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Rh "The desire of mortifying a fancied rival, one evening threw unusual softness into Laura's manner; she took my arm, and chance leading us into a small adjacent room, had seated herself on one of the divans before she perceived we were alone. I saw her turn pale and avoid  my look; but it was too late,—my heart had found utterance. Scott, I need tell you only her last words,—'And if I did marry, do you think it would be a fortune-hunter?' "I rose from her feet, and my resolution was taken. I had already sacrificed to Laura my hopes, my principles, my ambition, my fortune; one only sacrifice remained, and that was my life. Still, some remnant of my ancient integrity bade me desire to leave enough behind me to pay my debts. Again I had recourse to the gaming-table; but the fortune which had aided me to evil, deserted me for good: I left the room with a single shilling in my pocket. "It was long after midnight when I sought my lodgings. The pale, weary look of the girl who opened the door reproached me with my selfish thoughtlessness, in thus, on a cold raw night early in spring, detaining the poor from their needful rest. The mother was by her side, and she appeared far more worn out than the daughter. I have been too engrossed, or I might before have told you of the kindliness of the one, and the surpassing beauty of the other. Now that the image of Ellen Cameron