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 lingering existence, in silent consumption? They have rescued me from that slow poison!"

"In what manner," said Harleigh, "can I presume—"

She interrupted him. "Imagine not I am come to reproach you! or, still less, to soften you!" She stopt, confused, rose, and again seated herself, before she could go on. "No! littleness of that description belongs not to such energies as those which you have awakened! I come but, I repeat, to defend myself, from any injurious suspicion, of having lightly given way to a mere impulse of passion. I come to bring you conviction that reason has guided my conduct; and I come to solicit a boon from you,—a last boon, before we separate for ever!"

"I am charmed if you have anything to ask of me," said Harleigh, "that my zeal, my friendship, my attachment, may find some vent; but why speak of so solemn a separation?"