"
"Then farewell, and God protect you!"
"Amen!"
This one word was said in such a fervent, and, at the same time, confident
manner, the stranger paused a moment as he was turning away; for a short
time he seemed engaged in deep thought, which had the effect of totally
changing his former, and apparently predetermined course of action. Turning
again to Ellen, who saw his hesitancy of action, he said:
"You rely, then, in God?"
"I do, most assuredly."
"And you have a hope that He will deliver you from the sad situation in
which you are now placed?"
"I humbly trust He will shield and protect me from harm."
"Perhaps that confidence induces your present course of action?"
"Doubtless it does, in part."
"Well, let me tell you that angels nor devils can save you!"
"I have no wish to be saved by the devils."
"I wonder you can be at all merry in your situation."
"I begin to be less apprehensive than I was."
"Indeed! and why, pray?"
"To be plain, an explanation will not be very flattering to your vanity, or
very creditable to my penetration, and, therefore, I had rather not make
it."
"I see you suspect me, so you may as well know the truth."
Saying which, he threw off some outward disguises, and stood before the
astonished maiden--LOUIS DURANT himself!
"You see me, Ellen Walton, and in me your worst enemy, because you will not
permit me to be a friend.
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