"
"Eliza, do you doubt my truth? my sincerity?"
"Have I not given you stronger proof than a thousand asseverations, or the
strongest oaths, that my confidence is unbounded? Without this trust, I
should be wretched beyond endurance!"
"I am glad to hear you talk so. Still I fear you will not consent to serve
me as I shall wish."
"Try me and see."
"Are you of a _jealous_ disposition, my love?"
"Jealous? What a question for _you_ to ask!"
"It may appear strange, yet I would be pleased to have you answer me truly,
and without reserve. Tell me your real sentiments without reserve or
disguise. Much depends thereon."
"Truly, I cannot say, never having been tried; but I can verily believe
that intense hatred would arise in my heart toward one of my sex who would
attempt to supplant me in your affections."
"Suppose I should disregard their efforts, what then?"
"Nothing. If sure of your attachment, I would care for nothing beside."
"'Tis well! But suppose that I should tell you that I once loved another
than you?"
"As you love me?"
"No; with a boyish affection, soon forgotten."
"Then I would care nothing for it."
"Not if it left an incurable wound?"
"Did it?"
"It did!"
"My God! How have I been deceived."
"Don't be alarmed, my dear, the wound was not in the heart--it was in
pride.
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