Page:Oliver Twist (1838) vol. 2.djvu/269

Rh have, or I mistake, too strong a hold on her affections already."

"What I would say," resumed the old lady, stopping her son as he was about to speak, "is this: Before you stake your all on this chance,—before you suffer yourself to be carried to the highest point of hope, reflect for a few moments, my dear child, on Rose's history, and consider what effect the knowledge of her doubtful birth may have on her decision,—devoted as she is to us with all the intensity of her noble mind, and that perfect sacrifice of self which, in all matters, great or trifling, has always been her characteristic."

"What do you mean?"

"That I leave to you to discover," replied Mrs. Maylie. "I must go back to Rose. God bless you!"

"I shall see you again to-night?" said the young man eagerly.

"By and by," replied the lady, "when I leave Rose."

"You will tell her I am here?" said Harry.

"Of course," replied Mrs. Maylie.