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226 may believe it, you have ever been dear to me as a child of my own." The earnestness of his uncle's manner touched Norbourne in spite of himself; and, almost unconsciously, he made a step nearer to him, as he continued:— "I am ambitious: I own it; for what are a man's talents given, but for a high and influential career? I was ambitious for myself; I am now ambitious for my line. I do take pride in thinking of our house restored to all its original honours. Have you none in knowing the position you will occupy?" "Do you think," said Norbourne, sternly, "wealth and rank would have tempted me to act as I have done? Lord Norbourne, I tell you to your face, but that you had in your power the name and fame of a beloved mother—ay, and her life too, I would never have married your daughter. I loved—I do love another; but why should I speak of warm and natural emotions to one who knows not of them?"