Page:The New Monthly Magazine - Volume 097.djvu/435

Rh through the entire interview: "I said I would not fetter you—I would not encourage an act rebellious to your parents. But the secret feelings of die heart cannot be controlled or hindered, even at the command of those we are bound to obey, and I knew that if your misery were what mine is—in thus speaking to you—no matter."

He stopped: he was greatly agitated.

"You take things too much to heart, James."

"I will not in future," he exclaimed, almost vehemently; "in the years to come, I will struggle with all my dearest feelings, and uproot them, one by one. I must struggle to uproot your image, Emily, which has entwined itself round my very heartstrings—God knows it will be a bitter task."

"But if I were to give you this promise"

"I'd not ask a promise," he interrupted.

"Well, this hope then; it would be of little use: it is not like a regular engagement."

"It is too late—I do not ask it now," he hastily answered, "for it would be valueless, unless precious to you as to me. I thought perhaps it might have been so: against my fears and my better judgment, I thought so."

"I fear, James, these dreams of yours, about fame and fortune, are very chimerical," was her next remark.

"They may prove so now," he answered, "wanting the spur that would have urged them on to realisation."

" I am sure I wish I could see you rise to—to—to be physician to the Queen."

"I have now only to take my leave of you," he said, leaving her wild, and perhaps not very sincere thought, unanswered.

"But why do you go away, James, in this strange manner?" she resumed. "Where do you purpose going?"

"Anywhere. I have no plans. No matter what part of the globe I am in, so that it be not Ebury. I—I—heard a rumour to-day—I heard the same yesterday," he continued, jerking his sentences out, as if in too much agitation to speak in even periods, "that I am given up for Mr. Tom Hardwick."

"It is not true," she exclaimed, fiercely; but Ailsa shook his head.

"Why did Tom Hardwick interfere between us, Emily?—why should he, of ail people, make it his business to seek your father, and tell him that I loved you? And you, why should you have promised to give up my letters to him?"

"Who told you that?" cried Emily, with her face in a glow.

"I gathered it from his own foolish boasting; from the unjustifiable remarks he made in the presence of your father, for the few minutes that during our interview he was present. They had might on their side, and I"

"No one ever believes half Tom Hardwick says," she stammered. "And I declare to you, James, that I hate the sight of him."

"You are flattered by his attentions, because his family is high, and he holds some sway in the neighbourhood," resumed Ailsa; "but these recommendations are but negative ones. They will not compensate for some that he wants; and beware, Emily, lest in looking after the shadow, you lose the substance."