Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 4).pdf/12

 family, justly alarmed for the morals, if not for the honour of its youthful and credulous chief."

The terror which, in shaking the nerves, seemed to have clouded even the faculties of Juliet, now suddenly subsided, superseded by yet more potent sensations of quick resentment. "Hold, Madam!" she cried: "I may bear with cruelty and injustice, for I am helpless! but not with insult, for I am innocent!"

Mrs. Howel, surprised, paused an instant; but then harshly went on, "This cant, young woman, can only delude those who are ignorant of the world. Whatever you may chuse to utter to me of that sort will be perfectly null. What I have to say is simple; what you have to offer must, of course, be complicate. But I have no time to throw away upon rants and rodomontades, and I have no patience to waste upon impostors. Hear me then without reply."

"Not to reply, Madam, will cost me