Page:Inchbald - Lovers vows.djvu/24

12 oldier’s life: but I aw you go from me with an aching heart. Soon after, my health declined, I was compelled to give up my employment, and, by degrees, became the object you now ee me. But, let me add, before I cloe my calamitous tory, that—when I left the good old clergyman, taking along with me his kind advice and his bleing, I left him with a firm determination to fulfil the vow I had made of repentance and amendment. I have fulfilled it—and now, Frederick, you may look at me again. [He embraces her.]

But my father all this time? [mournfully] I apprehend he died.

No—he married.

Married!

A woman of virtue——of noble birth and immene fortune. Yet, [weeps] I had written to him many times; had decribed your infant innocence and wants; had glanced obliquely at former promies

No anwer to thee letters?

Not a word.—But in the time of war, you know, letters micarry.

Nor did he ever return to this etate?

No—ince the death of his mother this catle has only been inhabited by ervants for he ettled as far off as Alace, upon the etate of his wife.