I
thought I had conducted myself in such a manner as totally to
discourage any such purpose as this which you have just honored me
by disclosing. Now, however, that the subject may be set at rest
forever, I feel bound to announce to you that my hand is already
plighted," said Clara, gravely.
"But, my fairest and dearest love, your little hand cannot be
plighted without the consent of your guardian, who would never
countenance the impudent pretensions which I understand to be made
by the low-born young man to whom I presume you allude. That
engagement was a very foolish affair, my dear girl, and only to be
palliated on the ground of your extreme childishness at the time of
its being made. You must forget the whole matter, my sweetest love,
and prepare yourself to listen to a suit more worthy of your social
position," said Craven Le Noir, attempting to steal his arm around
her waist.
Clara coldly repelled him, saying:
"I am at a loss to understand, Mr. Le Noir, what act of levity on my
part has given you the assurance to offer me this affront!"
"Do you call it an affront, fair cousin, that I lay my hand and
heart and fortune at your feet?"
"I have called your act, sir, by its gentlest name. Under the
circumstances I might well have called it an outrage!"
"And what may be those circumstances that convert an act of--
adoration--into an outrage, my sweet cousin?"
"Sir, you know them well.
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