Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/17

 Rh to be gleaned from an earth, in which I verily think the harvest was gathered before we were put into it—trust me, Lucy, and never think love, that maiden's dream, so valuable as rank and power: pause well before you yield to the former; accept the latter, the moment they are offered you. Love puts you at the feet of another, and that other a tyrant: rank puts others at your feet, and all those thus subjected are your slaves!"

Lucy moved her chair, (so that the new position concealed her face,) and did not answer; and Brandon in an altered tone continued—

"Would you think, Lucy, that I once was fool enough to imagine that love was a blessing, and to be eagerly sought for? I gave up my hopes, my chances of wealth, of distinction, all that had burnt from the years of boyhood into my very heart. I chose poverty, obscurity, humiliation; but I chose also love. What was my reward? Lucy Brandon, I was deceived—deceived!"

Brandon paused, and Lucy took his hand affectionately, but did not break the silence. Brandon resumed.