"
"I cannot. Such conduct would disgrace our house."
"It need not be known."
"It is hard to prevent such things being spread abroad."
"I will take care of that point. Your house shall not be injured one
particle by the occurrence, I give you my word for it. Now do you consent?"
"Perhaps you still love this girl, and are trying to deceive me."
"I swear that I do not, that I love only you."
"Why, then, seek the society of this other?"
"I have sworn it, as I have already told you; and this oath _must_ be
performed. Will you aid me or not?"
"I cannot. I pray you again, do not tempt me!"
"But you _must_ help me. I cannot do without you."
"For God's sake say no more! Every feeling of my heart revolts at the
thought! Just think, for a moment, what it is you ask of me! Think what
would be my feelings! Love is incompatible with your request. How can I see
you debase yourself and me by such an act?"
"I only desire you to decide between this and a worse debasement. Which
will you choose?"
"What mean you?"
"That I will only marry you on condition you will accede to my present
proposition."
"Have you not told me, time and again, that you looked upon me as your wife
by the highest of all laws, the laws of nature and of God? How, then, can
you talk of not making me legally yours, in the sight of men?"
"I will, I tell you, if you will do as I wish in the present instance.
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