Page:Elizabeth's Pretenders.djvu/326

Rh think that we are living on the proceeds of some part of her small fortune. Of course it shall be repaid, every farthing of it, by-and-by. But ask her now to marry me? No."

His sister lay back and closed her eyes for a moment.

"Ally, my belief—my firm belief—is that Elizabeth loves you. Yon have as good as confessed now that you love her. Let no false pride nor mistaken delicacy come between you. Think, dear, how much poorer you leave her if you rob her of her love, her peace of mind, than she is now by the loss of a few thousand francs!"

"That is all very well," he said decisively; "but it would not be the part of an honourable man to entangle her in an engagement now. I shall never care for any other woman; I shall never marry any other woman. You can believe me, Hatty, because you know I never change. But, though sure of myself, I know she should be left free. She is impulsive, enthusiastic. She did this thing out of love for you. She might accept me now, and repent it later. I must not take advantage of my position as your brother. By-and-by, if I am fortunate, if I can make an independent income, as long as she remains unmarried, I shall not abandon hope. In the mean time, there are others, as you know, in the field."

"You don't mean that dreadful Jew? You can't think she would have him?"

"No, she would not. But I am not so clear about that fellow George. Do you know that he has followed her here?"

"Here? Mr. George?"