Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/80

78 can make no allowance for embarrassments of a pecuniary nature; but involved estates are very troublesome things." "Oh, Henrietta!" exclaimed her listener, "what must that love be which worldly circumstances could, in a moment, suffice to change? Ah, what is there in the wide world that I could not have endured for his sake?" "Well, then," interrupted Lady Marchmont, "endure a little wrong on his part: I have no doubt his uncle exercised great influence over him. Now, Lord Norbourne, who, 1 can tell you, is one of your greatest admirers, consents, and there is not an obstacle to your happiness." "Yes," said Ethel, "there is one not to be got over—the past! Henrietta, I could forgive the misery that I have suffered, though even you know not what it has been. My God, forgive me murmurs wrung from me by wretchedness too great to be endured! Night after night, I have laid my head on the pillow, and prayed that I might never raise it again;