Page:The Ladies' Cabinet of Fashion, Music & Romance 1832.pdf/118

Rh her : and she glossed over the selfishness of her feelings by trying to convince herself, that situated as things were, it was impossible for them to be happy, even if they were united. Melton, she knew, was not in circumstances to marry without the consent of his uncle, and that consent she well knew would never be given to his union with Helen Floyd. Mary's affection for him was too devoted to be entirely disinterested. She wished, and prayed for his happiness, but then it must emanate from herself; and for the first time she suffered a feeling of bitterness to mingle with her affection for her friend. " Had he never seen her, he would have loved me," she exclaimed, " and Helen would have been saved from an unfortunate attachment." She was not convinced of the futility of her hopes until she witnessed the anguish Helen's letter inflicted on her cousin. He made no attempt to conceal it, but consulted with her on the possibility of overcoming Helen's too scrupulous delicacy, and prevailing on her to become his wife, even without the consent of his relatives.

" But your situation, dear Charles," said Mary. " Your pay will not support yourself-how then can you encumber yourself with a wife?"

" True-true," replied Melton, " I wonder what my uncle placed me in the army for, if not to render me more entirely dependant on his bounty. Mary, I must marry this girl-my happiness depends on it. If ruin and Helen Floyd were on one hand, and the most splendid destiny the world can bestow on the other, I would turn from it, and clasping her to my heart, endure, without shrinking, all the bitterness of penury. I will see her at all events, and be guided by her in the course I shall pursue.'

He did see her, and moved by his anguish, and blinded by passion, she listened to his entreaties for a private marriage. He offered her a heart that adored her, and a home hallowed by love; and when she thought of her lonely and desolate situation, without the ties of kindred affection, is it wonderful that her resolution wavered ?

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