"
"A devoted lover, truly! What am I to think of such unmerited coldness?"
and she burst into tears.
"Come, Eliza, let us understand each other, and be friends."
"Friends! Is that all?"
"Lovers, then."
"Husband and wife, you mean."
"Lovers only; as we have been."
"Am I to understand you as saying you will not fulfill your written promise
of making me your lawful wife?"
"You might be farther from the truth."
"Is this the reward of my devotion? the fruits of my sacrifice? Oh, God,
who shall measure the depths of wickedness of a depraved heart? Sir, I
shall enforce my rights."
"You dare not do it."
"Why not?"
"The very attempt will ruin yourself, and your father's business by
bringing disgrace upon his house."
"I see it, sir; but what if I still proceed?"
"You cannot."
"I can."
"On what plan?"
"On your own written promise."
"You have no such promise."
"Do you deny giving it?"
"I do."
"Then your own hand-writing will condemn you."
"Be certain of that before you proceed."
"You know I _have_ such a document."
"I know you have _not_."
"Then I will prove it."
And she went in search of the paper, where she had carefully placed it
away. But no paper was to be found! What could have become of it? She
returned.
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