Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/41

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Ray. To be my wife; yes. In a moment of foolishness, dazzled by her airs, and teased by her coquettishness, I asked her to be my wife.

Laura. And you repent already?

Ray (Taking her hand.) I lost you, and I was at the mercy of any flirt that chose to give me an inviting look. It was your fault—you know it was! Why did you leave me?

Laura. (After conflict with her feelings.), the greatest happiness I have ever felt, has been the thought that all your affections were forever bestowed upon a virtuous lady, your equal in family, fortune and accomplishments. What a revelation do you make to me now! What is it makes you continually war with your happiness?

Ray. I don't know what it is. I was wrong to accuse you. Forgive me ! I have only my own cowardice to blame for my misery. But

Laura. You must not accuse her.

Ray. When you were gone, she seemed to have no thought—no wish—but for my happiness. She constantly invited me to her house, and when I tried to avoid her, met me at every turn. Was she altogether blameless?

Laura. Yes, it was her happiness she sought, and she had a right to seek it.

Ray. Oh! men are the veriest fools on earth; a little attention, a little sympathy, and they are caught caught by a thing without soul or brains, while some noble woman is forsaken and forgotten.

Laura. ( throws himself into a seat.), will you hear me?

Ray. (Looking at her hopefully.) Yes, speak to me as you used to speak. Be to me as you used to be.

Laura. (Smiling sadly.) I cannot be that to you; but I can speak as the spirit of the who is dead to you forever.

Ray. Be it as you will.

Laura. (Standing beside him.) Let the woman you look upon be wise or vain, beautiful or homely, richer poor, she has but one thing she can really give or refuse—her heart! Her beauty, her wit, her accomplishments, she may sell to you—but her love is the treasure without money and without price.

Ray. How well I have learned that.

Laura. She only asks in return, that when you look upon her, your eyes shall speak a mute devotion; that when you address her, your voice shall be gentle, loving and kind. That you shall not despise her because she cannot understand, all at once, your vigorous thoughts and ambitious designs: for when misfortune and evil have defeated your greatest purposes—her love remains to console you. You look to the trees for strength and grandeur—do not despise the flowers, because their fragrance is all they have to give. Remember,—love is all a woman has to give; but it is the only earthly thing which God permits us to carry beyond the grave.

Ray. (Rising.) You are right. You are always right. I asked to be my wife, knowing what she was, and I will be just to her. I will do my duty though it break my heart.

Laura. Spoken like a hero.

Ray. But it is to you I owe the new light that guides me; and I will tell her—

Laura. Tell her nothing—never speak of me. And when you