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 l know what difficulties a public marriage with me would envolve you in; and therefore for your sake, and to spare you, I am willing to change my request so far, that I shall be satisfied if I am married to you privately in the mean time.”

“That is a romantic idea, and altogether impossible, because it is against the civil law of our country.”

“Then, if it is so, you shall go this very day to a public notary, and have a legal contract drawn up, signed by yourself and two witnesses, one of whom I shall choose myself. There you must set down that you consider our child your legitimate son, and that in three years hence you will make me your lawful wife, according to the manner prescribed by the laws of our country.”

“What you ask, Jenny, must be very well considered.”

“You refuse me?”

“Jenny, remember your state of health at present; you are exciting yourself too much.”

“Mundy, I repeat my request for the second time; a third time you may be sure I shall not repeat it. Will you bring me the contract this very day or not?”

“Be patient with me, Jenny. In time, when I know or a certainty that my word of honour is nothing to you, I shall perhaps give you awritten contract, such as is given to men of business.”

Very well, Baron Edmund—very well. I know now how it is with me, and I shall act accordingly. I give you back your gentleman’s word of honour as the empty bubble that it is. I tear you from my heart, because I can no longer respect, much less honour you. I release you from all duty to me and to this child. And now I must beg you to trouble me no longer with your presence.”

“Jenny, are you mad?”