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144 yourself. The fortune, the family, of Miss Churchill are equal to my own; and as to herself" "Do not talk of her!" exclaimed his mother. "I implore you, think of the claims that your cousin has on your forbearance—your pity: she loves you." Norbourne coloured, and then said, gravely,—"I do not wish to hear this, even from you. My cousin's feelings are too delicate for even our confidence." "You are content, then, to repay the affection you have yourself inspired with the coldest ingratitude?" asked Mrs. Courtenaye. "My dearest mother," cried the youth, "your desire for my advantageous settlement makes you unjust. You know well that nothing in my conduct has ever authorised Constance to fancy that I looked upon her but as a relative." "And can you bear to think," replied Mrs. Courtenaye, "on the misery you have inflicted on that young and innocent heart? She loves you simply, earnestly, unconsciously; her