Page:Orange Grove.djvu/246

 Rosalind, how far it would be wise for him to act as negotiator between them.

"I almost wish," said his mother, "that you had never been mixed up with it, although it was a noble motive that prompted you. Her father is bitterly opposed to the union, and he thinks it is broken off. Perhaps he will turn her out of doors, or lock her up, if she should receive James again, he is such a furious man when angry."

"Suppose he should, I do not see how I could have done otherwise, or how I can refuse to act for them now. I have never advised Mary, of course I should not be so weak as that, but when she made a friend of me and asked my assistance, how could any body help doing for Mary Kingley? Neither would it be honorable for her to break her word with him and refuse to see him, when he has faithfully performed the conditions she required for her sake."

"She will run a great risk even now" said Ernest. "It is one thing to deny himself the gratification of his appetite when the prize is to be won, and another to persevere against all temptation when the die is cast, and he knows, let come what will, there is no longer any outward barrier to restrain him."

"Why, it would be the most cruel thing in the world for her not to have him now when he has given her all the proof he can of his repentance and reform. That love is not worth much that is not willing to trust something."

The slight tone of rebuke conveyed in these impressive words of Rosalind, and the earnestness and enthusiasm with which she uttered them, excited such