Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/62

52 I shall never be in love again that's certain; but perhaps that would be no great matter, it would enable me to choose with my eyes open,—and I should make a good husband in spite of it; but could any one be in love with me?—that's the question—With your good looks and powers of fascination,' (he was pleased to say) 'I might hope; but as it is, Huntingdon, do you think any body would take me—ruined and wretched as I am"'

"'Yes, certainly.'

"'Who?'

"'Why, any neglected old maid, fast sinking in despair, would be delighted to—'

"'No, no,' said he—it must be somebody that I can love.'

"'Why, you just said you never could be in love again?'

"'Well, love is not the word,—but somebody that I can like.—I'll search all England through, at all events!' he cried, with a sudden burst of hope, or desperation. 'Succeed or fail, it will be better than rushing headlong to destruction