Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/153

Rh The sooner the matter is put an end to, the better. Life presents too brilliant an aspect to Mr. Courtenaye, not to console him for a single disappointment; that it may be his last, is the sincere wish of one who is, "Most sincerely, "Your obliged

"."

The note dropped from Mrs. Courtenaye's hand. What! then her son had still cherished his old attachment! He had offered, and been refused! There was that in her own nature, which sympathised with the pride, for such she held to be the motive, dictating the refusal. Then, resentment for her son's suffering became the predominant feeling. This could not last; and, for the first time, she thought what Ethel's sorrow might have been—sorrow that might well turn to after bitterness. To find that you have been deceived, where you trusted so entirely; trifled with, where all your deepest and sweetest emotions had been