Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/57

 can see and acknowledge my errors. I have misled you. I have imposed upon your reason, and for my own gratification, have sacrificed your peace; yet I hope it will prove only a temporary suspension." He stopped.—I felt almost choked with indignation:—However, I commanded myself, and said, "Go on, Sir, as yet I do not comprehend you."

"To be brief, then," resumed he hastily, "for the subject cannot be expatiated upon; My father commands me to marry a young lady of fortune and connexions, to whom my uncle is guardian. I dare not refuse him." Here I started and exclaimed, "How! dare not?" "No," answered he, "I dare not: I deceived you as to my fortune; I have a very small independence;—my father can dispose of his property as he pleases: My uncle assures me his, only on condition that I comply with my father's commands. Thus I am compelled to obey; for I have no possibility of maintaining you or myself, if I brave their requisitions, and must