile to remain absolutely unknown; above all, that my being an heiress should not transpire. It was this, and this only, I have now positive proof, which was my only attraction in the eyes of one to whom I very nearly fell a victim. If I had been married to him, and had gained the knowledge I now have of his character, I should equally have run away. Judge, then, whether it is not better for all concerned that I did so before he and I were bound together. You will understand, of course, that my returning to Whiteburn is not compatible with my wish for obscurity. When I am of age I will